My favourite food to make? Chili.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Monday, 30 January 2012
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Scenes from packing
Today I got rid of an old dresser in my closet. I think I've had it since the '80's. Hermione was very curious as I took the drawers out.
Something I learned this week - bubble wrap comes in pink.
Something I learned this week - bubble wrap comes in pink.
My red dress
Once upon a time, the Bloggess wore a red dress and felt magical. She sent it forth to travel the globe, to bring joy to every woman who wears it.
Now, she's sending out more dresses. And encouraging us to reach into our closets and share our red dresses. They don't even have to be red. They just need to make a woman feel special when she wears it. And also, they should be photographed wearing it. Many photographers are offering their services for free.
I wished that I could perhaps receive one of the dresses. And then I remembered packing dresses this week for my move next month. I remembered that I have a red dress!
I bought it in October, 2009. Our team at work had changed Halloween themes at the last minute, to "Zombie prom", and I needed a prom dress I could trash. I was in Edmonton, spending my first Thanksgiving with my newly discovered half-sister (more on that story to come later!) and her family. My niece and I went to Value Village.
There were only two prom dresses for my size. I grabbed them both and headed to the changing room. I put on a red and black dress first, looked at myself in the mirror and thought, "I can't trash this dress for Halloween'" I walked out of the dressing room and I knew from the expression on my niece's face that the dress looked damn good on me.
So the other dress got trashed for my Halloween outfit. I wore the red dress once - at the annual office Christmas party. My sister was my guest.
I felt lovely that night wearing the dress, and I've never worn it since. I have no occasion to. Except for now. I'm about to buy my first home, and this warrants me getting dressed up all fancy, and getting photographed. As you can see, my eyes are closed in one of the shots! I want better pictures than that!
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Where did my kitten go?
Look at how long Hermione is now!
Moving preparations continue. I'm trying to hire a petsitter to move the cats, while I stay here and deal with moving. I want the cats to be safe, and to be out of the movers' way (and I'm sure they want that too!)
Moving preparations continue. I'm trying to hire a petsitter to move the cats, while I stay here and deal with moving. I want the cats to be safe, and to be out of the movers' way (and I'm sure they want that too!)
Aw :-(
Calgary Zoo lion dies following surgery
I'm glad I got to see him and photograph him one last time. He was 16 years old and died of heart failure after surgery to remove his cancerous spleen.
I'm glad I got to see him and photograph him one last time. He was 16 years old and died of heart failure after surgery to remove his cancerous spleen.
Friday, 27 January 2012
Photo of the Day
Via Flickr:
I'm having so much fun on pinterest tonight, I'm finding so many great decorating ideas.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Monday, 23 January 2012
Photo of the Day
Tim Horton's has introduced a new larger cup and renamed all of their other cup sizes.
This is not my normal large English Toffee!
I may be ordering medium from now on.
This is not my normal large English Toffee!
I may be ordering medium from now on.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Friday, 20 January 2012
Star Wars - Fans Pay Tribute
This is the result of a three year project - fans recreated Star Wars: A New Hope, 15 seconds at a time. The results were stitched into the movie below.
The creativity that went into this is amazing. There are so many different kinds of animation. There are child actors. There are house pets as actors. There are Lego and Pez dispensers and sock puppets.
Some people pay careful, detail-oriented homage. Some went for the fromage. Some wore Star Trek uniforms. It's amazing.
The creativity that went into this is amazing. There are so many different kinds of animation. There are child actors. There are house pets as actors. There are Lego and Pez dispensers and sock puppets.
Some people pay careful, detail-oriented homage. Some went for the fromage. Some wore Star Trek uniforms. It's amazing.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Photo of the Day
I need to face facts. Hermione is going to be a fluffy cat. After all of Comet's matting problems, I swore I'd never have another long-haired cat again.
I'll just start brushing her regularly. Also, how cute is she? I love how she curls her paws when she sleeps.
She continues to be bouncy and the picture of good health. She must think dark thoughts about the fellow cat lover who gave me an invaluable tip about giving liquid medication - lift her by the scruff so she can't fight back. :-)
I'll just start brushing her regularly. Also, how cute is she? I love how she curls her paws when she sleeps.
She continues to be bouncy and the picture of good health. She must think dark thoughts about the fellow cat lover who gave me an invaluable tip about giving liquid medication - lift her by the scruff so she can't fight back. :-)
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Reunited and it feels so good
Hermione is all bouncy-bouncy and lovey-dovey and acts like she wasn't sick. She thinks I should stop giving her the antacid medication. I think we'll continue with it as directed, even though it is No Fun for either of us.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Happy endings
Poor Charlie. He saw the vomit in the bathroom when I took Hermione away. He was upset when I came home without her. He pined for his little buddy.
He was right there to greet Hermione when I brought her home. He keeps seeking her out and licking her head. He's freaking adorable.
The vet I spoke with today luuuuuurves Hermione. He described himself as a big Harry Potter geek. He said she was his favourite patient today and he'd totally take her home given the chance. I said that wasn't going to happen. :-)
Seriously, Hermione charms many people. They love her markings and her spunky personality. I was told that several of the clinic staff wanted to steal her away. So I took her home as quickly as possible. (And I left the car running the whole time that I was paying for her and getting medication instructions etc, as it was a -33 windchill today.)
We're glad to have her home.
He was right there to greet Hermione when I brought her home. He keeps seeking her out and licking her head. He's freaking adorable.
The vet I spoke with today luuuuuurves Hermione. He described himself as a big Harry Potter geek. He said she was his favourite patient today and he'd totally take her home given the chance. I said that wasn't going to happen. :-)
Seriously, Hermione charms many people. They love her markings and her spunky personality. I was told that several of the clinic staff wanted to steal her away. So I took her home as quickly as possible. (And I left the car running the whole time that I was paying for her and getting medication instructions etc, as it was a -33 windchill today.)
We're glad to have her home.
Photo of the Day - Jan 15 2012
In all of the sick kitten drama I forgot to post this here. It's an alstromeria and I was worried that Hermione might have nibbled on it. So far, her blood tests indicate she didn't ingest a toxic flower.
Good news!
Another vet called this morning and said that Hermione is eating very well now, and she can come home this afternoon! He's going to do one more round of blood tests to confirm that her organs are working fine and she probably didn't nibble on the bouquet. The bouquet in question is up high, but I'm still going to throw it out and rethink my habit of buying myself fresh flowers. Or upgrade to roses.
The vet also complimented Hermione's colouring and markings. And her name - it's kind of a Harry Potter litmus test. Anyone knows the books or movies loves her name. Everyone else can't pronounce Hermione. :-)
I visited her last night and personality-wise, she was her usual self. And very glad to see me. There were lots of purrs and head-butts. She had a mini-cone on, so she wouldn't remove the bandage on her paw to hold the IV needle. She'll be glad to be rid of that.
The vet also complimented Hermione's colouring and markings. And her name - it's kind of a Harry Potter litmus test. Anyone knows the books or movies loves her name. Everyone else can't pronounce Hermione. :-)
I visited her last night and personality-wise, she was her usual self. And very glad to see me. There were lots of purrs and head-butts. She had a mini-cone on, so she wouldn't remove the bandage on her paw to hold the IV needle. She'll be glad to be rid of that.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
My baby
I took Hermione to the emergency vet at 1 am, because she'd vomited three times yesterday, and wasn't interested in food. She may have eaten part of a flower - a lily or Alstromeria or carnation, based on what was in a bouquet. Right now, her bloodwork does not indicate the kind of kidney damage the vet would expect to see if she had eaten a poison plant.
Her white blood cell count is high. After two x-rays, the vet isn't convinced Hermione has a foreign body in her tummy, but it hasn't been ruled out yet. Neither she or the other vet think surgery should be done now. They'll keep her on the IV and antibiotics and probably do an ultrasound tomorrow for a clearer picture.
I'm a nervous wreck. She just turned five months old. I adopted her three months ago. I'm going to go in and see her tonight.
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Photo of the Day + bonus
Packing, Day One.
The cats are freaked out by my sorting through items, placing them in boxes or in a garbage bag. None of them have moved with me before, they don't know what it means.
The cats are freaked out by my sorting through items, placing them in boxes or in a garbage bag. None of them have moved with me before, they don't know what it means.
Photo session
I love her.
Hermione is growing so fast!
But she is still a kitten.
And a mighty huntress!
I'm smitten with this kitten.
Hermione is growing so fast!
But she is still a kitten.
And a mighty huntress!
I'm smitten with this kitten.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Guess who turned five months old today?
I remember when she could easily fit in my camera bag.
I didn't try to replicate the shot - I just put a treat inside of the bag. :-)
She's got big changes coming up - the snip-snip on February 1, then a move to a bigger home!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Free Will Astrology
"That in a person which cannot be domesticated is not his evil but his goodness," said the writer Antonio Porchia. I invite you to keep that challenging thought close to your heart in the coming days, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, it is an excellent moment to tune in to your wildest goodness -- to describe it to yourself, to cherish it as the great treasure it is, to foster it and celebrate it and express it like a spring river overflowing its banks.
Pisces.
Fotoshop by Adobé
A hilarious, and very honest, look at the fashion and cosmetics industries' quest for perfection. The filmmaker discusses it here.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Worse for Wear
The book is dry now, after the mishaps of Sunday night.
It took over two rolls of paper towels and the fan in the background to get it like this.
Net step - keep something heavy on it for the next couple of days. It's a good book, I want to finish it!
It took over two rolls of paper towels and the fan in the background to get it like this.
Net step - keep something heavy on it for the next couple of days. It's a good book, I want to finish it!
Monday, 9 January 2012
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Planning ahead
In February, I'll be moving into a townhouse, the first home I've owned. Farewell to renting!
I've been decorating the townhouse in my mind. Yesterday, I went to Ikea for more inspiration. I don't intend to use Ikea for everything, but they have great organizational ideas, and some of the model rooms have colour palettes that I like.
By no means do I plan on redecorating the whole house at once. I'll have condo fees and more utilities to work into the budget. I'll still be setting aside money each month - the furnace will need replacing in the next few years. And I need to buy a washer and dryer. And a sofa bed.
Realistically, making everything over will take years. Because of both budget and time. That's okay. I'm going to enjoy the journey.
Phase One will be just making everything functional. Fitting my existing furniture into the spaces. With a coupon, I got two sets of curtains for under $5 each at Ikea. My apartment has blinds that came with it, so window coverings is a priority.
Phase Two will be decorating to my taste. I've always wanted a beachy cottage feel to my home. I was thinking of starting with the half-bath, since that's the smallest room. I may change my mind once I'm in the house.
Everything in the half-bath will be replaced before I take possession. I took this picture so that I would be able to visualize the space of the room.
Also, once I get a good look at the backyard, I want to plan a small garden.
I also need to figure out what to do with the unfinished basement. Finishing it would be years in the future. In the short term, I want a functional and attractive laundry area. Attractive enough that I don't mind spending time down there, slaving away at the ironing board.
I've been bookmarking decorating ideas like crazy. Ikea Hackers is a great source. While looking at different sites, I stumbled upon this site Young House Love. Their colour palettes are to die for.
I looked at their wedding album. That's how I want to get married. Now I just need to find the groom.
I've been decorating the townhouse in my mind. Yesterday, I went to Ikea for more inspiration. I don't intend to use Ikea for everything, but they have great organizational ideas, and some of the model rooms have colour palettes that I like.
By no means do I plan on redecorating the whole house at once. I'll have condo fees and more utilities to work into the budget. I'll still be setting aside money each month - the furnace will need replacing in the next few years. And I need to buy a washer and dryer. And a sofa bed.
Realistically, making everything over will take years. Because of both budget and time. That's okay. I'm going to enjoy the journey.
Phase One will be just making everything functional. Fitting my existing furniture into the spaces. With a coupon, I got two sets of curtains for under $5 each at Ikea. My apartment has blinds that came with it, so window coverings is a priority.
Phase Two will be decorating to my taste. I've always wanted a beachy cottage feel to my home. I was thinking of starting with the half-bath, since that's the smallest room. I may change my mind once I'm in the house.
Everything in the half-bath will be replaced before I take possession. I took this picture so that I would be able to visualize the space of the room.
Also, once I get a good look at the backyard, I want to plan a small garden.
I also need to figure out what to do with the unfinished basement. Finishing it would be years in the future. In the short term, I want a functional and attractive laundry area. Attractive enough that I don't mind spending time down there, slaving away at the ironing board.
I've been bookmarking decorating ideas like crazy. Ikea Hackers is a great source. While looking at different sites, I stumbled upon this site Young House Love. Their colour palettes are to die for.
I looked at their wedding album. That's how I want to get married. Now I just need to find the groom.
Zoo pictures
The ruptured disc/pinched nerve took a lot of things from me. Including my stamina, and my ability to carry a heavy camera around. Consequently, my zoo membership expired because I was no longer up to carrying around the Jedi camera. And only the Jedi camera would do.
Just after Christmas, I returned to the zoo, renewed my membership, and took pictures!
Bighorn sheep
The Rocky Mountain goats don't normally get this close to the viewers.
Sometimes I just want to give them a good brushing. :-)
Oh deer.
I hadn't seen the lions in a long time - their area was under renovation before. I walked over and saw this big fellow walking around, another rarity. One of the keeps was close by, and he decided to see if it was lunch time, I think.
When I first looked at the photos on my computer, after downloading, I said "Holy crap money shot!" when I saw this:
That is one BIG cat!
I spent a lot of time just tracking the lions around their enclosure and getting what shots I could.
Eventually the lions turned their backs on the cameras and I wandered around.
I adore red pandas.
Big pink yawn!
Bighorn sheep
The Rocky Mountain goats don't normally get this close to the viewers.
Sometimes I just want to give them a good brushing. :-)
Oh deer.
I hadn't seen the lions in a long time - their area was under renovation before. I walked over and saw this big fellow walking around, another rarity. One of the keeps was close by, and he decided to see if it was lunch time, I think.
When I first looked at the photos on my computer, after downloading, I said "Holy crap money shot!" when I saw this:That is one BIG cat!
I spent a lot of time just tracking the lions around their enclosure and getting what shots I could.
Eventually the lions turned their backs on the cameras and I wandered around.
I adore red pandas.
Big pink yawn!
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