The snow geese have flown south once again! I'm not just talking about the real snow geese , but I'm talking my momma and daddy! They left this morning! I am kinda jealous. I wish I could pack myself in the back of their trailer and be a stow away. I would love to avoid the harsh winter here in Canada, and end up in Texas! At the same time I am happy to stay behind and enjoy my new job! I really am happy to be here and am thankful that I have a warm home and warm building to work in! Pray for mom and dad as they travel with their home in tow. Pray that all storms will stay away as they go. I miss them already. Oh by the way mom and dad, I found your ironing board. It was in my clothes closet( don't know how it got there) hiding behind my clothes that I hung up. Like I told you before I don't iron often but use the dryer to iron for me. Any way I digress. Happy trails to you momma and daddy!

Okay people! Are you all scared now? Has the media not made you frightened enough? I'm talking about the H1N1 flu. I work in an environment where the swine flu could be trouble. It's a closed academy where germs are shared due to living , sleeping , eating and learning in close quarters. Our academy has been warned and warned and instructed again about proper, and safe personal germ busting methods. What it comes down to is " Wash your hands People" Wash your hands after you use the washroom! Wash your hands after you touch the public shopping carts, or ATM machines...... Do this before you eat or touch your own mouth, eyes , or nose. If you can't wash your hands then use the antiseptic gels. If I can't wash my hands then I have a bottle of hand sanitizer with me. Hand sanitizer is mostly alcohol and is better to use than nothing at all. The best method however is to wash, wash , wash your hands. Take responsibility for your own health. Okay, I'm getting off the soap box now. :)

I have so much to be thankful for! Just to name a few things, my kids and grand kids,


My home, a free country, food in abundance, friends who care and most importantly God who makes all things possible! I have to mention an event that has happened more recently. I got a new job that I am so excited about! I have been extended to work in the print shop until 2011. It is a dream come true and I thank God for that. I was in the print shop from May until September on a temporary basis. I had a wonderful summer. I was treated like a human being and I seemed to excel and thrive in that job situation. I just found out on Friday that I have been extended and that I am needed in that job position for a lot longer! I am on cloud nine! I can not stop smiling! I start on Tuesday!

Summer fun!

Family gathered for mom and dad's 50th anniversary!


Beautiful Abigail! Having fun at Great uncle Johnny's
birthday!


Josie had more fun in the bubble fountain in great
auntie Peggy's back yard!


I think she likes the taste of bubbles. It was fun
watching her play!


I just enjoy my little grand daughters so much!
They light up my life!

Tiffany and Brian had their 10th anniversary!




Mom And Dad had 50th wedding anniversary!


Abby first day of kinder garden! Awe! It can't be possible!





Josie turned 2! What a sweet heart! Melts my heart!



This is Josie looking for her sister after she went off to school! She kept asking "where Abby go?"




WOW! I can't believe it's been 3 whole months since I last blogged. I have had a busy yet wonderful summer. It started with me landing a temporary job in the print shop at the RCMP training academy. Then mom and dad had their 50th. Us kids put on a wonderful party if I do say so my self. A good time was had by all. We were busy with visiting friends and family. It was a great time! My summer went by so quickly. I enjoyed my time in the print shop! I was busy duplicating documents for RCMP members as well as all the curriculum for all the cadets. I was so sad when my time came to an end and I had to go back to cleaning again. But what a great experience it was! During the summer my youngest son turned 27, and his baby turned 2! My Daughter and her hubby had their 10th wedding anniversary! Yay! And my Abby girl( oldest grand daughter) started kindergarten. Yay! How time does fly. I find that the older I get the faster time does go by! I am so thankful to God for his blessings and for giving me a wonderful family!

Some wonderful times of momma and daddy over the years! Me being the oldest I of course would have the most. But here are a snipit of the younger ones memories!

Memories of Mom and dad over the 50 years of married life!

I remember the first time I met Gramps. He introduced himself and stuck out his hand for a handshake. I grabbed his hand expecting a regular nice-to-meet you handshake. Instead he started laughing, pulled me in for a hug and said "I don't do handshakes, I do hugs"! I soon found this too be true of both Grannie and Gramps. I'm sure every time I've seen either of them in the past ten or twelve years, they've never failed to hug me at least once! (Jen Beloved grand daughter in law)

My fondest memory of grandma and grandpa is the camping we would do in long beach I remember grannie would help us make somores I loved it. I remember having pine cone fights with grandma in the woods. (Tiffany- First and only grandaughter)

I really enjoyed sitting around the table laughing at supper time or the times we would go camping together it usually rained but we would have so much fun anyway. (Johnny boy. Number one and only son)

It always seemed that no matter how hard the times would be, we as a family had the abilility to laugh. There was always much laughter growing up. Also thier love for God and passing that on to us as kids. (Wandi- First born daughter )

I remember another thing growing up. We moved a lot! One memory is of when we first moved to Dawson Creek B.C . Dad had just graduated from meat cutting school. We did not have a home to live in at first so we lived in a motel very close to the out door pool. It was summer time and we got to go every day to the pool. I thought it was great. Mom probably went nuts, wanting her own home. It was not long after that when we moved into a little house by grandma and grandpa Lobergs house. At first we did not have much for furniture but used boxes and crates for tables and such. But very soon we had a delivery of a new table, chairs, beds and I don't know what else. We sure did have to be adaptable throughout our lives. ( Wandi)

Grannie... Gramps....??? ( Sweet little 20 month Josie asked with a smile. She loves her granny and gramps so much) This is what she asked me tonight when I looked after her tonight.

Mom and dad You are loved so much. Happy fiftieth anniversary!

MIA

I have been missing in action for a month now. Lots have happened since I last posted. I was approached to go to a new department on an assignment for about 4 months. The position came very unexpectedly. I could not turn it down. It's still with the RCMP training academy, but instead of cleaning, I am in the print shop. ( more money) I print out curriculum for the cadets as well as other printing jobs that anyone else with the academy needs ! I have been there for 2 weeks now and I am loving it so much! It is such a happy place to work. I look forward to going to work every day. I have also been spending time looking after my wee grand babies. They are so much fun and such a joy. They came to spend the day with me today. It was a hot day. Plus 29 celsius. I wanted to take the girls to the park early before it got too hot. So we set off at about 9:30 am with juice and snack and walked to the park, only 2 blocks away. Josie and Abby climbed and ran, and had a great time. On the way home Josie ( 20 months) all of a sudden stopped about half a block away and just seemed to run out of gas. I coaxed her along very slowly to my apartment. By the time we got to the front door of my apartment she all of a sudden just had enough and could not go any farther. It seemed that gramma had made her go too far. Poor little thing. She had a melt down for about 10 or 15 minutes. I was able to carry her up to my apartment where she cried and asked for her mommy. After that she calmed down, had lunch and had a 4 hour nap. Wow. She was tired. Did not mean to tire her out so much. I guess she needed the sleep. During her long nap I was able to spend time with Abby. She's 4 and we watched a movie and played make believe with my many teddy bears! It was a great day.

Abby is the cutest little chick ever!
She was in a play for her pre- school called the "Little Red Hen". I was not able to make it to her performance but great granny and gramps were there and took some photos on my behalf. I'm so sorry I missed it! I really needed a good dose of Abby and Josie right about now! They are just the best! Love them so much!

Mom and I made our little grand daughters matching sun dresses. It was fun. Sorry to mom for complaining about all the detail you made me do. I think they turned out pretty cute. At least the models are pretty cute!

Mom and dad are back from Texas safe and sound. Thank you God! With all the storms and flooding going on in many parts of the states they wondered if they should start back home when they did or wait a few more days. They decided to go ahead when they planned and God took care of the roadways so they could make it through all the way back to Canada safely. The only thing they had problems with was strong head winds but that was okay. Just hard on the gas gage. It sure is good to have them back with us. We are having a family Easter dinner tomorrow and feel truly blessed that everyone can be together. We will enjoy the company of mom and dad for the next 6 months until they fly the coop and head back south in search of warmer weather. My folks are officially called winter Texans . This will be the 3rd year that they will make the trek. I wish I could go along. The winter here was so bad this last year. But maybe next winter will be better. Happy Easter to everyone! It's my favorite time of year.

Spring slowly seems to be making it into our neck of the woods. I can see brown grass now! And the roads are bare and sidewalks are free from ice and snow! I drove down to our city park today to check out the situation! The lake is starting to melt and there are already geese back from down south! The ice is thin! Signs are out all over saying " DANGER THIN ICE" ! I sat in my car just happy to watch the scene and feel the warm sun shine on my face! It made me happy! Every thing is still so brown and dirty, but when I saw the geese ( only a few) it made me feel hopeful. Many more to come. It won't be long and the lake will be full of geese, ducks and all the babies. It's time! So over the next few weeks I will take a drive to the park and visit the lake to check up on the progress and be thankful that spring it finally here!

Global Warming? I beg to differ!




We have yet to experience any of that here in my part of the world. Spring sprung last week but the weather has not gotten the message yet. It is snowing like crazy! Has been for the last two days. By now it should be melting and slushy and warm. It sure has been a long, cold, hard winter here. I just can't wait til we get some warm temps. I long to plant a little flower garden on my balcony. When we have weather so cold for so long, it makes me feel like it will be like this forever. Kinda like when a woman is pregnant and her last month seems so long she thinks she will be pregnant forever. At least that's how I felt. I know that spring weather will appear, just like the baby came in due time as well. Just a bit over due!

This gorgeous couple is my mom and dad 50 years ago. Don't they look so sweet? Ten months later I was born. I was almost a honey moon conception. Okay, I guess you can say that I was a honey moon baby. Whoops, I have just aged myself big time! I'm sure my parents are saying ," where has the time gone". I know that I say that every day! Time sure does fly! My family and I are planning a celebration party for them this summer. Let the good times roll!

25 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME !

1) When I was about 4 years old I tried to run away. I packed a little bag stuffed with a pair of socks and a toy or 2. I was not successful. My auntie stopped me before I could make it off the property!

2) I adore my sister. Sisters are great!

3) I hate macaroni and jello! Jello makes me gag!

4) As soon as I get home from work I change into my P.J.s. I get off at 3:30. It's maybe a little too early for lounge wear, but who cares!

5) I'm afraid of bugs of all kinds! Snakes too. Survivor contestant I would not make!

6) I do not enjoy cold snowy winters! It's just ..... cold and .... snowy..... Yuck!

7) I am paranoid of heights! Even a 6 foot ladder makes me whoozy!

8)If I had lots of money I would love to help others. Especially single moms!

9) If I had lots of money I would love to go to a fat farm or be a contestant on biggest loser!

10) I'm not an organized person. I have many junk drawers .

11) I feel that hugs can mend a lot of pain! Hugs are so important!

12) I cry at the silliest things. Even some commercials make me weep!

13) I believe in re-gifting as a good thing. If there is something I don't need then why can't I
pass it on?

14)I fell asleep at work once! Very briefly and I did not get caught (as far as I know) I was so exhausted and I thought " I just need to sit for a few minutes" and before I knew it I was awakened with a start and could not believe I had drifted off. I'm so ashamed. Sort of.

15) I crave stuffed green olives. I'm not even pregnant! I used to hate them, but now that I am older my tastes have changed.

16) I love teddy bears!

17) I love the British soap opera " Coronation Street"

18) I have been pre menopausal for the last 10 years. Too much info I know, but personally it sucks! Who loves Hot flashes? Not Me!

19)I've sucked up lego in the vacuum when my son was little! I was so sick of stepping on them (owe) Sorry Jordan!

20) The last time I permed my hair was 23 years ago, after I turned up at my brothers wedding looking like a poodle. My friend and I permed each others hair. The results were devastating. I cried, she cried and we vowed we would never touch each others hair again. Did I mention that I was in my brothers wedding party? Imagine the photos! Yikes!

21) I get annoyed when I'm watching T.V. and the network cuts in for a special report announcing something political !

22) My idea of camping is an R.V. with running water, heat , and no bugs.

23) I love, love, love watching movies.

24) I've vacuumed up money. Only pennies! I know every cent adds up!

25) I like to try new recipes when having guests over. I like to pretend I'm a great chef , but I know I'm not! My daughter inlaw is a wonderful chef. I've loved all the things that she has cooked for me!

Yes the twins are 70! They look so good!




Happy 70th birthday to my momma. It is her birthday today. It's not only her birthday but her twin sister's birthday too. So happy birthday to aunt Peggy as well! It's a big mile stone for the twins! Wow, 70 ! It is also a big milestone year for me too this year. Yikes!!!!!! Yes, I am 20 years younger than my momma. And better yet my daughter is 20 years younger than me. So I guess it is a big mile stone year for my Tiffa honey too! Anyway, just want to acknowledge that my dear momma is 70, and say many happy returns. Love you lots mommy!

FIRE BELLS AND OLD GALS!


I went to church last night so that today I could look forward to having a sleep in this morning! I was having a nice sleep when all of a sudden I was awakened by the fire alarm going off out side my apartment door. I jumped out of bed in a panic and my first thought was, get dressed. I can't go out side in minus 25 weather in my P.J.s My next thought was I need to go potty. I can't go outside in minus 25 weather having to pee! So I quickly went to the loo and ran for the door grabbing my coat and shuffling into my shoes, not bothering to tie them. I made my way down to the first floor ( from the 3rd) trying to keep my composure and not panic. As I passed the 2nd floor I could see folks slowly poking heads out their doors . It made me question why they were not trying to get out of the building like I was. I got to the first floor and again I saw people standing in the hallways, not in a panic at all. They were not rushing to the exit. It seemed that they were visiting. So I stood at the bottom of the stairs trying to get my bearings. One of my neighbors came walking down the stairs and said " no fire on the second floor how about the third? " I shook my head ( still foggy from sleep I'm sure) and replied " I did not smell any smoke, so it must be a false alarm." If truth be told I did not even stay on my floor long enough to even smell smoke. He said to me " this building is very fire safe so it will take a long time to burn." This is very true. There are thick brick walls between each apartment. So I guess there was no panic to get out as quick as I did. I just heard alarm and thought okay gotta go. The alarm stopped just as the man said that to me. So I made my way back up the stairs. As I got to the 2nd floor there were several people out in the hallway. This is where the old gal comes in. She came up to me with her fuzzy died hair flying behind her. She had many wrinkles, but I noticed that she was wearing a bright red lipstick and a strand of pearls. She must have been in her 80s. She started in on me right away, asking me " has the fire department been called yet" I told her " I think they had. I saw someone on the first floor with a phone in their hands." Little old gal kept on saying " it's against the law if the fire department is not called, and someone could be held responsible for this. The alarm has been going off for and hour now, and I closed the laundry room door then I opened it up, and someone needs to call the fire department" I suddenly felt responsible for the alarm going off. I tried to reassure the old gal that I'm sure the fire department had been called and were on there way. Then she just walked away from me mumbling down the hallway, maybe to call the fire department herself. Just then the landlord came around the corner saying " is everyone up now" and the rest of us just kinda giggled . After I saw the landlord I knew for sure that it was indeed a false alarm and made my way up the last flight of stairs to my apartment. I let myself in and then heard the sirens. I watched out the window as the fire truck pulled up in front of our building. They did not stay long. My heart was still racing and slowing calming down. It all turned out okay. You know when your in a deep sleep and the phone rings and you race to the phone and try to pretend to the other party on the other end that you were not asleep. And they ask you did I wake you and you say no, but you are so disoriented for a few minutes. That's how my day started. I still chuckle at the little dear gal. But I think she was probably just frightened too. Funny how people react when the adrenalin gets going.

Hugging me Hugging You!


The other day I hugged a total stranger! It was so nice. Before you die of shock let me explain. It was a very frigid cold morning. I was just starting my shift at work and 2 clients came into the building where I work. They are visiting from another province. They were not dressed to protect themselves from the cold winter elements. I heard a groan and a grrr come from one of the men. I looked up from what I was doing and one man said to me " I need a toque.... and a hug" I right away replied " I don't have a toque but I can give you a hug." Well the next thing I knew I was in the arms of a man I had never met before. I could hear the snickers of his mates from down the hallway. I said to him " this will warm you up" . Then the hug was over and I was left with a smile on my face and a giggle in my heart. Later that day as I was cleaning I bumped into my hugging buddy again and he said to me " there's my darling" I just giggled and wished him a wonderful afternoon. There was nothing sexual about this hug that we shared. It was just a fun thing that happened. I think hugs are so important. I don't get hugs too often in my life, since my kids have grown up and left home. I don't know anything about this stranger that I gave a hug too. I don't even know his name. I just know that is was so nice. I hope it made his day as it made mine.

Reporter Jen ( gorgeous daughter inlaw and mother of my grandbabies) has done an interview with me. I'll do my best to answer well!

1) When you get an evening alone to relax at home, what is your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do is sit on my balcony with a good book. It's kinda hard in minus 20 weather and a balcony full of snow. So in the winter I love to come home and sit and watch my favorite T.V. shows or read a good book or do word puzzles. I look so forward to spring!

2) Besides your grandbabies and ME, of course, what are your greatest sources of joy?

My kids are pretty much my greatest joy. Honestly, my face lights up and I get a wonderful feeling seeing and being around my kids. I now know how my dad feels. He's the same! Some other simpler things that bring me joy are, candles and sunsets and warm summer days. Cliche I know, but those things do truly bring me joy.

3) You've been dabbling in sewing lately, making cute jammies and dress up clothes. Is this something you'd like to take up as a hobby? You could set up a nice little corner in your suite and whip off cute matching summer dresses for the girls. :)

A seamstress I am not. I had help from auntie Peggy (the real seamstress). I guess I could try doing matching dresses for our little honeys. I would need auntie by my side though. Plus I would need the use of her sewing machine. I did enjoy making the jammies and silly dress up clothes. Don't look too close at the seams. Like I said. A seamstress I am not.

4) Awhile ago you posted about a book you were enjoying called Fantastic After Forty. What is something you've learned either from that book or from living it in your own life that you wish you could teach young women? Something that they shouldn't bother wasting their time on or some piece of wise advice that would help them along the way.

Our ladies group , "seasoned sisters" is still working on the book.What I have learned from the book so far is, that we need each other. Friends are so important! We all need to lean on and relate to each other. It's great to know that what I am going through, I am not alone. Others are going through the same thing. I also learned that having a sense of humor is so important. We all age and some not too gracefully.(Me) It's so nice to be able to laugh at myself and try not to be so hard on myself. That's the advice I would give. Humor, friends, and forgive yourself! Also don't sweat the small stuff! Things always seem to work out!

5) I know you've always wanted to take a trip to Italy. Do you think that's in the cards for you some day? Who would that ideal trip be with?

I would love to go to Italy some day. Some day when I am out of debt! I think that I would be very fine going by myself. I have been on my own for quite a few years now, and I'm quite comfortable just being on my own. At times it might be lonely, but it would be great to meet new friends.

Thanks for the questions Jen. xoxo

Happy Valentines Day to every one out there. One might look at me and say that I do not have a valentine! Well I do not have a significant other, but I do have many loves in my life!!! My 2 beautiful children and their spouses. Plus my gorgeous granddaughters are the loves of my life ! They bring me unconditional love and joy. So I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the
family business.
When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly
father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his
fortune.
One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful
woman he had ever seen.
Her natural beauty took his breath away. 'I may look like just an
ordinary man,' he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will
die, and I'll inherit $20 million.'
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later,
she became his stepmother.
Poor Dan!

Women are so much better at financial planning than men.
No offense guys out there. It's just a joke!

My heart is so heavy right now. I feel like it is about to break. It's breaking for 2 of my co workers. 3 weeks ago one of my co workers buried her husband. He was very sick and died of kidney failure. He was only 58 years old. Today I found out that another co workers husband has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. Doctors have only given him maybe 6 months. He is in his early 40s. He has 3 young sons. So very sad. When I was told this news today it made me STOP!!!!! I STOPPED what I was doing, to say many prayers for my friend and her family! I STOPPED to thank God for my family! I STOPPED ..... complaining about the stupid crappy stuff that goes on at work! Somehow it did not matter any more. I just STOPPED............. and CRIED! It seemed that there was nothing else I could do but that!

I just watched the movie " Mama Mia". It's a musical of all the songs written and sung by the musical group Abba. It brought back many memories of when I was a teenager in the seventies. I heard the songs on the radio played over and over. So many songs are popular to this day . I loved singing along to all the songs! One song however struck a deep chord in my heart ( I don't remember it to be a popular Abba song). It is the song called " Slipping through my fingers". When I saw this song performed I broke down and cried. It is a song about a mother and her letting go of her daughter who is growing up and moving on in her life. This song truly depicts how I have felt with my lovely daughter Tiffany. My precious girl whom I loved in the womb and right on through first grade, to high school, and her own marriage until this very day. I remember her first day of school. Her first broken arm, her first boyfriend, her graduation, first true love, ( Brian) and her wedding day. I truly have felt that the life I have had with my girl has slipped through my fingers. I am so reminded that life does go so fast and that we need to cherish every moment of it. I just want to say that I am so grateful for the gift of my daughter! Parents out there that read this, let this be a challenge to you to enjoy your time with your precious wee ones, cuz time with them does slip through the fingers like sand. It seems like only yesterday that mine were babes.

This beautiful woman is my daughter inlaw. I'm so proud of her. She just landed a job as a free lance journalist for the leader post. That is our local city news paper. She is a great writer and I have always loved reading her writings. She is also getting her training to be a Doula. That is someone who is a coach to expectant moms during the pregnancy and right through child birth. The most fantastic part is that she does not have to go to an office ( and be away from her babies) but can do her job from home. I'm so proud of you Jen girl. You are an awesome mom to my grandbabies and an incredible wife to my son Jordan. Love you so much. I'm so thankful that she is a part of our family!

It's my momma and daddy's 50th wedding anniversary. I should say it was on the 12th of January. ( yesterday) . We are going to have a celebration in the summer when they get back to Canada. My sister and I are planning a dinner for them. We will be inviting many people to this. Family and friends that were involved in their wedding 50 years ago. Many couples don't last that long. Especially in Hollywood. I think the only couple I have heard of making it to 50 years in Hollywood (at least lately) is Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward. So my hat is off to you my momma and daddy. I salute you. Way to persevere ! 50 years is a long time. God Bless you and I pray for 50 more years of wedded bliss.

Here is a photo of my wonderful momma and daddy. This is the 2nd full year that they have spent down south in warmer climates. I'm so happy that they are away from the frigid ......Cold, cold, cold............. Brrrrrr.


The New Year started out with a big old bang here in Saskatchewan! It has been - 35 and - 40 here for several days. Although it is much warmer these last few days, the snow has started to fall. I'm sitting watching the snow fall for the umpteenth time this winter. I am so looking forward to spring but I'm trying to take one day at a time cuz I know that spring is such a long way off. The snow on my balcony is getting higher and higher. I am very close to shoveling the snow from my balcony onto the ground 3 floors below. Snow is very heavy and I would not want to have my balcony fall down due to the weight of the heavy snow. Maybe tomorrow I will get out the snow shovel and start to heave ho on the heavy snow. I sure could be a bear right now. Hibernation looks so appealing. If I were a bear, I could sleep all day and night until spring. How sweet!!

Happy New Year from my family to yours!





I want to take this time to wish all a very happy and prosperous new year. I spent my New Years eve looking after my( princess) granddaughters! How lucky for me! Christmas and New years with royalty! Can't get much better than that! It was a wonderful time for me. Although by 9 pm they both were fast asleep, and the rest of the time was spent flipping through channels on the T.V.( what I would have done at home by myself any way). The time from 6 to 9 was wonderful. Playing with the girls and snuggling them and tucking them into bed made my night. I was in heaven! I have to mention that it is also a blizzard out side . So I was happy to stay inside where it was warm and cozy. After the girls were fast asleep, I curled up with a nice hot cup of coffee, and happily flipped through the channels on the T.V. I can't think of a better, or nicer way to ring in the new year. Happy New Year Everyone! What did you do to ring in 2009?