Swim Camp – Bailing!!!

So, after last evening’s little fiasco and subsequent waterworks in the comfort of my own home, I went to bed with the TENS on. And when getting out of bed was a multiple step process at 5:45, I knew I was bailing on this morning’s workout. But I don't think of myself as a quitter, so I wasn’t going to cut practice without explaining myself.

After this morning’s workout was done, and the Q & A session was scheduled to be ending, I trundled over to the pool and asked to have a word with Duane. Not only was it the right thing to do, it was a good choice, because we rarely see things the way others do and it gave me some much needed perspective.

I pretty much said what I blogged, but less coherently and with a few tears. I also told him that had I swum this morning I would have been dangerously close to one of those meetings with my orthopaedist at Emerg, and that I really don’t want to be doing that! (He agreed!!)

What I know for sure now I didn’t before:

• Two swims a day is a bad plan. But nobody can say I haven't tried ... so it's a plus even though it's a minus.
• I am even more likely to make mistakes in a group atmosphere. Perfect. And it’s not like I’m not good at making mistakes all by myself! ;-)
• I still don’t explain myself well fact to face. If only I could write everything down!
• I’m a better freestyler than I thought … because people keep mistaking me for one!

One of the things we discussed was my “if I know/understand how things will unfold; what we’re going to do; then I can plan” philosophy. In this case it is a Brilliant Plan with a Good Sized Glitch. Duane is less rigid in his workout plans than he once was. He explained that although he has something in mind in terms of type of workout he’ll be running, he does individual workouts on the fly now based on the mix of people attending the session.

He suggested that I could do half the sets. I told him I wasn’t sure I knew how. He admitted that it is particularly difficult because I was one of the fastest swimmers there, so it was natural for me to lead. If I were to offer to go second it would be easier to skip a repeat than if I were leading. But it’s hard for other people to understand you’re having trouble if you’re still swimming relatively quickly, evenly and with strength, and the other swimmers will probably still want you to lead. In this he was talking about camp but also about regular training with the team.

Now that he really understands he feels he can be more attentive. But he also said he had been really impressed with the way I was swimming. Really impressed.

I told him in view of this weekend, I would want to start with only one practice a week with the team. This disappointed him, but I think it is better to do that, continue training on my own at Plant, and build rather than do too much and derail.

There were certainly some very positive aspects to the experience:

• My fitness level deteriorated very little over the break
• In general I have pretty good stroke mechanics
• People expect me to lead and can rely on me to demonstrate
• I learned I demonstrate without fear of getting it wrong or feeling I need to get it right
• I trained myself to a competitive enough level on a low yardage program to swim with the group
• I had a lovely email from my Saturday morning lane coach thanking me for “being such a great role model”
• I impressed at least 3 members of the coaching staff and another swimmer who used to watch me swim when I was young and swimming on the same team as his children
• Despite the fact that I was having problems, my strokes didn’t deteriorate in a marked way, and my performance didn’t deteriorate enough for anyone else to notice there was a problem
• I had great conversations with PN and with Duane about Worlds (Pat is planning to compete, and talked to me about TOMS something I’ll probably blog about down the road)
• I reconnected with a couple of people I hadn’t seen in a long time and got to meet some new folks
• I didn't get all obsessive about either the scales or the bioimpedance number (possibly because nobody’s explained to me quite what it means, but I’ll take it as a plus)

So all in all I’m glad I did it. But I won’t be swiming tomorrow either …

Swim Camp Part 3!

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
Five Man Electrical Band

The afternoon yesterday was a little bit of everything – a little good, a little bad, a little confused and a little too close to a complete meltdown for comfort!

Near the end of the morning workout we did a front sculling with dolphin kick drill. It was a mistake. I’d already been doing a good deal of dolphin kick off the wall, and we’d worked a lot on turns. There had been were warning bells, but as usual, it took me too long to realize what they meant. Note to self: Just because the stabbing pain stops it doesn't mean keep going. Just because the nerve pain stops, it doesn't mean the joint is happy.

The afternoon warm-up was 400, I slipped in a bit late, and did 300. In that 300 I first stopped dolphin kicking off the wall. Then I pretty much stopped flutter kicking. Note to Self: when you start altering or compensating, this is a Bad Sign.

The main set was 20 by 50 when the 4th person touches the first goes. I was selected to lead the lane. Our group did the 50’s on about 1:10. I was repeating somewhere around :48. On the up side, I was very consistent, my stroke felt strong and easy – my upper body was doing an admirable job.

I realize that from this point on, I was confused. This is also a Bad Sign. Note to Self: if you can’t figure out what to do, maybe you should Just Go Home. When Duane said we had to pick one stoke (breast, fly or free) to do strokework and drills on for an hour, I knew there was going to be a problem. At that point I couldn’t face more free drills, and I’d already been Compensation Girl. I knew I couldn’t do an hour of fly drills because Compensation Girl had ditched the dolphin kick. I knew I couldn’t do much whip kick. I asked if we could split it … fly/breast. Other people asked, too. Nope. No such luck. My heart sank.

And then there was what I took to be a Saved By the Bell Moment. (Really it wasn’t. It was just a postponement of the inevitable.) Note to Self: Don’t trust in saved by the bell moments. It was my turn for water video analysis.

It was a bit confusing. The instructions were either unclear or my brain was so foggy I didn't really understand what we were doing for the group analysis. Note to Self: When you don’t understand what’s going on, it might be Time to Bail. It involved getting in and out of the water, walking down the deck more than once, and standing to watch the tape. (Again, not the best way for me to proceed when things are disintegrating … but I convinced myself that sitting on the window ledge to watch the would solve the problem. Standing is an activity I've been particularly struggling with since the summer.)

The upshot: my stroke is pretty sound but I'm not going "over the barrel". Now, whether I can in the foreseeable future leave the focus on keeping myself fairly flat in the water and monkey with my underwater pull is questionable. Note to Self: Don't be negative about your ability to change what's going on with your stroke with the stroke analysis person. Say thank you. (Can you just feel the impending disaster?)

Really, from the get go, things were precariously close to going to hell in a handbucket. In retrospect (which is how I see best) the whole not kicking thing might have been the Big Stop Sign. But then what would I have done? I wouldn’t have been willing to forgo the video stroke analysis. And trying to sit or stand on the pool deck wouldn’t have helped either. So … it was what it was. And right after the underwater video, things tanked.

I ended up in the breaststroke group, with a lane coach who hadn't seen the Cheat Sheet. I swam along with the group for a short time, but modified what I could do. The set I swam was 6 x 50 breast up free back. The first 25 was supposed to be a sprint. At least I didn't do that! Note to self: When your back makes you yelp or whimper, for crying out loud don't swim the next repeat. (Haven't lost my sense of punnyness, have I? That, at least, is a Good Sign!) See also first Note to Self! And it completely fell apart when the coach said we were going to go work on starts. I can't work on starts the traditional swim practice way on a good day. This was definitely not a pool session!

In practice you form a line by the starting block, do your start and swim either halfway or all the way down the pool and walk back. That's how a sprint lane works in a meet warm-up situation, too, but you must swim the whole length. What I need is a transporter. If I could just beam my cane and my deck shoes to the appropriate place, I might be able to do a couple of these. (Not that I could have or should have yesterday.)

So, instead of hitting the hot tub or the showers, I did something phenomenally stupid. I don't know if I did it because I had already vetoed a couple of attempts by the coach to help/accommodate me (diving from the deck instead of from the blocks, yoga to rehab my injury) or because it is just in my nature to do what the coach says. He said, "Why don't you work on turns at this end by yourself?" And I did. After I had failed to read all those signs! And then I left, with not so much as a thank you or a good bye, took the disabled shower so I could sit in the hot shower, and tried to hold it together while I got dressed. So not stayin' for the lecture last night!!

I can't tell you how much I hate being in the place where you wonder if you can physically make it home. It's an emotional place as much as a physical problem. I've been there before, lots of times. I've called a cab to go less than a block because on the way from the bus to the doctor's things got so bad I couldn't walk that far. Not since before Dr. Chow fused my second s-i joint have I been there though. Until last night. And every time I'm there, I think, "I can't do this again!!", even if intellectually I know I can. I've done it before, I'll do it again. But what I know intellectually and what I feel emotionally are two very different things.

Physical sensations can trigger emotional flashbacks. And that's what happened last night. I was standing in the street, wondering if I could get home, and the floodgates of experience opened instantly. The unable to walk sensation went away, and I wandered home just a bit more slowly and carefully. But once those floodgates are open, boy, it's a mess!

Swim Camp, Part 2!

I think I need a nap. This from someone who doesn’t generally nap. In fact, I pretty much nap only when sick.

I almost graduated from lane 3 to lane 2 today. But then I invoked my GOOBF card. Who knew that Getting Out of Backstroke Free would sentence me to more freestyle? (Well, okay, if you read the camp schedule you had a pretty good idea.) Duane moved me to lane 2. Then he changed his mind and rearranged us based on backstrokers/freestylers. So freestylers to lane 3.)

Videotaping was on the agenda for this morning. But not for lanes 3 & 2. Our lanes get taped tonight. So, it was an hour and a half pretty much of freestyle drills. Today I somehow ended up lane leader. The bonus was our lane coach was an old friend and accomplished masters swimmer herself! Remember when I blogged my first meet report? That day she was a marshall and a very friendly face to see on the deck. So thanks, PN, for all you do!

Not so much emphasis on turns today, the biggest note being the reminder to always push off the wall properly and within the rules. Bad habits come back to haunt you!

Drills included: fist swimming, dragging thumbs to armpits, dragging thumbs up then dangling fingers in, touching thighs as recovery begins, 3 sculling variants including front sculling with dolphin kick, 25’s beginning with 4 right arm strokes followed by 4 left arm followed by full free. Emphasis was put on proper breathing technique including exhaling, rhythm, attention to keeping the head turn minimal, bilateral breathing. We also focused on hand entry position. PN has a drill she calls the “add an inch” drill, in which you attempt to add an inch to the length of your stroke. We also did a subtractive 100 going easy, and each 25 we attempted to cut down the number of pulls by 1.

I’ve decided to log both last night and this morning as 1200 metres each. I have no idea how far we went really … so I’m winging it.

The lecture was primarily on how a season is structured in terms of training for optimal results. Cleverly I had set up the electrodes on my TENS in the locker room, so the lecture sit was significantly more comfortable this time 'round. Who says I make the same mistake over and over and over? Oh, yeah. That would be me. Well, occasionally I get it right!

Flip Turn Finesse

As I spent most of last night not sleeping, I finally decided to get up and put this out there before I forget. (It's going to be an interesting practice this morning.) The not sleeping was particularly apropos, as a certain portion of the lecture last night was about the need for 8-9 hours of sleep for mental and physical restorative value.

One of the hints our lane coach gave us on flip turns is that when pushing off the wall after the dolphin kicks (3 was the number of kicks we were shooting for) you begin your stroke with the arm attached to the shoulder that is lower in the water. That sets you on your way to a balanced freestyle coming off the wall.

I was somewhat puzzled by trying to figure out which of my shoulders would be lower in the water, and naturally I was the first to give it a go. Conveniently, the coach told me I had actually done it right. I began with my dominant arm (which is the choice most people make irrespective of their position in the water). The reason it was correct was not that my right shoulder was lower in the water. I learned flip turns old school, so I am pretty much on the horizontal plane as I push off. That, at least, gives me one less thing to think about!

Incidentally, there was a little discussion in the hot tub about the semantics of tumble turns and flip turns. Some people will say there is no difference. I think it may have been discussed in my lane when I was demonstrating. Tumble turn: roll into a ball, tumble over, push off the wall (while not forgetting to exhale out your nose). Flip turn: actively pike, engage and use abs and whip your legs over. When I learned flip turns as a child, we were taught tumble turns first, then once we had accomplished that pushing off the wall in the right direction every time, we moved on to flip turns.

Swim Camp, Part 1!

At 3:45 this afternoon I weighed 120 pounds and the number I likely don’t want to know anything about was 519. (That will be explained to us later.) I note that naturally body composition analysis takes place at the point in my monthly cycle when I have added pounds of water weight overnight and my face is doing its best imitation of a 16 year old’s. Maybe this will make it seem more impressive when I do it again and things appear to have vastly improved. I can gain and lose 5 pounds of water weight depending where I am in my cycle. I was 119 pounds in high school, so I feel fine about the weight number, although I do know the muscle:fat ratio was different back then!

The Cheat Sheet to Understanding Wendy (in a Ziploc bag) – positive stroke of brilliance!!! Invaluable. I didn’t have to try to explain why I really can’t stretch off the wall, or turn too close or kick with wanton abandon.

Am I pooped? You bet. I don’t remember the last time I spent two solid hours in the water.

Tonight’s two hour pool session served to split us into lane assignments and was aimed at preparing us for the videotaping of freestyle. In our lane we spent a lot of time on turns. All the lanes had an assigned coach that stayed with us for the two hours.

400 metre warm-up (of which I probably swam 250, as I watched people split into lanes and swim a bit before I was ready to make a decision as to where I belonged … and then Duane did it for me). We did 25’s, 50’s and 100’s. I did not count how many we did. Among the drills: 35% effort, keeping the head still, dragging thumbs up the side into the armpit, dragging fingers in the water, “playing piano” with the fingers while they were out of the water, fist swimming (my personal favorite), fist plus one finger, fist plus two fingers, fingers spread wide apart, fingers close together. For all intents and purposes I did these drills pull.

A great deal of time was spent on turns – more in our lane than any other I think. My push off the wall is gentle, as is my dolphin kick off the wall, and I institute a pause phase between the final dolphin kick and the flutter that goes with freestyle. I did not do the sink to the bottom of the wall at the shallow end, push off and kick till half way down the pool drill. I did however get to demo flip turns, because, as our coach explained, most people turn too close to the wall. But I, for my own reasons, turn farther away from the wall. So we began with me turning to show people how far away from the wall you can actually turn even if you’re a really short person!

We had 7 people in the lane, so we split four and three so there would be less waiting around and both walls would be in use. There was actually a fair amount of swimming, as when we were in the deep end we swam from the mid point of the pool to the wall and turned, then swam back to the group. Then the next person left so we were turning straight in the centre of the lane. . I did a lot of extra sculling exercises, because when I put my feet on the bottom at the midpoint of the pool my head is well underwater.

After 2 hours, a dunk in the hot tub, and got changed for the 45 minutes power point lecture on nutrition. Apparently it is available somewhere online, so we were told not to take notes. Then I headed over to May's Garden, where they brought me some food and I had some put into containers for tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning, video stroke analysis begins! I’ll be putting my video tape in my bag as soon as I finish this post …

A Wee Bit Uncomfortable

Here’s the thing. One of my favorite lifeguards said to me last night, “You look uncomfortable.” She wasn’t talking about out of the water. She was talking about my strokes. On the up side, I wasn’t so uncomfortable I was doing one footed flip turns. (I now recognize that as A Really Bad Sign – a Sign I Should Stop Now. Please don't ask me how long it took me to figure that one out!!!!) The thing about I’ve come to realize about myself is that I never swim not injured, and I never will. It is, and always will be a delicate balance of not aggravating injury.

KD (person of Carter the Wonderdog, friend, physiotherapist, and all around classy gal) and I had a discussion yesterday. I’ll call it Eyes on the Prize. Sometimes reminding yourself of the aspect of an activity or event that is most important to you can put things back into perspective. What I want most out of Camp is video stroke analysis in this order: breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle. I give myself a Get Out Of Backstroke Free card. Anything else is gravy. So … as TriBoomer would say, “Stay tuned …”

(For those of you following along at home the hip seems to be loosening up. I now have hamstring tightness/sciatica and IT band tightness. I am taking this as a positive progression. Today’s Brilliant Plan: continue with meds, sit on hot packs, fire up Tens machine, pack hot water bottle to take to camp for lectures. Camp starts at 3:30 – I have 5 whole hours in which to make more progress!!)

Camp schedule for today:

FRIDAY, EVENING, DECEMBER 29, 2006
3:30-4:00 Registration& Body Composition Analysis& SNACK
4:00-6:00 General Pre-Camp Stroke Analysis, Swim Practice, Drills, Group Confirmation & Individualized Camp Planning
6:15-7:00 Personalized Nutritional Analysis Lecture

My thought is to stop at the Chinese restaurant on the corner and pick up take-out on the way home … although that may be contrary to the suggestions in the lecture ...

The Mask!

Tretiak's in town! Ten year old Max that is. Grandson of Vladislav. And a goalie, too. For a hockey tournament involving 7500 youngsters from around the world. And according to this article from The Ottawa Citizen, Max has the mask ....

TaBearWit!!!!!! Or "Hi, my name is Wendy ..."

Swim Camp starts tonight with a workout. Naturally I woke up this morning to a stunning revolt instituted by my facsimile of a left s-i joint and groin. Perfect. Just effing perfect! At least I can be a heat pack/ice pack sandwich and throw myself on the mercy of my physiotherapist this morning … and look for a considered professional opinion about whether I should (a) swim all or part of the group workout (b) go to a lane swim and swim easy on my own terms (c) take the day off, go watch the workout and try to stay positive (d) sit in the whirlpool while everyone else swims …

For the moment I’ll finish this post, double the anti-inflammatories that keep me moving on a daily basis, use the Tramacet that God (er, the orthopaedist) gave me, and go sit in a warm bathtub.

At Swim Camp tomorrow we will be assigned coaches. There will be a total of 20 coaches. I’ve been puzzling (well, more accurately stressing) over introductions. In fact, I am borderline terrified of the introductions. Moreso even than the body composition analysis (and I’m not all that thrilled about the numbers it’s going to spit out, but I’ll deal). Once I get past introductions, I’ll be okay. At least that’s what I think.

When I meet a new doctor, I just type out my medical history and hand it over. Then I don’t get confused, or answer incorrectly, or sit there looking blank. Wonder if it’ll work for Swim Camp …

“Hi, my name is Wendy and I’ll be your 47 year-old Problem Child.”

Part I “Why I’m using this cane” or “It has taken me a very long time to get here”

- I was a pedestrian hit by a truck running a red light (while I crossed the street with the green) in December 1988
- The right side of my face was basically flattened, there is a plate that bolts into my nose and runs around to my eyebrow – it replaces the orbital bone under my right eye, my right upper jaw is still wired
- It took several facial/eye surgeries to get my face, eyelids and tear ducts in semi-working order
- I had a serious head injury, the impact of which took years to determine
- I had multiple pelvic fractures including sacrum and pubic bones
- My left sacroiliac joint blew apart on impact, there is extensive soft tissue damage and scar tissue in my left buttock and left groin
- There is peripheral nerve damage in the right side of my face and my left buttock and low back
- I broke bones in my back on the left side, L4 & L5
- My left and right sacroiliac joints are now fused
- I now have a marked leg length difference, right leg shorter (note the really fancy deck shoes)
- It is likely that L5-S1 or my hips will be next to give

Part II “The more immediate issues”

- I’m just coming off my off-season, so haven’t trained in three weeks
- I rarely swim more than 1500 metres in a day
- I rarely swim backstroke, and if I do, it’s mostly double-arm back
- I don’t do more than 200-300 metres kick in a session ever, and I have to mix it up
- I have to stop when I understand my body is telling me to
- I rarely understand right away that my body is telling me to
- I have had to modify strokes, starts and turns to accommodate my body (I know my flip turns are a bit far from the wall – too close and disaster is imminent)
- It has taken me the past several years of swimming here at Plant to be able to swim 100 breaststroke or a 50 fly
- I swam my first meet in many years in November (100m free – 1:19, 100m IM – 1:31, 100m breast 1:37) – for me this was a tremendous accomplishment
- Standing is not a good activity for me – neither is sitting
- If I look at you blankly and say “I don’t know” that just has to be an acceptable answer
- If I forget our conversation, I’m not stupid, my brain is just playing tricks on me – please try to be gentle

What do you think? I was thinking of handing it to the head coach (who thankfully has known me since I was 10) and running, well, okay more like hobbling, away. Or maybe I’ll just email him the permalink …

Tagged and Confused …

I’ve been tagged by Spokane Al. Normally that would not confuse me. But it would be too simple if I could just follow the instructions:

1. Find the nearest book.
2. Name the book & the author.
3. Turn to page 123.
4. Go to the fifth sentence on the page. Copy out the next three sentences and post to your blog.
5. Tag three more folks.

Book. Check.
The Medici Aesop. This is a reproduction of Spencer Manuscript 50 from the Spencer Collection of the New York Public Library.

Author. The complications start here. Aesop. Forward by Everett Fahy. Translated from the Greek by Bernard McTigue.

Page 123, check. Fifth english sentence, check. Then … no more sentences, except in Greek, which I can’t type.

So … instead, I bring you The Crow and The Snake (Folios 53r-53v).

A crow, desperate for something to eat, spied a snake dozing in the sun. He pounced on the reptile and then flew off with it. The serpent awakened with a start and bit the bird. As the crow expired he cried out: “I thougth I had found salvation, instead I have found death.”

The moral of this fable is: So, too, with men who look for treasure and lose their lives.

Oh, well, my motto is "nothing is ever simple or easy!".

Now I have to tag people. I call on Trimama (maybe on her fancy new blog), Dave Rotor at Procurement Investor (when he gets back from holidays), and Brent.

Confession is Good for the Soul ...

I confess that I’m really not much of a YouTube kind of a person. But when someone, say my brother, sends me a link I follow it. So yesterday I followed his link, and was curious about the title of vid up next, I watched it. I wonder if you will, too? (Given the reopening of the pool yesterday, it seems an apt choice: Things you can’t do when you’re not in a pool http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4bQKiLkQ4. All you grammaticians out there, please note the double negative!)

That said, I was just as sluggish in the pool yesterday as I expected. The guards I talk to on a regular basis were laughing with me when I told them I expect to be a hurtin’ puppy at Swim Camp! We’ve all been there. But I did put a nice easy 1000 metres in yesterday, and there are no ill effects this morning. Plus I slept much better last night! And while a goodly percentage of the population was out shopping, there were a good chunk of folks at the pool, which I found encouraging. I wasn’t the only one who missed it terribly! Although in the spirit of confessions this morning, I’ll admit I am tempted to go looking for a new swimsuit this afternoon. After I swim.

Funniest gift of the festive season so far goes to Roy and Kathy. Again, with a confession: so enamored was I with their gift (please take note, Bold) I voluntarily handwashed and dried a dish yesterday so I could use it. (But the three others, all with different shoe related slogans went straight into the dishwasher.) I hope you think part 1 of 4 is as funny as I did! I’m sure The Manolo will be jealous!!!

P.S. Those of you who haven't been to see Bolder in Boulder before, feel free to search his blog for the word dishwasher. Look for it under "The Ugly". After a long and protracted dishwasher free period, some colorful language is used to express a truly dire situation! Don't forget to enjoy his video selection for this week as well!

Happy Boxing Day!!

A fabulous quasi-traditional Christmas took place based out of Wendy’s World HQ yesterday.

George and I opened some gifts (I with my coffee, he with his homemade catnip toy) by the faux fire early in the day. After he exercised his inning and outing privileges and his appetite for play, I headed over to Misses E & M’s for some gift opening by the tree (it was a wonder any people fit into the room, let me tell you!). What fun to spend time with the whole family (three generations!) on Christmas. When I got home I dressed for our Christmas meal, and Roy dropped in. I talked on the phone to Mom and Dad and Brent (all at the same time) in Florida before Brent headed back to Grand Cayman in spite of the stormy southern weather!

Three single gals all in our shoes (no need for boots!) headed out to Wilfrid’s at the venerable Chateau Laurier for a fabulous Christmas buffet with a wonderful blend of maritime, French and British traditional fare. Oh, the food! Fresh squeezed orange juice (as much as you’d like) or a choice from the extensive mimosa menu to begin followed by: smoked and peppered salmons and trout, halibuts and mackerels, shrimp and mussels, salads and crudités, crackers and rolls and cheeses, roasted beef and duck and pork and turkey, fresh crepes (the ones in maple butter are my favorite), potatoes and yams and dressing and gravies – and this list barely begins to cover it. So many options for dessert – the traditional yule log, mincemeat tarts or Christmas pudding (my pick), to crème brulée, dark chocolate almond bark, plus cheesecakes and pastries galore! A wonderful meal with excellent company – what could be better?

One of our views was of the East Block in slightly foggy conditions. Real silver and proper china graced the table. Our other view, of course, was of patrons in their finery, dressed for the first green Christmas in many years. Prior to lunch we toured some of the many Trees of Hope decorated by various organizations to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Fuller than we needed to be, I suspect, we all headed to our respective homes and felines. But we connected again later in the evening for the non-traditional aspect of the day: Night at the Museum! We all enjoyed that immensely, too – don’t miss the dance number at the beginning of the credits! So the day ended, as it began, with high spirits all round!

This morning there is some white stuff actually on the ground and falling from the sky – and the pool reopens! It won't be long till I'll be over there renewing my membership and testing the water ...

Celebrate!

No matter what holiday you celebrate, Carter the Wonderdog (who happens to be a dear friend of mine) joins me in wishin' you nothin' but the very best!

In the Christmas Spirit(s)!

George helped me to make gifts for some of his cat friends this afternoon. Mostly he has been responsible for quality control, from the earliest stages. He pinched back the plants in the garden to encourage bushiness. He checked them daily (sometimes more than once, sometimes repeatedly). I harvested them and dried some of his Special Blend. Today he checked the quality of the materials, and once that was complete, left me to the actual construction. (Note the complete lack of interest in the bucket of beads next to him!)

He is now resting ... which is good, as there is but one more sleep till Christmas!

Bibite!

The coating of ice on Wendy’s World has disappeared, and George has been doing his best imitation of a fiddler’s elbow this morning.

Yesterday we enjoyed a visit from Rachel, Hugh and Patrick!! We all played with Patrick and his blue Christmas bear (that helps to keep impoverished children healthier). It’s always special when a gift you choose proves its worth. I did a short strength training workout sitting on the floor. If you grab Patrick under the arms, roll gently backwards and hold him above your head while giving him a little shake he giggles uproariously and your former physiotherapist comments on your impressive 35 pound bench presses! So as not to anger my back, my feet followed him up into the air, causing his Dad to talk about core strength. Did I mention recently how much I miss them? So much I plumb forgot to pass along a Christmas treasure I have for them …

Rachel wondered if there was a “bibite” (pronounced like bib it) on the necklace I was sporting – and indeed there was. A Carl Clasmeyer scarab beetle clasp on the teardrop pearls I had strung on beading wire the night before.

Now, for the final wrapping blitz!!!

Slippin' or Slidin' or Stayin' In!

Lots of folks I know are just not really in the swing of things this season. Like a true Canadian, I foist responsibility for this onto the weather. (I understand they will be having a white Christmas in The Pas, but not here.) It is just plain weird outdoors right now, our street remains ice coated this morning after the freezing rain last evening and overnight. The cloud cover and fog make it dark enough for the lit star in the front window to be quite visible.

I finished up a few more gifts and did some more wrapping last evening. Not much of either of those tasks to finish up now. However, I think I will try to get a jump start on next year. While things are still fresh in my mind and I have some leftover beads, I can make some matching bracelets to a few of the necklaces I made this year. All I need to do is remember to make notes of who they’re for! I find, if I’m a little out of sorts, two things are pretty much guaranteed to perk me up: a trip to the pool or making something. In a couple of days, the pool will be an option! (George says that it is his considered opinion that a cuddle and a purr are two things that also work! Failing those, usurping Houdini's sunny window spot can also be helpful. Having the sun come out would also be good.)

A Little Bit of Canadiana!

A green Christmas is still looming on the horizon, complete with a treat of freezing rain called for beginning tonight. The 24th may be wild at the malls!

This morning Lise and I are heading out to stock up on Tins For George. It would be problematic to run out during Swim Camp! Speaking of George, I have some Canadiana today for Danielle over at Final Fashion! The wonderful silver and vitreous enamel pin Lise gave me for my birthday that she felt reminded her of George. The scan fails to show the lustre of the silver under the enamel, though. I’m going to have to come up with a way to display my brooches so that they dress up the house rather than sitting quietly waiting to be taken out and given the opportunity to shine.

And for those of you who in trouble on the shopping front, Forzieri takes the blame all the way from Italy!

Addendum: On the way back from Finding Tins and Collecting Some Provisions, we drove past Trailhead, where the sign read "No taxes until the snow flies".

First & Last

The first gift my late Aunt (whose name TriBoomer graciously carried with him at IronMan Florida) sent pertaining to me was flowers when I was born. As my birthday is so close to Christmas, they came in festive vase. That vase and a similar one (we always called the pair Holly and Ivy) was displayed annually at my parent’s house. Almost 47 years later it has now moved to my house, and is one of the few decorations I have out for Christmas.

Yesterday a package came addressed by my cousin Suzanne. Uncle had asked that she send a necklace my aunt had wanted me to have, along with the Christmas gift they had bought me. The necklace I opened and put on right away. The wrapped package will wait for a bittersweet moment on Christmas morning. And memories … well, they are the greater treasure.

Christmas "Vacation"

The pool reopens December 26 (I may have mentioned this once or twice before). Conveniently, although Technosport usually trains out of Ottawa U, their pool is closed. So I'll join the team for swim camp at "my pool". Some 20 coaches will be involved, armed with 3 video recorders so we can see what we look like when we swim! (I'm looking forward to that. The body composition analysis ... not so much. Some trepidation there!)


CHRISTMAS TRAINING CAMP
December 28-31 2006
Plant Pool Preston at Somerset

CAMP OPEN TO: Swimmers who want to swim better, easier and faster. Coaching is designed for those who need the basics and for those who need refinement of basic skills already acquired.

CAMP INCLUDES: 13.5 hours of pool and lecture time
· Preparing for provincial, national championships & Triathlons
· Personalized take home over and under water video analysis of your stroke
· New focus on swimming fast and efficiently
· Starts and turns-race strategies
· Computerized body composition analysis and nutrition plan

CAMP SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, EVENING, DECEMBER 28, 2006
5:00-6:00PM Swim Practice- water

FRIDAY, MORNING, DECEMBER 29, 2006
6:00-7:00AM Swim Practice-water

FRIDAY, EVENING, DECEMBER 29, 2006
3:30-4:00 PM Registration& Body Composition Analysis& SNACK
4:00-6:00PM General Pre-Camp Stroke Analysis, Swim Practice, Drills, Group Confirmation & Individualized Camp Planning-water
6:15-7:00PM Personalized Nutritional Analysis Lecture

SATURDAY, MORNING, DECEMBER 30, 2006
6:00-7:30AM Freestyle and or Back Stroke Drills, Swim Practice & Video Recording of Stroke-water
7:45-8:30 AM Seasonal Planning Lecture and Performance Peaking Lecture

SATURDAY, EVENING , DECEMBER 30, 2006
4:00-6:00PM Freestyle and or Breast and Fly Stroke Drills, Swim Practice &Video Recording of Stroke-water
6:15-7:00PM Principles of Swimming the Four Basic Strokes Lecture

SUNDAY, MORNING, DECEMBER 31, 2006
7:30-9:00AM Freestyle Stroke Drills and Starts and Turns, Swim Practice & Video Recording of Stroke-water
9:15-10:00AM Coach/Swimmer Q&A

This swim camp will provide a plan for physical training and/or nutrition. It will help maximize your potential, meet your goals and keep you on the right course to a better swim season.

Flakes Fall (then Melt)

We had some nice fat flakes fall today, but sadly they are almost all gone. The local fauna is apparently as confused by the weather as the rest of us! For the morning at least, people were feeling more Christmas-y.

I saw Andrea bright and early, then popped over to see our favorite wardrobe angel, who is leaving Ottawa Thursday. Generous as always, she gave me a charming fridge magnet and a birthday/Christmas gift from Coach, with the key things I need, a ring attached and a place for my bus pass.

Then I sprinted (or at least race walked) to physio. Many thanks also to KD, who has listened to me year after year, bemoan the fact that I always lose my poppies. I have wanted a poppy brooch for years, and have explained more than once that I would be happy to put my money into the donation boxes and still demonstrate my regard for the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of our forces without going through a plethora of poppies. At a local craft show, KD found this wonderful leather poppy pin, and I will look forward to putting it on.

In many ways I am a very lucky person, and I think it shows in the fact that I have made friends who not only listen to what I say, but who take the time to search out gifts that reflect my needs and personal style. I hope they know how much I appreciate it!

Ruminants!!!!

Yesterday I did get the groceries done, despite what passes in my life for an alcoholic haze.

Much more fun was dinner with Misses Emma & Margaret and their parents. Emma presented me with a wonderful birthday card, and we had chocolate cake with vanilla frozen yogurt for dessert! Then we bundled up a bit, packed ourselves into the car and enjoyed the downtown Christmas lights on our way to their church for the 5th annual Bethlehem in the ‘Burgh presentation. The performance raised money for The Mission’s annual Christmas dinner. Some 2200 people who would not otherwise have a meal and a gift will enjoy some holiday festivities at The Mission.

This is a traditional nativity play with a bit of a twist. The reenactment of the stable scenes included a supporting cast of four animal actors, who were available for petting after the show. Lambie the sheep, Lamancha the goat, Posh the donkey (who naturally refused to hit the mark, and the cajoling almost stole the show), and a camel named Gracie! McGowan’s Animal Farm provided the talent and the most excellent shepherds and animal handlers.

Hot chocolate and cookies were served in the MacKay United Church basement so folks could warm up, but it was a wonderfully mild evening for such an event.

Addendum: Emma's Mom told me this afternoon that some $1350 was raised last night.

Festivities ...

Last night I went to a tree trimming party. And it was a blast. But today I’m either suffering from a lack-of-sleep hangover or an actual hangover. The amount of brandy in the fruitcake dulled my taste buds. I didn’t realize the egg nog (made from scratch the old fashioned way) was spiked. Mixed with my meds, alcohol is not such a good thing.

But I’m sure I wasn’t drunk enough last night not to notice a door hanger tag on my front door. In fact I was only a little lightheaded. So Canada Post delivered a package sometime between midnight thirty and oh nine hundred this morning. A birthday package from my brother! “The Perils of Penelope Pitstop” – all 17 episodes on DVD. Oddly enough, we had been discussing this very cartoon on his blog not that long ago. Thanks Brent!

And at the other end of the spectrum, Alison gave me a hardcover of The Medici Aesop, with a slightly different dust jacket than the one pictured. Spoiled? I’ll say! Tempted to dive into the book despite the social setting? Absolutely! I’ll enjoy it more, though, when it is quiet enough to really focus (and my brain isn’t doing a Swiss cheese imitation). Thanks Alison!

The birthday celebrations continue today with an early dinner chez Mlle Emma & family. I'll bet we get cake!

Excellent Start to the Day!

This morning has been more fun than most. That’s because I opened presents.

If folks drop off gifts early or post them and they arrive early, unless they ask me to open them then, I do wait till my birthday. And I don't even stay up till midnight on the fifteenth to get a real jump on things. So, with a cup of Timothy’s spiced eggnog coffee this morning, I unwrapped a few things. Following in Susanna’s footsteps over at The Bling Blog, and I’m posting at least some of the birthday bounty.

On the other hand, if someone gives me a present early, I’ll happily open it then! Yesterday my friend Lise helped me pick up my coats, and presented me with a charming cat pin. She thought, except for the eye colour, it looked a lot like our George! Encore une fois, merci madame!

Before my seasonal haircut, my friend AD and I had a Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate treat, and a good chat. She has the “Shoe A Day” calendar, and when we have coffee or go to the NAC, I get to ogle a bunch of pages and marvel at the shoes. In 2007, I’ll be able to enjoy a handbag a day courtesy of AD and her husband. Thanks guys!

The Purolator fellow who came on Thursday said to me very brightly, “Happy Birthday!”. I was most definitely surprised! Rachel, Hugh, and Patrick had couriered my gift and written “Happy Birthday” on the outside of the package! Mmmm. Almond, dark chocolate toffee treats that I didn't open till today!

Still on the Toronto front, in the birthday card I received from Auntie there was a Starbucks gift card! She knows where I meet my gal pals for coffee … er … dessert.

Mom and Dad left their gift before they did the snowbird thing. Does it somehow seem wrong to be wearing a grey fleece housecoat and a fancy Swarovski crystal watch?? (At least the housecoat is full length!!!) Aren’t I a very lucky person!?!

P.S. As we celebrate our birthdays on the same day, George reports that the morning goes better with a touch of his favorite herb with breakfast.

That’s The Drill!

Apparently the off season is for running around like a chicken with your head cut off!!! And crossing one or two things off the long Things To Do List that is quite used to being ignored. Try not to be totally shocked but, I’ve even dusted and vacuumed the spare bedroom … errr … George’s bedroom.

This week I replaced my drill. It was an old rechargeable that did yeoman’s service. But it was all one piece and the battery would no longer hold a charge. I bought a little lightweight Ryobi number. The young lady at the Home Depot cash asked me if it was a gift. “Nope!” I said, somewhat surprised by the question. “Oh,” she said, “I love it when women buy tools for themselves!” So when I got home I charged the battery, and gave it a test run installing the new smoke detector in the basement.

Among the other things that should happen today in surreal +9oC: pick up winter coats, buy packing tape, drop off kidnapped key (somehow the key to the ladies room at the doctor’s office was in my purse when I got home the other day), haircut, pre-birthday caffeine with a friend, pick up "Audrey Hepburn" pants, buy leather protector, spirit Styrofoam recycling into a government building where they still do that – tonight I may collapse into a puddle of goo and watch Holiday Inn. Nothing says holiday season like Bing Crosby singing Irving Berlin!

Speaking of the festive season, my very best wishes to all you out there celebrating tonight. Happy Chanukah!

Dreaming?

According to a local newspaper, dreaming of a white Christmas this year may be just that. I’m afraid the balmy temperatures (here’s the 14 day trend) aren’t putting Ottawans much in the Christmas spirit, although many of us are happy about the lack of shoveling! I talked to a friend who works at a prestigious local jewellery store yesterday and he was saying that at the rate things are going they expect a rush in the 3 days prior to Christmas. Another friend who works at the Italian grocer around the corner told me Monday that she hadn’t even started her baking! So at least it is not just me.

I finished up packing the “big” Toronto box, although I have just made the key discovery I can’t seal it because I’m out of packing tape. One thing about the season that hasn’t changed with the warmer weather for me – I always seem to be rushing out looking for something I ought to have had!

On the festive front according to the Flare magazine 5 question quiz, my party style is:

Cocktail classic

You are the Audrey Hepburn of the holiday party set. Never the centre of attention, you glide effortlessly through small talk, introducing mutual friends and always keeping an eye out to see if the host needs help keeping the party going smoothly. Your look is similarly refined. A classic LBD or dark suit with elegant accessories always looks just right at a holiday get-together.

Yeah, well, I’ll be picking up my black dress pants tomorrow. And naturally, the go to sweater set is black and beaded. But I’m no Audrey Hepburn! (Among so very many other things, I'll bet she was more organized!)

Counting Down ...

For some light festive schmaltz The Holiday works. And it’s a reasonable date flick. This may be why on exiting the movie last evening I saw one of my favourite lifeguards with another facility employee sitting on a bench waiting to see the next showing. (And I didn’t even know they were an item!)

What did he say to me? Besides hello and how was the film? “Two weeks till the pool reopens!”

It appears I am not the only one counting …

Two Weeks (and Definitely Counting!)

Nope! Not talkin’ about Christmas. The pool reopens on Boxing Day! (I went to California on Boxing Day once. When people asked when I had arrived I said “Boxing Day!” This resulted in many odd looks.) I may just have reason for a countdown clock now!

In a twist of fate the weather has turned unseasonably warm. Well, if truth be known, I think I can take full responsibility. I bought a new winter coat. So naturally now George’s outdoor water supply has changed states from cold and hard to cold and drinkable, much to the delight of the neighbourhood felines and rodents (George’s tree rats in particular). Despite the rain, it required filling again this morning, as the critters take advantage of the weather and dehydrate themselves by running around like maniacs!

The glorious up side of the weather means it is safe to go out walking. And walk I did yesterday and will do today, as I scoot from physio to the doctor’s on foot. Cheerio!

Briefing Note ...

Mail Call!

I’m not going to talk about the Christmas cards coming in, because as yet I haven’t started mine! (In my defense, I did do an early draft of my letter yesterday.) I also handed over a couple of Christmas gifts to Mom and Dad for them to bring to Florida when they go tomorrow, but now I'm back to the subject of briefs …

I'm an online shopper. So sometimes my purchases come in the mail. Today some Hide and Sleek camis I ordered arrived in the mail. I bought two, a very plain scoop neck in a neutral colour, and a black v-neck with lace trim (although it is pictured here in ivory). And after trying them on, I can tell you for sure I’ll be wearing them all winter long! (Well, when they're not in the wash.) Not unlike tri-gear, the poly spandex blend is a moisture wicking fabric, and they are long enough to tuck into low rise pants. Core warmth! Woo hoo! Score another for the gals at Spanx!

Briefs ...

Some considered opinion on the White House soiree dress issue from Counterfeit Chic (and better pictorial evidence, too)!

Just in case it's cold at the stadium in Arizona (not naming names or anything!), here's a warming plan brought to you by the good folks at Shiny Shiny.

While I was making Christmas gifts yesterday, my computer downloaded and installed IE7, and the shortcuts to tabbed browsing amuse me. There is no third mouse button on my laptop! Plus, now I have an error message on start up as the machine can't find a file in a DLL. Other than that, at the moment I got nothin'!

(If you though my briefs were gonna be as much fun as TriMama's underwear story, sorry!)

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Ooops! It’s festive party season, yet Oscar may have made a grouch (or four).

That post from Bluefly’s blog brings up something to consider. I found a fabulous suit that fit like a glove, marked down, and was really excited about it. At least I was until … I discovered one of my dearest friends had already bought it. And although she kindly encouraged me to buy the suit anyway, I left it in the store.

But it’s safe to assume that it’s just fine to wear some items that you know a friend or colleague could be wearing. An event t-shirt. A promotional item – like the Breast Cancer t-shirt. The same brand or style of jeans. So what about jewellery?

As I sit blogging surrounded by jewellery bits and bobs, practically a festive gift making machine, I wonder about this. I don’t buy beads in large quantities, so there is a functional limit on how many of the same pattern/item I can make. But I do sometimes find a gem combination I am particularly enamoured with, and make several similar items. This tablet pearl is a good example – I will probably wire wrap a few more pendants with this dyed yellow pearl as the focal bead. That said, I will try to vary the final products a bit. Would it be a problem if two of my friends found themselves at the same event wearing the same item of jewellery? Probably not. At least their outfits would be different!

Now where did I put those pliers?

Bootin' It ...

Wednesday I put the ice pick on my cane.

Last night I broke out my real winter boots. Although it was only -13oC, the wind chill made it feel more like -23oC.

Next thing you know I’ll have those Christmas cards underway! (I'm working through some ideas, but have yet to pick up a pen!)

I wore my La Canadienne winter suede dress boots when the three movieteers went to see the third movie in the Santa Clause franchise. (I’m one of those people that won’t wear shoes in the winter using the justification “I’m just going in the car” – I figure if the car breaks down I want my feet as warm as possible! And if I’m prepared, it is significantly less likely the automobile will malfunction.) The Escape Clause had its moments. Enough that I left in a cheerier mood than when I went in. (Although I was very glad I didn’t see the film with a tall person. The “tiny Canadian” thing could have stuck to me like glue!) The Martin Short production number “North Pole, North Pole” was worth the price of admission for me, especially as it descended into pantomime.

And I'm Off!!

I've decided that this is officially the off-season! I had been toying with busing to different pools about town, but I've given up. Perhaps a swim or two for fun over the next three weeks, then back at it December 26. (Swimming for fun. Now that's a concept!) By then maybe my sinuses will have drained ...

I didn't think I got much accomplished yesterday, but aside from general stuff, the making of muffins, the mailing of birthday greetings, I may have accomplished more than I thought:

• One more wire wrapped tablet pearl, this time in two tone gold filled and sterling
• Two pairs of earrings
• One small sterling enhancer pendant
• A significant chunk of a wire and bead necklace
• This interchangeable enhancer in 14K with lemon quartz briolette drop

The earrings are fast, as were the enhancers, because the findings exist, all I have to do is twist a wee bit of wire. Sorting the quartz beads, now that took awhile!! Less than 50% of the 16" strand took wire .016". But they're much prettier beads than show in this scan. (And I've now tightened up that loop!!) The wire wrapping ... now that's a time sink!

It's a distinct possibility that I didn't feel like I got a lot done because there is a Long List of projects around the house to deal with, and the kicker: Christmas cards and the annual
Christmas letter. You see the down side of making your cards yourself is that it gets kind of daunting. At least if you want them to be as good as they can be, and reflect your thoughts and feelings about the season.

Enough of that! On to the priorities! I'm off to hunt and gather Tins for the Master of the House!

Zamboni Subtrefuge!

Say it ain't so!!!!

Not just illegal sticks and pads, but now we need to call in the referee for an ice measurement!

In other breaking news, George's ancient furnace passed its annual inspection significantly later last night than he had anticipated. And the terror of having someone banging about in his basement when it is too cold to go outside turned him into a virtual cuddling machine.

According to George

In the World According to George (which is apparently the only one I need concern myself with especially first thing in the morning) we have officially shifted to Winter Activities. The primary impetus for that change would be the weather, not the fancy new colour shifting illuminated star I hung in the front window yesterday. The Urgent Need to get me up at 06:00 in order to rush outside and look after Cat Things has shifted. It has become the Urgent Need to get me up in order to Have Wet Food (apparently after a certain time period open air kibble just doesn’t cut it!) and be Ushered into the Hot Room with the Iguana! I am then free to do my morning blog reading, till 08:00 or 08:30.

He feels that I am generally being Distracted by Inconsequential Things, too – another seasonal sign. I’m not Focussed. I am Frittering Away My Time with things like pliers and cutters, silver wire, pearls, facetted smokey quartz and hematite. He has Requirements that I am not meeting (like the one for Constant Attention While Awake). However he is warming to the whole Fake Fireplace idea, which he initially thought was Extraordinarily Suspicious. Hopefully, soon I will come to my senses and leave behind the Inconsequential Things that are interfering with his Quality of Life!

Tea for Two!

Now, I know the table is set for four. Four were invited. But in the final analysis there is much to be said for a twosome. Over and above “more for me”, “no need for dinner” and “something to take home”!!

My neighbour, A, had me over for thé russe yesterday afternoon. High tea. Not a cuppa. Smoked salmon, and sturgeon, and halibut, potatoes and pickled beans and mushrooms, cold scented vodka for the host, several pots of tea, scones, cream and homemade jellies, wonderful conversation, and a table bestiary (including a bevy of reptiles for the guest who likes those, and a new Afghani dromedary). Just click on the photo for a better view of the little lizards, extinct and glow in the dark.

And so it was that I missed the last swim before the pool closed for maintenance today. If a friend puts on such a table, then one should enjoy the festivities and just do pulleys and make a Christmas gift later on.

Many thanks, A, for walking an hour and a half for the sturgeon, and for a lovely afternoon. From his blog, in honour of the occasion, I bring you Camel Haiku:

On my granite shelf
from a tent in Kandahar,
dromedary joy!

Busy and Productive!

Yesterday morning I crossed another Christmas gift off my list. The colours are more vibrant than the scan indicates, but you get the picture. (Freshwater pearls, 4mm amethyst, Swarovski crystals in tanzanite AB for those of you who like sparkly things.)

Then scooted off to Holts with a friend (and mom to Misses E & M), who had some choices set aside and needed to make some decisions. In fact, she had lots of choices, and made out like a bandit!

I was still looking for the elusive perfect pair of black dress pants. I had tried on a pair of black stovepipe pants in size 2 a few weeks ago, but the stars were against me getting back to buy them. They would have needed slight alterations, but nothing major. And they were marked down and everything! But lo! And behold! My favorite wardrobe angel knew I was coming and found me a pair in a zero! Further marked down! And they only need taking up. And the real bonus – they are a stretch wool blend!!! Woo hooo!

Then a sprint to the bank, meet a friend and see Bond. James Bond. Good fun. In addition the regular kiddie combo snack I get, my girlfriend surprised me – she had bought us each a truffle treat. Mmmm.

We came back here, so I could minister to the needs of four legged members of the household. While I made sure Houdini had some nice baby food, I gave my gal pal a chance to look at my prize book. It got the big thumbs up from her, too Dave!

Then we walked around the corner to May’s Garden (Bejing and Szechuan style food) and enjoyed hot food in cold weather. We had 3 dishes, including two of personal favs: hot & sour soup and General Tao’s chicken. Bonus: there was rice and vegetables in black bean sauce enough for me to bring home for lunch today! My friend assured me the food met expectations, and she’d return.

Third Time Lucky!

Today will make the third time a friend and I have set aside time to catch the new Bond flick. Weather has intervened twice, but today is brighter and sunnier, and it looks like we'll actually get there!

And as we are now truly into December, the festive fires are being lit under my derriere, and I'm trying to get the Christmas gifts finished up. So I'm going to put the laptop aside, clear off a TV table, and get a little jewellery making done. I try to test drive what I put together, so I'll wear last night's effort (the tablet pearl is about 1" by .5", and the bronze pearls hang down when it's not lying on the scanner!) to the show and make sure it doesn't catch and it hangs properly.

Mail Call!

Some days the mailbox is empty. Some days it is full of junk. Some days it is full of requests for money. Some days it is full of bills (a different kind of request for money). And yesterday …

• There was a real honest to goodness stamped and post marked thank you card from the lady who hosted the Snowsuit Fund cocktail party last weekend
• There was a Christmas card (okay, I’m panicking now, I haven’t started!)
• There was an invitation to Sunday afternoon tea (thé russe even)

And then there was a ring of the doorbell, as I was wondering almost aloud how one relatively small person and 2 critters can create quite so much LAUNDRY! Let me tell you, when David Rotor over at Procurement Investor tells you he’ll come up with a prize – he’ll do just that! Sometimes my brother sends me a book from Amazon, so it was a complete surprise to find that the package the fellow had in his hand was from Indigo.ca! Dave totally had me pegged, with a copy of Masterpieces of French Jewelry by Judith Price. (It is also available at Amazon.com.) Eye candy!!!! (Perfect for a snow day.) Thanks Dave!