Lists of 2012 - #22

Listography 2012 - #22 - Things I Miss

1.  My grandparents

2.  Wearing size 10 clothes

3.  Seeing my university friends regularly

4.  Spending time with both of my sisters

5.  Doing Santa gifts and stockings at Christmas time

6.  Baking buns (now that we are eating grain-free)

7.  Teacher's Convention

8.  Seeing all of our grandchildren every week

9.  Getting whole milk from the bulk tank

10.  Gramma's doughnuts

11.  My Mom's pies

12.  Having a dog

Creating - 30 Days of Lists project

Here are the last of the pages that I did for the 30 Days of Lists project.  I love how these lists show a little of who I am and what's important to me.  I wish I had a little treasure book like this from one of my grandmothers!

Day 25 - The Title of My Autobiography

Options:

- She Loved Colour

- Tales of a Travelling Gramma

- Life and Times of the Teacher and the Farmer

- Gardens and Greenhouses After 50

- God, Grandkids and the Good Life

- Finding Your Creative Side - It's Never Too Late!

- Life Is a Pan of Brownies (with kudos to Erma Bombeck)

- I Never Dreamt It Would Be This Amazing

- Lessons from a Perfectly Ordinary Woman

Day #26 - My Morning Routine

1.  Hit the snooze button on the clock radio repeatedly.

2.  Get up at the last possible moment.

3.  Brush teeth while filling kettle with water for tea.

4.  Shower and dry.

5.  Towel dry hair, apply styling cream.

6.  Put Oil of Olay moisturizer on face.

7.  Make a pot of Sweet Wild Orange Tazo tea.

8.  Get dressed (outfit laid out before going to bed last night).

9.  Dry hair - which takes longer now that I've grown this bob.

10.  Style hair, lightly gel and spray.

11.  Go back to bedroom for earrings, jewellery or scarf and watch.

12.  Grab lunch (waiting in the fridge since last night), tea and breakfast (a muffin, sliced cheddar cheese and banana).

13.  Head out to school     UNLESS . . . .

I'm not working.  Then - stay in bed and read until 8:30 a.m. :)

Day 27 - If I Could Do It Over 

I would take more pictures of our everydays when our children were growing up.  What was I thinking to take our children's first photos when they were 10 days old??!!  What about all the newborn details or in the hospital or us as a family?  Moments gone forever.  I am so happy that our kids are doing better!

I would play more and stress less about the house (and hire a housekeeper much earlier on!).  I would read even more stories to our children as toddlers.  I would invite my parents to come and be part of the "doing" years.  I would travel more in Alberta with our kids, including lots of camping.  

I would go to every single trackmeet, volleyball and basketball game, hockey tournament, swim meet and school dance.  I would have kept up the figure skating lessons, gymnastics club, swim club and added dance classes for our girls.

Day #28 - Favourite Foods (actual title was Food for My Last Meal)

- pizza, vegetarian or shrmp and mushroom

-  nachos and cheese 

- salad with nuts, cheese and berries

- pumpkin soup

- raspberry or lemon cheesecake

- shrimp dip on crackers or toast

- brownies

- berries with brown sugar and cream

- chai latte'

- Mom's apple pie

- perogies

- iced tea

- Greek lemon yogurt

- dill pickles

- sweet potato fries

- poutine

- sauerkraut and pork ribs on mashed potatoes

- waffles with whipped cream and berries

- bacon

- baked ham

(and I could go on!)

Day #29 - Songs That Make Me Want to Dance

- anything by the Beach Boys

- rock and roll oldies

- country and western song

- sound tracks from musicals like RENT,  Miss Saigon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, CATS, The Phantom of the Opera

- shautesse and heel 'n toe polka music

- old time waltz music

- songs from my younger days

Day #30 - Letter to Myself

Dear Future Self,

You did the right thing when you decided to retire.  The time you are spending with your grandchildren is precious, beyond anything else you could be doing.  And you have more little ones coming to also treasure.   Offer continually to be a part of their lives and support your children as they parent these little ones.  

Continue to start your day with God and lean on His word and guidance.  Enjoy the beauty He has created and the opportunities He puts in your path.  Remember He has designed you for a purpose - don't waste your one wild and precious life.  You are blessed!

Love,

Crystal

I absolutely loved this project and the lists that I've recorded.  You should try it in September!

Gratitude Gifts Today

 #4176 - #4206

- fresh, crisp green grapes

- playing games

- teachers supporting each other

- planning for summer activities

- rose blooming 

- turkey taco salad for lunch

- new books for little ones

- three day gentle rains

- outside recess on a sunny day

- green leaves in so many shades, shapes and sizes

- moving a little desk right beside mine - and finally getting him to work!

- freshly mowed lawn

- the fresh smell of a spring morning

- reading my book on the patio in the sunshine

- Chinese food for supper

- a full table at meal time

- leather work gloves, holes and all

- clean folded laundry 

- questions and whispers about 'farmer girls'

- little helpers in the chicken house

- red flame banners

- reading stories together

- grade ones diligent in their tasks

- finding new potatoes underneath

- pansies blooming

- sleeping in!

- sitting and letting the memories come

- scent of lilacs just opening

- phone calls

- family photos

- hymns sung in harmony

- all the beauty that He created

- my place in this amazing world

- reading His words

- the gift of His son for my life with Him

Five on Friday

1.  For Moms - who do their best everyday!  I love that the Olympic ads have begun.



2.  I have potatoes left to plant but the rest of the vegetable seeds are all in the ground.  Three days of rain just after I finished planting were perfect.

3.  After many years of not using our chicken coop, we put it back in operation this year.  200 little bits of fluffy yellow have come to live at our farm - much to Miss M's delight!  She was right into taking care of them yesterday, even catching and checking those she thought needed special attention.  Mr. B, on the other hand, was happy to stay on the other side of the box fence :) but he loved filling the feed dishes.  I'm glad we have some animals on the farm for the grandkids to experience again.  Something about Gramma and Grampa's farm without animals just doesn't seem right!

4.  And on that note - I think we need to get some kittens :))

5.  Tomorrow is grass cutting day - or perhaps I should say hay making!  Rain + sun = major growth!

Lists of 2012 - #21

Listography 2012 - #21 - Best Pinterest Finds This Month

1.  Strawberry-Avocado Quinoa Salad

CheekyKitchen.com

2.  GE Monogram Duel Fuel Professional Range - I love the 9 X 13 oven on the side!

ReluctantEntertainer.com

3.  Lime and Coconut Ice Cream

4.  100 Picture Books to Read Before Kindergarten

Gratitude Gifts Today

Going back in my journal to read what I've written each day for the last week and pondering Ann's words today, truly has re-membered me to Him again.  How can I write it and count it and then, just moments later, forget His goodness in my words and my actions?  I am yearning to live more in His image and I despair when I so easily forget.  

Lord, help me to center my heart and my thoughts on you and your grace - every minute of my day.

#4141 - #4176

- a sawhorse at the thrift shop

- winter clothes packed away

- crisp carrots sticks

- new shoes and sandals on sale

- a trip to the greenhouse

- words of wisdom in God's word

- Psalm 139:13-14  For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 

- the safe arrival of beautiful Peyton Mae, a daughter for our son and his wife

- cuddling a tiny baby

- all her perfect little parts - long fingers, dark hair and tiny mouth 

- watching them as parents now

- the incredible miracle of God creating a little person

- picture frames

- wise authors

- text messages

- photos sent via text messages

- no school :)

- asparagus plant

- tea with a friend 

- making meals for a freezer

- greenhouse warmth for peppers

- books for babies

- clean dishes + empty counters

- woodpecker in a tree

- rose buds growing

- childhood memories

- photos in an album

- that my parents bought so many of the yearly school photos

- taco chips and red pepper hummus

- safe travel

- long rows planted in the garden

- fabric for projects

- knowing that God has it all covered

- hearing His voice during worship

- His reminder to ABIDE in Him

- that He makes seeds to grow each springtime

Saturday in the Greenhouse

Time for an update!

About two-thirds of the potatoes are outside now and I did a little digging in one bag today to find an apricot sized tuber!  I think we might actually dump one bag this weekend to see just what's there as it's been 8 weeks since we planted.

I've been transplanting tomatoes as they outgrow their smaller pots and taking them to the greenhouse.  So far there are 50 out there, loving the extra heat.

Peppers also got transplanted this week and they are thriving.  They look so happy!

The only thing we need now is warmer temperatures, especially at night.  Stay tuned!

Five on Friday

1.  I  am the proud owner of some asparagus that I am going to plant in a corner of our garden tomorrow.  A friend found some at a greenhouse and was kind enough to bring me a pot full too.  (Thanks, T!)  I must research more about it but I do know that it takes a long time to establish itself and I won't be able to pick it for at least a few years.

2.  The weather has taken a nose-dive and we are back to cold winds and +12 C for a daytime high.  I hope it doesn't freeze because all the apple trees and saskatoon bushes are blooming and frost would be disastrous.

3.  This week Alberta Health Services released this flash mob video promoting hand washing.  It's filmed in front of the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.  Enjoy -feel free to pass the link along -  and remember to wash your hands :))



4.  I had a busy day cooking in the kitchen:  Vegetarian Pizza with Cauliflower Crust, Sweet Potato Burgers, Beef Burgers, and Quinoa Mac 'n Cheese.   On the agenda for tomorrow:  Banana Bread, Hashbrown Casserole, Chicken Lasagne and Asian Chicken Noodle Soup.  All my contributions to a little freezer-stocking-up project :)

5.  Tomorrow needs to be a "plant the garden" day!

Lists of 2012 - #20

Listography 2012 - #20 - I Love When People

1.  Phone with great news :)

2.  Send cards and letters in the mail.

3.  Smile and laugh.

4.  Pay it forward or do random acts of kindness.

5.  Enjoy playing with children.

6.  Take photographs.

7.  Hold hands as they walk.

8.  Ask about our grandchildren :)

9.  Share good books that they've read.

10.  Have fresh flowers in the house.

11.  Cook for me.

12.  Come to visit.

Creating

I had a rare day at home today and it was absolutely lovely!  Time to transplant some peppers, bring a big vase of mayday branches in to the house, visit the greenhouse and get some flowers, laugh while the grandchildren played in their little swimming pool and then put my flower pots together.  A very good, sunshine-y, full of growing things kind of day!

I want to share a few more pages in my 30 Days of Lists project today.

Day #18 - Family Traditions

- we celebrate Christmas when everyone can be home, no matter what the day is

- we always have a real Christmas tree

- no artificial flowers, no matter what, anytime

- church on Sundays

- brday cake and candles

- phone calls on birthdays and anniversaries

- colouring Easter eggs

- Christmas Eve candlelight service 

Day #19 - Dear House, You Could Make Me Happy By

1.  Keeping your floor neat and tidy at all times, especially when outside comes inside on boots and shoes during busy farm times.  

2.  Washing windows, inside and out, monthly.  It's really a pain to drag ladders around past the shrubs.

3.  Dusting your shelves and nooks on a weekly basis.

4.  Repainting your walls in the year's freshest colours with no moving of furniture, pictures or wall decor.

In return I promise to continue loving you, just as I have for the past 34 years.  I also promise to fill you with friends and family, laughter and good times.  You will be able to share in the fun at all times.  

Your co-owner, 

Crystal  XOXOXOX

Day #20 - Favourite Memories

#1 favourite memory from my childhood:

Summer stays with Grampa and Gramma Hetman at the farm and Alberta Beach:

- revels in the freezer in the pumphouse

- geese sleeping along the garden fence in the afternoon

- walking with Grampa to get the cows

- picking blueberries in the swamp

- Grampa driving into the hayloft from the hill behind the barn

- Gramma collecting vegetables from the garden and eggs from the chicken house in her apron

- sleeping upstairs

- strolls along the pier at Lac Ste. Anne as sun went down

- Gramma baking Dole banana boxes full of doughnuts for us

Day #21 - What Would I Do With One More Hour In My Day

- finish some sewing

- write a letter, send a card, tape up a package to mail away

- finish vacuuming and washing the floors

- create in my studio

- download the camera

- write and post a new blog entry

- read a few more pages in a great book

- organize lunch and clothes for another day of subbing

- talk to and cuddle sweet grandchildren

- bake muffins or brownies

Day #22 - A Care Package Would Have

- photos, lots of photos! 

- magazines like Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart

- chocolate

- a new CD of praise music

- photobooks (thanks, M!)

- pens in all colours

- pretty paper and envelopes

- candles, all sizes and scents

- bright, colorful fabric

- scrapbook supplies

- fresh flowers

- tea in new flavours

- chocolate covered almonds

- a big book with lots of pages (or more than 1!)

Day #23 - Confess

- I don't like to be the centre of attention - I'd rather plan the party for someone else

- I have a hard time being humourous, I'm much more of a practical person

- when I am passionate about something you will know - I can't not tell you

- I love giving gifts to others

- reading is my "escape and dream" time

- I am not really good friends with my rolling pin or pastry crust

- I wish I could hire a landscaper, a weed-puller and a maid - the rest I'll handle :)

Day #24 - I Am Famous For

- brownies

- gifts stashed away for "someday"

- handmade cards

- take photos at family gatherings

- traditional Christmas celebrations

- vacuuming at the last possible moment

- giving books

- shopping for Christmas all year

- coming to school at the last minute

- cooking and sewing advice

- playing with our grandchildren

One more installment to come!  And I am still in love with this project!

Gratitude Gifts Today

#4091 - #4141

- dark brown leather couches

- sun streaming in the bow window

- little blue table with embroidered cloth

- vases for fresh flowers

- fresh flowers for vases :)

- hot and cold running water

- our appliances

- clean pants

- summer sweaters

- scarves

- amber earrings, a gift from Mel & Tyler when they were in Poland

- fancy dresses hanging in the back of the closet

- sweet potato - bean burgers

- "waiting for baby" updates

- pictures books and helpful librarians

- plants rooting and settling in to grow

- still firm and crisp potatoes from last year's crop

- uninterrupted sleep

- swings and trampolines

- 'let's pretend' games

- wrestling

- how strong little people are!

- lemon squares

- meals in the crockpot

- paycheques

- Mother's Day gifts to give

- my parents and their strong and deep faith

- the open door that my parents have on their home

- that my parents are still so very independent

- pepper transplants

- good books to read

- my camera

- homemade flaxseed wraps

- fresh mushrooms chopped for stroganoff

- my Bible

- my Mom's generous heart

- her desire to stay active and alert

- her example of volunteering

- her pie-making expertise

- her love of God

- a $5 sawhorse rescued from goodwill

- sweaters packed away, capris pulled out

- empty canning jars

- a great deal on fabric

- new, oh-so-comfortable shoes

- God's provision for each and every day

- that the law is covered over by His love

- that He made all things beautiful

- the rest that only He can give at the end of the day!

Hello, Monday

Hello, warm weather - I'm so glad you have finally arrived!

Hello capris and sandals.

Hello kids' wading pool - you are going to be well-loved.

Hello day and a half of subbing back in elementary school.

Hello favourite greenhouse.

Hello plants - I hope you will enjoy your new home in my pots.

Hello buds and blooms on apples and maydays and saskatoons.

Hello shovel - time to dig some flower beds.

Hello garden soil and seeds.

Hello seed drills - you are going to be kept busy in the field this week.

Hello lawn mower - your winter rest is over!

Hello phone - I'm keeping you close in case you bring a much-anticipated call.

Hello tomato plants - it's time to transplant you again.

Hello bigger pots - where are you hiding?  I desperately need more of you.

Hello first long weekend of the summer!

Happy Birthday, Samuel!

Our sweet grandson turns 3 today!  Happy Birthday, Little Man - we love you and miss you very much.

playing baseball with Grampa Green

(who only lives 5 hours away!)

from Melinda's blog

Thoughts On Being A Mother

As I worked around the house and yard mostly by myself today,  I had time to reflect on Mother's Day.
Thirty-five years ago, I never knew that:

- our four would grow up so quickly!

- they would find such amazing and caring people to become their life partners.

- my life would really and truly be changed forever.

- I would forget so much about their growing up years.

- I would regret every. single. picture that I didn't take.

- hearing about their every days would bring me so much pleasure.

- their homes would be so open and welcoming to me.

- God would take such amazing care of them, in every situation.

- I would be so blessed to be able to stay home when they were growing up.

- I would appreciate and be so thankful for my own Mom.

- the example of my own grandmother would be uppermost in my mind so often.

- I would really and truly feel like a piece of my heart was walking around outside of my body with each of them.

Being a mom has been a central part of my life all these years and especially since the arrival of our grandchildren, I have been blessed to recognize that mothering was what God wanted me to be doing.  I am so thankful for the privilege that He gave me and these four gifts (and their families!) who have made me so very happy!

Five on Friday

1.  Based on Ann's link earlier this week, I found this wonderful 5 part series, "A Praying Mom" by Courtney at Lil Light of Mine.   Oh, it's good reading and full of wonderful ideas.  You must check it out!

2.  So clever - 7 Motherhood Ideas that I Love - for inspiration and ideas to try, even if your kids are bigger.

3.  Three days of babysitting and seven days of teaching junior and senior high students has been a long stretch of busy days!  I think I need a rest :)

4.  My sister and I have a long tradition of spending time with my Mom around Mother's Day so we are taking her to see a play about mothers tonight.  I hear the play is hilarious and I know we will enjoy each other's company.

5.  I think this Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub from Under the Table and Dreaming would make a wonderful little Mother's Day gift.  I'm sure it smells divine!

Lists of 2012 - #19

Listography 2012 - #19 - Things To Do When It's Raining Outside

1.  Read books

2.  Sew

3.  Scrapbook

4.  Sleep :)

5.  Go out and take photographs of raindrops on leaves

6.  Skype with the grandchildren

7.  Read blogs and check our Pinterest

8.  Play cards and board games

9.  Write letters

10.  Bake bread

11.  Cook something new and complicated

12.  Nothing!

Gratitude Gifts Today

#4061 - #4091

- sweeping out the tree house with a little helper

- planning a picnic when sister gets home

- Maëlle's excitement when she gets ready to go outside

- Helayna telling me that she's painting a gift

- giggling as we played ball together

- after school snacks

- fresh blueberries

- lunch packed the night before

- stretching to teach in junior and senior high school

- apple - cranberry chutney

- lesson plans laid out

- assignments photcopied and waiting

- Smartboard successes

- cards in the mail

- colored file folders and feeling organized

- cooperation

- figuring out what makes high school boys tick

- negotiating new relationships

- leaving early

- good hair days

- 30% sales 

- laughs while they swing

- watching them ride in the tractor with Grampa

- finding almond bark in the fridge

- teaching Sunday School

- that He is my connection to abundant life

- communion reminders of His body and His blood 

- "we are the branches and He is the vine" children's lesson

- discussing the Bible story verse by verse

- messages in Sunday morning music

Dearest Favourite Food of Mine

Dearest Pizza, the fairest of the foods -

I am writing this letter to tell you just how much I adore you!  And to show the grade 5 and 6 students that teachers write when students write.

The sight of you emerging hot and steaming from the oven is one of the best parts of any day that I get to enjoy you.  Your rustic thin crust pokes out around the edges of the pan, baked to just the right shade  of toasty gold.   A thin coating of bright red tomato sauce peeks out from under layers and layers of meat and veggies and then bubbling mozzarella cheese melts smoothly over your toppings, trapping them forever.

Your smell is so enticing, wafting through the house and calling me to come to the kitchen.  The basil and oregano mixed in with summer's tomatoes makes my mouth water.  There is no fooling me about what's in the oven when my nose catches those drifting notes.

But the moment of deepest enjoyment comes when my teeth sink into you and pull away a chunk of all your goodness.  Of course the cheese strings out and a few wayward toppings drop off on the way to my mouth but it doesn't matter.  I capture enough to confirm that you haven't changed a bit since the last time I had a friend of yours and that I still love you best of all.   I indulge in several pieces and then tuck away any leftovers for tomorrow.  For it doesn't matter to me if you are leftover and chilled, you will still taste wonderfully delicious for breakfast or lunch or a snack.

So thank you, my friend, for all the enjoyable meals you have provided for me over the years.  I have cherished every mouthful!

Until our next rendezvous,
Devotedly yours,
Crystal

P.S.  Just to let you know, I've been experimenting with a few of your cousins and I think I have a new favourite crust recipe.  It just makes you even better, my dear!

Hello, Monday

Hello, merry month of May!

Hello green grass and buds opening on trees.

Hello black soil and tractors moving across fields.

Hello long days and short nights.

Hello Super Moon!

Hello high school drama practices.

Hello grade 9 writing samples.

Hello English 20 essay writers.

Hello grandchildren - I'll be over at the end of the week.

Hello Health Advisory Council meeting.

Hello, Mom - Happy Mother's Day!

Hello lettuce and spinach seeds.

Hello little chive plant - I see you survived the winter.

Hello Spring Time!!

Five on Friday

1.  From May 7th to 20th, 4 X 6 photo prints at Costco are 8 cents each!  Time to print a whole bunch of photos.

2.  I am covering a medical leave at the high school for 7 days - and it's challenging but rewarding too.  The grade 9's are getting ready to do the writing component of their provincial achievement testing in 11 days so we are very busy!

3.  Take this little quiz to find out more about the kind of container gardens you might enjoy planting!

4.  We've had some showers this week, the sun has shone and now things are starting to grow!  Buds popping out, grass turning green, fruit tree blossoms growing - yeah!

5.  My favourite little local greenhouse, Sprouts, just re-opened this week and I think a visit over there will be just the right therapy for this weekend :)  I hope you find something fun to do too!

Lists of 2012 - #18

Listography 2012 - #18 - Things I Love About Being A Mom

1.  I get to be friends with my children and their partners.

2.  Sleepovers are even more exciting when they are at the kids' homes!

3.  Sharing hugs

4.  Watching them become parents.

5.  Now I have grandchildren :))

6.  I can be the one to ask for advice.

7.  Going on vacation with my family.

8.  The memories of when they were little

9.  Photographs to go with the memories

10.  The support and encouragement with which my children bless me.

11.  I can help with whatever project(s) they are currently working on.

12.  Knowing that this is how my heavenly Father loves, cares for and supports me.

Creating

Here are some more pages from my 30 Days of Lists project.  Already I love looking back at these even though it's only been a few weeks since I created them!

Day #5 (which I forgot to photograph earlier) - Words to Live By

- I'm sorry.

- Please forgive me.

- I love you.

- Let's talk.

- Can you help me?

- I'm proud of you.

- Good night / Good bye - I love you.

- What would you like to do?

- Gramma, can you come over?

- Where should we go next?

- Let's take the scenic route.

- It's all in God's hands.

Day #10 - Today Was Awesome Because

- the sun shone

- we worked in the greenhouse

- it was Saturday!

- Fabricland had 50% off all fabric in the store

- Costco let me in at 5:53 p.m.

- I had a Chapters gift card to use

- I travelled to Edmonton and back safely

- Kelsey texted me

- I went to bed early - daylight savings time started

Day #11 - Right Now

- I am easing back into babysitting

- enjoying Blake's affection and the way he calls me "Gram"

- enjoying Helayna and Meadow's kindergarten year

- praying for new soon-to-arrive babes

- looking at booking a trip to NB in June

- staying up way too late!

- figuring out photo displays for a 90th birthday party

- reading Deb's pick for April's book club

- doing 4 days of subbing at CSS - and surviving!

Day #12 - Super Powers I'd Like to Have

- photographic memory so I remember where I put things

- grow money trees

- mad baking skills, especially with a rolling pin

- green thumb so plans and seeds grow

- wiggle my nose and have housework done

- pastry making chef

- aerobic breathing for hiking

- fly anywhere in the world

- ability to power nap to gain hours

- super-hostess for entertaining and being prepared

- super human strength to lift things

Day #13 - 10 Years Ago I Was

- 47 years old

- had 1 married daughter

- was teaching third grade

- hadn't travelled outside of North America

- had 3 kids in university

- not blogging

- didn't have a garden

- yearning for a camper and a quad

- only 1 year into not milking cows anymore

- helping with new baby calves from our beef cows

- staying home in spring break

- a scrapbooker, not a sewer

- consumed by my work

So much has changed!

Day #14 - Tools and Toys to Try

- flatiron for hair

- iPad

- scooter

- iPod

- iPhone

- Kitchen Aid food processor

Day #15 - Overheard Today

- "You're our sub?!?!" on day 1

- "Are you coming again tomorrow?" on day 3

- "I wish you could be our teacher everyday." (loved that one!)

- "Why can't I sit here?!?!  That seating plan is for the other room."

- "Can you come back again tomorrow?  I want to work with you again."

- "Let's have her come in to cover those classes."

- "I want to talk to Gramma too."

Day #16 - Pet Peeves

- bad manners, especially at meals

- discussing bodily functions in public

- bath towels not hung up straight to dry

- wild children in public spaces

- not acknowledging colleagues when passing in the hallway

- empty containers put back in the fridge or cupboard

- dirty dishes piled helter-skelter in the sink

- vehicles driven home with the gas tank on empty

- eating from the crockpot before it's finished cooking

- wearing dirty clothes when visiting

- messes on the coffee table

- water splashed from the shower or tub and not wiped up

Day #17 - Favourite Dayz(s) of the Year

- Christmas - any of the days we have our family home to celebrate

- our grandchildren's birthdays

- first day of summer vacation or spring break

- when daylight saving time "falls back"

- vacation days away from home

- camping and quadding days

- paydays

- sleepovers, including going to my sister's

- wedding days

- lazy, weekend days

- sunny days