blog address change

ok as I went to upload pictures form yesterdays projects I found I was once again out of room for photos. I have started another new blog at the address  www.crazyone35.blogspot.com

thanks to all our faithful followers, we appreciate the emails and encouragement to continue our online ranch build. It really is a online photo album but I do love sharing recipes and sites and book reviews ect with you all

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577 - Sheldon finishes his course

Day 577 found us still in the iceberg temperatures..OK it is only -10 at worst but it is cold after all the nice weather we have had. School and work again. Sheldon finishes his last day of his course today and will be home tonight.

Asher visited me at work today while Amanda ran her car to be detailed and oil changed then I gave them a quick ride home. He was funny carrying his ipad watching Nemo... my times have changed.

I left work after 12:30 but made a quick stop at Home Hardware to get my 5 gallon tub of paint shook. I am supposed to be painting the front door interior side but last night I had a brain wave that perhaps I should try to stain it and if it did not work I could always paint over but not the other way around. After looking at stain and talking to Randy my paint guru I remembered the gallon of stain I have left that is the cabinet color. He suggested I should call the paint store that made it to see if it will work on the fiberglass.

front door dilemma, all other doors are the decorators white.. but once I paint I cannot stain.. votes???

Back at the ranch decided to go safe and paint the step stool first. I mixed a bit of my freshly shaken white trim paint into the my blue chalk paint to make a lighter blue for the step stool.

After a bit more procrastination I decided I would do the pine quilt rack I had left natural for years. It was the original inspiration for dark stain as I did a test patch of white last night on the stool and did not like as well as I thought. Below is the second gallon of stain we bought, as you can see there is only about an inch gone, guess I can stain the entire house's wood and more.

I also did a wee test patch on the front door after washing it but did not do dark and took off with paint thinner soon after.

I made goulash for Britt and I then I painted the second coat of blue on the stool. Sheldon arrived home just after 8 as I was finishing up. Shaina got home much later after working till close then watching a movie with Brandon

576 - snow arrives

Day 576 was still bone chilling, fog and hoar frost filled the air. Britt and I took the truck to town to pickup a kitchen table I won on an auction site for $5.

I picked it up at noon just before I picked Britt up from school to run her to Lammle's to try boots on. Shaina met us there only having to babysit Asher until noon. Britt had luck with a pair but Shaina needs another size to try.

these are Britt's choice.

Lunch break was up for Britt so after dropping her back at school I met Shaina for lunch at The Roadhouse. I had the most delicious spinach salad and she enjoyed the taco salad.

I then met a lady to purchase another online item, a carhartt jacket Britt has been wanting.

I then ran Shaina's tip wad to the bank to deposit in her travel fund before heading home. She was already home jumping in the shower.

the gate keeper Julio, for a rub you may pass, actually he would prefer a snack

The snow started to come down just after 3, thank goodness I had a warm fire raging. Britt works after school till nine. Shaina painted my toes before she went to town after 4:30. It seems to wish for simple things and they happen! (last night tub observation) She has supper, workout then yoga date with Gail then Kaylin is taking her to the city for a sleepover bringing her back when they both work tomorrow.

 she calls this color combination "mermaid"

I found out last night that Sheldon does not come home tonight but rather tomorrow night so looks like it is cheezies for me for supper!! :-) I set up our new temporary kitchen table.

I painted the bottom of the step stool in a white to see if I wanted to do the quilt rack that color, this is first coat and not really pleased, Second coat looked better but to stark. I decided to stain it dark first.

The snow let up for a bit then started when I ran to town just before 9 to pickup Britt from work then hurried back to the warm house. She quickly fed the kitties and inside too.

575 - holy cold snap!! Enclave back

Day 575 was a shocker, the temperature was melting all night taking most of the snow but early in the am the fog rolled in and dropped like a stone from plus 5 to minus 7! with a wind!! YUCK!! Britt and I drove the rental car to town for the last time stopping for the mail before dropping her at school. I then had to go fill it up and take to dropoff and get my enclave!!

 goodbye Chevy Impala, 305 km were enough for me

the Buick enclave all back together :-)

I then filled my car and grabbed teas for the girls at work. I left at 2 and ran errands... dropping toiletries off at the womens shelter from Amanda, Kaylin, Coreena and me. Stopping at Sobey's and finally getting the kisselkraut Dr Dave suggested as best probiotic and digestion aid.

A quick check at Shoppers for gift ideas then to load up on groceries, just as I was leaving town I remembered a parcel card from the mail so off to the parcel depot to find it was Shaina's diploma. Now I could head home just before Britt got home off the bus.

Quiet night for us 2, she spent it in the TV room of course watching PVR shows and gossip girl while I did computer work, had a bath and read. There was a simple supper of rotisserie chicken and fried chow mein noodles. Shaina worked her usual two Tuesday jobs then went to Cluny for a hot tub before coming home later.

 looks like these toes need a pedicure!

574 - my Asher Monday

Day 574, I was awake when Sheldon got up for work then back to sleep. I always set my alarm to be sure Britt is up for the bus on Mondays and Fridays but when it went off at 7:25 I could not hear her so checked and she sure enough she was still sleeping. Amazing how she was up and ready for the bus in about 6 minutes. I put a stash of food out for her and off to school she went. I went back to bed about 8 and fell into a coma waking at 9:25, about 5 minutes before Amanda said she was dropping Asher off :-) She was a bit later but seems both Britt and I were cutting it close today!

Asher kept busy with toys including some new ones I pulled out. He became quite a vet and took a shining to Weenie even sleeping with him at nap time. Shaina was up around noon and she took him out to help feed the cats which revived his energy level so no nap until 2 pm.

Sheldon was home from work quick to pack and headed to a course in Edmonton just before 2. Shaina went to town before 3 to work out before work at 4. Britt missed the bus but luckily a teacher Mr Strath who lives in Caresland offered her a ride home. Asher did not sleep really long waking after 3 but kept busy with TV and playing.

Britt, Asher and I watched Cars 2 until he was picked up around 6:15 by his mom then we finished it off. What a good little show!! Shaina arrived home from work just after 9 and we girls watched Hugo until the end messed up, not really worth trying to find the ending, don't highly rate. Spielberg is not winning the Kuhn girls over in last few shows we watched.

 this is Asher making tractor noises :-)

Shaina's wall of family and pets!

573 - final Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn part 2

Day 573 started early with Britt working at 8 am again. The chinook that blew last night continued thru the night and a visible amount of snow was gone by morning as it continued to climb even more. Sheldon brought hot tea back after dropping her off and he watched Changing the Game while I updated the blog

It was then time to sweep and tidy the garage for him while I made another double batch of home made  granola and cleaned. Shaina was up just after 11:30 and just before noon she tacked up Julio and Gail joined them while she ran alongside preparing for her 1/2 marathon.. They were gone for 2 1/2 hours making it almost to town and back.

 the starting line

during the ride snapshot

 nearly home 2 1/2 hours later and about 20 kms and below trusty Julio on auto pilot

Once they were back, I had food made for Julio which he snacked on before Shaina put him back out. I had her a cup of hot soup and she, Sheldon and I loaded up and were off to pick up Britt from work at 3. We headed to the city to meet Travis and Amanda at the movie theater to see the final movie in the Twilight saga, Breaking Dawn part 2. Since there was no line for our 4:30 show being an hour early, we made a quick stop at Costco to pick up Shaina's near 800 pictures including enlargements. The movie was good although there were some changes from the book but it wrapped the series up well.

6:30 Time to load up and head home with a quick stop at Tim's to warm us all up. Back at the ranch I prepared supper of marinated pork tenderloin, perogies and asparagus before we watched Brave. What a cute show! By now it was 10:30 so Sheldon and Britt got ready for bed while Shaina and I watched Super 8. It was great filming for Spielberg but the ending was just OK. I then read my book till 1 while Shaina put pictures in her frames.

572 - KD wins Horse of the Year!

Day 572 had an early start, Britt was up getting ready for work in our room since Dale and Stacie were in the girls bathroom getting ready to go shopping. Sheldon ran her in for work at 8 then came back just before Dale and Stacie headed for the city with a go cup full of coffee I had made them. I had taken out bacon for breakfast but they were gone before I could cook it so I made it and had bacon and tomato sandwiches, yummy!

I spent the morning uploading another 250 pictures to the photo site while Sheldon napped on couch then in bed. Shaina was up and off to meet Gail to go shopping around 11. Travis stopped by just after 12:30, he was planning to do some work at Stouts but the wrong parts changed that plan. He visited till we had to leave for town at 2 to have our infared sauna before picking Britt up from work at 3.

The day was above zero like it has been all week and so sunny. In town there was water melting everywhere. Back at the ranch Dale's had stopped to get other vehicle and headed back to Oyen with their flooring and treasures. Sheldon and I both showered quick to remove any toxins however I did not sweat today in the sauna so may need to drink more water next time. Sheldon did make up for my lack of though. I then loaded up the last of my photos to date , another 83 (at least I hope so.. this does not include the last year of house progress, that will be another time) for a total of 1576 which is a few but at the sale price of .08 each I saved lots :-)

Britt went out to clean Bird's wound that seems to be healing really well although she is worried we should have Dr Julie come in case it impedes her movement. I think she looks as graceful as always when she runs. We could not make last nights Polocrosse awards night with both girls working and Dale and Stacie staying but heard today that KD won horse of the year!! Congrats to her.

I threw in a roasting chicken for supper as Sheldon spent yet more time resting on the couch. Travis came back out later to join us for supper and movies. We watched The Double then Shaina got home from shopping and lobster supper with Brandon and joined us to watch The Cabin in the Woods

571 - Dale & Stacie visit

Day 571 I was up early making sure Britt was up for the bus. I read until about 1am last night but could not stay awake to finish the last 10 pages of book 3 of Mortal series so at 9:30 I finished the book, now I am ready to start book 4!

Shaina was off to babysit Asher for the day just after 9 and Britt worked after school

Mitzy earning her keep.. as Coco and the rest (not visible) watch enviously as she plays with the mouse

Sheldon has today off so loaded recyclables and garbage and headed to town about 12:30 as he had massage number 2 for this week.. What a lucky guy he is!!! I spent the day uploading photos and reloading after errors and by supper had another 745 ready to order.

Sheldon cleaned out the fireplace and started a fire. Dale arrived at 6 and Stacie just after him, we enjoyed a nice visit and chili supper. We then watched a couple movies- The Campaign and SkyFall. Shaina brought Britt home from work around 9:30, Thanks Shaina!!

570 - dublin boots?

Day 570 was another usual day of school and work but at noon I joined back into the work "yoga workout" routine and it felt good actually. I am aiming for Tuesday & Thursday each week until our vacation :-)

Sheldon snapped this shot at work that shows the "stash" better HAHAHAHA

I picked Shaina up from Emily's just after 1 then we dropped eggs at Paetz's and stopped at Lammle's to try the Dublin boots. There was one style there but online I found a couple more. We have 2 of the styles coming in for her to try. Fingers crossed they fit as the will be about half price of Alberta boots.

 these 2 are coming in

 the one below I really like so will try to find

I made a quick stop at Canadian Tire to do a couple returns then Shaina and I headed for home. She needed to get ready for work at 4 and cooked a pizza for her supper. I did searching for the boots and uploading of photos.. I am betting that over a year will warrant many photos sent in to print.

Britt brought the bus home taking time to feed the cats and check Bird's wound. It has almost healed over!! YAHOOO!! Sheldon enjoyed a rest after supper while I continued to load photos and Britt watched her TV shows. Shaina was home from work around 11. By nights end I had loaded 498 photos and that only got me to June 2012 and not including Jamaica, polocrosse and graduation!! Looks like lots more tomorrow to upload

569 - massages & rental car days

Day 569 I was lucky enough to have a massage scheduled thru my lunch hour, Shaina followed me and she too loved Cassandra. We all await her return already as she too is going to Australia in December for a month.

After I dropped and picked up books at the library before going to drop my car with Jody for repair and pick up the rental car. The car I got was a silver Chevy impala, a very plain jane model . There definitely something wet and stinky had been left in it and the smell of carpet cleaner mixed with it is yucky. Already counting the days until the enclave is back to new. I then head to the ranch.

Shaina stayed in to visit and have supper with Brandon. Kaylin had given her Lexi after her vet appointment and she brought her out to us around 8. Britt worked after school. Sheldon loaded up the bale fellow with his remaining 4 bales then cooked steak for our quiet yummy supper. Shaina caught a ride to town with him when he ran to pick Britt up after work at 9. She and her friends are going to the city tonight and she will stay at Emily's. Back at the ranch we watched PVR shows with Miss Lexi snuggled between us. Kaylin picked her up and headed to Calgary just before midnight.

after his shower Sheldon thought he would modify his goatee... to a porn handle bar mustache... end soon Movember!!

568 - sunny trip to Hanna

Day 568 was fairly uneventful. The usual work and school for Sheldon, Britt and I, Shaina babysat Asher and worked Target. I grabbed tea for work girls and worked thru lunch in order to leave early for one of the last few dentist trips to Hanna.

I stopped quick to get Booster Juice's for our drive since it was national customer appreciation day where you got a 2nd one for .99! Then picked up Britt and I drove the way there while she did homework. Amazingly we did to get rain or hail, just sunshine for once. A quick adjustment and chat with Dr Dave and we were back on the road home with Britt driving after we had a quick snack at A&W.

After work Sheldon loaded a bale for a guy just after I called to remind him he had a massage with Cassandra at 6. Britt and I were home just after 6:30. Dr Dave told her in 3 weeks if they are where she wants her teeth to be they can take impressions and the following week removed the clear brackets and insert her retainer. She is thrilled. Sheldon picked up a booster juice after his massage and brought me the bonus, what a lucky day for me!!

We then watched The Amazing Spider Man which was another long movie but it was entertaining. Shaina was home just after 9 but headed to her room for the night until she came to snuggle in the night for a bit :-)

567 - shopping day spree

Day 567 was another day off school in honor of Remembrance day. Funny I did not think of this when I planned my shopping day. Shaina got offered a chance to work so stayed home, Britt and I were up and off to town just after 10. We picked up Amanda and Asher and headed for Cross Iron Mills shopping center.

 Britt trying chairs at a new dining set :-)

First stop was Costco for gifts, this is where the enlightenment hit me that half the city was shopping today!! Next stop Lowes for a replacement composter, last one in stock whew. After searching for a bit we found a parking spot at the mall and began the rest of our shopping spree. Even though it was super busy I managed to load up on many of the items I was searching for.

Just after 4 we loaded up and headed home dropping Amanda and Asher off at 5, filled with gas (cheap at 105.9..who thought I would ever say that about gas) then got home just after 5:30. Sheldon came home soon after having stayed at work late again to solve an issue.

After supper we watched Transformers 3: Dark of the moon.  It was very good but over 2 1/2 hours long. Shaina arrived home at 11 after being stuck yet again with her non winter tired car :-)

566 - Happy Remembrance day

Day 566 awoke when Kaylin brought Lexi up to pee. I heard her for a bit and kept thinking I should get up but soon she was quiet so I think I drifted a bit until I heard bottles clanking around 9. Upon investigation I found her in the office checking out the wine!! Yes Kaylin did not secure the baby gate well and she had been roaming the house for probably half hour leaving a few present piles around the house (5 to be exact) but no piddles. She did leave little teeth marks in my turquoise leather stool. Lesson learned.. never trust a quiet puppy unless you checked the gate yourself :-)

Today is Remembrance Day and we are blessed to live in a country with so much freedom thanks to our brave soldiers who continue to risk their lives for us and others in the world. Thank you to all past and present!

Sheldon started a fire and coffee and we enjoyed a baileys coffee by a fire entertained by the wild puppy. Britt was up at 11:30 after a really good sleep.Of course the other two slept much later. Just before noon Sheldon ventured out to recover a board or two he checked out yesterday to make a coffee table.

He was back fairy soon saying not really what we are needing, he grabbed his gun and ventured out to try a few other buildings and check coyotes, He has seen a few each day on his ventures. He arrived back just before 2 as Kaylin headed back to the city. Britt worked at 3 so was dropped off then a quick stop at Paetz's to pick up fry pan and a sample of wontons leaving them a sample of the almond banana bread and some movies to watch.

Once back home, Sheldon and I finished watching Red Lights which was ok then we started Bowfinger finishing after supper. Funny Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy

Shaina spent most of the day in bed under the weather.. self inflicted weather :-) she did join Sheldon and I for roast pork supper though after I said I made mashed potatoes. Sheldon picked up Britt from work just after 10, he headed to bed while she and I watched Step Up Revolution.

565 - sunny snowy saturday Nov 10

Day 565 I was awake at 7:30 checking Britt was awake getting ready for work, she works at 8 am! Sheldon ran her in and brought back hot chai teas! The sun was shining and the snow glistened. Lexi and Kaylin were up fairly soon after but since I was awake I let her head back to bed around 9 for a bit longer keeping the playful puppy with me.

Sheldon was excited to push snow again stopping to eat some breakfast and make coffee and back out he went to take a bale to the horses. I started a fire and baked regular banana breads as well as a new healthy almond flour banana bread recipe. It was very good.

At 1 a couple stopped out to see out table and bought it right away so we loaded it and sent them off. I was then inspired to vacuum and wash the floors and move furniture.

 looks so bare and open without the table

 furniture rearranged.. just how I like.. change at least once a year

below one of the stools in place close up

The girls finally got moving after 2 but decided to go to town in the truck feigning picking up Brittany from work at 3 but were actually tanning and did not want to drive either of their own cars!! Sheldon continued doing things outside like stating black beauty skidoo and making a path for the wood man to get into the back yard.

The girls were back around 3:30 and about quarter to 4 the Stickman showed up with the wood delivery as did Shannon to go skidooing Kaylin stayed with Lexi who was left on the couch after a nap and she peed on my couch. I took it all apart and washed it. Covers did shrink but hoping with use it will stretch some.

Kaylin headed to town for work just after 4:30. I made a chicken supper and Shannon joined us. Just after 7:30 Shaina and Shannon headed to town and Britt went to bed for a nap. She woke up at 10 saying she forgot to give Lexi her medicine. I said I have given it to her and sent her back to bed sleeping till morning. Sheldon ran a fresh banana bread over to Marvin and Elaine with a thank you card for letting us ride thru their fields. He also grabbed some wine for gifts while there.

Sheldon and I watched Dream House starting at 8, it was a great thriller then started Red Lights but both got dozy so headed to bed where he immediately went to sleep and I read till 11. Kaylin got home from work at 4 am and Shaina was dropped at 4:30 having me open the locked door for her.