It has been a very family oriented day. Bruce and I rose early to do a general tidy as we were expecting my sister, Betty, for the weekend. Not even dressed, halfway through the vacuuming and the phone rings. It's Bruce's sister-in-law. "We here in town and want to drop by in 15 minutes for a visit." I never knew housework (including cleaning the bathroom) could be done so quickly but we were ready in time. And it made it so pleasant that it was an extra muggy day. Anyway, Gordie and Jeannette arrived and stayed for about 45 minutes.
Just as they were heading out the door, Betty arrived. Introductions all around before the Farrell branch went on their way. A big hug from Betty before getting her settled in. As her birthday was in July and mine is in September, we exchanged gifts. I gave Betty a book on Yorkshire settlers in Cumberland County and the basket from The Babbling Brook while she gave me her latest book of poetry, "Paper Wings," and a Coronation Street beer stein. We know each other so well.
After lunch and a quick catch up, she and I headed off to the Armsworthy family gathering taking place at the Colchester Legion. Our great-grandmother, Bessie Dobson, was born an Armsworthy. I didn't know very many people there but got a chance to meet Dad's cousin, Nelson, and lots of other relatives from as far away as Alberta.
It was agreed to organize into a society called the Armsworthy Family Heritage Association. Of course I had to open my big mouth when they were discussing how to proceed with the whole thing. Having lead the charge on creating several societies, I advised them on several details. So what happens? I get myself elected President of the new Association. Thank you so much, Betty, for nominating me. After the meeting, we had a chance to socialize a little bit and get to know some of the other family members.
After we got home we headed out for supper at Kegger's but for some reason the kitchen was closed so we caught a cab out to Frank and Gino's and had a lovely dinner. Now mind you, since the social end of the day began, Betty and I have been imbibing just a little bit. While at dinner, who should sit down my our friends, Elaine and Chad Norman, who are celebrating their second wedding anniversary. Had a brief chat but left them to their celebration.
Stopped at the Liquor Store on the way home and picked up a big jug of wine, went home and watched Blow Dry and Sahara. Yes, we did manage to put a fair dent into the bottle before Betty and Bruce headed off to bed at 2:00 a.m. So, here I sit, all on my lonesome at 3:30 a.m. typing out my blog. Cheers everyone! It's been a great day!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
On the Run
It's been a fairly active day so far. Started out with my regular trip to the doctor. All numbers are good: sugar levels are on target, cholesterol is riding the line a little so have to work on that. Weight is up a little but not surprising with being off work for almost 5 months with depression. But, knowing Roya, if I haven't brought it down by at least 5 pounds, the lectures on my health will start. I know she's right; we diabetics can't play fast and loose. Hmm, wonder if it might have been all those Skor Blizzards?
When we left there, Bruce and I went to Fair Trade Cafe for coffee and to read newspaper. I love the atmosphere there. You never know what you are going to get for music; it could be blues, jazz, old rock & roll, an open mic session or somebody reading poetry.
Once done there, we strolled down the street to Jim's Place for lunch. Jim's in Australia for a month then on to China for a year. Sure will miss him. He really keeps everyone smiling. Of course, Denise, who has taken the place over, is no slouch either. She banters with the customers as good as Jim ever did. I have a few of my cross stitches up there. If they sell, that'll be good, but it is nice to have them on display in the meantime.
Spent a little time shopping at the Book Nook and The Babbling Brook while Bruce headed home. Bought an Edward Rutherfurd book, London. For those who haven't read him, he writes in the James A. Mitchener style, covering many generations in the same families. My second book is Here Stays Good Yorkshire by Will R. Bird. It's a quasi-historical novel about the settling of Yorkshire folk in Cumberland, Nova Scotia from where my family, the Dobsons, originated. Doesn't mention the Dobson family but should still be a good read. I then bought a little basket of goodies at the Babbling Brook for my sister, Betty, who is coming down this weekend so we can attend a meeting of the Armsworthy clan, another branch of the family.
From there I attended a board meeting of the Cobequid Parent and Youth Resource Centre for about an hour, headed home meeting Rev. Jay Ettinger on the way. Had a little talk with him, met a couple of his fellow United Church ministers. Now I sit, regaling you with my the details of my day. From here I shall indulge in my secret pleasure, General Hospital. I know, I know, it's junk but I get kick out of it any way.
I also need to review my resume, update my references and portfolio. I have an interview at the Department of Community Services tomorrow for their casual roster. Damn it would be nice to get back there. I loved working with the clients and felt I was really making a difference. I've been on that side of the desk and do my best to treat them with as much dignity and respect as I can. Oh well, keep your fingers crossed for me.
When we left there, Bruce and I went to Fair Trade Cafe for coffee and to read newspaper. I love the atmosphere there. You never know what you are going to get for music; it could be blues, jazz, old rock & roll, an open mic session or somebody reading poetry.
Once done there, we strolled down the street to Jim's Place for lunch. Jim's in Australia for a month then on to China for a year. Sure will miss him. He really keeps everyone smiling. Of course, Denise, who has taken the place over, is no slouch either. She banters with the customers as good as Jim ever did. I have a few of my cross stitches up there. If they sell, that'll be good, but it is nice to have them on display in the meantime.
Spent a little time shopping at the Book Nook and The Babbling Brook while Bruce headed home. Bought an Edward Rutherfurd book, London. For those who haven't read him, he writes in the James A. Mitchener style, covering many generations in the same families. My second book is Here Stays Good Yorkshire by Will R. Bird. It's a quasi-historical novel about the settling of Yorkshire folk in Cumberland, Nova Scotia from where my family, the Dobsons, originated. Doesn't mention the Dobson family but should still be a good read. I then bought a little basket of goodies at the Babbling Brook for my sister, Betty, who is coming down this weekend so we can attend a meeting of the Armsworthy clan, another branch of the family.
From there I attended a board meeting of the Cobequid Parent and Youth Resource Centre for about an hour, headed home meeting Rev. Jay Ettinger on the way. Had a little talk with him, met a couple of his fellow United Church ministers. Now I sit, regaling you with my the details of my day. From here I shall indulge in my secret pleasure, General Hospital. I know, I know, it's junk but I get kick out of it any way.
I also need to review my resume, update my references and portfolio. I have an interview at the Department of Community Services tomorrow for their casual roster. Damn it would be nice to get back there. I loved working with the clients and felt I was really making a difference. I've been on that side of the desk and do my best to treat them with as much dignity and respect as I can. Oh well, keep your fingers crossed for me.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Road to Hell
Mother was right. Seems both sides have found me wanting.
Two days ago from the far right I get: "She doesn't want to take responsibility for the mess she has caused in both the heterosexual and homosexual communities trying to be Ms. Robin Hood."
Today I get: "....The problems arise when people who should be indifferent, aren't. For example, since homosexuality only affects homosexuals, only homosexuals should care one way or the other.....there is no shortage of people who make it their life's mission to oppose things that will never affect them.....I call these people the "Perpetually indignant". They're not happy unless they're all riled up about something. Once they find something they spend vast amounts of energy trying to "rally the troops" into becoming indignant..."
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I think I'm tired now.
Two days ago from the far right I get: "She doesn't want to take responsibility for the mess she has caused in both the heterosexual and homosexual communities trying to be Ms. Robin Hood."
Today I get: "....The problems arise when people who should be indifferent, aren't. For example, since homosexuality only affects homosexuals, only homosexuals should care one way or the other.....there is no shortage of people who make it their life's mission to oppose things that will never affect them.....I call these people the "Perpetually indignant". They're not happy unless they're all riled up about something. Once they find something they spend vast amounts of energy trying to "rally the troops" into becoming indignant..."
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I think I'm tired now.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
My Life as a Woman
I have lived a magnificent 50 years...a full half century. I have seen Elvis (young & old), the Beatles together, the Beatles apart. I have experienced the death of a brother - very dear but very distant - laid him to rest in a little square box. I have born three children and miscarried one. I have married, divorced and remarried. I have been resident in a transition house, worked briefly in one then sat on its board in the position of president. (You've come a long way, baby.) I do not suffer intolerance or the deliberate demeaning of another human being. I love movies and cross stitch. I am addicted to Facebook. I have wonderful friends and hurtful enemies. I have survived two house fires (in the same house). I am in love with Bruce who is my true soul mate and completes my world. I am happy, I am sad, I am even tempered, I am foul tempered, I am easy going, I am a perfectionist. I am wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. I am ...... a woman.
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