Spotted Touch-Me Not

Today, Hugh and I wanted to have a look down the east side of Lynde Shores Conservation Area.  We had been told by friends, that when walking their dog, they saw a snake and a turtle.  So we set off today to see what we could find.  The children were most relecutant to come out with us.  The path was a paved one, we were not expecting it to be so developed.  There seemed to be no access to Lynde Shores from the east side, in fact most of it was fenced off.  We did see a frog or toad jump through the grass but we were unable to catch it.  We think it was a Leopard frog

We walked along and down to the lake by the Ontario Shores Hospital.  There are very large rectangular cement blocks for stopping shore erosion and big boulders.  The boys had a great time walking along.  They dragged Hugh out to see a cave they found.

We found a spot with some picnic tables.  I spotted this little flower growing amongst these boulders.  On closer inspection I realised it was an orchid.  It was very tiny and very orange.  I did pick one flower so that I could look it up in my book when I came home.  Of course after I found it in my wild flower book, it said to never pick!  Well now I know.

It is called a Spotted Touch-Me Not or the Orange Jewelweed.  The latin name is Impatiens capensis.  This plant is found near poison ivy and the juice from it's crushed stems can soothe the itching.  We didn't find much else, at least not today. Note: I didn't take these pictures, I will have to go back during the week to get some pictures

The Latest

Well everyone is home from camp.  Detta would have liked to stay longer, maybe next year.  Miles and Donovan are glad to be home.  Miles has gone xbox mad and Donovan has started playing Lego Star Wars on the Wii.  Detta has spent lots of time watching movies off YouTube.  Two weeks with no tv or electronic games can be an eternity. 

Today Miles and Detta both went to Wonderland with different friends.  I am glad they were able to go.  That is one place I am not really interested in going especially with my sore feet.  Speaking of which, I went to the doctor today and explained my foot/heel pain issue.  One of my sisters told me about plantar fasciitis which I had never heard of.  It seems she was suffering from this also, only she knew what it was.  I have been suffering from this heel pain on and off (more on) for about 6 years.  I had put it down to the cermanic tiles in the house we moved to and being overweight.  Anyways I had my feet xray'd today to check for heel spurs and I have a referral for a foot doctor.  Maybe the pain will be over soon.

I have been knitting some socks but with all this heat I just haven't had the energy.  But I did sign up for a community yard sale with Creative Yarns Inc.  I have sorted through loads of yarn.  I have been very ruthless, I just can't keep all this yarn.  I have found two beautiful cotton sweators that I knit when I was much smaller.  One of them just needs sewn up and the other only needs an edge knit and then sewn up.  Tomorrow, I am going to sort patterns and books that I no longer need.  The community Yard Sale is this Saturday, July 24th from 8:30am to 1:00pm.  It is at 269 Ellesmere Rd or here is Google Map Link.  10% of everything I sell will go to the Cancer Society of Canada.

Frogs!! And Toads

This is from last week, Donovan and his sister caught a Leopard Frog down at the pond in the park.  He was very excited about the frog.  We took the frog back to the pond later that day.  Here are a couple of pictures.

The children are off to camp for two weeks.  The first thing Donovan did was check the little mud pond for frogs.  He found some!!  I was informed that they are Green frogs.












I shouldn't forget the toad that hopped into the church picnic on last weekend of June.  It was an American Toad.  We were just finishing the watermelon eating contest when the toad hopped into our midst.  I really think it made Donovan's day.

The Birthday Party

Donovan's party was a great success.  He was so excited all morning, the time just didn't pass quick enough.  We spent the morning tidying up and blowing up balloons.  Setting the table which we discovered we really couldn't fit 12 people around as our chairs take up too much space.  And then it started to pour with rain so we wouldn't be able to have the pinata outside!

Then finally at 1pm, everyone showed up.  They all had a great time dancing for the first 15 minutes, then the pizza arrived.  Of course everyone seemed to want cheese pizza and we had pepperoni mostly but it all worked out.  There were even leftovers for Miles.  Finally the people from Sciensational Sssnakes!!.  Once they were set up, the children all trooped downstairs for the informational part of the show.  We had been told that they would do a talk first, but as they did their talk, they continually brought out different snakes (there was one turtle).  The last snake was a huge boa constrictor.  At this point, they passed the boa constrictor to some of the children and brought out at

least 3 or 4 other snakes.  The children were all ohh-ing, ahh-ing and lots of giggling.  There were lots of different snakes: milk snakes, corn snakes, an Ontario Water snake, a ball python, an Eastern hog nosed snake.  I took so many pictures.  Donovan was just so excited.  This was really worth it, if you are interested in snakes.  The children had lots of fun getting the boa constrictor twisted around them.  I think Detta liked the boa constrictor.

Once the Sciensational Sssnakes packed up, the children had the pinata.  Hugh held it on a stick so it could be hit.  Donovan was the first one to give it a good whack and the pinata broke on the second hit.  I am sure the children didn't mind as it was stuffed with lots of toy reptiles and candy.  Then everyone came back upstairs for cake.  Donovan loved the cake.  Some of the children even had a second piece.  And now it was time for everyone to go home.  YEAH.

Once everyone left, Donovan opened his presents.  He received some really nice presents and money.  Lucky boy.

Getting Ready for the Big Party

We are putting things together now.  Hugh took the day off and we went shopping for more candy, toys, party snacks and a few assorted things.  I am so glad he was available, I don't think I could have done all this by myself.

I made the pinata last weekend, in the shape of a snake.  It is painted and today Hugh helped me put the tissue paper on.  But first I filled it with lots of toy reptiles - snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators and candy, of course.  The pinata is not any particular snake, Hugh thinks it looks like a hairy caterpillar.  I think it looks great, quite the masterpiece but the glue is going to take a while to dry.  The tissue side is actually the bottom as that is how the pinata will look when it is hanging up.


Meanwhile Hugh was also mixing up the cakes.  We made two chocolate bundt cakes.  Once they were cooled we cut them in half and fit them together like a snake.  Hugh trimmed the head and tail.  The cake is delicious, I suggested we add some chocolate chips for that extra chocolate taste.  Then I iced the cake with chocolate icing,it didn't look much like a snake at this point if you know what I mean.  But I got out the smarties and small ju-jubes and started decorating.  It is a ju-jube diamond back snake cake.  It looks great with the candies on it.  Hugh put together this really big box so we could put it away in a safe spot, ready for tomorrow.

Gr 8 Grad Trip

Detta's hair looks great.  She won't need to wash it for a few days.  I am going to have to try and have Detta let me do her hair.  It is just too expensive to be running to the hairdresser to have it straightened.

I dropped her off at the crack of dawn this morning.  Her Gr. 8 class is off on their graduation trip to Ottawa.  All the girls seemed to pack these enormous suitcases for 3 nights.  I can't even begin to imagine what they have packed but I think they are going to have a great time.  So it is just me and the boys for the next few days.

Getting ready for RDA

I was at Ryerson today.  I signed up for the workshop on RDA (Resource Description & Access).  It looks very interesting, not that I am cataloguing much these days.  The event was put on by the Canadian Library Association.  There were a lot of interesting people there.

It was a long day though.  I forgot my cheque book when I was parking so I had to rush home to get it and missed the train.  I took the GO Train into Toronto.  Then of course I lost my ticket when I got to the station in Toronto so I had to buy another one on the way home.

Hugh took Detta to have her hair done once again.  She had it straightened again.  Tomorrow Detta is off on her Gr. 8 graduation trip for four days.  I thought it might be nice for her to have her hair straigthened for the next few days.

Zoo Visit

Today Donovan and I went to Toronto Zoo.  Miles had some buddies overnight and I think Donovan needed some distraction.  Donovan wanted to join in with the older boys and they didn't want him.  So the two of us headed off to the zoo.  The weather seemed poor so I brought along rain ponchos.

The zoo had the new carousel running so Donovan wanted to give it a try.  Of course he had to sit on a reptile.  The snake seat was a bit boring so he chose an iguana.  It is really beautiful, quite a work of art.  I can see that is something we are going to have to try everytime we go to the zoo.  We had a visit to Stingray Bay, where not only touched the stingrays but the sharks also.  The sharks have very rough skin.  Then it was off to the Australasia Pavilion to see the reptiles.  We took the zoomobile and had the grand tour of the zoo.  Of course Donovan had convinced me to buy him some reptile toys so we were playing with them while we waited for the zoomobile to set off.  The rain had still

not given up at this point and was drizziling.  We toured around the pavilion looking at the reptiles and other animals.  From there we headed towards the Caribou Cafe and grabbed some lunch.

We walked towards the Americas Pavilion.  On the way there was an opening of a new garden celebrating Aboriginal beliefs.  Donovan didn't want to stick around so we continued to walk.  We had a great time looking at all the snakes, other reptiles and amphibians.  We saw a sign for the snake keeper to be onsite at 2:30 so Donovan and I decided to hang around.  We had about 30 minutes to wait.  By now the sun was beating down and it was very hot.  The snake keeper did not turn up at 2:30 so after waiting we decided to head out.  I was a little ahead of Donovan and all of sudden he came running after me that someone was coming with a box with bags in it that were moving so back we went.

Well it really was worth the wait.  The snake keeper brought out a Guyanese Red-tailed Boa Constrictor.  It had a beautiful red tail.  The keeper let a member of the audience hold him and all the children swarmed around him to touch it.  Then she brought out a Eastern Fox Snake.  This snake is native to Ontario, it is a constrictor snake.  She let Donovan hold this snake first.  He was very pleased, it is quite a big snake.  Then other people had a turn to hold on to the snake.  After a bit she asked if Donovan would like to hold on to the other snake, the Guyanese red-tailed boa constrictor.  The snake had been in his bag for a while and she was concerned about him getting too hot.  So Donovan was the only other person allowed to hold on to this snake.


The keeper didn't want may people holding or touching this snake as he was new to being on display.  Donovan was very pleased.  I held him for a bit also.  The keeper didn't want to be carrying two snakes so she let Donovan take the Eastern Fox Snake to hold.  He helped the keeper put the Eastern Fox Snake in his bag.

As we were talking to the keeper, Michelle, I mentioned that we were probably going to buy a corn snake for Donovan.  She said that she owned two corn snakes.  Michelle invited us back to the Americas kitchen and gave Donovan a snake shedding from the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Patrick.  It is big, much bigger than any of the other sheddings he has.  We also were given a bunch of porcupine needles.


It was a great afternoon, one that I don't think Donovan will forget too quickly.

Detta's Graduation

Detta's graduation was on Thursday. It has been days in preparation. The day of the great frog rescue was the start with Detta and I having pedicures. Then the following Monday, Detta had her first facial. A lot of firsts this week. Thursday finally comes around and here I am thinking I can have a nice line in and Detta says when are we getting my nails done! And I still need a handbag!!

We headed off to the same place we had the pedicures and Detta had a French manicure with gel nails. They look really good, I may just have to get some myself. We set off for the Bay to look for a handbag. The Bay didn't have the one Detta really wanted, we should have bought it weeks ago but there was a small clutch she liked. And then after a quick bite at McD's we headed to get our hair done!! Detta had her hair straightened and an updo. I had a trim also, it is so nice and cooler.

I dropped by the school to help set up the food tables but there really wasn't much for me to do. The other mums had everything under control. So I just went home made some pierogies for Detta. Detta put her make up and was ready to go.

The graduation started with all the students walking in. There were a lot of presentations and to our surprise Detta was recognized for having an above 80 average for two terms. Hugh and I hadn't realized how well Detta was doing in school. They played a video which had their student picture and a baby picture of them and there was also a music video to a song by the Black Eyed Peas, "x". At the end one of the students played the song by Green Day, "The Time of our Life". He played really well. After this, there was fruit punch and cake. The students were all very excited. Detta had a dance with her Dad and then we left.

Detta stayed for dance and pizza later. One of the students was having a party after the graduation but we didn't want Detta to go. Not only did we not know the student but it was already 10:30 at night. She will have plenty of time to go to parties in the future. Detta had a great time.  My baby is going into Grade 9.

The Great Frog Rescue

Today, Detta and I were to have pedicures and Detta a facial.  Well the place I booked, I thought was today but as it turns out it was for next week.  So I knew of this other nail place so Detta and I drove over there.  As we were walking in the shop, there were little frogs everywhere.  Anyways Detta and I had our luxury pedicures with fancy designs on our toes.  As I finished my coffee from Tims, I said to Detta, wouldn't Donovan love to see these frogs?  Detta said yes but you aren't going to catch them?  Oh yes I was.  I caught two of the tiny frogs in my Tims cup.  We headed home and showed our frogs to Donovan and Hugh.  They were suitablely impressed. I released them in my front garden.  A few frogs would be great in the garden.

Then we decided to go to Party Packagers to look for party invitations for Donovan's Birthday Party.  We are having the Sciensational Sssnakes!! come to his party.  We didn't find any invitations but we had to go home so on route we stopped and gathered up a whole pile of tiny frogs.  Detta was very upset with us.  But I wanted to put them somewhere where they would be safe.  The parking lot was not a safe place.  

We had to drop Detta off for the school's group performance by the SASS (School Alliance of Student Songwriters) so on the way we stopped at a conservation area, Lynde Shores and released our little frogs.  This would at least give some of them a better chance of survival.  After dropping Detta off, Donovan and I decided we would go back and collect some more frogs!!!  This time we gathered up lots

more.  We dropped by home to show Hugh and the boys.  One of the little boys came with us and we went to Rotary Park to release the rest of them.  Originally I was going to go to the boat launch but we were beaten there by some Canadian Geese and their babies.  We choose several other spots and let them go.

After dinner, Hugh, Donovan and Miles have gone again to collect some more.  I am not sure where they are going to release this bunch but I have asked them to save 10.  We will take them to church tomorrow to show everyone.  And then release up there.

Girl Guides 100th Birthday Rally Day

On Saturday, I went to the 100th Anniversary Celebration for Girl Guides of Canada. It was an all day celebration at Ontario Place. There were approximately 11,000 girls and women attending. The Molson Amphitheatre was packed. But to start at the beginning, Detta and I woke very early and Hugh drove us to meet the bus for 7:20am. It was a bit disorganized as no one knew what bus they were supposed to be on. Luckily we happened to be dropped off right where our bus was sitting. I had a cooler full of drinks and snacks and Detta and I certainly didn't want to be lugging that around. The drinks and snacks were for the journey home.

Well off we went about 25 minutes late but the organizers had staggered the arrival of buses so it was no a problem. After receiving our welcome package we all got our tickets and wrist bands. Since we were early we walked over to the Cinesphere where we were supposed to see a short movie on Girl Guides. I guess they were not quite ready for us since we saw 'North of Superior'. I probably saw this myself when I was little since it was made in 1971.

After we left there we made our way to the Amphitheatre for the opening ceremonies. We had to wait quite some time as some buses were late due to the Gardener being closed. The opening went well and once it was finished, we made our way to our first station. The whole process of moving from station to station was interesting to say the least. There were so many people there, that at times it was difficult to move especially with 23 people and one wheelchair. Some of the girls didn't want to take part in the events and only wanted to go on the rides. We should have just let them go about on their own or broken into smaller groups. It was a long day.

By the time the closing started it was getting much cooler. I wish I had had mittens with me. They called the buses numbers out so getting out of the Amphitheatre was much quicker than in the morning. We were back to the pickup site by about 7:30pm. I was exhausted and my feet were killing me.

Mother's Day

I had a lovely Mother's Day. Hugh made me breakfast which was delicious. Left over potatoes fried, Hugh does a great job of them with an English muffin and cheese. But there were so many potatoes I gave half to Detta and Hugh. Detta gave me a lovely peppermint scrub and the boys gave me some lovely plants for the garden. Donovan also made a flower for me.

Then the boys and I headed off to Church. I think Donovan is really enjoying himself. I may yet have Miles and Donovan baptized. After Church, we went back to Kath's house. Another little boy came along which I think helped keep the arguing to a minimum. Alan made us grilled cheese sandwiches and Miles had crackers and cheese.

After lunch Kath and I looked at the material I had brought over. I wanted to make some knitting bags with them. Knitting bags for my different projects, better than plastic bags and prettier. So I had this lovely purplish silk scarf so we split it in two and had a bag each. It was nice to be able to reuse something rather than purchasing more "stuff". We added some beads on the bottom to give the bags some weight.

I gave Kath her gifts which I had bought at the Knitters Frolic. She loved the antique sock stretchers. I was going to keep one but then I thought that is silly. Who only knits one sock, it is much easier to block both socks at the same time. I will have to buy a set another time (I am only on my second set of socks)

Knitter's Frolic

This morning, I headed off to attend my first Knitters Frolic. It was being held at the Japanese Cultural Centre. Once I arrived I was directed to the overflow parking, it was that busy already. I was very excited. I had decided not to attend any classes this year but I may give them a go next year. Kath was unable to go with me as she and Alan were getting food ready for the Mother's Day dinner which their Church puts on.

Anyways I got inside the building, paid my 5 dollars. There were so many vendors. I bought some lovely types of yarn. All really nice sock yarn. Since I have discovered socks, I can't wait to knit more. I bought a pair of antique sock stretchers for Kath and myself. I also got a free calendar and some knitting markers. There was a lot of different vendors. There was even yarn which you could spin yourself. I don't know if I will go that far. When I left it was pouring with rain but I didn't get too wet.

When I got home I decided to start knitting the little sweater for Detta's teacher last year. She is having her first baby. I am using the Shepherd Classic, it knits up so nicely. I was only about 5 rows into the sweator and realized I had no bright yellow. So I jumped in the car and drove all the way to Soper Creek Yarn. But they didn't have any. In fact she is going to no longer carry this brand of wool. The owner did say she had some at home which she could bring. That was so nice of her to offer but I am sure Kath has some. I am seeing her tomorrow so I can get it then.

RICN

I have started at RICN again in Whitby. They only need me for a couple days a week over the next month. It is a nice place to work, a lovely bunch of people.

Cheese Cakes

Anyways the picture presentation went really well. I picked Joan up and away we went. New Zealand is definitely a very scenic country. It is one place I will probably never make it to. I can't really see my husband doing all the walking that Alan and Katherine did. They did a blog while they were away which is on my list of links. Midway through the presentation, we stopped and had coffee/tea and dessert. The cheese cakes were a hit with everyone.

Yesterday, Kath and I made a whole bunch of cheese cakes. Kath and Alan are having a presentation of pictures from their 3 month trip to New Zealand. It is being held at their local church.

I drove up after the school assembly. Miles was presented with a Lion Leadership Award. He was very pleased with it. Detta was in the Battle of the Books and her team placed 4th, just missing out on going to Provincials. Hugh and I didn't even know she was in it!

I put all the graham crackers through the food processor. Kath mixed in the butter and sugar while I started on the cream cheese. Then we started the dream whip and mixed it with the cream cheese. This is the uncooked, fridge method of cheese cakes. We had a large assortment of dishes to put this all in. Then we had cherries and blueberries to put on top. I took one home and did up a mixture of blackberries and raspberries (which I took back the next day).

Sugar Scrub

Yesterday Detta and I went shoe shopping for her Grad shoes. Detta ended up with some nice shoes, low heels and two pairs of sandals/flip flops. I also managed to find a pair of very nice black slip ons, so nice in fact I may go buy a second pair. We then went over and picked up Detta's friend to spend the night with us.

Detta had this sugar scrub she wanted to make so I had to go out this morning and buy sugar and grape seed oil, not the cheapest oil. The girls had lots of fun measuring and mixing. Donovan also had his hand in with the measuring, though he is not very keen on trying it. I think Donovan thought we were making something you could eat especially with all that sugar. I love all the colours in the containers.

I finished another book this afternoon, 'Diva's Don't Knit' by Gil McNeil. It was very good, takes place in England. I must find the next one to read.

Books

I just finished a book (actually I just sent Detta to grab them from my bedroom). I spent all morning in bed reading and now it is noon. The book is called 'The School of Essential Ingredients' by Erica Baurmeister. It is such a lovely book, I really enjoyed reading it. It was about a cooking class and the lives of the teacher and the students, very sweet.

Yesteday I finished another book called 'The Lost Garden' by Helen Humphreys. It was also a lovely book but had a very sad ending. I cried and I cried.

Anne had a big clear out of books and I have two huge bags to read. I also took about 10 boxes (wine bottle size) to get rid of. I am going to take them to Gnu books who buys back used books. I was going set up an account for Anne.

My New Hat

I forgot to put pictures of my new hat. Well not actually my hat but the hat I knit for Jan's daughter who is having her first baby. The hat matches the jacket my sister Kath knit. I love the colours Kath chose. They look really good. I would have never thought of putting those colours together.

I am still finishing the socks but they are knitting up quickly. I love the socks, I will be knitting more of them.

What a couple of Days

On Tuesday night, Kath called me and asked if I wanted to come over to her friends on Wednesday as she was dying!!! I thought that seemed a bit strange. Why would I want to watch someone dying!! What Kath meant to come and see some fabric being dyed!

So on Wednesday morning after my dentist appointment which went very well except at my next appointment I am having my gums measured. My husband informed me that it is excruciatingly painful, thanks for that darling. Anyways I went to meet Kath. I know Kath's friend also but we will just call her Mrs. P.
Mrs. P was demonstrating how to dye wool for hooking. She was finishing dying the background for a friendship rug. We had a very good demonstration on dying fabric though I can't remember what this method is called.

While the material was cooking/steaming, we went through a bunch of Mrs. P's quilt and rug books. I just might hook a rug myself. I found one of a cow I really liked. I also finished the heel on my sock. We then left there and had lunch in Orono. I had a beef sandwich with fries, delicious. By the time we got to Kath's house there wasn't much time to help pin her rugs but I did get the wool to start a hat to match the baby sweator Kath knit for her friend Jan's daughter.

I was home by 5:30 and started casting on the hat. After a couple of trys I got it right and started knitting. But then it was dinner, Hugh cooked a lovely dinner of baked chicken, vegies and rice. It was delicious. Everyone loves this chicken.

Then Detta and I were off to Pathfinders. We were all meeting at Greenwood Conservation area and going for a hike. Detta and I forgot our whistles, water and flashlights. We were not very well prepared. Anyways the hike was great, what a workout. This is the trail I was trying to find when we went on the snake hunt at Easter. The boys would love this, right by the river and lots of mud. I was so sore, up and down hills. I want to do it again this weekend. My legs and butt were killing me.

I knit more on the hat while watching CSI. I did say I was going to stop watching CSI. The episodes seem to be in for the thrill factor and their lack of wearing protective gear for the crime scene is beginning to irritate me. I just love all the high heels and loose hair!!!!

Today I headed to Kath's early. I was so stiff I could hardly get out of bed but I was there by 9am! We had some coffee and Kath started to put the finishing edge on her carpet. I think it is called 'Queen Anne's Lace'. It is so pretty. I kept knitting at the hat and finished it. The curly q's on the top look so cute. It was a good morning and afternoon.

I had a really had a surprise when I came into work. I had a message from one of the staff in the fashion dept. Earlier in the week I had bought some raffle tickets and then you put them in the envelope of the item that interests you. Well I had put all of mine in this Dior make up set (there were quite a few of them). So guess what, I won one!!! YES. I better go and buy a lottery ticket now.