It is about 4°C outside right now. 

Just practicing. 

Here's a nice one. Alt + 0169 ©

The copyright sign! Who knew these things? 

½ of the time I don't know what I am doing, but, google rescues me. -- alt 171

http://www.alt-codes.net/

½ 

Fantastic! Always wondered how folks do this one. 

curious shortcuts ... and goggle is always my friend!  ® Oh - I got a Registered sign instead of Copyright!  I think I missed the 0 (new discovery tho!) - trying again -  © there it is!   

 Let's see -  it's +6½° right now!  °  ° °  LOL! 

And another fun tangent in the room for all thread

Is goggle your friend? LOL

I had a great weekend!

Saturday morning, I ran a 5K race in a neighbouring town to raise money for their food bank.  My time was not as good as previous years (just over 34 minutes), but the weather was beautiful and it was so nice to be enjoying it with a crowd of people that cared about their health and fitness!

I came home to nap, shower, pack, and bake cookies.  Then it was off to church at about 5:00.  

We all got matching t-shirts designed by one of our teens.  They make us look like a team!  Once we were all gathered and dressed to match, we were taken on a tour of the church.  It's a big 100 year-old building downtown that has more nooks and crannies than you could ever explore.

There were 21 kids and 4 adults for pizza, veggies, and cookies.  Most were our Sunday School kids, but four kids brought friends that had never attended with us before.  There was some wild free time (and a movie on in the lounge) before the two littlest girls were picked up by their dads at 8:30.  

Earth Hour was spent with all lights out and flashlights only for a few games of Sardines.  We didn't let them on the balcony or on the chancel (for safety reasons), but other than that -- any place that wasn't locked up was fair game.  Everyone travelled in pairs and had a great time navigating around in the dark.  Two of the younger kids and one adult stood guard in the office with one light on so that there was always an easy-to-find set gathering place.

We ate more snacks, watched another movie, played some card games, and tired ourselves out playing variations of baseball and other wide games in the Upper Hall.  By the time we made it to quiet time it was probably 2:30 a.m.

A big breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit was shared before we had to get all packed up and cleaned up for church at 10:30.  We all showed off our shirts to the congregation and everyone was very impressed that we weren't still asleep on the floor!

When I got home, I napped for three hours before I could even think about the laundry to wash and groceries to buy before the new work week starts tomorrow.  I feel exhausted and fulfilled.  A crowd of kids that big and varied is equal parts trying and delighting; I hope we won't wait until next year to do it all again!

Sounds like a wonderful time!  Those young people will remember that sleepover and fun time for the rest of their lives.  And will remember you and the other adults as role models.

Have a good night's sleep, Hilary!

Heavy wet sticky snow yesterday, followed by freezing rain has continued today.  Bowling cancelled.  School cancelled.

Seelergirl and Granddaughter were sick all weekend - high fever for Granddaughter, sore throats for both.  Fortunately Seelergirl had made an appointment to take Grandson to see the doctor today - just a check-up.  Instead she dropped him here and took Granddaughter in his place.  It turns out both Seelergirl and Granddaughter have strep throat.  So they are on antibiotics.   Probably Grandson had a mild case last week - he ran a fever for a few days but is better now. 

And I keep swallowing to make sure that I'm not getting anything.  It's over a week now since I had my cold.  Would that give me some immunity, or make it more likely that I'll get strep throat?   Would the fact that I had strep throat years ago give me any immunity?  

I guess I just have to wait and see.

I think today I'll tidy the house a bit, read a bit, and cook a chicken for dinner tonight.  In the meantime, I'm thinking of making some bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches.  Anybody want to join me?

Hilary, it sounds like you had quite the weekend!  Glad you had some nice weather for the run, this time of year you never know what you'll get ahead of time!

Some people carry the strep bacteria, don't get sick from it, but can pass it on to others Seeler.  Whether or not you've had it before isn't much of an indicator if you have better immunity to it, I used to get it about 10x a year some years as a kid - then I stopped drinking from water fountains lol.  As long as you don't have a sore throat, don't worry about whether or not you'll get it :)

I love those sandwiches!  I like to put cheez whiz on them first.

I have a sore throat today too.  I actually went a while after getting over the virus without it and my lymph nodes felt normal too.  It's not as bad as it has been, but I can feel the nodes on both sides of my neck and my throat is irritated again.  My feet don't hurt anymore, but I'm still pretty stiff and sore elsewhere.  I think I'm going to skip the dance class I got into before a health session, as last week it was too much combined with a weekend of activities and I wasn't very sore *before* going.  I think today it will definitely be too much.

Trust me, some of us techies are, too. I'm staying on 7 until Microsoft either makes 8 sane (8.1 started moving that way but hasn't gone far enough) or tears 7 from my cold, dead hands (much like they are doing with XP next week).

Mendalla

weather here is 2°   ha ha there I did it! Thanks Carolla.

Hiked around Twin Lakes yesterday with 12 year old triplets and their mom. Sore legs today-but thats ok I'm building muscles!

back to work I go.

Hope your family is feeling better soon . . . and that you don't come down with that strep - I wonder if drinking lots of liquids helps?

BLT's - mmmm, with lots of mayo!  I'm in - virutally, as in reality I couldn't have one (bread, mayo, bacon, and tomato - but I could have lettuce LOL!).

Went to the tea on Saturday, and then the ladies served lunch with leftovers on Sunday . . . it was sure hard to pass up those little sandwiches.  I love them so much.  I had my bean and vegetable soup instead.

chemgal - I hope things turn around for your health soon.

Tabitha, I can't figure out the degree sign on my computer . . . it is a laptop an does not have the number keys.  Everything I've googled says to hit the number lock key and then shows you which keys are your number keys.  I can't find any number lock key on my laptop.  So I will still have to type "degrees" for awhile yet.

Spent the morning at the church handing over a bunch of stuff to the incoming chairperson - is it okay if I whoop and do a happy dance?  I have a variety of areas I volunteer at within my church, and I am still doing one section of the church secretary position as we aren't filling it at this time, and I have 3 projects that I have to complete in the next couple of months.  But I am no longer Chair, and that makes me happy.  No one willing to come is as Vice-Chair though, plus we are looking to fill 5 other positions that will come vacant in the coming year (not all board positions).  Don't know where these people will come from.

Hope everyone has a good day as they enjoy this last day of March!

Hope, peace, joy, love . . .

YES!

Sadly, it was because I had both XP and an old laptop that I had to make the move to 8.1.

I got Windows 8.1 for Dummies out of the local library - but damned if I know how to get two windows up on my screen together........

Still, it's somewhat reassuring to know that my favourite Unitarian, a techie, is having difficulties!

grrrrr - just stopping in for a short rant - why does the church first of all make it so hard to find a form on line; then have it online as PDF that cannot be filled in electronically; requiring printing of said form and they want it MAILED back!  Or I guess it can be scanned & emailed in.  But really - can we not make forms that can be filled in on the computer!! Big dislike for having to do it by hand - looks messy.  Okay - rant over!  Must go find a pen apparently. 

Hope you got your form filled in Carolla .

Thanks Beloved.  I was actually starting to wonder how I would know if the medication was working for me when I started it.    My voice is pretty much normal at least, so it's not as bad as it has been.

Good morning all!

Happy New Month of April . . . want to share any goals you have for this new month?

Happy April 1st - April Fool's Day - be on the watch - don't let anyone fool ya' .

My brother's birthday was today . . . he would have been 71 (has been deceased for many years).  I think of him often, but always today.  He was quite a bit older than me, and I remember one April Fool's Day when I was very little him telling me that there was a bunny in our yard (perhaps it was also close to Easter), and that he thought it was the Easter bunny . . . and that I needed to go and look out the back window.  There was no bunny, Easter or otherwise.  I always think of this when I think of him.  I also remember him re-wrapping a an empty packet of Wrigleys gum and giving me a piece (with nothing in it of course).  On one April Fool's day when I was a bit older it took me all day to think of something to get him back (as we were in school and didn't see each other til lunchtime).  When I tried to pay him back he told me that April Fool's Day ended at noon and anyone who played a trick after that was the April's fool (don't know if he made this up or not - anyone else told this?.  So I always think of my brother on this day.

Have a good day - rejoice in the newness of this day - rejoice in the newness of this new month - look forward with anticipation to the arrival of spring weather.  Let go of any bad or ill-feelings of things that happened in March (if possible) and bring something into your life/being this new month that encourages, uplifts, and accentuates the positive in your life.

Hope, peace, joy, love . . .

Has everyone gone poof???????

I'm still here, Crazyheart .

I'm out tonight, but, I can just say that I am amazed by the volume of good posts on this site lately...and respectful discourse...

awesome

had a wonderful visit with my brother and sister-in-law last night with my oldest son and myself (and my husband when he arrived home).

going out with friends tonight, 

working too hard, but, having some fun with stuff as well..  It has felt that our team was the crew throwing fuel into the train as it drove down the tracks, not caring who or what was in our path or if people were being injured in the train from jostling.  We now seem to be doing a bit more care of who is on the track, who is on the train and the other oncoming trains. It is one of those situations that occurs when we have a major initiative. .I know why we were doing it, but the reality of how much cleanup was going to be required when we hit the destination was getting to me... nice to be able to start on that cleanup now...(in part because people were falling off the train --- aware that I am beating the analogy to death, now)

anyhow, time to head out to see my buds...

chat later folks.

ps....more stuff on wondercafe2 coming your way soon...have i told you how much i enjoy mendalla and chansen!

I'm here CH.  Just grumpy.  I'm trying not to wear myself out, but right now that means doing pretty much anything so I'm bored.  Maybe I should just do something, wear myself out and then at least laying around watching tv and napping feels less boring.

Are you still in school chemgal?  Or is the year finished now?  Just wondering as I was at my alma mater today doing some teaching ... lots of chatter about the coming break, national exams, internships, graduation ... 

I'm on leave right now, but still attending a few things on campus when I feel up for it.  I wouldn't have been able to make it to all my appointments and a health workshop if I didn't go on leave.  Not sure if I'll be back for the spring or not, science grad students don't usually get spring/summer off. 

well, hopefully you'll be feeling up to resuming classes soon chemgal.  

CH, sorry that your health issues continue.  I haven't had that experience, but I wonder if it like when I just would get tired of my responsibilities for work, or my responsibilities for Dad.  I knew that I was grumpy, I knew why I was grumpy, I often knew that there was naught that I could do about it...but being grumpy was how I was going to be...coz honestly, it sucked to be in that situation.

So, let yourself have a grumpy day, hit a pillow, kick something (dont' hurt your toe), and tomorrow will be a better day, I hope

Busy day yesterday.  My dishwasher died the evening before so I started my day by unloading a full load and filling the sink three times for handwashing.  Ugg!   Then a little load after lunch and another after supper.  Went down to the church for my volunteer job of Welcoming (and feeding) those in need of a warm smile and a helping hand.  Back home to try to help Seelerman look at the dishwasher. 

Afternoon - while he went out to scout the stores for the best buy in dishwashers, I had my neighbour over for coffee and cookies.  She is grieving her fil who she lost last week. 

Evening - Church council meeting - a surprisingly good and positive meeting.

Today - Seelerman and I are looking at dishwashers.  He has a few he wants to show me.  (Apparently once a dishwasher is 20 years old it isn't worth repairing - average age is around 10 or 12).

Good morning, seeler

Twenty years is a long time for a dishwasher, i was shocked at the price of replacement racks

Hoping that the hints of spring are working their way to you

Good morning seeler and Pinga, and everyone else who joins in this Rooma For All today!

Some busyness expressed here in the room of several roomies who have many good and wonderful things going on in their lives, as well as a few bumpbs in the road.  Thinking of chemgal, and others, who need some down time to rest, rejuvenate, and heal.

I didn't know dishwashers only had a life span of 12-ish years.  Mine was in this house when we bought it almost 11 years ago and I think the dishwasher was pretty new then.  It is an Inglis.  So I'm sure in the next couple of years we will be looking too.  Let us know what you purchase, seeler - and then you can tell us how you like in the months ahead.

Today (despite 4 feet of snow on my lawn) I am starting to think about flowers and bulbs and seeds and gardens and flower pots.  Just thinking, but it is fun to dream.

Off to do some volunteer work at the church, and perhaps a little outdoor walk after lunch if I have the energy and the day continues to be sunny.

Whatever you are doing today . . . have a great one!

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

Pinga, I think your post up thread is referring to chemgal's ongoing health problems.

sigh, you are right...sorry about that CrazyHeart.  I did mean Chemgal.  (both do have CH, but only Crazyheart is commonly shortformed as CH)

Thanks, I'm doing better today.  When Chemguy got home last night, he had a bunch of stuff for fish (no fish yet).  It's been his big plan for the great room.  On my way down to see all the stuff he bought, the side of my foot just started hurting for no good reason and minus some puffiness looked fine.  Then on the way to bed something in my hip cracked - normal for me, but a few minutes later I had pain in it in a completely different area.  I think my mood was just an indicator that something wasn't right with me.

I really should get out today, I was planning on getting blood work done yesterday but never got out of the house.  For the set before the doctor always wanted it done at the university.  This one I need done 3x, I did the U once.  Not sure if I'll get there today or not, I won't use the private company but there's another hopsital that's closer.

hi folks,

anyone up to having a cup of tea with me?  I figure I get a break, since I didn't even have lunch today, and so Wondercafe was the best place to come and rest.

This week has been quieter than recent ones, but still full to bursting with big stuff.  This weekend is our VOTE to be an Affirming Church, and it has been a lot of good work.  We are confident, and the question is just what will YES percentage be.   Worth celebrating!  Also, I'm expecting to hear about getting a new colleague at the church any day now.  Big news, but very likely, it will mean that my supply minister colleague will be sad.  That means an awkward 3 months. 

At home, my baby is turning 16 on Monday!  I'll be taking him for his G1 test after school.  For a teenager,  he is pretty wonderful.  I just hope he gets some "spring in his step" for his birthday.  He's been seeing the glass half empty lately, and that has been tough.   We have enough of that with my sweetheart working through tough stuff.  He is doing well, but I would SO Love for them to both to breathe more easily and smile more.  Sometimes I get a bit drained by it all.  Ok, I get a lot drained by it all.  *Sigh*

 I must say thanks to Carolla for coffee and ideas this week.  She suggested a good book about teenage minds called "Brainstorms" and it is looking helpful.  Not to mention I felt much more relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards :)  WC friends can do that for you, even in real life!!

Hi Birthsone - don't know if you are still hanging out on the cafe . . . but I am in for tea.  I am actually  having a cup of fennel tea right now.

Lots of exciting news you have shared . . . the whole Affirming Congregation news sounds wonderful.  I dream that someday my church will entertain the work that needs to be done to do that.  But, unfortunately, we are not there yet.  Please keep us posted on your vote and how the meeting went.

A soon-to-be 16 year old son - now that's an exciting event.  I don't know if they still use the saying "sweet sixteen and never been kissed" or not.  Or maybe they just use it with girls?  I'm a mom with a 35 year old son . . . many fond memories of when our family was "the" family unit.  Sorry he is having a rough go, and hope he (and you) is able to find what he needs to turn things around.  That can be hard for a teenager.  And wishing the same for your sweetie.

Sounds like you need some self-care.  Glad Carolla was able to be an encouragement and source of positivity for you.

Wishing you an abundance of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as you journey this path.

Blerg, my 2 req forms are different.  I was supposed to have 3 repeats of these tests.  Not sure what was on the one already done.  Waiting on hold, don't think this is going to get done today.

I had verified my info was all the same on these, I didn't look over the tests on all 3 I guess (plus another form that wasn't to be repeated).

I don't know if I'm just very unlucky or if all these mistakes are that common.

Hi Birthstone it seems like a a really full week to me. Remember my words from years ago. "You are a woman of worth" and your family will benefit from this. They will be fine.

Birthstone, now that I'm done with the phonecalls and Chemguy is fiddling with a fish tank (apparently setting up a fish tank involves going to a hardware store too, and tools were involved) I would love to sit, unwind and drink some tea.

Is a G1 a driver's licence?  If so, you might be feeling a bit more drained for a little while.  My Mom always thought cell phones were stupid, until we started driving!  lol

I'm drained and it's only Thurs.

Things are very busy at work. A co-worker is away that also adds to it but I'm fretting about the students at night.

No word from my middle but she is testing her older brother.

Youngest is a worry-he's back to sleeping days

and I'm not feeling motivated to do much.

There -rant over!

Have some tea Tabitha, it's rooibos so no caffeine so hopefully we can all get a good sleep tonight!

Have you had any luck with getting the paperwork signed between your older two?

Did your youngest ever get a full diagnosis?

Whaz up everyone - this Friday morning?

Tea is on, coffee perking, fruit on a tray, muffins, and scrambled eggs awaiting.

Come and tell me a story . . .

Tabitha - raising kids is tough!   And there doesn't seem to be any particular age when we can say, "It's over.  They are adults.  My job is done."  Mine are a generation older than yours, and I still have times I wake up in the middle of the night and worry about them.  -- not to mention grandchildren????  

But for any of those out there who have raised perfect children, who never give you a moments worry - I'd like to hear from you.   (No, on second thought I don't think I would - I have a neighbour who seems to think her four children, and her grandchildren, are perfect - NOT!)

I made cookies the other day - good nutritious cookies with raisins and oatmeal, and all sorts of good things.  They ain't fancy but they taste good.

I'm happy to share tea and cookies while I trudge through the last day of my work week.  After such an exciting and exhausing weekend, these last few days at work have been a slog.  I can't wait to get home for some rejuvenating rest!

G1 is the first step in Ontario's graduated driver's license.  I remember feeling so nervous and then realising (after the fact) that they weren't trying to trick me into failing.  I'm certain that teen Birthstone will do great!

Mine are far from perfect - but they are mine and I love them to bits.  My parenting was also far from perfect, some things I wish I would have done differently, some things I wish I hadn't said, some things I wish I had said.

Your cookies sound super, seeler.

Hiliary, may your day hold a little treasure or pearl that makes you feel all was worthwhile (and enjoy your weekend to the fullest).

I'm playing on the computer, wondering what to do next.  Have some cards to send, and think I am going to my my gluten free banana bread today.

Did you get your new dishwasher, seeler?

Hey Tabitha, i feel spring is needed for me, maybe for you as well.  I wish that I was closer to pop in and have a real tea with you, or have you join our group on a whine night.

I too have those moments of just argh...glad that you can come here and name it.

Hope chemgal's blerg, Tabitha's rant, and Pinga's argh are lessened by some bright rays of warm sunshine today.

New dishwasher is on order.  It will be ready for pick up in two weeks.  Stainless steel tub.  Adjustable top rack.  Pots and pans scrub setting.  Gentle for stemware.  Quiet.  $150 off - sale price just under $600 (I would have picked cheaper but Seelerman believes in quality.)   

Now my question:   two weeks is a long time to go without a dishwasher.  Won't the dirty dishes get piled up?  won't we run out of clean dishes?   will we have to eat out most of the time?

On a brighter note.   Bowling today - I bowled 92, 83, 96 for an average of 90.3 for the day.  My average todate for the year is 75.   Great day!!!!!