HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I welcomed in the New Year, 2007, by ringing our church bells with seven other people. Afterwards, my Mother, our house-guest and very good family friend, Jim, enjoyed a lovely cool, tall glass of Champagne!
In true tradition, I have made a few New Year's resolutions:
1. To keep in better touch with my sisters, and close friends.
2. Not to snack (a lot) during the day.
3. To go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week.
4. To get a job.
5. Not to be too lazy.
-but most of all:
6. To relax at times of stress; not to see all the little things and let them bother me; to worry only about myself (most of the time); and to take naps.
Who's knows which day in January I'll get to before I break all of the above resolutions. However
I live in hope. I wish the very best to all of you. May you keep all your important resolutions, and prosper in your endeavours in the New Year!
xoxoxox

New Pictures

I've finally managed to upload pictures that are ages old! I've put them into postings where they are needed. And, because it's Christmas, I've put links to the postings that have new photos.
Enjoy!
xoxox

"Happy Birthday Eddie"
"They're Finally Done!!!"
"Happy Hallowe'en"
"The Wedding Shower"

Going Home!!!

At last, I'm homeward bound. I have one more class from 11-1, then I'll be free and clean! Ahhhh.
Mmm...warm fires, Daddy's egg nog, Mummy's desserts, my room, the piano, my parents....bliss!!!
Happy Holidays!
xoxox

Happy Birthday Eddie!

My Man turned 21 this year, and in proper style, we celebrated it. I'm glad to report that by the end of all the festivities, he said he was all partied out! His birthday was on the 6th of Dec, and it all started the weekend before. 5 of his friends arrived the Friday, and we had sausage pizza, then the rest arrived for Saturday night. In all, we had about 20-25 young people in our poor little house. I made a cake for the birthday boy, and made sure it was a mature cake for the 21-year-old ;P We had an awesome time. Ed is lucky to have such a large group of really great friends, who have all been so welcoming to me.
Wednesday, he and I had a romantic dinner the two of us. I made him tuna steaks, with buttery mash topped with chives, and fresh green beans. For dessert we had lemon cheesecakes!
The weekend after his birthday, we went to his house for the weekend. His Mum made a roast dinner for his on the Sunday (this is his favourite meal). So, with his Mum, his brother Jack, Bruce (the dog), and with me, he finished the last of his 10 day long celebration.
You only turn 21 once, and Ed's worth all the excitement :)
Happy Birthday, Sweety!
'Till the next year.
xoxoxox

Christmas Gift Ideas for a Woman

I read this comic today, and imediately thought of my Dad. My Mum is definitely not the useless type, and would appreciate this fully. I think the The Canadian Tire commercials should redirect their sales pitches to women as well (no offence, Kev!) :D
xox
click to enlarge

Less Than 10 Days to Go!

WOO HOO! I am nearly half way through my degree! I still have quite a bit to do before then, though. Today I had a University visit day, and I was a tour guide, and tonight is Ed's birthday dinner (I'm making him tuna steaks); then tomorrow class, essay workage, then volleyball in the evening; Friday, Ed and I go to his house for the weekend, where his Mum will cook him a roast for his birthday, and I'm making him another cake; Tuesday is the University carol service at the Cathedral, then I'm going out with a friend of mine, Kayleigh; Thursday is an in-house volleyball tournament, and Friday I get picked up to go home! *sigh* And all in a week and a half.....
Wish me Luck!!!
xox

Happy Birthday Mummy!!!

You've raised three strong girls, married a good man (if I may say so), achieved so much, and continue to do so everyday, as well as teach me something valuable everyday. I always hear people exclaming how talented, wonderful, gracious, full of surprises, etc. you are. I for one agree with them 100%! I am so proud to say that half my genes are from you.
But what do you get for the woman who had done so much for eveyone, and has seemingly endless talents...a drink, of course! Bartender: a 'Queen Mum' for the Queen of Mums! Love you lots Ma, and I always will. Your Darling Daghter, Elly-May xox

Me, my Mother, and my sister Catherine, after our village concert.

La Petit Muffin

In our house we had an honourary dog. She was my Godmothers, and on occasion she would come to play, or for a sleep over with her Auntie-Margaret. Everyone in the house loved little Muffin, and settled into (and played) both houses perfectly. Unfortunately, Muffin had to put to sleep a few days ago. She was unwell and clearly unhappy.
Given that she has brought joy and amusement to so many lives with her little squeaking noises, or her ability to cuddle, a little relief will go a long way for her.
She sleeps now, awaiting the next time someone can come and play with her (and feed her, I'm sure hopes.)

Muffina and her Auntie-Margaret

A clean Muffin...awaiting food.

Happy 6th Birthday Morgan!!!

Have a stupendous day Little Miss. Moo-Berry, this is a fantastic age to be :)
Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?!
Lots of Love, Sweety,
Auntie-Sarah
xoxoxox

Here's the Birthday girl riding one of the 'up-and-down' horsies on the Carouselle this past summer.

My Sister Rocks!!!

I would like congratulate my sister on being awarded her degree: Bachelors of Music (BMus) last week. She has worked so hard for this, and it hasn't always been easy. Everything that goes into that degree, she deserves. On her blog, there are great photos of her fans, as well as a mini-movie that made me cry. I so wish I could have been there to see, and to give her a HUGE hug...but she'll have to wait till January.
Mucho Congratz, Thing! I can't say it enough :)
xoxox

Mummy, Thing, and Daddy (he participated in the ceremony, as he was a prof at McGill for 32 years!!!)

They're Finally Done!!!

So, we missed the opportunity to do this on Hallowe'en, it's okay! For the first time, Ed carved his own pumkin, and I carved one for the first time in 3 years. They sat diplayed beautifully in our livingroom, and our friends got a good kick out of them (especially as they were a few weeks late!). It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and now I get to try to make both roasted seeds and pumpkin soup!!!
xox

Ed, carving his very first pumpkin :)

The end product, in the light.

The end product in the dark......

Remembrance Day

Yet again, November the 11th is on our calendars, and we find ourselves buying poppies for appeals, and wearing them proudly for all the people we personally want to remember as well those we never knew. My Grandfather fought in the war, while my Nana, Grandpa George, and Nana Bettie (correct me parent units if I get this wrong) were involved in other aspects of the action, while my Grandma Isabelle stayed in Canada to look after the 'future' the people were fighting for: my Dad, and Uncle Paul at the time. As I was growing up, no one spoke of details about their experiences. No one needed to, because details were unnecessary. The fact that I, and others in my generation were their to spend time with them, and to live our lives freely, was evidence of the worthy cause. I have always been touched by seeing footage and photos, and know they don't even begin to come close to the reality of it all, and thank goodness! I hope was the man and woman fought for will remain for many years to come. The world wont be perfect, but they fought to make it better, I think succeeded too.
From the bottom of my heart...Thank you!
xox

Click here.....

Happy Hallowe'en

The festival of All Hallows' Eve has always provided great memories for me. Carving pumpkins with my Dad and Mum, dressing up and going trick-or-treating with my Dad (he dressed up too!), and rolling in our bounty collected. I liked wearing costumes my Mum made for me, because I knew they were unique! These days it's never unthought of to make my own costume. For example, this year I dressed up as a French Maid. I wore a black t-shirt, a grey skirt, and made my apron. However, it would have been easier with a sewing machine...sewing on lace by hand was a labour of love! Hope you all had a safe and happy Hallowe'en!
xox

<>My home-made French maid's outfit :)
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<>Me, with Ed before going out.

Autumn Has Arrived!!!

One of the things I miss about Montreal is the change in Autumn foliage. In England there aren't the same rich colours permeating the vistas: reds, yellows, deep purples, bright oranges, and the like. There are some colour changes here: Hedge row berries turning bright orange, and maple trees turning yellow. I've always loved the smell of fallen leaves mixed with rain being blown around. It reminds me of going back to school, frosty mornings, crisp air, trick-or-treating, and eating pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. I love the fact that so many memories I have can be evoked just by smelling one smell.
Enjoy your fall, whatever your traditions! :D
xox

My New Cousin-Once-Removed!
(Sorry this sooo late)

On the 9th in the wee hours of the morning, Isabella Anne was born to my cousins Jennie and Derek. This precious little bundle is their first, and seems to be settling in well with her new family. All the best to the Barrie Clan!
xoxox

Derek, Jennie, and fresh Baby Isabella

Isabella at 2 weeks

Isabella and Grandma Beth (my Aunt)

Well Into the Second Week

Despite the lack of bloggage that's been going on, I am still alive. We have our phone set up, the internet is a work in progress, and I've anti-bacterialized the bathroom and kitchen. My classes this term are really interesting, and I'm enjoying the reading. I've started up at bells, and am well into the swing of volleyball. We had our first mini-tournament yesterday in Calais, France, and WE WON!!! There was some major bum-whoopage going on from both the men's and the women's team...in short we rocked. I foresee a great year for us!
I promise to get something resembling a photo up here, but I can't say exactly when.
I hope all the Thanksgiving preps are going well for people?!
Love to All!!!
xoxoxox

Congratulation Brett and Laura!!!

I hope all the best for this newly married couple. From what I've seen of the two of them so far, I can tell they'll be happy for many years.
I hope your day went as well as you'd planned and wished for. Have an awesome Honeymoon you two!!!
Love you guys
xoxox

The Wedding Party (minus the Maid of Honour...she's taking the photo :p)
(L-R: Mel, Laura, Breina (the little one), Alycia)

Bride and flowergirl...aka Mother and daughter

Alycia (looking gorgeous, Boo!!!)...the Bride's niece

Alycia, Daniel, Pam (the Maid of Honour!), and Breina.

Laura and Pam...can't you tell they're twins?!

Breina and Daniel.....adoring cousins.

Hey Y'all...
I've pre-updated my blog, so make sure you scroll through and catch the ones you haven't seen yet!
xoxox

Vroom Vroom...Beep Beep!!!

Beware on the roads! Look out for a red Volvo station wagon driving through rural OXON...that'll be me!
On Thursday, I took and passed my driving test FIRST TIME! Not bad, eh?
Now all I need is a car....... :S

xoxox

I Arrived Safely!!!

After a very busy day on Sunday, I flew from Montreal to London. The flight was fast, quiet and I slept through most of it. I arrived, (and after a bit of searching) met up with Ed, I guessed I had changed more than I thought...he didn't recognize me!!! We traveled back to Oxford on the bus together, sleeping most of the way. As well as seeing him again, it was great to get back to the Vicarage, see my parents, my sister, and to travel on the left side on the road again. (Seeing as my driving test's on Thursday, I need the practice.) I had an awesome visit, and couldn't have done anything differently to make it better. :)
xoxox

The Wedding Shower

On the 16th, Laura (Pam's sister) is marrying Brett. The day I flew to England, Pam hosted a shower at her house. I offered to do the cake, and help out with the decor. There were women from both sides of the family, getting together to celebrate Laura's wedding. There were games, the clothes peg challenge (no one could cross their legs), and good food.
I wish I could be there for the day, however I can't, so I'll have to rely on photos and family to fill me in.
Best of Luck to the both of you!!!
xox

The Bride-to-be!

Who best immitated Laura's wedding dress...with toilet paper?

Breina playing with the blindfold (don't ask!)

Laura and Pam (middle).

My gift of a cake (it was my Mum's idea).

Duty Shirking

Hey Y'all! Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately. Unfortunately, everytime I got close to a computer, blogger wouldn't work. Then a looking at my picture CD today, and realized it's cracked in two. So, when I get back to England on Sunday, I'll post. So keep your eyes peeled! I've had an awesome visit so far. I still have two days left, and I'm working, packing, baking and decorating a cake, making a couscous salad, going to church, and a pot luck, and then, oh ya, I fly to England......:S Life's never dull, and I'm my mother's daughter. Go figure!
xoxox

Labour Day Weekend Camping

Camping is something I've always done in my family. This year, Fiona, Daniel and Matt went camping at Voyageur Park with me. We had an absolute blast!!! Hot dogs, roasted marshmallows, oatmeal, coffee, struggling with a tarp in strong winds, trying hopelessly to build a fire, good music, Monopoly, and of course, doing Daniels' make up :) (Which he let Fiona and me do willingly, I might add). However, because I just like being in the out of doors, full stop, I would have had fun, no matter what. We came back tired, full of hot dogs, and happy! Good Times.
xox

The tarp in the wind

The fire... sort of.

Fiona with me.

My spoon!

I don't ask the hard questions anymore....

Fiona!

Yes...he's wearing scubba gear....why???

Breakfast, chez camping fire.

Sand bomb!!!

Fiona and Daniel.

Going out to Opera

No, not the musical sort. I got free tickets for the opening of a club downtown called 'Opera'. So, Daniel, Fiona and I got our slap on, and trekked downtown for the occasion. However, we didn't get in, even after waiting over an hour at the door. I now know what a sardine truly feels like. Apparently there was some 'guest list' we had to be on....hmm. So we walked over to Peel Pub for a drink instead. I really didn't pick the right night to break in my new shoes, did I?!
xox

A Trip to the Biodome

The Biodome is where four ecosystems co-exist, in downtown Mtl. Anyone who's completed elementary school, or Guides or Scouting will have come here on a field trip. I hadn't been since probably the age of 12, so when Daniel suggested we go...how could I resist??? Out of all the climates (tropical forest, Laurentian forest, St-Laurence Marine, and Arctic/Antarctic) the Laurentian was the best for me. It was cool, fresh, it smelled Canadian. I always love watching the beaver busily building their dams. (Sorry for the tongue twister!) The Biodome exhibits and cares for the animals very well, so I never get the impression these animals are being kept in captivity. Their living spaces are large and realistic. Plus, at the end of your visit, when you've decided that when you grow up you want to work with animals, you can visit one of the best gift shops I've ever been to. ;) I'm definitely going there next summer, it's a great place to go.
xox

Me, outside the Biodome

An otter asleep

Daniel, in the tropics

A beaver, swimming about.

A skulking iguana.

The most persistent Penguin I've seen.

Fronds, or anenamies... you decide. :)

A big fish

A Puffin!

THE gift shop!