Down for the Count

December 15, 2014

Well I have been out of commission for a week now, all was going great at the gym, enjoying my work outs and bam, I lifted something to heavy and I have been flat on my back ever since. I have been to physio, with little relief, today I have been taking meds every 2 hours and seem to have it under control for the first in a week.
I see the Rheumatologist tomorrow so maybe he can shed some light on it, hoping to get some answers from my bone scan and blood work.
I have been painting and managed to finish a water color last week. I'll share it here.
I think I have Christmas all sorted been  busy sending cards and trying to buy gift cards on line, had to do some email money transfers as it was just to darn hard. I will do one for Mom as well.
Not much to say this week, need to rest some more, will try to update later in the week.

Back to Painting

December 4, 2014
Well it has been another busy week and I had my bone scan today,, will wait for the results of that and hope that it only shows arthritis.
I have been back painting the past week and I have finished a picture of some blue Jays, I am working on some other ones now 3 on the go, one is in water color, I will be sure to post them when they are finished. I haven't done many water colors before so I have to remember that it is never as bright as acrylic painting.
I am hoping to finish a number of paintings and hopefully sell some.
There are a few markets around where we live so possibly I can sell some there.
I have still been going to the gym and look forward to going tomorrow, I was a bit worn out today after the injections and scan so back at it tomorrow.
We have a busy weekend ahead, concert tomorrow night, hubby has lawn bowls in the afternoon, 2 parties on Saturday, hope for a  quieter week ahead then down to Sydney for a few days.
I had a wonderful surprise today, a letter from my grand daughter Keyra, of how I miss my girls in canada.
Here is my latest painting.

 

Today's Quote: Missing someone is your hearts way of reminding you that you LOVE them.

Getting Settled and Into a Routine

December 1, 2014
I know it has been a while since I wrote, but we didn't have adequate internet, now we do :) so I promise to do better.
Some updates, I have been going to physio therapy for a few weeks now and starting to build my core muscles to see if it helps with my back pain.  I have been going to the gym 3 days a week as well as trying to walk on the beach a few days, I find it is much easier on my joints.
Today I am off to see the Rheumatologists and get some answers about my joints.
Things have happened here rather fast and it is so nice to feel like a priority and not a pain in the but, at least that is how I felt in Canada, the wait times are atrocious, no wonder people commit suicide waiting for someone to jsust listen to them.
I have applied for my disability here and hope that I get word on it soon. The benefits out weigh the payments I would receive. The help with medications and other bills would be so nice to have.
December is getting busy, so I must try to keep up at the gym, I am determined to get more weight off, so far I am down 3 Kilos since we arrived, we try not to eat out and I am now baking with sugar alternatives, was going to try dextrose but discovered it is made from corn, which I am allergic to, so I am going to give stevia a try.
I will keep track on my recipes and try to post here or on pinterest, once I figure out how.
Today's Quote: 

New Beginnings

November 3, 2014
Well we finally have internet. It's been a busy few weeks and we have now settled in our new home in Australia. 
I have been to see my breast cancer specialists and had a good report, still need to check in to a few more things. I have seen my new family Doctor 3xs already lol a record compared to Canada. I had some blood work done and everything is going well except my cholesterol is a little high and I will work on lowering that.
I started back to a gym today and was impressed with myself, I did 25 minutes on the elliptical machine and I did some weights, I will try to get back there again on Wednesday with the goal to do better. It's been 4 months since I was at a gym  so I will take it slow. We have been walking on the beach nearly every day and it has been so enjoyable.
Hoping to keep that up on our off days and do some of the coastal walks.
I will post a couple of the pics.

Today's Quote:

On To The Next Journey

October 10, 2014
Well we have been very busy the past few days, doing the big pack up and storing of things. We leave out summer Canadian home tomorrow to spend the weekend with my daughter and then leave on Tuesday the 14th for Port Macquarie Australia. We have a home waiting for us and a car, all of which we bought site un scene, at least by us, we had some great friends there to look them over and we paid the bill.
I have even gotten a new Family Doctor there as well as appointments with my Oncologist and Surgeon, bought a membership at the gym and have set myself up on line so I can start as soon as I feel well enough and over the jet lag. 
Our delivery of furniture is coming on the 17th, will be glad to have that over as it seems I spend most nights while I am asleep moving furniture around.
I will get back to regular blogging once I am settled.
I will miss my family here in Canada and all our great friends, but look forward to being settled and having regular check ups.
Today's Quote:

Fall has arrived

October 1, 2014
You can definitely feel the chill in the air, it makes for a great nights sleep, something I have struggled with all summer. We had our last weekend with the grand daughter's, we took them to a BBQ in Oshawa where we spent some time with my 3 older nephews, their father passed away suddenly of a drowning accident when he was 25, the boys were 4,2,and 7 months of age, they are now 45, 43, 41 how time has flown by, 2 of them are now grandparents, it was great to spend time with them and some of their children and grand children. I am hoping to stay closer in touch with everyone over the next year so we can all get together when we are back in the summer.
Our time at our summer trailer is also drawing to a close, we only have 9 days to stay on here then it is time to lock up and close for the year.
We are hoping for an easy transition to Australia, trying to book the delivery now so we can get settled as soon as possible.
I have booked my oncology and surgeon for the following week we arrive, I am looking forward to seeing them and having a good check up.
Today's Quote: 

It's Getting Cooler

September 23, 2014
The days are getting shorter and cooler, it is nearly time to close up and head to Australia, we will have this weekend with the grand daughters and dinner with my nephews in Oshawa and their families.
Hubby is in the process of buying a boat for next summer, it seems to be all about what he wants these days. I wish he was reasonable sometimes and not being so spoiled, some day's I could scream at his Mom for spoiling him so much. It's a shame she didn't live long enough to see the real man he has become, he is very kind and follows direction well, can't say no and at times appears to be lazy, or deaf. lol I actually think its time to have his ears syringed out again lol.
The next few weeks are going to be very busy getting ready for the next chapter in our lives, just need to buy a vehicle, then we will be all set. We have had lots of help from friends in Australia helping make this all happen, I can't wait to see our new place and get it all set up, I know its allot of work and will be tiring, but I am looking forward to joining a gym again and getting back to the fitness side of my journey. It's been hard this summer with being so busy with moves and so much joint pain.
I have a Doctor in Australia all ready and will see my specialists the week following our move.
Today's Quote about change:
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.
Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
― Lao Tzu
“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.”
― Maya Angelou
“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free 

Vegas baby

September 13, 2014
Well we just had a great 4 days in Vegas with some friends, it was great to catch up with Mal & Ginny, we all went to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Damn, wow can't believe they built that in the 30s.
The sights and sounds were spectacular, it is surely the city that never sleeps, were lucky in that our hotel didn't have a Casino attached so it was very and peaceful for sleeping. The heat was a bit exhausting with all the walking and in and out of air conditioned places.
It seemed we could never get enough sleep to make up for the time changes and long flights.
Not sure \i would go back, I had a melt down at the Grand Canyon, my husband wanted me to go around the edge of this cliff and I couldn't see the other side so I turned back and he was determined I was going to try, I was shaking with fear and I couldn't stop the flow of tears and said please don't make me do it. I said I will go back the way I came, he decided to come with me. I couldn't even stand to watch others get to close to the edge.
So back to reality and exercising, 4 weeks till we fly out to Australia, getting excited.

 

Hoover Damn

Summer is Drawing to a Close

September 2, 2014
Summer is drawing to a close and spring has begun in Australia. We are getting excited to be heading on our other journey, spending part of the year down under. We have sold our home in Sydney and bought a place up the coast. Its been allot of work, but in the end it will be worth it.
We had the grand daughter's for a few long weekends this summer and we had some pretty great times together, from crafts to history lessons and touring the local area. We even had a weekend with Aunt Stacey and Uncle Graham in Ottawa, we enjoyed some mini put and home made pizzas and a board game. Kids today play less and less board games so I try to keep a few around for the girls when they are here.
it will be a while before I see them all again for summer holidays and look forward to next summer. I hate good byes so we will just say see you next summer.
Today's Quote:

By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer's best of weather And autumn's best of cheer.

Good to be Home

August 23, 2014
We have been away for a few days visiting some relatives. It's always great to get to Peterborough and have a visit with John and Lou, I have missed being able to visit with them over the last few years, even though we are in the same country it always seems hard to get the time to go, we are much closer now so no excuses. Then we went to Balsam lake to visit another cousin, what a fabulous place they have on the lake, I can only imagine the sun sets from their deck, I think I will make a better effort to get up for visits next year.
We then headed on to Bowmanville to have a visit with my eldest nephew. I wish for him a kidney, his coloring is off and his feet are swollen, he is on dialysis for 12 hours a day, he is 45 years old, doesn't seem fair, he has at least another 2 year wait, and he isn't the only one needing kidney's, his daughter will, his brother will, its a hereditary condition from his mother's side of the family. I think each time I see them that it is precious time well spend, we have no idea what tomorrow brings.
We arrived home to a burnt out plug on our trailer, so that had to be fixed straight away, we purchased a couple of extra ones for the park owner in case some one else has a problem.
We are getting ready to head to Vegas in a couple of weeks, looking so forward to getting together with some Aussie friends down there.
I had my grand daughters here last weekend and we had such terrible weather here it was so cold, rainy and down right miserable, so we did lots of crafts and did some sight seeing locally. I was a bit sad to take them home as this is their last time for the season. I will miss them until next summer.
Today's Quote:

Crazy Weather

August 11, 2010
We have had some pretty strange weather, and the grand kids are coming and its calling for rain for 4 days, grrrr, I guess I better get some more things in for them to paint.
We have sold our home in Australia for a record amount for our area, now we need to think about where we want to live, I have an idea where I want to go but hubby thinks we need to live on his daughters door step, that is not happening. My nerves couldn't take it. I'd rather be 3 hours further up the coast, a good hospital is near by as well as an airport.
We had some company this past week, friends from Australia, she is doing a teaching exchange in Ottawa.
We went to Kingston and the 1000 Islands, I was in awe of the changes to Boldt Castle, I hadn't been there in 10 years or more, I had tears in my eyes seeing the grandeur of the parts that were finished.
It is well worth the trip if you haven't been in a few years.
Hubby is away at Nascar this week and I will be busy with the grandkids.
Our beloved Grand Dog died over a week ago, we didn't even know he was sick, I am glad it was sudden and he didn't have to suffer

Rest In Peace little Buddy

Where is the Summer Going

August 1, 2014
I can't believe another month has slipped by us, the last week has been so cool and rainy, the grand kids were here and complained several times that it was raining to much. Oh well we played lots of games, they both beat me at scrabble more than once. lol We have lots of fun no matter what we are doing.
Our home in Australia has gone on the market and has sold for a record high number, we expect it to settle in 6 weeks and then purchase a house up the coast closer to friends where we will be on the ocean and not to far from family.
Life here at the trailer is pretty good, we are enjoying things here and our neighbors are very nice to us, I ask them when I am going to town and they do the same, works out all around. I know if I need to borrow something I can go there.
Charlie is enjoying the fishing and kayaking, he has no loss of people to fish with, he will be back on the I need a boat band wagon again as one of our neighbors just got a new pontoon boat, just what he wanted, I have been trying to put him off till next year, we will see what happens.
I was out for a nice walk today, my ankle is doing much better, it still gets sore at times and the dampness isn't helping.
We have our first dinner quests tomorrow, I cleaned all morning, now my back is playing up, I'll try to get out for a walk and see if that helps.
Today's Quote:

Settling In

July 15, 2014
We are settling in, our pack up and load went ok, they sent 1 person to pack up the house, crazy, so I worked my but off helping. I can't remember ever feeling so exhausted, it took trips with the car on the last day to get everything brought to the trailer. What allot of work, I am nearly done organizing everything, the place is taking shape finally and I am feeling less over whelmed. On the Friday night that we did our final move here we just put away the perishables and left the rest, when I went to bed that night my whole body was shaking, when I awoke in the night I was still shaking like crazy, so back to bed I went till 7 in the morning, I felt much better after that.
Most of the people here are very nice, there are a few smart asses, but you get them no matter where you are.
I sprained my ankle a week and a half ago and it is doing better, I did a walk this after with no discomfort, so that's great, I can get back to exercising. If the weather ever clears up long enough I may even get in for a swim.
Today's Quote:

Almost There

July 8, 2014
Well only a few more boxes to take to the trailer and that will be in, the movers come on Thursday to do the pack up and load on Friday.
I had another successful yard sale, came home with only 2 small boxes and another couple of hundred dollars, yippeeeeee.
I have been working on the sale of our Villa in Australia, getting the quotes for a paint and clean up of the rear yard, should be done and ready to go in a week or so. Just need to find a new place over there.
We had a nice chicken BBQ at the trailer park on the weekend, profits went to a Children's camp for kids with cancer. As I was going to the garbage bin I rolled my ankle on a pebble and sprained it, grrr not a good time for this to happen. The Dr at Perth hospital was wonderful, quick and thorough, said to rest it and ice it for a few days, will begin walking on it again today, need to finish the packing and be ready for Thursday.
My neighbor brought me some lasagna last night for dinner so that was lovely, I just had to get Chuck's ready, I had him pick up a chicken so, he got to have it with potatoes and vegetables, trying to be creative with whats left in the refrigerator, so as not to have to much left in there by the load up.
I guess this ankle is going to slow down my exercising but I will endeavor to get in swimming starting on Monday.
Today's Quote:

Time Is Flying By

July 3, 2014
The time is really flying by now, just spent a few days with our youngest grand-daughter Keyra, she sure kept me busy, we had a little birthday dinner for her and gave her our present, a new tablet so she can skype us in Australia. She took it with her nearly everywhere and took lots of photos and videos that were narrated by her. lol She went fishing played at the beach, played games and went for walks with me. I even took her to see her wonderful friend Olive, they same birthdays in the same month. Olive is 102 and Keyra is 8. Such a joy to see the way they interact together.

Keyra & Olive

We only have a week left in this house and then its on to new adventures. I really need to get more active again and get some exercise, I have my water shoes now so no excuse, I must swim more and get out walking early in the mornings before it gets to warm.
We had a lovely day on Canada Day my son and his family came out and so did my daughter, it was a nice surprise, they all got to see where we will be living, I think it met with their approval. I am looking forward to having the time to spend doing some painting and relaxing after the final pack up.
I have been so busy doing 2 moves, selling a house here, buying a place here for the summers and now we are selling our house in Australia and looking for a place to live in there. To much going on. I did sell my car yesterday so one more thing off my plate.
Today's Quote:

Another Milestone Reached

June 24, 2014
Well yesterday marked my 6 anniversary since I had surgery for Breast Cancer, I am feeling very happy to have reached another great year, we are looking so forward to the next chapter of our lives. Rest and relaxation, re-connecting with each other, finding a common bond. Having time to visit all the people we have missed seeing since we came home.
I have felt so tired these last few weeks with the moves and all that some days I can hardly put one foot in front of the other, but it will all be worth it in the end. Just have to make it to July 11, 2014, the final pack up to send things back to Oz. 
My grand-daughter is coming on Thursday for a few days and we have lots of fun things to do, swimming will be her main one, biking, making new friends and lots Art time, Keyra loves to paint pictures, she has a special friend at the Glebe Center that just turned 102, she has made her a card and will do her another painting, we are going to visit her on Sunday. We will drop in to see Aunt Stacey and Uncle Graham as well on Sunday.
I do hope Keyra likes her birthday gift from us. A new tablet, case and some art books to help her with her drawing. The tablet is so she can keep in touch with us while we are in Australia.
Looking forward to a few rest days.
Today's Quote:

It's Volunteer Wednesday

June 18, 2014
Today is my second last day of Volunteering, I have enjoyed doing this for the last 4 years, it helped me have some purpose in life. Seniors have always been a pivotal part of my life, my first job at 17 when I was told no one would hire me because I hadn't finished high school was in a Nursing Home. So began my love of working with Seniors. I worked actively in the Senior Health Care Industry for 25 years until I injured my back protecting a senior from hitting the floor as she fell, I caught her and lowered her down gently. tearing the muscles in the left hip and lower back area, I was unable to work there after several years of trying. So I found another way to give back to the great people who have molded our world, the people who have come before us and marked a clear path for us to follow in their foot steps. I love listening to their stories, making them smile with mine, they love to hear about Australia, I have taken in many pictures to show them, recounted my travels, helped them to remember their own, bring many smiles and sparkles to their eyes as they remember and recount the events in their lives.
Many people say I have a talent that few possess and a patience that many wish they had with their own parents and relatives. I have enjoyed the literary group that I have spent so much time with over the past few years and will come to miss them dearly from the youngest being 53 to the eldest being 102, they all have something to share.
I take small treats in for one lady who's family just can't find the time to spend with her, her greatest joy of each week is Wednesdays, when I show up with a dish of fresh nuts and a piece of fresh fruit, she is always so thankful to me for giving her time and bringing her something so trivial, but it makes her smile, so why not. I will miss her dearly and will try to stop in periodically when I am in Ottawa. 
I started volunteering when I was living in Australia, I use to visit a man who was a few years older than I and had be stricken-ed with MS in his early 40's, I found out he use to play chess and so it began the weekly games, at first he couldn't move the pieces himself, his hands were to tight and stiff, with in weeks I had him not only reaching but making his own moves, I did this weekly until I was diagnosed with cancer and couldn't make the weekly visits, I had a call a few months later telling me John had passed away, I was sad, because he had no family there, see he was originally from New Zealand and played footy for the All Blacks, he passed away alone, but I could take joy in the fact that I had seen him every week for years, making him smile and letting him talk about the 2 loves of his life, footy and his ex wife, who left when he got sick and needed more care, he never stopped loving her.
So as next Wednesday is drawing near I am torn, I will miss my weekly volunteering, maybe after a few weeks I will see if I can do some where my Mom is currently living, see if I can bring smiles to some new faces.
Today's Quote:

Loading up the Truck and Moving to Ridea Lakes

June 12, 2014
Well tomorrow is one of our big days, our move to our Summer Home happens tomorrow. We have a moving company coming to move the bigger things that are to much for us to handle.
Hubby has the day off tomorrow to help out, and we are loading the car up later this evening. I so need a rest, had a visit to the Chiro laxt night and that should fix me up for a few days. I am going to take a painting with me this weekend and maybe I can spend some time working on it. I have 3 to finish by the end of the summer.
I have started to work on water colors so will spend a bit of time on it.  I am hoping to continue lessons once we are settled. In 4 weeks we will be at the summer place full time, I think it will be party time then. We will miss the neighbors, but look forward to meeting new ones, golfing, kayaking and fishing, can't wait.
Once I am settled I will try to keep the blog up better, just been to darn busy.
Today's Quote:

Another Load Delivered

June 6, 2014
Well I made another trip to the summer home yesterday, I took a friend along for the drive, it was a bit rainy and at times it down right poured. So we went and had lunch at Westport first then came back and unloaded. I unpacked a couple of boxes so I can re fill them before the next trip. My friend Michelle made me a lovely blanket over the winter and the colors match beautifully, I will take a picture and share it after my next visit.
Today I have to go to Ottawa and get my new Health card. Then its back home and get ready for a yard sale tomorrow, I am hoping to get rid of a fair bit of stuff that we won't be needing, Hubby has to work so Michelle will be coming by to give me a hand. The next few weeks are going to be very busy.
I did email my Doctor in Australia and found out she has retired and no one took over her practise, so that will be another challenge for me, I am hoping it won't take me more than a week to find a new one.
Today's Quote: 

This is so true:

One Journey is Ending and One is Beginning

June 4, 2014
While I sit here and think of my Journey at Florida Fitness I am very thankful for all the encouragement I have been given over the last year to succeed and become a much stronger person as well as healthier, I feel fabulous when I am not tired, haha. I plan to continue on this path to health and wellness and will get back to exercising on a regular basis once I am finished with my 2 moves.
We started the first of our moves on Friday to our summer home in Canada and we did do a fair bit of walking, the lake is beautiful and I look forward to having a swim once the water warms up. I know that the tiredness will pass once its all done, and I will breathe a big sigh of relief to have it all behind me.
I look forward to going and visiting some friends that I have not seen for many months or even years, time seems to fly even when were not having fun.
I plan to devote more time to painting and am going to start working with water colors. 
The next few months will go by all to fast, I will miss my friends and family here but take comfort in the fact I will see them all in May next year, my Mom is going to find it hard, but I will call her a few times a week and get my sister to have her skype now and then. I have set my grand daughters up with tablets so they can skype as well.
Today's Quote:

Getting on with life

May 27, 2014
Well we are gearing up tp take over our summer place this friday, it has been a very busy time and more to come, we will start moving our things in each weekend until we have movers come on the 13th of June.
I have the girls at the end of June so I would like to be settled in by then.
Ordered Hubby his Kayak and paddle, he is looking forward to kayaking each day. He didn't sleep well last night as he is talking to his boss today about his retirement date, hoping to be done by July 11.
I to am looking forward to his retirement, no more 5 am alarms, we can get up when we want to and go to bed when we want to.
I am looking forward to the long walks and summer swims in the lake, I am planning on still exercising even though I won't have access to a gym, we will manage with the great out doors..
I did manage to finish a painting on the weekend, it makes me think of things to come.

Today's Quote:

It's all happening

May 21, 2014
Wow I can't believe how fast things are going, we did a yard sale on Saturday to sell off some of our extra items that we don't need to keep as we are moving into a summer home with little storage, so its a great time to purge all the things we hang on to forever. The sentimental things will stay as I always find it hard to get rid of the things that bring tears to my eyes to read, or reminisce about times gone by. I am how ever excited to go forward and be able to spend more time with Hubby and friends. I think we all need to stop abd look around us and see what is really important.
My health for me has to be a priority and since I have had the flu twice in a month I feel that just sending the things we have here back to Australia is the best thing for us, its way to much work trying to sell things for practically nothing when I know the item has another 10 years left in it. So after the large items are gone I will work towards our pack up in July. Our yard sale last weekend was a great success, over 600.00 and more to come in, so that will go towards getting hubby a Kayak, he was been wanting one for a while now, and its cheaper than a boat for this year lol ;). We hope to do some golfing with friends and we have already booked a few over niters for the grand daughters, I think they are going to love our summer home.
As for the gym, it has served me well over the last year and I am much stronger for going and lighter, I just find that right now I haven't got the energy to keep it up right now, I continue to get out for walks and lift weights at home, for now that will have to do. I'll miss getting up and going in at 6 am, not really, right now I need all the rest I can get. I believe going to the gym for the last year has been so beneficial for me as I can tell how much stronger I have become. I will certainly join a gyn once we are back in Australia and set up.
Today's Quote:

The Flu Rages On

May 13, 2014
I have been down with the flu since 1 am Sunday, needless to say I didn't enjoy much of Mother's Day, I spent it in bed freezing to death and in severe joint pain on top of getting sick to my stomach, here it is Tuesday and I am glad my Art class was cancelled today, there is no way I could go.
I am also feeling a bit overwhelmed these days, we did find a place to live and now its time for the purging of all things we won't be needing, wow how hard is that to do, it takes so much energy. I am not so sure I am up for this but it has to be done, so the first yard sale is Saturday, hoping for good weather.
I haven't been able to get to the gym as I have been to unwell. hoping to be feeling better next week. Getting tired of jello and ginger ale.
A few pics of our new place.

Today's Quote:

Feeling knocked about this week

May 8, 2014
I have felt really tired and rough this week, had another NAET treatment today and it has made me so tired, I was advised by the Dr not to go to the gym today so I took a nice walk instead, I think a snail would have walked faster than I. All this is to rid my body of the effects of Docetaxel a very strong chemotherapy drug that didn't agree with me 5 years ago and nearly killed me, the side effects are certainly long lasting and I am hoping that some of them may subside after the NAET treatments are done.
I am feeling a bit over whelmed right now with trying to find a place to live and decide what to do with our stuff, ship it, sell it or move some of it. Hard choices until we know where we are going to live. Either way it is out of my hands and should put worrying about it away until I know what is going on. Easier said than done.
Today's Quote:

Feeling more energised today

May 6, 2014
Well I had my first NAET treatment in a month yesterday and it was for one of the chemo drugs I had taken during my cancer journey. Wow did it knock the heck out of me. I was teary emotional tired and just felt like crap, hope that takes care of it and now I should feel a lot better.
I am having a lot to deal with right now, trying to sell a few things and get ready for our move back to Australia, find a place here to live in 4 months a year. yesterday it just all seemed so over whelming, today looks a bit brighter. I even sold my car for July, so I have wheels till then.
I made it to the gym yesterday after dealing with the tax man, we only owe him about 1700. better than I expected. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine.
Today I was there and did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine and then I did some weights at home after.
Today's Quote:

Working on our new adventure

May 2, 2014
Well here we are into May already, we have sold our home and are looking for a park model home to live in during the Canadian summers, we are planning on doing similar in Australia later this year. So I need to get busy preparing things to be sold and some stuff sent back to Australia. The next few months are going to be very busy for us and I want to make the most of the time I have left at the gym as my membership will be ending in a few weeks, so it was off to the gym this morning and I did cardio as well as weights, I didn't get there yesterday as I was very sore and frozen from dental work that lasted most of the day. It seem to knock me about a bit and I think I am still a bit jet lagged after the week to San Francisco.

Hubby and I Under the bridge

Today's Quote:

Volunteer Wednesday

April 30, 2014
It is back to volunteering today at the Glebe, I have promised some pictures from our trip so I must get them ready and on my tablet for the oldies to see today.
I did manage to do some extra exercising yesterday and some weights as well, then it was off to my ART class, which I so enjoy, I am working on a sea scape with a lovely cottage in it, hope to do some work on it tomorrow as I have an early dentist appointment and will be froze most of the morning. 
I made some lovely muffins yesterday, low carb, no sugar and high protein, these are for my husband as I need to find him snacks he will eat that do not include sugar, its time to get his belly under control and before we retire completely. I am also going to encourage him to get out for a bike ride a few times a week.
Here is the recipe I used:

Muffins

Ingredients

1 cup Oats

1/2 cup Flax Meal

3 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Salt

2 eggs

1/4 water

2 tps Cinnamon

2 tbsp Applesauce, unsweetened

1/2 tsp Vanilla

1/4 cup walnuts (optional)

1 cup Frozen Blueberries chopped in the bullet.

Mix together and put in muffin pan, bake 20 minutes at 325 degrees or until done makes 12 muffins at around 70 calories each.

Today's Quote:

I feel very determined right now:

 

April is drawing to a close

April 29, 2014
Well we are back from a great vacation, spent 8 days in San Francisco, caught up with some friends and saw so many great sights. It's always nice to have a tour guide where you are going and ours were wonderful, they put us up for 4 nights, showed us all the out of the way places that you probably wouldn't get to see. We saw the Golden Gate Bridge from every angle there was. So beautiful. 

 Golden Gate Bridge

They claim its always foggy in San Fran, but we had only one day of it and it was our last day there, so no complaints from us.

The Bay Bridge

I went back to the gym this morning at 6 am and did 45 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine, I felt pretty good, I guess it was all that up hill walking I did while away.

I will do some weights later this morning and sit ups.

Glad to be home and back into the swing of things. 

We sold our house on Sunday to a neighbor, so retirement is coming closer for us, looking forward to spending some quality time with friends and family.

Wow where is this month going

April 15, 2014
Can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I wrote. The last couple of weeks were very busy. I was in Napanee for a week helping with my granddaughters, I tried to spend a few hours each day with my Mom and also catch up with some friends. When it was time to come home I did so with a tummy bug and managed to try out every gas station between Napanee and Ottawa and had it for a few days, I still felt yukky on the weekend.I tried to make time to go walking while out of town and did pretty good sticking to the eating plan, the girls like it when I come as I cook everything home made, for them its a treat to have a sit down meal and not be on the run, their favorite is spaghetti and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. They each have 3 or 4. lol
Things are moving along with our house sale I think I have it sold privately and not through real estate, yippy.
Now to find a new place for our summer's here.
I was back to the gym yesterday and did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and then did my weight routine.
I didn't over due it and I felt great when I left, I plan to head there a bit later on this morning.
I have Art class this afternoon and I have a new painting on the go. Its a busy week ahead with our trip to San Francisco coming up on Friday. Looking forward to the break. 
I did try a nice red wine last week while at a friends house it was Cupcake from California, I must try it while I am down there.
A shout out to my beautiful daughter it's her birthday today, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACEY!!!
Today's Quote:

 

Another week has begun

March 31, 2014
Well here we are at the end of March finally and today is a pretty nice day, the sun is shining and it feels warmer out. I am hoping that this is the start of things to come.
My arthritis has been so bad the last few weeks, I have been managing with 30 minute work outs for weeks now and doing some light weights at home after the gym.
So far so good I am coping, I get moving by having hot Epsom salts baths, they seem to get me mobile in the mornings, I can't do the 6 am gym times right now, as of Wednesday I will have a week off I am going to look after my Grand daughters, that should be enough exercise in itself.
I will do some visiting with my Mom and take some time to visit some Aunts and Uncles as well as my gimpy brother's. Two are down and out with hamstring tares and broken legs.
Looking forward to the week ahead.
Today's Quote:

TGIF

March 28, 2014
I am glad to see the end of this week and hope for some warmer weather for next week, the arthritis in my spine has been terrible this week and at times I have been unable to stand straight. A trip to the chiro and lots of ice and heat have helped, I just keep telling myself 5 more years of Tamoxifen, then hopefully the arthritis it causes will dissipate. I can only hope.
I did go to the gym yesterday it was late in the morning and did some cardio, and when I came home I did some light weights. I have been trying to find some exercises that I can do for my arms with out doing push ups as my shoulder won't take the pressure. I found a great you tube video from Livestrong.com and thought I would share it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY1E28bcR6U these are exercise that anyone can do.

4 Best Home Exercises for those Flabby Arms

Staying fit and active during this age of computers and machines is extremely important. Especially since the generation is all about the easy way out.  With washing machines taking over hand washing, dishwashers replacing human hands and vacuum cleaners aiding manual work, one would wonder if we became lazier by the day. Will this laziness not lead to weight and health issues?  Our body will end up having flab all over giving us a feeling of sagging bulging loose flesh…  Are you repulsed by this flab over flow on your body?
Of course, yes!!! And witness to this is the increased number of fitness centres that help us keep fit and trim. But there is one part of our anatomy that is so stubborn that even the best of the fitness centers cannot help reduce it drastically! And those are our arms. It is very difficult to get rid of accumulated fat on our arms, owing to the lack of flexible space for our arms to workout.  But we all know nothing is ever impossible. So here come four of the best exercises to get rid of that unsightly flab. This will also make way for perfect toned arms!!!. And what better way than to do it at home without any need of sophisticated gym equipment.

1.The Windmill:Raise your arms in front of you at shoulder level, parallel to the ground. Now raise your arms upwards and rotate it backwards and down and front again in a 360 degree motion, like the blades of a windmill. Repeat this motion for twenty times forward and twenty times backwards.Benefits:  By the rotation, the upper arms and the shoulders get a thorough workout building strength in the upper arms, shoulders and neck muscles. The biceps and triceps get a toning session here.
2. The Wave Goodbye:
Raise your arms at shoulder level at your sides. Start waving your palms as if you are waving goodbye to someone. Keep your arms still, only move your palms. Speed up the process such that you wave about 100 times in a minute. Do three sets of 100 waves each. Benefits: The waving motion, keeping the arms still, creates a twisting motion in your arms, right from the wrists to the shoulders.  This way, you are stretching all your arm muscles, thus toning your entire arm at once. 
3. The Prayer Pose:Join your hands in a praying pose above your head. Bring your joined palms down to the front of your chest. Raise your joined hands again.  Repeat this up down motion for at least 30 repetitions. Benefits: When you join your hands together, your triceps are engaged. When you move your hands up and down, your biceps are engaged. This way, you are working out your triceps and biceps together therefore toning your upper arms with each repetition.
 4. Arm Stretches:
Raise both your hands above your head. Catch your right wrist with your left hand and your left wrist with your right hand, thereby interlocking your hands. Now with your right hand, pull your left hand towards your right such that your left elbow falls behind your head.
Release the pull and take arms back to center without releasing the interlocking. Now with your left hand pull your right hand towards the left such that your right elbow falls behind your head. Again release the pull and take hands to center. Repeat this for at least two sets of 20 repetitions each.
Benefits: When you interlock your hands, your triceps are engaged. Pulling the hands to the opposite sides creates a further stretch in the triceps thereby toning them. This exercise for flabby arms is great for those who have loose hanging fat on their triceps.
These four exercises are all you need to tone up those great arms of yours, and get in shape for a perfect sleeveless dress.The best part is all you need for these flabby arm exercises are your hands and nothing else. You can do these tiny workouts anytime and anywhere. Have a little spare time? Get to work on those arms.
Hope these help everyone.
Today's Quote: 

 

 

Hump Day

March 26, 2014
Wow another month almost done, where does the time go,, I figure we will go from winter right into summer.
I was at the gym on Monday and did the elliptical machine for 45 minutes and had to run as I had an allergy treatment. We had worked on getting rid of the chemo toxins from my body and I think it worked, I feel less nauseated, we also worked on the air quality of my bedroom, I always seem to wake up stuffy, so we thought that may be the culprit. I will know more in a few days.
Today I will go to the Glebe and spend some time with the ladies I have grown to love and appreciate, their stories are always so inspiring.
I haven't been able to go to the gym the last 2 days, I have been having a terrible arthritis flare up in my spine after painting to long. I did manage to almost finish the painting. Here it is below, have to put the shadows on the chairs yet and then its finished.

I was hoping for summer I think.

Today's Quote:

 

It's Our Anniversary

March 22, 2013
Wow it is our anniversary today and we had another 6 inches of wet snow. Will this winter ever end.
We have been married for 11 years now and this year meant Sterling, so I bought my hubby a sterling silver ring, it is very nice but a bit small so I will take it back and get a bigger one. He seemed a bit surprised when I gave it to him, so I knew what that look meant, he forgot again. What is it with MEN that they can't even remember their damned anniversary. I told him I could be very angry and upset about it, but why expel that kind of energy, and it's not his first time forgetting it. He has said he will make it up to me with dinner and a movie tonight.
Last week was pretty busy and I am sorry I didn't get a chance to blog, but I did make it to the gym each day even if my times were off, made it in the afternoon a couple of times.
Today's Quote: