gorgeous perspectives from Gold Canyon . . .

Look! I just stole some holiday golf pictures from Mathieu's facebook. I love these!

I have never seen one of these in real life . . . a bobcat!

pushing hope forward . . .

i honestly had something else written for today but, that was before i watched our vice president and president officially take their newest roles in our country. i am speechless. and i am grateful for feeling optimistic again . . . that maybe, and I really stopped believing this, maybe we can be everything we really, really, want to be.

we love, love, love la famille Canada!

Here are a few pictures from our unforgettable/memorable/favorite-holiday-ever, visit with our Canadian family! Martine, Nelson, Jessica, Lise, Michelle, Madeline, Patrick, Mathieu and Valerie flew all the way from Montreal and Quebec to spend the holidays with US in AZ! They left very cold and snowy weather behind and came to see us during one of our wettest and coolest (I hesitate to use the word "coldest" in comparison to Canada "cold") holiday seasons in a very long time! We still managed a lot of fun and they even found a day of golf, horseback riding, a football game and, as you will see, we did get in some other AZ activities too!

The BEST part was seeing everyone and getting to TaLk and LaUgH and TaLk and LaUgH and love every single moment we had together. We still miss you guys! And we cannot wait to visit Canada . . . soon!!

Gift exchange on Christmas day . . . we played the exchange game and I stole my gift--the greatest coffee assortment ever (no picture--but you can believe me)!

Valerie and Mathieu with the most adorable frame box (and they gave it to us!!)

Martine with much loved ornament!

Uncle Michelle--lap gift!

Jessica!

Marie, Patrick, Valerie and Mathieu

This is one of my favorites with Patrick! (why?!!)

We ate dinner together every night . . . we even hosted hot dog night at our house! Somehow we did not capture that particular hd event on film---imagine hot dogs on a grill with my new favorite addition--TOMATOES!!

THE atv adventure!

Amazing quad of cousins!

Jessica and PatrickMathieu and Ross

Valerie and Mathieu . . . couple extraordinaire!

Jessica and Patrick . . . awesome cousin duo!

Patrick speed atv'r!

Valerie and Mathieu atv rockers!

hot dog!

As many of you know, Ross is a hot dog grill master! It is really one of our favorite little weekend traditions and we often serve this little treat to our friends and family. It might seem like a lazy little meal but, we actually do put a little effort (read: heart and soul) into it. With that said, I don't think Ross will mind, too much, if I share a few of his secrets--we are firm believers in everyone's right to a great hot dog!

1) Only all-beef-hot-dogs--preferably Nathan's
2) Grandma Sycamore's Bread (though on more than one occasion we have used bakery bread/rolls)
3) MOST important . . .CELERY SALT!!

Ross carefully grills the hd's while I toast the bread (handy little image!). Ross prefers to have butter on his toast along with mayo, a bit of mustard, sweet relish and topped with celery salt. I personally like mine with a little mayo, sweet relish and celery salt. We also like to add chopped onions and shredded cheese . . . yum! While the Canadians were here we found that sliced tomatoes are also quite tasty, thank you auntie Martine! From time to time, when Ross is not giving me a hard time about it, I also like catchup (shhh! I also add catchup to my homemade corn tortilla taco's, YUM!--yes, an AZ native!). Though according to hd purists, catchup is a true no-no! Whatever! I have also had cucumber in my Chicago O'Hare Airport hd . . .maybe we can dream that tomatoes and cucumber will make this a healthy little meal!

So, during one of my recent blog browsing tours I came across a new site (for me) via recommendation from one of my favorites, A Soft Place to Land. The fun new place, and I am already really digging it, My First Kitchen (aka, Ten Minutes to Digest). I started off chatting about our favorite hot dog tradition so I can better explain the hd amazement I found at MFK: Butter-Suckin' Hotdogs. She offers a recipe (and click on the link for a 4 minute demo) and I am going to make it for Ross! It is the funnest hd idea ever . . . and you do NOT need a grill. But, I do suggest that you have some hd accessories (i.e., mayo, mustard, CATCHUP, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, heart and soul, etc.).

I used to avoid any and all hot dogs! Ross hooked me up with the right hd technique! And now we really must try Butter Suckin' hd's. Try it! Go on!

and hopefully this sums it up . . .

double click to read!

I found this column during my daily blog browsing on Apron Girls. I also have AG listed in my fave's and so I am really quite fond of this site. Today AG posted a column that caught my attention. As I was reading it, from the standpoint of a woman without human children (doggies do count!), I found myself realizing that it might also be necessary for this childless woman to also make a statement. Here is what I wrote on the AG blog:

I am one of those women without children. I am also a human, a friend, a partner, a good citizen and I have always treated children as though they are the brightest part of any day. Time is ticking and now, at age 38, I probably will not give birth but, I will always encourage and love any and all children I am privileged enough to know and especially those I don't know personally. Children need to feel important and loved.

My point, and this is something I have been struggling with for quite awhile and especially the past few days. Dear friends, please stop suggesting that I have missed my opportunity to be a better person by not technically parenting children. When I am continually asked the question: "When are you guys having children" it is so very old and so completely intrusive. Instead of saying "you would be such a good parent" say something like "you are so amazing, thank you for loving my children." Many of us exist and I would suggest that those of us like me would never suggest that a parent has too much time on their hands. We, I, am so aware of the life changing--for everyone--time it takes to have children. With this in mind, please understand that not everyone will give birth to children and we are still living and loving the world we live in.

As I finished writing on the blog I realized that quite possibly I was not being true to myself by posting surreptitiously. Please know that I am not disgruntled or somehow resentful. I have made a lot of choices in my life, most of which I am happy about. I am fortunate enough to have a partner that I love and thoroughly enjoy being with. I have amazing friends--always have. So for now, I remain a happy woman in love with Ross with a happy family of doggies! I hope you will do the same--love your family, whatever it looks like--and please, for the sake of all humanity, stop assuming that I cannot possibly be as happy as you!

two new blogs!!

I love the way new finds excite me--look, I found two new sites today! The first, Buzzings of a Queen Bee, come from a site I often cruise: Today's Creative Blog. Buzzings offers the most amazing ideas and advice. I knew I was completely hooked when I saw one of her recent projects, a repainted brass bed (which reminds me, I need to capture some pictures of my recent iron bed--love it!). Going on, while browsing Buzzings, I found a little pregnant . . . her writing is humorous and so candid. I am already sure I will check in with both sites regularly. Check them out . . . hope you smile!

today!!

I have been lounging around since our relatives left us to go to their homeland--Canada (I have some great photos--someday!) Then Ross was on vacation and then this week I have been a bit under the weather . . . and now a little anxious about getting this 09' thing going. I do not get into the whole new year and therefore new goals sham--way too fleeting. But today I started realizing that I must get into gear. SO, I opened up my saved e-mails folder titled "the universe," an e-mail message I get everyday (except weekends). I get funny, motivational messages that I read, reflect, giggle and sometimes ignore! Then I stick it in a folder. So I thought I would post a few of my recent favorites:

Let's find a new adjective for you, Connie...

How about, supercoolhappylovething?

Yeah, a bit clumsy.

How about, immaculate?

Yeah, ahh, tricky.

So, how about just, adored!?

Yeah, not new.

Last idea, Connie... imaginary.

Oh, that's really good.

Phew,
The Universe

------------------------

Know how to tell which of your new friends, old friends, and former friends actually understand you?

Easy, Connie, the ones who still love you.

I still love you,
The Universe

------------------------

You do realize, Connie, don't you, that there have been others - in lifetimes, millenniums, and civilizations past - who have been to some of the same "places" you've been to? Yet, they got so scared they lost control, turned away, or flat out quit.

Yep, and they surround you now in the unseen. Your greatest admirers.

Thanks,
The Universe

------------------------

Connie, every challenge is a stepping stone to a happier place than you even knew existed.

Oh, the magic,
The Universe

------------------------

Connie, one day soon you will be exceedingly glad for this very path you now tread.


To sign up for daily thoughts: http://www.tut.com/