Why We Love Dogs

This post is in celebration of 1Smartcanerican's new family member, Cassie.

I just know that she will bring you all so much pleasure...

And think how proud you will be when your puppy makes a friend!

Congratulations 1SC and Family!

Salvage the spinach!

GrannyJ shared beautiful pictures of her garden yesterday. So many pretty plants! This post is not about beauty, it's more about survival. We have had a few very hot days in a row, and my spinach plants were withering. I tried to protect them from the heat. This was the best I could do. Not pretty, but seems to be working! Hopefully I will have nicer pictures to share soon 😉

The Pleasure of a Garden

When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.

— Minnie Aumonier

When we moved here there was not a plant to be seen. I really wanted a nice perennial garden- but they are so expensive to buy and it takes time for them to settle in. Then, If you remember a few years ago I saw a sign for a plant sale and went over to take a look- $200.00 later, I had so many little plants that Mike spent days digging new flower beds. I had no idea what would come up, so we just put everything in somewhere and hoped for the best. 

Four  summers later and I cannot imagine not having my wonderful garden.  

Now don't get me wrong. I don't actually do a lot of work in the garden. Except buy a new plant whenever I see a space needing one. I got 3 new Black Eyed Susan's this spring. Often we have to dig another bed because the plants keep spreading. It is wild and overcrowded, and because I still don't remember all that is in the garden, it is always a new experience. And I absolutely love it. 

I think I will turn off all the news for a bit and just enjoy my garden. 

These gorgeous Irises surprised me. I only noticed them when I peeked under some leaves. 

Even the dandelions have a place in our garden. 

Finally some lilacs... ! This was a new bed for hostas last summer. I always think of Marie when I start moving hostas around... ;)

In another few weeks it will be a completely different garden. How great is that, eh?
Bring your coffee, we'll sit outside and chat.

Memorial Day

Thanks to all who gave their lives serving the United States. We will always remember.

Creative thinking

Duh!!!

Our friend Amy shared these newspaper headlines with me. Some of them really point out the obvious! I had a few laughs reading them, I hope you do too. Thanks Amy!!!!

Birthday Party!

Happy birthday, IrishGirl! 

Canadian Musicians #1

We have some great Canadian musicians. I thought you might like to follow along as I remember some of my favourites.

Rita MacNeil was born on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia in 1944. The Canadian Encyclopedia describes her as a "soft-spoken, independent singer-songwriter in the folk, pop and country genres. Her passionate, resonant voice rang with both strength and fragility about overcoming adversity."

Many of her songs are about hard working people, their struggle to survive and their search for happiness.

Mike and I both love this song. We always play it when we are on a road trip.



Her family was large and very poor. Both parents were alcoholics and she suffered for years at the hands of an abusive uncle. Added to this, she underwent a number of surgeries to correct a cleft palate.

Rita became involved in the 'women's movement' in the early 70's and started writing songs as a way of expressing herself.  Her first album, Born a Woman, was a tribute to those fighting for women's rights across the country. As she worked to develop her singing career, her personal life was in turmoil. She suffered from depression and struggled with her weight. But she persevered and overcame a series of pretty significant obstacles to become one of the top selling country artists in Canada during the 80's and 90's.

Here she is with Anne Murray, singing Flying on Your Own.



Rita MacNeil died on April 16, 2013.

Pick and mix

Here's a selection of photos that are good for sharing:

Anybody starting a diet?

Interesting photos

These photos, a concept by Daniel Rueda and Anna Devís, are quite creative. They're both architects, and it shows...

Have a nice week!