Our Baby

Yes at our age we do have a baby, a four footed furry baby. She came to us in a special way.
Just before Christmas in 2003, my sister-in-law phone us to ask if we could look after a stray kitten they had. It was Christmas morning when they brought her over, wet and miserable looking.

Here is her story.

I was cold and hungry and only about 6 months old. I needed help. A ladder was leaning up against a house and I climbed it. Then I saw a high chimney and felt heat coming from it. So I climbed it to get warm but in my haste to do so I fell down inside the chimney to the bottom. I meowed and meowed and meowed for what I felt was a long time. I couldn't lick myself clean as the stuff that coated my fur tasted awful. When I was finally found I was weak with hunger. I found myself being bathed and fed.

It wasn't until the next day after listening to the noise coming from the bottom of the chimney that investigating discovered a kitten and not birds as had been thought.  She was covered in soot. A pitiful meow arose when she was bathed and it took three or four baths to get the soot off of her.
They couldn't keep her as their own cats would attack it and besides that they were going into Winnipeg to see their daughter so they needed someone to look after this little kitten. 

Here is where we come into the picture. Christmas morning, we get a phone call asking us to look after a kitten as they couldn't leave it at home with the other cats. We said okay and along with the kitten came a litter box and food. She hid under our bed for the first three days only coming out to use the litter box or for something to eat. By the fourth day she was more secure with her surroundings and was coming out from under the bed more and more. By this time, Ron's brother had come back from Winnipeg. We received a phone call asking if we could keep the cat permanently. They would even pay for to get her spayed. I guess we fell for it.

One look at the kitten and she looked at us and we fell in love. Of course we said okay. It wasn't until later would we know how much this cat was going to cost us.

Her immune system was effected and she developed illnesses that we had to take drastic measures with it. Normally cats don't have a lot of trouble with their ears with mites but she has a constant battle with them. A bad strain of mites infected her ears and to get rid of them, the Vet bathed her once a week for four weeks in a solution of some kind. She hated it, but it did get rid of them. She then developed severe gingivitis and for awhile it was held at bay with a steroid solution. Four years later, we finally had to get all of her teeth out.

Did it help? Sure did, from a bit of fur and fluff she is now well and full of energy. However, she now had diabetes and get two shots a day of insulin. What does she give us in return? A welcome home everytime we go out. Lots of love and companionship.

Would we do it all again for her? Yes we would. She is our baby, our four legged furry friend and baby.

Because we got her at Christmas, she is named that. But we call her Chrissy, and the name suits her.

Angry Skies

I couldn't resist taking these pictures of a storm that occured over Elgin. Some of the shapes of the clouds, the colours and the serverity were fasinating to me.

This cloud formation  was unique to me, It reminded me of the landsides that I saw when I was travelling in the Rockies. This one was a vicious little storm.

Another storm overhead. these clouds were rolling, angry looking and moving fast.

Ron and I just happened to be passing Elie when the F5 tornado hit the area. We missed it by minutes. The hail got the us and the wind, but not the tornado.

This was a weird one, it passed Elgin just south east of the village. The sky was the weird colour that you see in the picture. A once in a lifetime siting.

I stood on my doorstep and watched this storm pass by us by about half a mile. It apparently did a lot of damage to surrounding fields of grain.

Watching the skies is facinating. It changes from minute to minute and hour by hour. It can be clear of clouds one time and full of angry clouds in the next few minutes.

Performing Weddings in Manitoba Con't

14. Marriage licences have increased to $100.00. Marriage commissioners set their own fees for services. I charge $100.00 base fee within a 50 miles radius of Elgin Manitoba. This rate includes my travel, a copy of the ceremony the couple have chose, music if they wish and the ceremony. I also include the use of my ceremony library for no extra fees. Anyone can rent the library and I will accept a reasonable donation for its use. If anyone would like me to travel over the distance, I have set out then we can negotiate on the amount. The basic fee will be $100.00 plus other items, such as a place to sleep, perhaps meals and an amount for my services.


15. Couples often renew their vows on an anniversary. Some couples reaffirm their vows after going through hard times and others just to reaffirm what they had originally said to each other. A ceremony can be chosen to reaffirm the bows after an elopement has taken place, or a second wedding. This way family and friends get to hear what you have promised each other and a chance for everyone to celebrate your wedding or reaffirmation. Plan your ceremony any way you wish, there are no specific rules to host a renewal. The event can be large of small, inside or outside.

16. You must have at least two credible witnesses as they will have to affix their names as witnesses to the Marriage Registration form. These witnesses can be from age 16 and over as the witnesses need not be of legal age.

17. If there is a rehearsal then there will be an extra fee, depending on circumstances.

18. I will not marry a couple if they have had anything to drink, please keep that in mind at all times on the day of the wedding before the ceremony.

19. If an interpreter is to be used at the ceremony, a notation must be made on the Registration of Marriage. The notation must state: Translated into the language which is the language understood” and the interpreter must sign the notation.

20. If the wedding is cancelled after contracting for me to perform the ceremony, then the basic fee of $100.00 still stands, but all other fees are dropped.

21. One last thing, if a common –law couple has registered their relationship with the Vital Statistics Agency neither party can be married or be a party to another common – law relationship that is currently registered in Manitoba that has not been dissolved. A certificate of dissolution of the relationship is needed if the couple parts and wants to marry.

Getting Married by a Marriage Commissioner

I have been a marriage Commissioner now for 12 (twelve) years and I love doing it. It gives me great satisfaction to marry couples.

I will be performing a wedding this coming Sunday and have just finished designing the couples wedding ceremony. 

As with all weddings I perform I always get the couples thoughts for their ceremony even if it is one that I have designed myself. I welcome their ideas and words that they want in the ceremony. After all it is their wedding. I know there are lots of wedding websites online concerning weddings here in Manitoba. You can find more information and forms on the Vital Statistic site, www.gov.mb.ca/cca/vital

Here are some of the things I require before I can marry someone.

1. The first thing is the marriage licence and to find out where you can get one go to vital statistics of the Manitoba Department of Vital Statistics. There you will find a list of all of the places you can get your licence in the Province of Manitoba and including Winnipeg. There you will also find a list of marriage commissioners in Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Who can apply? Any person who wishes to be married and there is a fee for this.
2. So you want to get Married in Manitoba?  Here are a few things to know.  Couples must be 18 years or age or older and never married. To be eligible to be married, couples must have a legally divorced document or a spouses death certificate if you have been married before.
3.  Before your Wedding date you must, buy the marriage licence from a registered user within a minumun of 24 hours before the ceremony begins. Also in this respect, the marriage licence must also be used within three months of the date of issue. Both the bride and groom together, must be present with identification to get the licence along with proof of age and eligibility to be married.
4. Eligibility to be married; single and 18 years of age and over; divorced people are required to show either a divorce certificate or a decree absolute. Persons whose spouces are deceased must show a death certificate, funeral home certificate or an obituary. Check with me for other documentation for identification or check the information on the website.
5. Concents are required from the marriage licence issuer when either or both of the bride and groom are 16 years of age but not yet 18. If either of the couple are under 16 then a Judge of the Family Court must give the consent to the marriage.
6. Make you arrangements for the ceremony with me and give me the licence and the envelope to me before the ceremony so I can check it out before I marry you along with any necessary documents that may be needed. I require in most cases copies of birth certificates, divorce papers, death certificates or any other document that might be pertinent such as a consent forms for underage marriages.
7. You can have a special relative or friend marry you but to let that happen, a registered Marriage Commissioner must be in attendance to complete the ceremony and to have the necessary documents signed and witnessed.
8. Somewhere within the wedding ceremony I am required to make a statement that includes the information that is required by the Province of Manitoba.
9. Children can be included in your service but they should be of an age where they can understand what is happening. Including their names as part of the ceremony gives the children a sense of being included whether they participate or not. If they do not want to physically participate then give them a duty they would feel comfortable in doing.
10. After the ceremony along with the witnesses you will sign the Marriage Registration. Then I will sign the Registration acknowledging that I have married you. I will then send in the Marriage Registration for you to officially register your marriage. Vital Statistic does not automatically islsue a Marriage Certificate so you will have to apply for your own Marriage Certificate.
11. At present Marriage Licences have increased to $100.00. Marriage Commissioners set their own fees for services. I charge $100.00 a day within a 50 mile radius of Elgin Manitoba. That includes my travel, a copy of the ceremony the couple have chosen, music and the ceremony. I also include the use of my ceremony library for the couple that I am marrying. Anyone can use the library of ceremonies that I have as I rent it out and will accept a reasonable donation for this. If anyone is over the distance I have set out then we can negotiate on the amount. The basic fee will be $100.00 plus other items, such as a place to sleep, perhaps meals and an amount for my services. I don't charge a mileage fee.
12. Couples often renew their vows on an anniversary. Some couples reaffirm their vows after going through hard times and others just to reaffirm what they had originally said to each other.  A ceremony can be chosen to reaffirm the vows after an elopment has taken place. This way family and friends get to hear what you have promised each other and a chance for everyone to celebrate your wedding or reaffirmation. Plan your ceremony any way you wish, there are no specific rules to host a renewal. The event can be large or small.
13. You must have at least two credible witnesses as they will have to affix their names as witnesses to the Marriage registration form. Witnesses can be from age 16 years of age and over.

There is more and I will write about it in my next blog, so keep in touch.  Any questions so far?

Another Robert Ludlum book

This book made the movie scene and although I never saw the movie, one can expect it to be as fast paced and nail gripping as the novel.

Robert Ludlum brings this best seller to us as "The Ambler Warning", and I know that if you like how he writes, you are going to enjoy this book.

Hal Ambler escapes from a phychiatric facility only to find he doesn't exist. Who and what has done this to him and why has it happened?

Read this fast paced novel to find out how it turns out. The psychriatric facility is for former intelligence employees in possessions of highly classified material. Ambler sets out to find out what he was involved with and why he was put into the facility. Someone now wants to see him dead. Why????

ISBN  0-312-99069-3
St. Martins paperback books in NY.

The Hades Factor - Covert One

Robert Ludlum and Gayle Lynds team together to bring you this thriller. It's the first of a new series called Covert One and it's called "The Hades Factor".

We're told he's the master of suspense and global intrigue and when you have finished reading this book, you'll know why. Not only that, you will understand why you'll want to get the next novel in the series.

A virus had been set loose and not by itself. Lt. Colonel Johnathan Smith assembles a team to fight the deadly man made virus that has killed his fiance, Dr. Sophia Russell. Find out all the fast paced details in this thrilling book. 

ISBN 0-312-97305-5    Published by St. Martins Griffin Paperback edition Mar 2001

The Bone Collector

I told you, I read lots of books and some of them I have to read until I am finished them. The Bone Collector is one. I have never gone to see the film but after reading the book, I just have to do so.

The book is by Jeffery Deaver and is a Signet Book.  ISBN 0 - 451-18845-4

The story begins with a gruesome murder of which Lincolm Rhyme and Detective Amelia Sacks join ranks to find the killer. In a couple of spell bound days the killer leads them on a trail of murder and torture. As the story weaves onward it tells of the victims saved of those that were lost. Their investigative skills are homed to a high level as they decipher the clues left behind by the killer.

It's only when Rhymes puts the final clue together does he learn who the killer is. Read the stunning conclusion of the book as it comes to a close. There is only one way for it to end, and how it ends is for your reading pleasure.

I spent my day, house cleaning and preparing a wedding ceremony for an upcoming wedding that I will be performing in Winnipeg. I always make the wedding ceremony into a fancy booklet of sorts as a memorial keepsake of their day and give it to them when the ceremony is over.  I have quite a few ceremonies on hand that a person can pick and choose from, whether it is the whole sermon or only parts of each one.
I also keep a CD of wedding music on hand for those that wish to have music.

Night for now, sweet dreams.

Book Worm

I litterly devour books and I mean I devour books. I love books, at least most books, I do have those that I like and those that I really don't like. I can read a book in two or three days, depending on how involved with the story I get. One book that I really didn't mind reading was

"One Last Breath" by Stephen Booth.

The twists and turns within the book leave one with one thought, I need to turn the next page to find out what has happened. I cannot lay this book down just yet.

The story of murder and intrigue. Mansell Quinn is sent to prison for the death of his mistress leads to the unexpected closure of the story. Detective Constable Ben Cooper has to piece together all of the facts and clues together to come to a sizzling conclusion to find out whether Mansell is guilty or innocent.  

Stephen Book was born in the Lancashire mill town of Burnley, and has remained rooted to the Pennines during his careet as a newspaper journalist. Other books he has written are Dancing with the Virgins, Black Dog, Scared to Live, The Dead Place, Blind to the Bones, Blood on the Tongue and this fifth book One Last Breath is the series featuring Derbyshire detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry.

A must to read.

This was first published in Great Britain by Harper Collins Publishers 2004. it was printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St. Ives plc. At the time this book was published it $10.99. I imagine it is more now.  ISBN 978-0-00-717204-7

Now on to the next book.

Crafty Crafts

I am not a crafty person. I leave craft making up to other people. I did, however, come across this craft item, that was very applealing to me.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHOPPING BAGS

Cut the empty plastic bags in an extended circular strip about 1 inch wide.
Put the wrapper over a milk carton as it will make the cutting easier. This extended strip is your crochet material. When it is necessary to add another strip, tie the two ends together with a square knot and crochet in the ends of both sides of the knot. Start at the bottom of the bag and chain 6 stitches. Join with a slip stitch.
ROW 1: 1 double crochet in ring – 6 chain. Repeat 6 times.
ROW 2: Slip stitch in double crochet stitch of preceding row – chain 6, slip stitch in 3rd stitch of chain in previous row.
ROW 3: Crochet 6, slip stitch in every 3rd chain stitch of previous row. Repeat rows 2 and 3 until piece is desired width. Repeat row 3 until piece is 12 inches long.
TOP BORDER: Double crochet in every other stitch for 2 rows. This will decrease the size of the top.
HANDLES; Use 2 jar rubbers. Double crochet around, with stitches close enough to conceal the rubber. Attach to bag with double crochet. Make another handle and attach in same manner to opposite side of the bag. I am not sure how many bags this takes, I never asked how many. But with the never ending supply of bags I guess a person may never run out.

Yes I did attempt to make this but my non crafty fingers soon desisted. I had someone else do it for me and the resulting bag is unique, useful and very crafy. I know I should have taken a picture of it, but you know the saying  of hindsight being better than forsight.

It is a really neat idea in making use of all of those plastic shopping bags that usually wind up in the garbage.

Do any of you have a neat crafty idea? Tell us about it on here.

Yup I kept it short this time, I hurt my back awhile back and can't seem to sit at the computer as much as I used to. Darn it all!!!!