The Intruder

A couple of nights ago The Mr. was out of town on business.  My friend, Lissy, and I were having a girls' night in.  As we were watching a movie in the family room near the back of the house, I noticed the motion-sensor light come on in the back yard.  That crazy light always comes on whenever the neighbour's cat comes into our backyard.  My dream in life is to be able to open the patio door quietly and quickly enough to give that cat a good dousing with a giant "super soaker" before he runs away.  But I digress.......

Anyway, I ignored the light, thinking it was just the cat.  I ignored it, that is, until I heard a loud thunk against the wall around the corner of the house.  I got up, opened the patio door, and in my loudest and clearest voice, I called The Mr. by his first name and said, "Call the police.  There's someone in our backyard!"  My intention in doing that was to scare off any intruder(s) that might happen to be in the yard.  Not only would they know that we were aware of them, but they would hopefully think that there was a male present to offer a bit more of a threat.

What I didn't realize is that Lissy had gone to grab her phone and called 911.  As I listened to the one-sided conversation, and watched her closing the curtains, I decided that maybe I should take this more seriously.  Apparently the dispatcher told her, "Lock the doors and stay inside.  An officer will be there shortly."

And then the neighbours dogs started barking.

It became official -- I decided to start taking this more seriously.

By the time the officer arrived at my front door with his flashlight, we may or may not have been a little worked up.

The officer told me to meet him in the back yard.  He shone his flashlight and called out to anyone who might be hiding in bushes, sheds, or our utility trailer filled with junk waiting to be hauled to the dump.  Nothing seemed to be out of order, which didn't help to convince him that we had heard that loud thunk.  

When he shone his flashlight up to the second-story window of our playhouse, it took a little convincing for him to believe me when I told him that the dummy in the window was just a prop left over from the Western-themed backyard bbq that we'd had over a month ago.  I'm sure by this time he thought we were completely insane.  He left shortly thereafter.  I suppose I can't blame him.

But come on, a dummy in the window!?!  That's pretty funny, right?

Because it was dark outside, there is no way I could have gotten a decent picture of the dummy that night, but this is what that little scene looked like the next day in broad daylight: 

I have to admit, I'm kinda curious as to what the police report had to say.

Dixie

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I lay here on the couch - almost comatose after eating far too much this Thanksgiving weekend -- a few thoughts are rolling around in my head:

• Are three naps in one day too much?
• Pre-stuffed turkeys are decidedly gross.
• I'm so glad I tried the pumpkin cheesecake this year.  It's a great alternative to the pumpkin pie.
• It was fun to watch Son 1B with his new bride.  I'm pretty sure they like each other.
• I spent so much time eating.  I think I forgot to count my blessings.
• I'm thankful for The Mr. He's a pretty cool cat.
• How many pounds of turkey were consumed in Canada this weekend?
• I love sweet potatoes!  Why do I think I can only serve them on special occasions?
• My stomach hurts.
• Will I ever learn to eat in moderation?
• Will I be able to run around the track tomorrow?
• I wonder if there's any cheesecake left?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dixie

Better Late Than Never

Editor's Note:  This post was written over a month ago, but for some reason never published.  I've decided to go ahead and post it anyway.  

Well this is embarrassing.  My last post was in April.  And now it's June  JUNE!!  What on earth happened to May?

To the best of my recollection, this is what happened in May:

• Showbiz Kids Year-End Show     My mom always used to say that if you had a poor dress rehearsal, the show would be great.   And, for the most part, we've always had a poor dress rehearsal.  But this year the dress rehearsal was great -- probably the best I've ever had.  So truthfully I was a little nervous.  Did that mean the show was going to be awful?  Well, the children themselves were adorable, and did a great job.  Unfortunately my sound system was not co-operating as I would have liked.  But all in all, the show was a success!  The kids are talented, energetic, and just simply adorable!  I love my job!!
• Daughter #1 Turned 33     If you know how I was raised, this is a big deal.  Once again, "according to my mom", this should be the best year of a person's life.  You'll never be healthier, more attractive, more physically fit or more socially adept.  So, happy birthday year, Daughter #1!!
• We've Got Roommates     Daughter #3, her hubby, and their sweet baby girl are staying with us for the summer.  What fun it has been waking up each morning to the cute, smiling face of that little baby.  We'll definitely miss them when they go back to University in a couple of months.  My mom used to always say, "Fish and relatives are the same -- after three days they both start to stink!"  Fortunately, so far, we're proving my mother's adage to be untrue.  
• The Mr. turned 56     Wow!  This getting older every year is ridiculous.  I suppose it's better than the alternative, though.  We celebrated with a few of our family members at Red Robin.  Okay, so not a swanky restaurant, but hard to resist those bottomless fries.  
•  Mother's Day    This year the holiday fell on the same weekend as my Showbiz Kids performance.  I was so busy, that I pretty much forgot about Mother's Day.  In fact I was so busy, that I didn't even notice The Mr. bring home my Mother's Day present -- a big screen tv and set it up in our main-floor family room.   I must have walked past it a bazillion times as I was rushing around doing last-minute things for the show.  We had a house full of family who, apparently, were snickering at me behind my back for not noticing it.  Apparently I'm more like my mother than I knew!!

Dixie

The Sound of Music -- Part 3

My Favorite Things

Okay, I'll admit, raindrops on roses can be heartwarming, and even though I don't like cats, whiskers on kittens are kinda cute.  But If I were being completely honest, I really don't have much affinity for bright copper kettles.  Even warm woollen mittens would never make the list of my favorite things.

So in my final attempt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "The Sound of Music" I give you MY favorite things (in no particular order):

• Live theatre -- Whether it's a Broadway show or a junior high school play, I really love watching a live performance.  And if it's a musical, even better!  For me, the anticipation of the event is almost as exciting as the show itself.
• Games -- I love playing card games and party games.  I love it when someone suggests playing a game, and I love it even more when they want to keep score.  I don't care if I'm the winner, but I want someone to be the winner -- how else do you know when the game is over? 
• Mashed avocado and tomato slices on toast -- As mentioned in my last post, this has become my favorite breakfast.  Love, love, love it!
• Squeaks on the basketball court -- I love entering a gymnasium once a basketball game has started and hearing the sound of the basketball shoes squeaking on the floor.  I think it reminds me of my high school days.  I wasn't a ball player or a cheerleader, but I don't think I ever missed a game.
• Popcorn and a glass of milk -- I'll admit I'm a bit of a popcorn snob.  Microwave popcorn will not suffice.  Nor will the kind made with oil.  A hot air popper, real butter, and salt are the three necessary ingredients.  This will NEVER get old to me.
• Showbiz Kids -- I love running my little musical theatre classes.  The children are amazingly sweet and very talented.  I love watching the final production to see what is going to transpire.  Oftentimes it's nothing like what we have rehearsed.
• Jigsaw Puzzles -- I really enjoy working on a puzzle with a fun picture.  No scenery pictures for me.  I much prefer doing one that's fun and entertaining.  Think:  Dogs playing poker.
• Crossword Puzzles -- Six days a week that's the first thing I go for in the daily newspaper.  It started out as a means of staving off Alzheimer's, but now I think I'm just plain addicted.
• Lindt chocolate -- Creamy.  Smooth.  Goodness.
• Lunch with friends -- I have to admit, this is one perk I have definitely enjoyed now that I'm older.  Time and money is more readily available than it was in the past.  And I like it!
• Watching cheesy Hallmark movies -- I'll admit this is pretty pathetic, but I really do enjoy them.  
• My family -- I just love them so much!  Most of them don't live around these parts anymore, so it's a real treat when they come home to visit.  Especially if they're willing to play games, work on a jigsaw puzzle, and watch a cheesy movie with me, all whilst eating popcorn and lindt chocolates!

So, when the dog bites, when the bee stings, and when I'm feeling sad, I'll simply remember my favorite things, and then I won't feel so bad.

Dixie 

The Sound of Music -- Part 2

In honor of the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music, I give you "Do-Re-Mi" --  Dixie style.

Doe, a dear, a female dear.

Ray, a drop of golden sun.

With a peculiar yo-yo-ish weather pattern these past few months, and the onset of April, I really do believe I'm ready for that continual "drop of golden sun".  A couple of months ago when several of my children and grandchildren were home for a visit, we tried to infuse a little sunshine with a Hawaiin Night.

Me, a name I call myself.

Interesting facts about my name:

1. I was named after a woman that my mother claims was my dad's former girlfriend.  My dad's side of the story is that she wasn't his girlfriend, but she was the type of girl that every guy would have wanted for a girlfriend -- cute, friendly, talented, and kind.  Apparently every man, woman and child in town loved her.  I've always wanted to meet her.  I wonder if she's still living?....
2. When people have been introduced to me for the first time, and then subsequently use my name, it usually comes out as "Diane" or "Tracey".  I think it's because they either remember the D, and assume it's Diane, or they remember the "ee" sound at the end and think it's Tracey.
3. When I was growing up, our family acquired a little black dog named "Daisy".  Since Daisy and Dixie sound very much alike, my mother was forever getting the two of our names mixed up.  "Dixie, go lie down!"  "Dixie, you're driving me nuts -- get out of here!"  Suffice it to say that my self-esteem has never quite recovered!

Far, a long, long way to run.

The Mr. and I are still going to the track each week-day morning.  We've worked up to running half time, and walking part time.  It's only four kilometres, but for a chubby, middle-aged woman -- who would previously only run if a bear was chasing her -- I think it's pretty good.

Sew, a needle pulling thread.

It's that time of the year again when my sewing machine has taken up permanent residence on my kitchen table.  My Showbiz Kids final show is a month away, and I'm busy whipping up pantaloons, corsets, marching band jackets, flapper dresses and several other odds and ends.  

La, a note to follow Sew.

Singing, singing and more singing.  I love directing my children's musical theatre group -- they are the sweetest bunch of children, and so musical!  We're learning so many fun songs for the show, and every week I've got some new song stuck in my brain.  My current favorites are "Puttin' On The Ritz", "Everything's Up To Date In Kansas City", "Heaven Hop" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

Tea, a drink with jam and bread.

Jam and bread has kinda gone by the wayside at our house.  Our new favorite breakfast is spreading pureed avacao and garlic on a piece of toast with tomato slices and salt and pepper.  I'm salivating just writing about it!

That will bring us back to Doe.

 

Dixie

The Sound of Music

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the musical film "The Sound of Music" -- one of my all-time favorite movies.  (If you don't believe me, just check out my blog profile.  It was the first thing that came to mind for "favorite movies" when I started this blog 5 year ago.)

What's not to love about this classic tale?  It makes you laugh, it makes you cry.  It has heart-warming songs.  It has romance, humor, and suspense.  I love everything about it!

I read in the paper yesterday that it will be coming to theatres in April.  Count me in!  Yes, of course I own the dvd, but how much more fun would it be to see it on the big screen.  When it debuted in March of 1965, I was only three years old, so I have probably never seen it in a movie theatre.  (I'll save you the trouble calculating..... I'm 53.)

Anyway, as a special tribute to this cinematic masterpiece, here's a little quiz.  See how many answers you get right:

1. What song did Maria sing in the opening scene?
2. Who played opposite Julie Andrews as her love interest?
3. What was his character's first name?
4. What was the name of the family for whom Maria went to be a governess?
5. How many children were in this family?
6. What were their names?
7. In what country did this story take place?
8. How old was the oldest daughter?
9. What was the name of her boyfriend?
10. What did the children put on Maria's chair at the dinner table?
11. What song did Maria sing with the children to help them take their mind off the thunder storm?
12. What was the name of the uncle who came to visit?
13. What was the first name of Baroness Schraeder?
14. What did the second youngest daughter want for her birthday?
15. What day was her birthday on?
16. What was the name of the musical competition that the family sang at?
17. How many Academy Awards did this show receive?
18. Who wrote the music for the film?
19. Finish the following musical line:  "She'll out pester any pest, ______________________."
20. What did the nuns do at the convent so the family could escape?

ANSWERS

1. (The Hills are Alive with the) "Sound of Music"
2. Christopher Plummer
3. Georg
4. Von Trapp
5. Seven
6. Leisl, Friederich, Louisa, Kurt, Briggita, Marta, Gretel
7. Austria
8. 16
9. Rolf
10. A pine cone
11. "My Favorite Things"
12. Max
13. Elsa
14. A pink parasol
15. Tuesday
16. The Salzburg Festival
17. Five
18. Rogers and Hammerstein
19. "drive a hornet from its nest."
20. Sabotaged the nazi's cars so they couldn't follow the family

How did you score?

Dixie

What Happened To February?

I can't believe it's the middle of March already.  What??  How did that happen?

Apparently I just skipped right over February altogether.  As I looked back over my daily journal to see what happened in that short month to keep me from posting in this blog, there was nothing unusual.  I must just be getting out of practice.

Anyway, here's a quick recap of February by the numbers:

 8 -- the number of Showbiz Kids classes I ran.

74 -- the number of banana muffins I made.

 5 -- the number of grandchildren I got to see this month.

 8 -- number of extra days Daughter #1 and her children had to stay with us while they waited for emergency car repairs to be completed.

16 -- number of days The Mr. and I went to the track.

 4 -- number of days I used the treadmill at home instead.

29 -- number of hours of church-related meetings I attended.

86 --number of points I earned during a pathetic attempt at bowling with Daughter #1 and her boys.

 5 -- number of trips to the Hyundai dealership.

29 -- number of crossword puzzles solved.

 4 -- number of parties I attended.

 1 -- number of weddings and funerals I attended (one of each).

26 -- number of hours I worked at the temple.

 7 -- number of times I shovelled the snow.

102 -- number of people who came into our home.

0 -- number of cavities found at my dentist appointment.

6 -- number of times I fell asleep watching TV with The Mr.

Pretty much sums up my month.

Dixie

So Excited!

Daughter #3 is on the plane right now -- she's coming for a visit!  

And she's bringing her sweet, new baby!

And since she's coming, her sisters are also coming home to visit!

And bringing their little munchkins!

I'm a little bit excited!

I don't think this needs any further explanation. 

Dixie

It's A Miracle!

Yesterday a miracle transpired.  I'm not making this up -- it happened to me, so I know what I'm talking about.

As previously mentioned, The Mr. and I are going to the gym each weekday morning.  I feel like I've gotten into a real routine: 

1. I toss my runners on the bench
2. I walk to the locker and put my outside shoes on the bottom shelf
3. I hang up my coat in the locker
4. I unzip my right coat pocket and take out the lock and key set
5. I shut the locker door and click the lock shut
6. I take the key out of the end of the lock and place it in my pants pocket
7. I put my runners on and head for the track

Yesterday as I finished step #5 and starting on #6, I realized my key was not in the end of the lock like it always is.  I realized that it must still be in my coat pocket inside the locker.   THE LOCKER THAT I JUST LOCKED!!   At this point I may or may not have started to panic just a little.

I decided to just put on my runners and deal with it later.  As I walked over to the bench (about 4 feet away), I saw my key on the floor under the bench.  

I know what you're thinking.....that the key fell out of the end of the lock on the way over to the locker.  But it couldn't have.  I didn't even unzip my coat pocket until it was already hanging in the locker.  

Amazing!  This was much more than a coincidence.  In fact it even skipped right over "tender mercy" and landed securely in the "miracle" category.  

I believe it was just a gentle reminder from God to let me know that He is in control of my life.  All I have to do is report for duty.

Dixie

The Accident

A few weeks back I had a car accident.  Nothing serious -- just me, an icy road and a tree.  The tree won.

Anyway, I took the car in to be repaired and a week later was able to pick it up.  I wasn't able to get to the auto body shop until just before closing time -- 5:30 -- which, of course, in December means it's already dark outside.  After paying the bill, I walked outside to retrieve my car.

I walked up and down the parking lot trying to locate my vehicle, but couldn't find it.  I was starting to get a little panicky.  The horn button on my key fob doesn't work, but I realized I could at least hit the unlock button, and my lights would come on -- that way I'd be able to see where it was parked.

When the lights came on it was only a few feet away!  I had walked past it twice and didn't even recognize it.  IT WAS SO CLEAN!!!  When I opened the door to get it, I was met with the most pleasant scent.  It was obvious the inside had also been cleaned!!

Apparently when you take your car to an auto body shop for repairs they clean it up for you.  Who knew?  This is really good news for a procrastinating car-washer like myself.

I may have to have car accidents more often.

Dixie

Waiting - Part Two

So the long wait is over -- The Mr. and I have a new granddaughter!

When we first scheduled our flights, we assumed Daughter #3 would be placing a week-old baby in our arms when we arrived.  But this little baby seemed content to stay exactly where she was.  A few days after our arrival we were still waiting.

Finally the doctor ordered an induction.  Here's Daughter #3 looking pleasant before things really got rough:

After a long, hard haul, that precious little bundle arrived.

(LITERALLY swollen from head to toe, this is not the most flattering picture of Daughter #3, but she gave me permission to post it anyway.  Shout out to her for being willing to take one for the team!)

At home with this cute little family.  Isn't it amazing how one little person can make such a big difference? 

So, The Mr. and I are pretty smitten with her.  As far as we're concerned, the time for our return flights came a little too soon -- we can hardly wait to see her again!

Dixie

Waiting

So, The Mr. and I are sitting at the airport -- people watching, of course -- waiting for our flight to go visit Daughter #3 and her true love.  I'm not sure why, but we apparently arrived at exactly the right time.  No line-ups!

The check-in counter:  No one in line, so we walked straight to the woman behind the counter.

The customs kiosks:  We had our pick of empty counter-tops where we could fill out our forms.

The baggage check:  The woman was just waiting for someone to bring her a suitcase.

Security:  Walked straight through with zero queuing.

Customs:  The officer was just waiting for the chance to yell "next".

This has NEVER happened to me before.  It was almost too good to be true.  There has been absolutely no waiting!!  Well, at least no waiting when it comes to the airport.

The reason for our trip is to meet our new grandchild -- who was supposed to be born last week -- but so far has not made his or her arrival.  So, technically, we are still waiting.

I thought by the time I packed my suitcase this morning, that I would know if I was supposed to be packing the blue baby clothes or the pink ones.  (I just planned on returning the unnecessary color at a later date.)  Obviously the best-laid plans don't always go the way you expect.

Speaking of not always going the way you expect, Daughter #2 and her children are with Daughter #3 right now.  If this baby doesn't hurry up and get here, they'll have to turn around and drive home without a glimpse of the new little bundle.

Well, it's time to board the plane.  Let's hope that the next time I blog I'll have a new baby to talk about.

Which is pretty much guaranteed given my blogging track record as of late.

Dixie

The Track

My last post was a month ago.  I know, I know.  I'm a pathetic blogger.

Anyway, as I mentioned in that post, The Mr. and I have been using the indoor track to get a little exercise.  Although the actual exercise part is not my favorite, I do enjoy watching the other people who are using the track.

In the privacy of my mind -- and subsequently shared with The Mr. -- I have assigned names to several of the regulars.  Shall we begin?

"Fred"  --  the friendly older gentlemen who is, by far, the fastest walker on the track.  I'm sure he's in his 70's, making him 20 years older than me, but he's my inspiration.  Some day I hope to be able to keep pace with him.

"Danielle"  --  the thirty-something woman who is in incredible shape!  As she runs around the track, she's calm and controlled, never seeming to break a sweat.  I imagine her to be a corporate CEO.

"Mark"  --  the forty-something guy who leisurely strolls around the track taking business calls on his phone.  Seriously??  At 6:30 in the morning??

"Freda and Nadine"  -- the two slightly older women who arrive separately, but once one of them has caught up to the other, they continue their laps together.  Their conversation (only heard in short spurts as we pass them) seems to center around what they'll be having for supper later that night.

"Grant"  --  the fifty-something man who walks quite slowly around the track.  He only has one arm, so I'm guessing that would affect his balance, thereby making it difficult to walk much faster.

And here are the not-so-regulars:

"Brenda"  --  the forty-something woman who is a really fast walker.  Although she's only been there a couple of times, she's hard to forget.  She forcefully pumps her arms in a really awkward manner (side to side instead of forward and back), and I'm afraid she's going to accidentally punch some unsuspecting runner in the stomach as they pass her.

"the cute girls"  --  you know the ones:  the attractive young girls who look adorable in their little spandex outfits and ponytails as they effortlessly jog around the track two or three times and then leave.

"the wolves"  --  the twenty something guys who stand in the corner of the track pretending to be stretching.  In reality they have no intention of using the track, they are only there to ogle said "cute girls" as they jog by.

"the homeys"  --  the two 18-year-old boys who breathlessly run around the track in black hoodies and toques, struggling to keep their pants from falling down.  I imagine they are training to improve their "get-away time".

I am so glad that there are so many different people who use the track.  It really does help pass the time for this people watcher.  I'm happy that there are people that are slower than me -- shout out to Mark, Freda, Nadine and Grant!  And I'm thankful to the fast ones who give me something to work towards -- yay for Fred and Danielle!

In actuality, I know for sure that I'll never be a runner like Danielle.  But becoming a fast walker like Fred is a very realistic goal for me.  I hope 20 years from now I'll be the oldest one at the track that everyone is trying to keep up with.

In the meantime, I plan to keep waddling (and wonder what names the others have assigned to The Mr. and me).

Dixie

September

I'm really sad to see September come to an end.  It's been a great month!  In fact I've decided that September is my favorite month of the year.

• I love that everything gets back into a routine in September.  There's something about having a new year of school start up that makes me feel like I've been given a clean slate. 
• I love that my children's musical theatre classes start up again.  I really miss those kids during the summer.  And I love the potential of that "clean slate" with regard to the programs we are preparing.
• I love the weather -- the days are still warm and the evenings are cool.  Makes for really comfortable sleeping.
• I love the idea of starting a new project or new class.  It just seems like the right time to set new goals.

So, in the spirit of all this fresh-start nonsense, I overheard myself agreeing with The Mr. that we should buy gym memberships and start using the track.  I've just been in such a good mood all month that I guess I got carried away with my enthusiasm and happiness.

It's amazing what the month of September has done for me.  I wish we could have September all year round!

The gym memberships?  Not so much.

Dixie

Rude!

It's snowing!  September 8th.  And it's snowing.  Please don't tell me our summer has come to an end.

  *I'm still trying to get rid of the weeds in my lawn.

  *Our left-over tree stump still needs to be removed.

  *The new grass needs to be planted where said tree stump will be removed.

  *My neglected flowers are still waiting for their 15 minutes of fame.
                                       
  *We've only used our patio furniture once all summer.

  *And most importantly, my lily-white legs are still waiting to be tanned.

How can it be snowing?  Rude!

Dixie

First Day of School

It's been three years since my last child moved away to college.  Three years of having an empty nest.  But I still get excited for the first day of school.  I live on a street with three schools, so I get to see a lot of children on their way to school every day.  And I love it!  But I especially love the first day.

*The huge new backpacks crammed to capacity -- usually bigger than the children themselves.

*The cool new shoes.

*The newest Fall fashions -- even though the weather is usually too warm to be wearing most of them.

A few days ago I told the Mr. that on the first day of school I planned to snack on a bowl of popcorn -- my favourite  --  while I sat out on the front porch to watch the kids go by.  He told me that seemed like a really "old-lady-type-thing" to do.  I told him he was probably right.

 But I probably would have done it anyway, if it weren't for the wasps.  Thousands of them thinking our front porch is their mansion.  It doesn't seem to matter how many times we seal up their "front door", they always find another opening.  But I digress....

Anyway, I never did make the popcorn.  And because we were running behind schedule this morning, I never even got to see the kids on their way to school.  I have to admit, I'm feeling a little cheated.

I might just have to make myself a bowl of popcorn as a consolation prize.

Dixie

Good Times Were Had By All

What do the following activities have in common?

*  A Barn Dance

*  FIFA World Cup

*  Playing Catchphrase

*  Panning for Gold

*  The Olympics

*  Quadding

*  Over-eating

Answer:  They were all activities we enjoyed at our most recent Family Reunion!!

This was the fourth "Dixie and The Mr. Family Reunion".  Well, okay, we don't actually call it that, but I'm trying to maintain a little privacy here.  Our family has increased to 14 people, but with The Mr.'s parents, and a few stray siblings dropping by, we usually end up with a few more.  

Daughter #2 and her Mr. Handsomepants have a new acreage which was the perfect spot for us.  A big shout-out to them for being such great hosts!  

I'm already looking forward to the next one!  When we will have (at least) one more grandchild!!

Dixie