Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Hi!


For those of you who may be unfamiliar with sundogs, well, that, my friends, is what you are looking at in this pic.


I took this with my phone, on our way to a service call, this week. What are sundogs, you may ask? Well, I am no meteorologist, there is no "but" here, just keep that in mind as you read on.


Sundogs are rainbow wannabes. They only show when it's cold enough to freeze your sneeze before it hits the Kleenex. You know that heart warming movie in which Jack Nicholson thinks he's Johnny Carson and a lumber jack rolled into one? You know the one.........he's takes his family to this lovely ski resort to focus on his writing, his little boy makes some lovely dyslexic friends........you know, the ones you like to play spelling games in the hallway........"The Shining"! If you don't know the movie......well imagine "It's a Wonderful Life"  yeah.....pretty much that............ only different.


Well, do you remember the tragic end, when Paul Bunyan/Johnny decides to add marathon runner to his repertoire and freezes his lungs in the process? Well, that's the kind of cold it's got to be to see sundogs.


Today it was -49 degrees, factoring in the wind. It hit -52 in places an hour or two away. Ridiculous.


At the shop today, we had to venture outside to take some measurements for an upcoming job. We were out there for a total of about 5 minutes. I was cloaked in 4 layers of fleece and was sporting my trusty donkey mitts, which by the way, double as puppets, they are awesome!

Long story short?         It's Frickin' Cold!!!!!!!


The weather man says it's supposed to get a little more tolerable over the next few days. I hope so. It sucks when weather like this hangs on.


So.... other then freezing our proverbial tushies off, this week was awesome!


McNally Robinson called and needed more books......always so tickled get those calls!

We made a lot of headway on the big job we are working on in the shop.

We were able to combine a parts run with a service call and top the trip off with some Christmas shopping....

We had some people come to the shop to do Christmas shopping of their own.....how cool is that?!



As for the next few days?........



Finish off this big job at the shop and tackle another.........

Get serious about Christmas baking.........

Do some more work on my next book..........

Give yet another go at going to a movie or some such craziness...................



Until then........I know I make light of our severe weather, but there are those out there who brave these elements, not because they like to, but because they have nowhere else to go.

There are charities around the world who accept donations of warm coats etc. on behalf of those less fortunate. If you are able, please find the one closest to you and maybe use it as an excuse to clean out a closet or two.



Until next time, I'll leave you with this wish....................................



May you keep as warm and as cozy as the famous snug bug in a rug.
May you perpetuate that warmth by gifting genuine smiles wrapped in a hug.

May you enjoy the comfort of a snuggle blanket as you curl up on the cushions of your couch.
May you bring that comfort to others, through kindness, unknown lives, you might touch.

May you, in the company of your loved ones, feel ever safe and warm.
May you rid yourself of some clutter, wrapping others, keeping them from winter's harm.




Thanks so much for taking the time to read these ramblings! Stay Warm!


www.margyreidbooks.com for you stocking stuffer needs.

Snowmen and Merry Christmas?

The Snowmen have been unleashed! It must be December!




The Holidays mean something different to everyone. Every culture/religion calls it something different and celebrates in their own way. Some don't. It's all good.

I don't know about where you live, but here, one of the hottest debates seems to be whether or not it is politically correct to say Merry Christmas.

I, personally would not be offended if someone offered me the salutation of their choice, whatever it may be, if it was given with sincere kindness behind it. 

The words  "Merry Christmas" should never be flung as an intended insult to anyone or any belief. If that is what is intended, a wish dipped in venom, does that not take the very phrase for which you are fighting, and turn it into something dark and ugly?

I feel that if you put forth the greeting of this holiday, whatever that is for you, with kind intent, the only ones who will be offended are the ones who want to be.

If someone wishes you a Happy Hanukkah, and you aren't Jewish, you should be no more offended by that than if someone says "bless you" when you sneeze.

How many of us have shouted  "Molotov!"  "Salut!", or "Amen!" and it offends no one. Why? Because they are simple expressions of joy.


This holiday should be about nothing but bringing joy to others. Fill it with every kindness you can squeeze in. No matter what you do, or don't believe. Just hug it out and be done.


Personally,  I like to celebrate by putting up my silly snowmen, listening to sappy Christmas songs, baking the treats that make my family light up, and making it a mission to put a smile in the eyes of every face I meet.


Now, for the past week...............................................



Well, our karaoke show went great. Lots of people and a ton of fun! They are a great group.


Aaannnnddd, our Riders won the Grey Cup!  It. Was. Awesome. 


We were busy at the shop with more siding, some brakes, some wiring, and a mobile service call or two.

Some more Christmas shopping was completed. Wrapped. Under the tree. Yay!

I was able to stock up on baking essentials, so I can start getting some things in the freezer. (Pumpkin Spice Muffins....Done!)

Some baby snuggles were squeezed in. (Laney is starting to smile)

Toddler silliness and utter cuteness was absorbed.

Some kindergarten wisdom was bestowed.

Now...for the upcoming week....


Month end book work at the shop................

Take care of the shipment that is due to be delivered.............

Assist in siding  a trailer.............

Run errands...............

Hopefully, on a few evenings,  get home in time to bake a few cookies.........

Go out to a movie!.....

Head down to our local pub to watch some entertainment!


Yep another full week, and I wouldn't have it any other way!


Until next time.............. I know a lot of people who will be facing a rough time this Holiday season. There have been some accidents and illnesses that have touched those I love and care about. It's going to be so hard for so many.

With that in mind, I'll leave you with this wish...............


May you find the strength to simply get through, for no one can expect any more.
May the weight of it all be lifted a little by those at your side, as you sleeplessly walk the floor.

May you find a way, whilst gripped in sadness, to give cherished memories a voice.
May you give them such a resonating boom, the sadness will have to step aside, for it will have no choice.

May you wear the hope and strength of your loved ones like an old, cozy sweater.
May you know, for now, it's just about surviving, being, breathing, later is for making it better.



Until next time...............................................

www.margyreidbooks.com

Shivering and Shenanigans!

This, my friends who live in warmer climates, is what -29 degrees looked like today, from where I stood.


Who am I kidding, this is pretty much what -20 something degrees and colder will look like from where I stand for the next oooooohhhhh at least 4 months.

I love where I live, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to get to miss winter. I mean, deep in my heart, yearning for snow, can't remember what cold feet feel like, doesn't hurt to breathe in, oh, that's a snow shovel?,  kind of missing it.

In our neck of the woods, there have been a fair amount of people finding their way to us in search of jobs. We are very fortunate to have plenty of them to go around. Some of these adventurous souls come from much warmer places on this planet, and they are now experiencing their first Saskatchewan winter. I feel bad for them. They were bundling up in full on winter gear as early as a few weeks ago. At this point, I hadn't really put on a real jacket. I can't imagine what must be going through their minds about this move. I can't help but wonder what they might think when it hits -40, or colder, as it's bound to do at least a few times.

Just keep in mind, our new winter newbie friends, it doesn't last forever, it's a great opportunity to have cozy get togethers with friends, and it's all manageable if you just keep your socks woolly, and your toddy strong!


So, for the past week..........................


The shop is staying very busy, with new jobs booking in almost daily. It's awesome!


We finished up a brand new roof, put on an awning, and were able to help two "come off the highway" emergencies.

I was also lucky enough to participate in a small trade show right here at home. It was so nice to see everybody and get caught up with some folks I hadn't seen in a long while!


The week also included some grandbaby snuggles, some preliminary online wedding dress snooping with my daughter, some Christmas shopping, and other shenanigans.

And, though I have managed to pretty much stay out of trouble thus far, the week is not over.

The reason I am writing these ramblings a bit early this week is due to the fact we have a show to do tomorrow night.

This is a fun group, and they have a heritage dipped richly in shenanigans. It courses through their veins, I kid you not. I know this, as I am related to quite a few of them.


As for the remainder of the upcoming week.....................

Watch our hometown Riders win the Grey Cup! ( This will only remotely matter to you if you know the words to "Green Is The Colour.") If you Google Saskatchewan Roughriders, you will understand.


Start on another big siding job, and work in a couple of smaller ones where we can.


Decorate my house for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!(Snowmen will be coming out to play!!!!!)


Get a start on the Christmas baking.


Until next time, thanks again for reading these ramblings.  Don't forget you can get your copies of "Lexi's Magic Clothes", "A Crazy Day", "Tags Go In The Back", and "Everyday Wishes For Your Extraordinary Life" online at www.margyreidbooks.com at our shop in Rosetown, and at McNally Robinson, both in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. (I hear they make pretty good stocking stuffers!)

I would be honored to be ripped open on Christmas morning.  Wait, that may have come out wrong......


Until next week, I'll leave you with this wish........




May every Holiday party you attend feel like a show at Rockefeller Center.
May you get a warm and welcoming feeling from every room you enter.

May any shenanigans be kept legal, and not contain actions where regrets are conceived.
May all remain dignified and classy, genteel gifts both given and received.

May the memories made be the ones you hold in your heart with a smile.
May they not be the kind with fuzzy recollection, a good idea at the time, and a trial.

May you, I guess I'm trying to say, have a great time, enjoy some mischief, but don't overdo, misjudge,  or overlook.
May you, as I usually remind guests at a show, not do anything you don't want to see on YouTube or  FaceBook!


Until Next Time!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Mother Nature......Wow!

Hi!



As I'm sitting here, we are having our first blizzard day of the year. It's snowy, blowy, icy and cold. I felt the urge to look at something warm. Hence the pic.


While watching the white stuff make it's presence known, I can't help but be awestruck by Mother Nature. Here, there is a blizzard, albeit a pretty minor one by our normal standards, in the Philippines, complete and utter devastation.

Sitting at my desk, I can feel the total and complete desperate sadness emanating from across the world. As a human race, I think we can all feel it. My heart breaks for those in the middle of the chaos and horror, it hurts for those no longer living there, desperately trying to locate family and friends. 

Whenever something like this happens, typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes, even a not-so-terrible blizzard, it's a giant reminder of how small we are. How, no matter how we hustle, strive, drive, play politics, build, tear down, rebuild, dig, drag, drill and destroy, we really have no actual control over anything.

That can be a scary thought. We are but one race, on one tiny planet, one, among millions in this vastness. 

As I understand, and believe it to be, although we are but a minuscule part of a much greater, grander universe, the fact that we even exist means we have a purpose. All of us, each of us. I believe life is packed with opportunities to find out what that is. Every time something happens that is so completely beyond your control, seemingly out of the blue, good or bad, I believe it's one of those opportunities, a pathway opening.

All we can do is our best to support each other in this journey, let go of the judgement of others, for most times it only shines a light on our own ignorance, and be kind, we could all use it.

When opportunity knocks, I don't think we should merely answer the door, but embrace whatever awaits.


Blizzards make me think.



Anyway................................................


This week was busy, as usual. So glad we are staying that way.

After returning from a much needed, fantastic "girl weekend"..........

We were finally able to finish off a job that was a royal pain in the insurance. Not ours. It involved a very nice customer, his wife, their fridge, and a cluster@#%$ of circumstances perpetuated by their insurance company. They insisted on reconditioned parts, originally meant for another model, which, in turn, meant other things didn't fit right either. I was unable to locate correct parts, because in refurbishing the part, they painted over every bloody identifying number. It was a 3-month long exercise in frustration, both for us and our customer. But, the job is now complete, and they were able to pick up their trailer, and will be able to leave and go wherever snowbirds go, on time.

We also were able to make some headway in a couple of other jobs, take in some baby snuggles, toddler squeezes, and kindergarten goofiness.

Another good week.

So, for the days ahead...............................

Work on my next book...............

Watch some very important football...............

Finish off some jobs at the shop........

Get in some rehearsal for the show next weekend...................

Participate in a trade show right here at home on Wednesday.......(Milden Hall)

Start scattering some snowmen around my house.....they are begging to be released!



Until next time....I thank you once again for taking the time to read these ramblings. To my readers from the Philippines...you are in my thoughts and prayers.




May you feel the whole of humankind embrace you, giving you the strength to carry on.
May you let that strength lift you, not allow your soul to be buried, broken, gone.

May all you hold close, be with you, if not in body, as angels to help you through.
May you feel them within your heart, feeding your spirit, determination renewed.

May you get to the other side of this horror, though scarred and forever changed.
May you get to the other side of this horror, live life, your life, however rearranged.

May you wake after many tomorrows able to feel the sun again on your face.
May you feel your angels, always, for you will be forever in their embrace.


Until next time......

www.margyreidbooks.com

In Remembrance, We Are Grateful!

Hi!


In case you needed a nudge toward a smile, I thought I would provide one. Consider yourself nudged.






Sooooooo, this week was pretty flippin' awesome!



Things are still going full steam ahead at the shop........yay!

My youngest daughter got engaged to a young man who puts all kinds of goofy smiles on her face....Yay!

Aaaaaaaaand we were able to swing the purchase of a new stove......"Operation New Stove" completed. YAY!!



Yep, the shop is hopping with no signs of slowing down. I'm so glad we started this adventure when we did. The way things have fallen into place, even the things that went against our original plans, is pretty incredible. We are very lucky, happy, grateful people.

As I mentioned, our youngest daughter became engaged this week! She is so happy and excited! You know, as you are raising your kids and dreaming about their future, in your heart of hearts, you want for them to find their someone. You hope they build a life that lends itself to happiness every day. I believe, she and her fiancé, are well on their way to doing just that. We are so happy for them!

Aaaaaannnnnd.......I love weddings! I'm so excited to find out when and how and where they want to celebrate their special day!


Now, the same day our Bink became a fiancé, I received my early Christmas present! My brand new stove! The first brand new one I have ever owned! It's stainless steel, and black, shiny, and smooth. No dents, scrapes, personality disorders, and everything works! Everything!

I'm looking so forward to breaking that bad boy in with some Christmas baking. I might need to take a couple of days off. Hmmmm....maybe not a bad idea.


Oh, I guess you might be wondering why these ramblings are hitting the airwaves a bit early, this week. Well, as I mentioned last week, this is the weekend I will be heading up to my friend's place for some, catching up, adult beverages, maybe a movie or two, and some simple R&R!

Yep, I will be playing hooky for a chunk of this afternoon, and take off early, as not to have to drive in these snowy, icy, conditions with the added hindrance of the dark. Where I am headed, the wildlife loves to tread, so daylight is always a plus.

My hubby is so sweet to let me take this time, guilt free. He is, and always will be my Honey.


As for the upcoming week........................

Have a great time with friends!

Gratuitous baby snuggling!


Work at the shop, doing my best to keep things running as smoothly as possible. It's kinda like chess, you are always planning for about 6 moves ahead.

Get some rehearsal in for our upcoming show.

Work on my next book.

Well folks, that about does it for another week. I hope you had a good one, and the next one is even better!




As this is Remembrance Day weekend, here in Canada, I'd like to take a moment to show appreciation to those who have fought for the freedoms we take for granted every day.

With that in mind, I'll leave you with this wish.



May we remember to be mindful of the sacrifices made, lives lost, and the souls, now only rubble.
May we remember to be grateful for the freedoms these allow, not live in an entitlement bubble.

May we remember to support the ones who return, changed, dark, broken by what they have seen.
May we remember to hold up the ones at home who wait, for they are braver then we've ever been.

May we remember to work toward a world in which these sacrifices aren't needed, peace demanded.
May we remember, until we achieve such a place, to say thank you and honor what we've been handed.


Thanks for taking the time to read these ramblings!

www.margyreidbooks.com

Zombies, Pirates And Sunsets!

 

 

 

Hi!

 

 

 

You know, I'm sure sunsets in other parts of the world are absolutely spectacular. In fact, I am certain, for I've seen the pictures that prove just that.

 

 

But, there is something that stirs in this prairie girl's heart when I see the endless horizon ablaze as the sun battles the night to stick around just a little longer.

 

The sun disappears so early now, black as pitch by 6:30pm. It's the thing I find the hardest over winter. Snow comes and goes, as does the frigid cold, but the dark lingers too long.

 

So, even though these extended nights are not my favourite things, they do trigger in me the urge to bake. It's like some inner alarm clock goes off around the beginning of November that signals the start of the Christmas baking season.

 

With any luck, I will have an oven to do said baking. The jury is still out on that one, but I should know soon.

 

 

Well folks, this week proved to be a pretty interesting one.

 

We went to Luseland to do our Halloween show, and had a blast. There were plenty of great costumes. Zombies seemed to be the most plentiful. My favourite, however, had to be Jack Sparrow, he was awesome.

 

The place was packed, they were running out of chairs, running out of glasses, and by the end of the evening, running seriously low on sober people.

 

All in all, a good night with fun people.

 

The rest of the week saw some baby snuggles, month end bookkeeping, redoing our radio ad, ordering of material, picking up of other material, running errands, ordering parts and stock, paying bills, receiving and putting away said parts and stock, scrubbing a couple of toilets, dealing with some laundry, slaying some dust bunnies and being an extra set of hands to assist my hubby in trailer repairs. Aaaannnd more recon in "operation new stove."

 

We were also booked for another karaoke show for later in the month, a small trade show, and a possible Christmas karaoke show in December. It also looks like I will be visiting a couple of schools during the winter and another in May. 

 

I'm thinking the darkness of the winter months should pass pretty quickly with all of the fun things to look forward to.

 

 

So, for the upcoming days.........

 

 

Spend some quality time with some trailers, sneak some baby snuggles, help out some customers, maybe squeeze in a bit of writing, and then, at the end of the week, I will be heading to my best girlfriend's house for a couple of days of girl talk, movies, and a few adult beverages.

 

I'm looking sooooo forward to it!

 

 

I guess that about does it for another week.  Until next time, I'll leave you with this wish...........

 

 

 

May you find the strength to meet every challenge with a smile, every hardship, with a grin.

May you find your inner mischief, and see what kind of trouble you can get in.

 

May you handle every responsibility with care, capability and grace.

May you also give in to the part of you that wants to prank without a trace.

 

May you make every important decision with foresight, maturity and wisdom.

May you realize most that seem so "life and death", won't seem nearly, in the long run.

 

 

Have a great week! Until next time!

 

www.margyreidbooks.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Here's To Beautiful Babies and Bountiful Booties!

Hi!


As I warned you last week, here are a couple of pics of the newest addition to our ever growing family. Aaaaaannnnndddd one of her very adorable, completely excited big brother.

Pretty dang sweet, right?



Well folks, this week was one that involved a couple of emergency type trailer fixes, some not-so-emergency fixes and bookkeeping paperwork.

Now, there were also some covert baby snuggles worked in here and there, a Library board meeting, some Grandma snacks for the older of the grandbabies, and a little impromptu rehearsing in the shop.( acoustics are pretty nice!) Just in case you were thinking that this was a week of all work and no play, I didn't want to give you the wrong impression.


Also, this week, I began the preliminary snooping for a new stove/oven/range, whichever term you prefer. I'm trying not to get too excited, because we aren't sure whether or not we will be able to afford it quite yet, but I have begun the snooping process!

The stove I had, up until last year about this time, was my hubby's Grandma's. It was 3 years old when we bought it from her in 1992. It owed me nothing.

It was temperamental, the oven picking the temperature it would choose to bake things, overcooking whatever was in the rear, undercooking what was situated in the forefront. This required a bit of extra baking skill.

Our youngest daughter, in her home ec class a few years ago, was giggled at for rotating cookies in the oven half way through the baking process. She thought you had to do that with all ovens! Imagine her surprise! lol

Then, last year, we noticed our neighbours across the street were putting a new stove in their kitchen! What luck! Hers was just as old as mine, but the oven behaved itself pretty well. She did warn me, however, that a couple of the burners seemed to have an attitude problem.

Well, now, a year later, the attitude problems have turned into a disorder of some kind, and the oven is beginning to develop the same issues as my old one.

I'm really hoping that the finance fairies give a  hand, otherwise Christmas baking is going to have to go the way it did a couple of years ago. It was more like Christmas anythingyoucouldmakewithoutactuallybaking baking.

I know, first world problems, or what.


I mean, if not having a new stove is my biggest issue, I am a very lucky person, indeed.

Now for the upcoming week....


Tonight, after work we head off to Luseland to do a Halloween karaoke show, and along the way make a quick-stop, service call.

Tomorrow, on our way home, we will be stopping in to see our new grandbaby, for her first, unhurried snuggles from Grandma and Grandpa.

The rest of the week will consist of installing a cooling unit in a fridge, the reinstalling of said fridge into it's trailer, repairing a roof, repairing or replacing, skylights, showers, countertops, parts ordering and organizing, month end bookkeeping, HALLOWEEN!, some trailer detailing, and a bit of negotiating with insurance people.

Then, next weekend, our plans consist of a lot of nothing. It will be the first time in about 8 months that we will be spending 2 entire days at home without going anywhere. No karaoke show, weddings, or tradeshows. And starting next weekend we will be closing the shop on weekends. If need be, we can still go over and work, but we won't be officially open.

I'm really hoping to be able to use the time to finish off my next book and get it ready to go by my birthday. That's my goal. Here's hopin'!


Sooooo, that about does it for me, for this week.

With Halloween coming up, I'll leave you with this wish.




May your costume ideas be brilliant, their execution, second to none.
May they be original, and inspired, not your usual pregnant nun.

May your childrens' trick or treat bags be bountiful, overflowing with your favorite bites.
May your raiding of said bags be fruitful, after you turn out their bedroom lights.

May you munch guilt free, as you carry out this dutiful act, again sacrificing for your young.
May you feel noble as you save them, for candy will rot their teeth, and chips could cut their tongue!

May you stop before you go too far, eating it all, and then, feel bad.
May you know if you do, you can always take the high road, and blame it on their Dad!

Until next time! Happy Halloween!