Where's the Irish Church Lady?

I'm sorry that I haven't been a good blogging friend.

There's a few things going on over here so I'll give you a bit of an update:

• Pool Boy and I had this wonderful experience at Worldwide Marriage Encounter. I need to do a separate post on this when I have time. It was so awesome! The bottom line was that it really helped us to take stock in what is good with our marriage and relationship together, and reunite as a couple. We are now working together as a team. We feel much friendship and kinship and love for each other.



• We actually felt like honeymooners for the first few days after our encounter. I would say that we still would now except that we have had some pressing issues that have prevented us from connecting as we would like. We now hold the key and secret to this wonderful way to communicate and become truly intimate in our relationship, and I am thrilled with this knowledge and new found hope that all our dreams really can come true.



• So the pressing issues have been getting some major work things done on the homefront before he goes in for his surgery on Monday. This has been exhausting both of us, and of course has been very hard on him physically because of his handicap. We press on because we know that after the surgery, we do not want anything to jeopardize his rehabilitation. Anyways the list is getting crossed off, however it will take us the rest of the weekend to complete the tasks. (lawn fertilized and seeded, spray deck, fix garage door, paperwork, roof shingles that need repair, house cleaning etc.)



• We have a coop student living in my son's room now and he is great! Really nice kid. We couldn't have got a better one. We spent last weekend getting the basement in tip top shape including installing upper cupboards in the kitchenette, fixing things, clearing out my son's stuff and cleaning. All the girls chipped in and helped and we got it done but just in time. This is to help offset the loss of income from Pool Boy not working and it's been a great decision so far.



• I've only managed to bike to work once so far, with everything else going on. I doubt next week I will be able to at all with going to work and then to the hospital after work. Oh well, hopefully soon. Keeps me off the injury list, anyways! he he



• Big congrats to Pool Boy ~ one of the tasks he got done was opening the pool! So some local ducks have made our pool their swimming hole. I blogged about it before. They were coming back all the time and swimming on the cover and now that the pool is open, they are back in the water. Even the dogs don't seem to scare them away permanently. Not sure how we feel about this yet as we are concerned about a big mess, but being animal and bird lovers it's hard not to love a couple of love ducks in our big pond!!!



• In other news, the Ottawa Senators are doing a bang up job in the second round of the NHL playoffs. If they win tonight against the NJ Devils, then they take the second round. They have 3 more games and all they have to do is win one of them to win this series. We take particular interest in watching the games as we are great fans but also because the Senators doctor, Dr Chow is Pool Boy's back surgeon! He scheduled his surgery around the playoffs. If they go to game six then it's Pool Boy he will be attending to in the four hour surgery Monday 8 a.m. and the Ottawa Senators bench on Monday 7 p.m. in Ottawa. LOL



• My daughter #1 has bought her first home and is busily fixing it up before she starts moving furniture. The place was a mess, compared to the first house she bought that fell through. It was rented out to a lady that smoked and kept it dark and dingy all the time. I didn't see it before she bought it but when I saw it the day of her close I was shocked at how dirty and awful it was. I was in fact really surprised that D#1 bought it because the condition was so bad. Well she wanted a fixer upper and that's what she got. So with some help from her friends they have ripped out all the carpeting and started cleaning the walls with TSP(?) to get the nicotine out and ready for painting. Next comes hardwood floors, carpeting and I think she wants to put some new bathroom fixtures in but I'm not sure what yet. She did a cute little video on it with her new camera. I will post it here when she sends it to me. Her ex bf, DQ Boy, has been helping her a lot. I may have to go back to calling her DQ Girl after all! LOL

I miss you guys. I just can't commit to regular blogging again yet. It's already 10:30 and yikes, I have to get on with my list!

I hope all is well with you all. I will try to visit soon!

Prayers for Pool Boy on Monday, if you're so inclined.

Big hugs

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

WW ME

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

It is amazing!

Irish Church Lady (ICL)

Hiatus

Yay Ottawa Senators!! They won the first round of playoffs 4 games to 1 with a 3-0 shutout last night against the Pittsburg Penguins (Sidney Crosby - one of my sister's dogs is named after him, yup they're big hockey fans!)

They've been able to achieve this the last few years and usually don't make the second round. Here's hoping 2007 will be the year!!

I was so zonked last night after a busy busy week, all I could do was stay awake to see the game but I almost went under between periods! I didn't even turn on the laptop.

Today I'm working from home while I do laundry and I'm getting my hair done - colour and cut at 3:30. Double yay!!

The best part is I'm on a wee bit of a hiatus for the weekend. I won't be blogging because I'm going on a Marriage Encounter. By myself. LOL Not true. Read all about it on ICL Talks.

Prayers for us and well wishes appreciated!

All my photo memes are up:

Thursday Challenge ~ Wildlife
Friday Photo ~ Country
Saturday Photo Hunt ~ Steps

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

About ICL: Thursday Thirteen #89, my #39 - Random Idea Generation

Foto Pherrets is over at ICL Plays Groovy Baby!!

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Have a Happy (.)

Kwizgiver wrote a post about that awful tagline for Always Maxi Pads:

"Have a Happy Period."

Read her post above about how inappropriate and aggravating that is. It is printed on their boxes and on the back of the liner strip, believe it or not. Isn't that the last thing you want to see when you are preparing your granny undies for the dreaded bleed?

She got me thinking of some potential feminine hygiene taglines from hell. Wouldn't it serve all women better if this were printed on the adhesive backing strip?:

• Cause sometimes it sucks to be a girl.
• *Hugs* from all the women at Procter & Gamble
• Just a few days, that's all.
• Hoo ha blotter, handle with care
• The only time of the month, you don't want your pussy petted.
• Pre-menstrual mood swings are justifiable reasons for throwing your television out the window, but the clean up afterwards isn't worth it.

And what are your suggestions for new tag lines????

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Cats on Tuesday

see Gattina's Cats-on-Tuesday ~ a must read for all you cat fanciers!!

Clancy - my cat. I adopted him from someone at work. He was my first ginger tabby and he was a domestic short hair. He was a great cat. Orange cats tend to be very friendly. Did you know that? He got sick and died suddenly when he was only about 8 years old. I was devastated and it took me months before I was ready to replace him because I thought he was such a perfect cat.

I have no pictures because it was before the days of digital cameras and I'm too lazy I have no time to scan one in but he looked like this.

Irish Church Lady (ICL)

Irish Marriage Counselling

Manic Monday Meme

After just a few years of marriage filled with constant bickering, the Kerry couple decided the only way to save their marriage was to try counseling.

When they arrived at the counselor's office, the counselor jumped right in and opened the floor for discussion. "What seems to be the problem?"

Immediately, the husband held his long face down without anything to say. In contrast, the wife began talking 90 miles an hour, describing all the wrongs within their marriage.

After 15 minutes of listening to the wife, the counselor went over to her, picked her up by her shoulders, kissed her passionately and sat her back down.

Afterwards, the wife sat speechless. The marriage counselor looked over at the husband, who stared in disbelief. The counselor said to the husband,"Your wife NEEDS that at least twice a week!"

The husband scratched his head and replied, "I can have her here on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

Coola & Grinder

The Grouse Mountain Grizzlies
Orphaned at Five Months old

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Being cared for by the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife

Web Cams by www.wavelit.com

More info on forums (also on sidebar at left)

They are still in 'hibernation' due to the climate conditions on the mountain.

There is no food yet available for them to eat.

Other grizzlies are still under a significant amount of snow.

They will be let out in a controlled manner, soon (I hope).

This video also on www.youtube.com

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Grizzly Webcam Post Updated

See update to Webcam post below. I finally was able to catch them awake, and get a screen shot of one of the grizzlies. I'm not sure which one is which yet.

See my note re my concerns for them below too.

Irish Church Lady aka animal lover
(ICL)

Cyber Cruise Couture

Captain Lifecruise is having a blog party at the Cyber Cruise Ball.

I went shopping the other day and after much hemming and hawing, selected a dress. Please see the ones I passed on here. Shopping Day for the Cruise Ball

My final outfit and accessories for tonight's party are shown here Cyber Cruise Ball ~ Here I come!

I believe it's time to get this party started!!

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

More on Webcams ~ Updated below

I have added two more webcam links to my sidebar Africam and Grizzly Bears.

<-- See the hippo I caught at left as he was entering the watering hole at night? I was so excited to see him!!

The baby grizzly bears were moving around and playing as I first started this post.

"Both orphaned at approximately 5 months of age, Grinder and Coola have made the remarkable transition from struggling cubs with an uncertain future to vibrant, healthy bears that now act as West Coast ambassadors for their entire species.
Read more about the Grizzly Bears on Grouse Mountain"

Unfortunately there's no sound on the Grizzly webcam but there is on the Africam one.

You will hear lots of night sounds and see some flying bugs (or maybe birds) depending on the time of day that you watch. Once I saw a big slithering snake go by that watering hole.

I love watching these sites. Sometimes it's hit or miss, there may or may not be a lot of action going on. I've put them on my side bar to remind me to go there more often.

Wavelit Forums about what people have seen on the webcams / comments / questions etc.

UPDATE:

I'm feeling a little more stressed about these grizzlies, I've been watching them off and on all day and the really seem like they want to get out of this enclosure that they are in.

They keep going up to the window and looking out. I even saw one of them pushing on the window it seemed like. I feel sad now.

I hope that the people that are minding them know what they are doing and are not just exploiting these poor orphaned bears.

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Biking - Saturday Photo Hunt - Hobby

Biking - Saturday Photo Hunt - Hobby
Originally uploaded by irish_church_lady.

The story to go along with this photo is that Biker Boy (aka Pool Boy) will not be biking this summer.

He's going to get the bikes ready and hopefully bike a bit with me in the next few weeks but after that he's undergoing surgery for broken vertebrae in his back on May 7th.

They are pressing on his nerve and he's in constant pain and is pretty disabled right now, even though you probably would wonder how he could bike with this.

His main problem is standing and walking. That is mostly what causes him the most pain. This makes every day living pretty miserable for him.

Anyhoo, we are happy that something is finally being done for him. They are going to put in a titanium rod and screws to fuse everything together. He has a three month convalescense period. Hopefully in late August or September he may be able to ride a bit.

I, of course, will start my regular biking to work any day now if this weather would improve!

Great for the psyche, environment and pocketbook!

The Office

So Spikey wants an Office post. I'm sure Christie does too. Above is a cute video.

Did you catch last night's show? Favourite parts?

I'll start ~ Michael believing Pam really had a present for him .....

Now I gotta get to the office. :0

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Happy 7th Birthday Fergus!

Also known as:

Puppy

Puppy Dog

The Fergmeister

Fergie

Fergie Puppy

Good Dog

Cousin Ferg

Uncle Ferg

Mama's Doggie

Top Dog

Dada's Boy

My Special Doggie

My Silly Boy

Big Goof

Bed Hog

My Poodle Doggie

My Spoiled Doggie

Need I say more?

Happy Friday 13th! Multiple Post Day!

Me Cyber Cruise shopping over at ABOUT ICL

<--- Check out me new webcam on my sidebar too!

It's a special doggy's birthday today! See above.

Oh and see some fun widgets installed at the top!

Thanks so much to all those who have voted for Sláinte ~ It’s only Me on Irishblogs above.

It's not a contest or anything. It's just a blog aggregation site and if you want to rate this blog, or any others of mine, you can say so by doing so through the little icon.

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Itty Bitty TT

1. HOLY
2. COW
3. THURSDAY
4. THIRTEEN's
5. GONNA
6. BEe
7. BRIEF
8. CAUSE
9. I'M
10. SOoooooo
11. TIRED
12. TONIGHT
13. YUPPERS

Please pick one word from above and write your comment regarding that word.

How it relates to you?

What it reminds you of?

Something I don't know about you.

Start your comment with that word.

Whatever. It's entirely up to
you. Be creative, be lazy. It's all good.

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Oh me, Oh my!

Foto Pherrets HERE

Carol at The Turning Point is one of my regular and must reads. She is such a sweet and thoughtful person, always quick with some kind words or a sassy remark. I just love her visits here and also to her blog to find out what bit of info she is going to enlighten me with or make me laugh about today. Imagine my excitement to be nominated by her, for a thinking blogger award! Two words come to mind, pink and tickled.

Without wasting a minute, I ran over to my other favourite read, Fleur de Lisa to let her know that she is my first choice for one of my five Thinking Blogger nominations. Lisa wraps her beautiful photography up in a bow with her introspective writing and fabulous quotes. I always like to stop and linger at her posts, like savouring a fine wine. There is much good there, and as much as she thinks she does not always bear her heart and soul, I've seen it. Many times. And I keep coming back for more.

Now where to begin? How to choose my remaining nominations, not friviously or haphazard? Thankfully, many of my favourite reads have been already nominated. That takes the pressure off to worry about offending someone that I might have to miss on this go 'round.

Make list ... check bloglines ... blog from the heart, Church Lady. Ready set go.

Next choice - very easy. LL Barkat of Seedlings in Stone is a very deep writer. She makes me think all the time. I always ensure my coffee is full before visiting her. It allows me to tarry around her blog, and try to figure out what hell she is saying. lmao She inspires me with her spirituality and abilty to rise above the blog eat blog world. Subtle but strong. I like that. And, she has a sharp but gentle sense of humour. Where would I be without my quick witted blog friends?

My blog friend Mysterious Lady has been busy, with getting married and a busy job as a nurse and all. She hasn't blogged a lot lately, but when she does, I always find some interesting information, points of view and perspectives coming from her. She has been known to be physically incapacitated and wacked out on pain killers and blogged photos of herself from her cell phone. What can I not help but think about that? LOL alot!

Oh dear, two left, spend 'em wisely.

My next choice is going to be a fairly new read that I have been introduced to via the Cyber Cruise which is currently out to sea. I have chosen him (my first male choice, yay!) because of his thoughtful narrative and work he puts into his posts blogging about the things of the world. I really appreciate his open perspective and fun loving style. Always up for some teasing while sharing his love of nature and all things he experiences. That my friends is Renny of RennyBA's Terella. He is always up for an adventure. Two feet first!!

OK, last but definitely not least, and in true thinking blogger fashion, my final nomination goes to someone that must put a lot of THINKING into her posts. Either that or she really is like that and her posts just roll off her fingers, without any thought what-so-ever! She is smart, quick witted, can be profane and vulgar and all things crazy and intermingled like you wouldn't believe. Her posts always make me smile or laugh out loud or hork. She is very popular and has a lot of readers, so needless to say, does not need this nomination to boost her esteem. We go back awhile but she still comes to visit the little people and leave sweet or witty remarks. I can like that. She is none other than MIST1 of To Do: 1. Get Hobby. 2. Floss. Play MISTy for me gf!

That was fun! And I coulda picked more!

Irish Church Lady
(ICL)

Six Word Stories for Cats on Tuesday

Janna has been prompting her readers to write six word books.

It started at Nancy's blog. The idea is to write a story that's only six words long. Here's the set-up Nancy gave:

Ernest Hemingway said the best thing he ever wrote was a six-word story. It is
this: "For sale-- Baby shoes. Never used."

So like a smarta$$ my six word story response was:

I'm up for it!
Not yet.

Well folks, the time is now for my collection of personally written cat stories, in six words each!

Miss Crankypants.
Careful of your eyes.

Kitty Krack
Could not help her.

Pretty,
Too bad her personality sucks.


Clear the road Kitty!
Oh no!

Being fat cat
is all that!

In and out,
Like a yo-yo!

I am fat.
I am cat.


Soooorry ... not my best work ....

....in other news, Pool Boy is probably going to get his back operated on in three weeks! It's a 4-5 hour surgery, with one week in the hospital and three month rehabilitation period.

Get this, his surgeon is doctor for the Ottawa Senators hockey team, and he's on the road with them for the playoffs. Pool Boy will get the operation when he comes back off the road! Alright! We've been waiting for so long. He is anxious but relieved that now we are getting somewhere. Me too!

I'm so confused. Daughter #1 is home from Scotland tonight, past DQ boyfriend is over here now. She is all gaga about the Hot Scot! I haven't had a chance to talk to her without former bf around. I may have to give her a talkin' to. I'm feelin' sorry for DQ Boy.

Cool music tag from Christie over at ICL Video Blog. Alro's got the baton now and he's a real musician. Can't wait to see what he comes up with.

Shheeeeshhh I was like all caught up with my bloglines on the weekend and now I'm all behind again. Anybody else have that problem? It's me, right?

Toodles~

Happy Easter Monday!

Hey what is the significance of Easter Monday anyways? Does anyone of y'all know?

Hope y'all had a great Easter weekend and are fresh like bunnies to start this new week!!

I've got a cute Easter Monday Manic Monday up. Lisa really does come up with the best questions for Manic Monday and sometimes I like to tease her when I play along. yuk yuk

While you're there and if you like the music on here for Easter, check out a really cool new song and video from Casting Crowns called "Who am I?". Just discovered this song and I love it!

So on to some personal stuff.

Big news! Mr. Philosopher has been nominated for an award at his college for programming (computer music). Last year he was nominated for his songwriting. He says he doesn't care if he wins or not but it's nice to have his music recognized and adds "I couldn't have done it without my crazy brain and my laptop, go computers!" A boy after me own heart! Oh, ya and he's moving in with his girlfriend at the end of the semester so looks like we may be taking a trip down to help him move soon.

'Course it's exam and term project time at all the colleges and universities so my kids and nephew are busy busy busy. Didn't make it home for Easter, although my daughter who is at a local university did manage to come for dinner at my sis's place last night, even if she did bring her books! Yay Nurse-a-baby!

#1 daughter is in Scotland and returning home tomorrow. She's been there a week with her friends. Her friend was dancing in the World competition for Irish dancing. Get this, she text messages us to say she's going on a date with a Hot Scot! lmao Not only one, but two dates occurred within this one week timeframe!!

Ah well, she's young and a busy lass! She got a promotion at work right before she left to go away! She takes possession of her first home on May 1st. Yup, the wiener will be moving out!!!Not straight away, because she has some work to do in the house first, but hopefully before the end of May! I need to get all the furniture that Dad gave her out of the garage!

I'll miss the doodle but not always sleeping in my bed like she has the past week thought she's really not much trouble because Pool Boy takes her out rofl!

Werked from home today (hey, maybe that's why I'm in such a good mood?) and managed to boogie off to the pit at lunch with my sis and our doggies. Didn't take any pics this time, but she did.

So I'm just wondering do I blog more about my kids or my pets? I don't like to brag too much about the kids because that's just boring for y'all but just so you know, they put.me.through.hell during the teenage years so when I do it's because I've earned my bragging rights he he.

And furthermore, I'm not out of the woods yet ~ notice no reference to Batgirl today? That's 'cause she's basically in her own little world these days and we've got some issues to clear up, nothing serious, I hope, but nothing to brag about there (yet) either! ho ho ho

So I might as well just finish off with Pool Boy who is going to see the back surgeon tomorrow, finally. Let's hope they do something quick! I can't take it anymore!!! Not sure how he's doin' ROFL.

I have a wee little surprise too that I will blog about soon about Pool Boy and me. Nothing big at all, but something positive anyways. I will be getting back to do some posts on ICL Talks to give a little update on the situ. I'm going to go back to venting on that blog and quit keeping things bottled up.

Famous last words! Wasn't it just last week I was saying that I was going to slow down on blogging and proceeded to post pretty much every day and twice on Sundays still!!!!???

OK so I may still have some issues.

Irish Church Lady (ICL)