Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Adventure

Tomorrow begins the first day of our adventure. RV travel! Something I have wanted to do for a long time but never had the time or the opportunity. Well that time and opportunity has come.

You will have to tune back to check out where we have been and what we have done.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Bones

On July 7 I was busy packing Matt's things and getting ready to leave so we could move his belongings to Yorkton, SK. I went out to quickly water the flowers since we had not had a substantiol amount of rain. As I went to turn off the outdoor tap, I chose to take a "short cut" and in the process I could not see the stepping stone that I intended to place my foot onto. After the fall I realized that only my toes had met the stone and since I was wearing flip flops my foot slipped and I fell. Getting up and trying to "walk" back to the house I knew that something was wrong with my left foot. Immediately I iced it and keep it elevated and then placed a tensor bandage on it. Thank goodness my brother-in-law has a set of crutches and they live close by so he was able to bring them by.

Tim had to finish packing and we headed off towards Yorkton stopping in Neepawa to get an x-ray. The nurse did not think anything was wrong (no brusing, no swelling) but I convinced them of my need to have an x-ray. X-ray confirmed my belief. My third metatarsal was fractured. Since the doctor was on call and still in his office and 2 hours behind with his patients we decided to continue on our journey and seek casting the following day.

Friday, after returning home, I headed to Portage La Praire with my sister-in-law to seek more medical attention. We were amazed at how quickly we were in and out. I was given another x-ray and then a half-cast with a prescription for a walking boot. My choices were: 1 - do nothing, 2 - full cast, 3 - walking boot and since it was summer I wanted the option to be able to remove the "cast" and shower or go in the pool.

Monday, together with my young neice we headed to Diamond Athletics to procure my walking boot. Medicare even paid for it was was pretty sweet.

The next three weeks I attempted to stay off my foot and did so most of the time but I also "walked" on it a bit inside and sometimes around the pool. After those three weeks it was still hurting and swelling up so I sought further advice by going to the PanAm Clinic in Winnipeg on August 2. X-rays were once again performed and it was obvious that the bones were NOT healing. This was not what I wanted to hear although I was realived to see that the bone was in correct placement. My advice - Stay OFF it completely for two weeks and then return to check my progress.

I returned on August 15 and was thrilled to know (after x-rays) that my bone was healing nicely. Now I was told that I would be encouraged to put some pressure on my foot. For the first part of the week I mostly ignored this suggestion and remained off my foot but by the end of the week I was starting to walk on it a bit in the house.

The following week I would wear my shoes inside the house but continue to wear the boot when I went to town and still using crutches.

Today, I am still wearing shoes inside and the boot outside. I know that it is not completely healed as there is still some swelling. Hopefully, as time moves on, my foot will heal completely and I will once again be able to go for a decent walk.

I am ever so grateful for my dear sister-in-law (Charlene) for all the work she has done for me. Without it my shrub bed would look more like a weed bed. Thank you so very very much.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

New York Days 3 - 8

I should have written more about our trip when my memory was fresh but soon after coming home I broke my foot (will share more another time).

Our third day, we did more walking although now my legs were very sore so we needed to walk much slower. We walked Central Park again, love this place, had lunch at Jimmy's American and then walked and walked some more. We were so tired and hungry so that by supper time we stopped at the first restaurant we saw which just happened to be a very fancy Italian place (San Pietro on East 54th Street). We felt rather underdressed but they were very gracious and the food was good. The olive oil dipping sauce was delicious - the first time I have ever liked dipping my bread in oil.


Fourth day - Saturday, took the subway and then the bus to the Pier and visited the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum. A large carrier ship that they have turned into a museum. It was a very, very hot and sunny day, my eyes were having a hard time with the brightness. Decided to have lunch on the ship which, for us, consisted of soup. We could not stay too long as we had tickets to Cirque Du Soleil that afternoon at Radio City Music Hall. We were thrilled that we had 9th row seats. The show was exciting, amazing to see what "things" people can do.


After the show we travelled via the subway to the Statton Island Ferry where we boarded and took the short ride to Statton Island. Opon our arrival we took the short walk to Pier 76 (a pizza joint belonging to Tony's nephew Jeremy). We enjoyed a spinach salad and pizza with vodka sauce and a good visit with Jeremy. The ride back provided us with beautiful sunset photos of the Stature of Liberty.




Fifth day was Sunday and was very busy on the streets due to the Gay Pride parade. We chose to ride up the elevator in the Empire State Building (also did the Sky Ride which to me was not worth it). The view from the top was amazing, also very busy. You had to push your way to the edge in order to get a picture.


We took the subway to the ferry to Goveners Island. A short ride, interesting because many people were dressed like they did in the 1920's. Discovered that there was a 1920's picnic on the island, with food and a live band. It was fun to see so many people dressed up and having a good time. Tim and I walked around the island touring various old buildings. Some of the older homes had been set up with various different kinds of art. Some were interesting and a delight while others where just interesting. The old trees were a wonder to behold and we had a delightful time.


That evening we went to Little Italy for supper. It was difficult to choose which restaurant we would want to eat since they were lined up right beside each other. We finally chose one and had a delicous supper. I chose to buy a purse in Little Italy instead of Chinatown, which proved to be a good idea. Less hassle and the price was cheep.


Monday - day six. Subway and bus back to the pier where we rented biclyes at a Bike and Roll. Nice comfort seats, with locks and places for water bottles. We rode the bike pathway along the Hudson River which so beautiful. Our plan was to ride over the Manhattan bridge and back over the Brooklyn Bridge. We were successful, although we made many stops due to the heat and distance on the bridges and getting a bit lost, and to read the information on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge which was facinating. It is a testiment to God and the knowledge that He imparts to man to create a bridge so many years ago that is still standing and in use today. Had a great lunch down by Wall Street, sitting in the shade. We then headed the other way on the bike trail until my body said enough is enough. 


I had wanted steak for a few days so today was it. The steak was ok but not was good as at home and Keens Chophouse was way overpriced but we enjoyed ourselves anyways.


Day 7 - We were not sure what all to do so we headed back to Central Park and toured the North part of the park this time. We had gyro's from a food truck and they were delicious, which we would have found them sooner. Shopped at Macey's, only Tim bought a shirt, I was too overwhelmed with all the stuff that I did not know where to begin. Had Chinese food for supper and were surprised to see a Mexican man serving us water in a chinese restaurant, go figure. Went to see a movie in Times Square.


Day 8 - our last day! We only had the morning so we took a short subway ride to Washington Square. I recognized many movies that used this particular park in which to film. Tim found another gyro food cart much to his delight. I was not very hungry so I chose to just have gelato instead. Then we waited for our Blue Van to take us to the airport. We had prepaid so it did not seem right to take another mode of transportation. We got to the airport on time but I did think we would after driving round and round Manhattan and occasionally picking up other passengers. Our flights went fine and we arrived home late or early in the morning whichever way you which to put it.


The trip was enjoyable, memorable and I really like New York. The people were very friendly and always willing to help us find our way whenever we looked lost. Might just go back some day.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

New York - Days 1 & 2

Two weeks ago my husband and I took a trip to New York, NY. It was something that I had often wanted to do but never thought we would find the time.

Our first evening, after arriving (driving around in the shuttle van, dropping off other guests), checking in to our hotel, we had supper at an Irish Pub just down the street. It was good, not great or fantastic, just good. We then strolled up the avenue (6th) to Time Square to check out the scenery. People everywhere, lights, sounds completely opposite of our country home. We were even persuaded to attend a Comedy Night, which we rather enjoyed (although it was in some dark basement room). Many times we were asked by the various comedians if we were married and if so how long. When we said 25 years (it will be in December) they were all surprised. Why, you might ask? Well, because we both look so young of course.
Jokes were made, by the comedians - depending on their race, regarding other races. It is so true how each race or culture has their own "things". Be that foods they prefer, or are native to them or things they do or ways they live or act. It was never to belittle another culture but just to laugh at ones own way of living and taking delight in others. I rather enjoyed the evening.

Day two - the weather was a little cloudy, still warm though, and it did spit (rain slightly) at various times throughout the day. Tony Lorenzo was our walking tour guide for the day. We had booked a Big Apple Private Tour through Real New York Tours after reading their great reviews on Trip Advisor. We were not dissappointed. Before beginning our tour we had gone down into the Subway (Herald Street Station - 34th St), which was right beside our hotel - The Hilton Garden Inn to purchase a Metro Card. We decided, for our best value, to purchase the 7 day unlimited pass for $29/person. It was money well spent and money well saved. Taxis, we discovered, cost $3.00 just to get in the door, and then $.40 per minute after that.

We began our tour by taking the Subway and heading uptown toward Central Park. We walked past Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, a beautiful old church, Trump Tower (this poor man puts his name on everything - is he compensating for something?), Tiffany's, The Plaza Hotel (Corner of 5th Avenue & Central Park - amazing beautiful! From here we entered in the beautiful, glorious, delightful, grandeur of Central Park in New York City. Can you tell I enjoyed the park very much, so much in fact that we went back another 2 times and yet we still we not able to capture every area of the park - it is that big. The park is 843 acres (we were told 640), it is 2.5 miles long and .5 miles wide. For more info visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park.

This is Tim & Elizabeth in Central Park, New York.

We walked through the park, stopping at various points of interest along the way. Many of the locations were already in my memory from the multitude of movies that have been filmed in this great park. After walking through Strawberry Fields we walked around the apartment where John Lennon was killed and where his wife Yoko Ono still lives to this very day.

I had wanted to see some of the famous (they are to me) brownstone houses, so our tour guide Tony took us along a street filled with them. I think they are beautiful and if I had enough money and lived in New York this is where I would want to live. Of couse I will include a photo.


We sauntered through Grenwich Village, passed by the first Off Broadway Theatre, saw the narrowest home (only 12 feet wide),  had lunch at a Noodle Bar - it was different but very delicious. Took the bus and drove past the fire station that was used for the Ghost Busters Movie (I think we must have also seen one of the old buildings they used in that movie as well), and ended up near Ground Zero. There is much contruction going on and we were able to see the Peace Tower - currently at around 65 stories but when completed will be 104 stores high. It will be interesting to see when all this work has been completed. Such a sad story that so many had to lose their lives, but it was also encouraging to see how the people of New York came together to help one another.

There were many old buildings to admire, and then there was Chinatown. Not thinking I would want to live there - too busy/unorganized/please buy (lady, lady, purse, chanel, watch - although the way they said it, it took me a while to figure out what they were saying). We purchased discounted tickets for Phantom of the Opera as well as a matinee for Cirque du Soel. Ambled past Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, peeked instide Trinity Church - very beautiful, plus much more.

We had an enjoyable day and didn't mind the little bit of rain. The temperature was perfect, the sites were  interesting and there was so much to see. I would definately recommend a walking tour as you see so much more.

An enjoyable supper was had, but at this time I cannot recall where. That is all for today, more of our holiday to come.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

What is a blog? and who I am?

What is a blog? What is it's purpose? Why do people start them?

Is it to get recognized? maybe someday published? Feel important?

Why would I consider writing a blog? Good question.

I often, in my humble opinion, have great ideas or words of wisdom that for the most part, or even every part, remain firmly embedded in my subconscious. I can dream or imagine all kinds of wonderful, delightful, pleasing to ones ears words but when asked a question, my response - "What?" or something equally as lame or uneducated in sound. So how then does one begin to share what is on their heart and mind with anyone who would possibly care. Or for that matter, just for myself to prove to me that I am capable of writing words that are pleasing to my ears regardless if anyone else ever stops to read them.

How does one begin to let others know that their reason for existence is for Christ alone. To say that Jesus Christ is my LORD and Saviour, the reason that I live is the absolute, Truth! He is the one I live for, the one who knows me best, the one who created me, the one for whom all things are possible. Without Him I could not live. I would not be who I am today without God. There is no part of me that wants to live without Him and my desire is to spend eternity with Him. Every day is better with God in it. I am a child of God! Praise the Lord!