WOOOHOOO for the Clearance Rack!

As a self declared cheapskate, there are things in life that I just say no to, simply because it's like shoving a bug up my butt to spend money on things that are not necessary, that have prices inflated just cause of the season, or the tag attached. I was pleased this summer to see I have passed my ways onto the brats, Fric and Frac during a visit from one of our most favorite peeps ever! "D" ~ while visiting and sitting my brats for a couple hours opted to take them to the grocery store for a little shopping. When "D" mentioned to Fric and Frac that maybe a visit to the bakery section for a treat would be in order, my wee brats lit right up and directed "D" to the clearance rack, explaining that not only would they save money buying from the rack, BUT because the food would expire soon, it was a great excuse to EAT THE WHOLE PACKAGE! No rations as the kids like to refer to eating treats!

As a result of my cheapskate ways, there have been a few things in life that I have 'just not got'. I am also a bit of a scrooge when it comes to the xmas holidays, and while not a religious family, the fact that we are all expected to spend loads of money of stuff, guilted into spending more money on stuff for other people, and generally do not always have the funds for such things, scrambling to scrounge up and roll more pennies for the oh holy holiday. Don't get me wrong, I do LOVE the holidays, the time we get to play, spend with the family and just generally lounge around doing whatever we want, but still its the expected pressures society puts on people especially our kids to have all the gadgets and trinkets, IPODS for 7 year olds that drives me loony.

One of the things I have avoided over the years, was the traditional gingerbread house, usually at a cost of $20 during the holiday season I have always just said no, knowing there would be plenty of money spent on chocolates, and treats, and even more arriving in the giftbags...do we need more candy?!!! Just after the New Year I had to run to town, yet again to refill another pet's food dish, and put some food in Loony Mama's cupboards. As usual I cruised by that clearance rack, only to find one of the best deals ever! A full gingerbread house kit on clearance for TWO DOLLARS! with the sign saying ..."freeze for next year"

Of course I skipped the freeze suggestion and arrived home to present the kit to the kiddies. Big smiles and excitement came next as they cleaned up the kitchen table ready to build their dream home made of cookies and candy! Now I will say, besides me being cheap, the nightmares have ran thru my head before, dreading the idea of dealing with the mess, the icing and potential for a full house collaspe, and the tears and cursing that go with it. But, now with fric and frac being 8&9...it was a project they could handle all by themselves!

Now lucky for me, a house has four sides, leaving all things even for Fric and Frac, able to create their little house with a front AND back door despite the directions that only came with a front door.

Ryki taking the back door, creating his own wreath with the fondent..

And Aspen making the front door all fancy... till she added the EAT ME to the mix?!

Our TWO DOLLAR gingerbread house... cheaper than a box of cookies, entertaining for the kids, and something to snack on for a few days... I started here....

Have you checked a clearance rack lately? !

2011 ~ another year and FIVE years Shoeless!!!

It occurred to me over the holidays that there should be something done about the fact I blog in my head multiple times a day yet getting the stuff in my head to the keyboard has been simply not happenning. I considered a challenge for myself in 365givertake52 sorta variety, but then was reminded thru the wise words of Linda Woods (my fav blog ever!)... they really only last 23days. I succeeded once with a photo project x2 , but the second time around ... well it didn't go far. I love blogging loony stuff, a way to share , a way to get shit out, and hopefully a way to share some Shoeless laughs.

This xmas season was #5 on our Shoeless Acres, and as usual it was full of laughs, and chocolate, more chocolate and the bratz running free thru their days from one thing to the next. (or in Ryki's case...planted on the couch with wii~mote in hand... addicted to some smashbrothers and their wicked video ways) Lucky enough that while the wild weather made things mild, the snow cover was just enough to make for a few great days with the trails. All three bratz are driving the sleds now, getting along well enough to take turns , who's behind the wheel, who is riding the skiboose... who is daring enough to take that jump in the garden ... ZOOOM! Needless to say, it was the KamakazeeGIRL in the family who was deemed best driver, taking the circle and slamming on the gas, giggling all the way. There was dancing in the kitchen as the dumpling factory took hold of the kitchen table, cuddling on the couch surfing the netflix, and chocolate...so much freak'n chocolate!

And now its 2011 ~ another new year ahead and holiday season over! back to the 'rules' (quoted cause I can't say it with a straight face) shut down the electronics, get out your books, what will we study next?! The school bell will be ringing at 9am this year... time to get things down in the morning ...cause Jan1st didn't just bring on a new year... it opened the season... our favorite time... ICE FISHING season is here! We patiently wait and pray to the snowgods to bring on a little winter cheer, to lay a base on the road so we can make the trek, our pimped out shack is ready for the lake. The little village on the ice has already begun, with over 25 shacks on the bay... the race in on to get to the hole~!

resolutions???? hmmmm... to dig out the old wagon again and kick the nic (working on that now...procrastination is winning til next week)

blog more!

add some new stuff to my Loony Shop ~ Photographic!

all in all... just hoping for another great year!

The road may be rough sometimes but its always an adventure!!!

CHEF OF THE DAY...my little STAR!

Sometimes in life things happens that make you think... hmmm? that's ass backwards... life is gonna get interesting. Around here you never know when that might happen... but some how it always does. There are the normal hmmmm? Like when its still April and the kids are in the creek hunting crawdads, minnows and frogs, strange and early this year considering we were JUST on the frozen lake! There are the things you expect... like the saucy looks, the attitude, and the bold in your face Kamakazee Jane... and Mama's sweet kid ... the Fishslayer Aryk ... who for the most part has had no problem letting his sister take the stage, stepping back while she took charge, using his long locks for his hidden power, his Mama for his safety net (yes...I am a terrible Mom that has babied her baby!) and his kiss ass cute maneuvers to charm those around him.

Both little spitfires once they are in their zone...the comfort spot...the places that make them feel cool.

Last week the kids came a running.... shouts and smiles declaring a show at the mall the place to be. For Fric and Frac around here the TV gets but a few channels, only realizing at 2/3years old ... the cartoons actually came in color...cause Mom being the Loon that she is... really has no problem watching black and white of it means good reception. By choice we are anti~cable/satellite/million channel surfers.... mostly cause I am so cheap, and have trained My Love well... but also cause I think its crap... for the most part... advertising for little brains to train them how to dress... look... and what to buy to be cool.

Cartoons, nature shows, "educational stuff"..and mainly no commercials were always accessible on TVO or CBC, the kids always knowing when to switch the channel, dancing, learning and playing.

Saturday the TVOkids presented a show at the local mall, promoting healthy eating and their themed name... DSS... DON't SiT StILL!!! I googled it to check the schedules, agreeing that yes we could make that date. We also clicked on the contest icon and entered our FRESH SCRAMBLED EGGS as our healthy meal of the day option. Go figure... Ryki won!

The 48 hrs between the win and the show have been funny to say the least, as I watched my wee shy guy tremble, be proud, excited and in total despair.

"Mama....what if its on TV? and what if I SCREW UP AND ITS ON TV"

"Mama... whats this?" asked Ryki

"well honey its just a spot ...from the pineapple we ate this week! nothing to worry about...I can't even notice it.... !"

(hmm... pretty sure when the stress came out...so did the cold sore!)

"Mama... I know its great that Ryki won... but I am jealous... soooo jealous"

It was wonderful to find out that the show was in fact just a stage show... no TV camera's recording... a couple digital pics at most... on stage and off in no time. There was a sigh of relief come over Ryki's face... and a sigh of relief breath thru Mama's heart.

The reminders, the cheers, the fact that Dad was gonna be there! The nervous moments heading back stage to meet THE DSS Crew FROM TVO!?

The shy little voice that squeaked out "hello my name is Aryk" and the final reminder from his sister... "I would ..NOT BE SHY"

The introduction, the drum roll, the music from the speakers?! .....

hmmm? ya know what was ass backwards? my worry, was my fear, my thoughts of "he CAN do it right?????'

Ryki Racine... Chef of the Day and Guest of TVOkids DSS Crew

on stage live at the Northgate Mall

Proudly standing using his big guy voice... smiling for the crowds and handling the show like the wee man that he is...

My BIG STAR!

Besides my giddy emotions, and my proud babbles... it was a fun ... exciting and a COOL TIME at the show. So much fun to watch all the kiddies jumping, dancing and singing to the beat. I am an avid fan of all the TVO programming here ... TVOntario, its great to see the energy and enthusiasm behind the DSScrew there to help the kids... learn to grow... happy healthy and NOT SITTING STILL!

So about this Homeschooling Stuff

Its that time of year again when the sun shines that much brighter... when the birds are singing and there are so many other things to do besides sit at a table filling in the blanks. When our motivation leans towards calling it quits to another year of SCHOOL... at least the paperwork part of it anyways.

I have given up trying to count what year we are in... while I am sure the kids will say "I am in Grade Three/Two" I have never been one to name the Grades. We have accomplished our main goal this year... and that is to have both brats reading.. and they are!

I was asked on the weekend how things work with homeschooling by a local store clerk... as gradually in the small town people eventually clue in on why my kids are with me 24-7 and not in school. My answer was... however we want it to work!

I always try to resist the urge to spill the smart ass comments, and smile as I explain the basics.

1. No we do not have to spend from 9am-3pm sitting at the table filling in the blanks. When you are teaching two kids and not twenty the learning happens faster.

2. No we choose not to follow a curriculum... if I wanted that I would send them to school. The kids decide (this is where that unschooling thing comes in) If they want to do subtraction with borrowing ALL week long...so be it.. they can ... and they do. And reality says... these days ... you can pull anything off the Internet! Be it worksheets, lesson plans, or online learning games...its all there... available and free!

3. We DO have various rules ... like the Monday to Friday rule that says... you cannot Facebook until you have done your reading, and your expected 'learning on paper' So should they choose to not do their work... they do not get their facebook... and while I declare ... it must be done by 2pm... there are those days when they do not... when my patience to sit has wained, when Aspen will spend her time creating her art, painting, coloring, designing, and going through my paper like there is no tomorrow and when Ryki spends his day molding his clay, reading his comics, or just running around outside, stick in hand and adventures ahead. Around here ... THAT IS OK!

But most of all... we learn from everything around us. The fractions and measurements are learned when we are cooking, animals and classifications are learned when we are in the yard, or the window with our books identifying the little wildlife running around, and following their tracks, making our shopping lists for the week, searching for the best deals, while learning how much things really cost. And while we will bring the school year to an end earlier again this year.. I like to think the learning will continue, as we plan and plant the gardens, begin another fishing season, maintain and ride the wheeled toys, and master the watercrafts .... whatever we choose to build and create along the way, and of course... manage the farminals... Ryki current mission right now, to check on our chickens, checking for eggs, sneaking treats from my fridge and ensuring his birds R happy birds.

And of course... the number one question that people seem to ask, a true test of their own intelligence I have found... "DO YOU SOCIALIZE YOUR CHILDREN?"

I have to admit... this is my WTF moment in the question period on homeschooling. While I understand the question, the reasoning.. its the moment when asked that just makes me go hmmm. Like when I am sitting on the beach or in the park watching as my children play... not just with themselves, but with others, always quick to make new friends... this is when those mom's ask the stupid question... DO I SOCIALIZE MY CHILDREN? hmm... do you see them playing happily over there with stranger~friends? Are they walking around whacking kids cause they do not know how to play? Socialization can come in many forms, around here having two kids to bounce off each other ... it happens every day. Ryki gets bullied into doing what his big sister wants, Aspen learns the consequences when he flips her the bird and says NO WAY, we have made and maintained friends from all over, thru our travels and play, and YES I am proud to say... my children are more social than some teens (even adults?!) I know!

My Love will always complain when we get the 'report card' home from the Beach Boy.. the terms and classifications, the explanations of what he is learning... confusing to say the least giving you the moments of WTF? does THIS have to do with education? WTF? does that mean? While I am sure there should be names and classifications for the learning we do... I am also sure the learning is understood... retained in their little minds for future use and reference. Ryki .. my little book smart guy, quick to even overtake his sister's abilities to read, and multiply, and Aspen my little brainIac ...a creativity star... and I am sure the girl you wanna call if you need something built as she spends her time working side by side with her Dad in the shop, building this and helping out with that, often even giving him an idea that will work (BETTER) than his own.

LEARNING is part of our EVERY DAY!

During an early morning match of cribbage... learning the art of combos to 15, how to count your points to take the lead, and pegging your way thru math....

or learning to cut a circle of mirror from Dad, and the how to's of reflecting the sunlight to 'shoot' your sister in the eye, or finding the right angle to shoot Dad playing poker from across the room....

or mastering the art of mixing just the right amounts of Vaseline with that tube of fake blood ... just to play an April Fool's Day joke on Mom

or just plain old... enjoying the spring sunshine and a fresh crop of wild leaks, helping Mom and Dad clean'em up and get them ready for DINNER! Learning the art of cooking your own french toast for breaky... or mastering the techniques of dumpling making...YUM!

Education is all around us... it doesn't JUST have to come from a book!

Spring Is In the Air

It's hard to believe that just over a week ago we were out on the frozen lake fishing! That our yard was still filled with snow... Spring has Sprung in the north, despite the still chilly temps, our snow has gone, the lake is melting and the winter toys have been stored for the year.

Around here the signs of spring are popping up everywhere. Peeking through the winter muck, and the mess in the gardens there are signs of green, signs of new life popping thru ready to grow and bloom into summer. Exciting for me as I find them... knowing where they will soon become!

Replacing the snow and dirt, and mulch with blooms a plenty, colors a many and flowers for my table!

The kids have been busy in the yard, cleaning up their wrecking yard, Aspen cleaning her kitchen and preparing daily treats. I was served my first serving of MUDFUDGE last week, with an added bonus of hot MUDCHOCOLATE sauce to top it off.

"how does it taste Mama?" she asked with a smile.

I replied with the look, the look of "RU serious" to which she replied...

"you don't have to really eat it MOM, just fake taste it and tell me what you think!"

Yes there are signs of spring everywhere, from the bikes that park outside my door, to the baskets tied in the tree's. Little spots around the acres that make way for play, for the imagination to run wild, and for the free range kids to explore.

March Break came to an end, a fantastic week full of giggles and smiles, with the Beach Boy finding his groove, his comfort zone ... and his need for speed! Trying out and mastering the summer toys, the quad, the dirtbug, the things on wheels that make you go zoom!

Now I know we are spoiled, spoiled to live in such a space, full of life, nature and beauty, but I am also grateful, that my kids not only can...but DO run, play, imagine and explore. I think kids these days miss out on that fun, miss out on the learning that comes from ..just playing. With so many sports, and dance and clubs to be treked to, so many activities organized and planned, there is little time left for just that... just the time to play and pretend. Don't get me wrong.. I am not ANTI~CLUB sorta thing, but do wonder... if life is planned and always scheduled for kids these days, always with something to do... where does that leave our kids? Are they learning to occupy their time alone? Are they able to plan for themselves? or do they grow with the expectations that it will be done, planned and taught for them? I admit I do hold small grudges, grudges against the man who only gives credit to those with a receipt. To those who trek their kids to activities, to be taught by others, to spend time learning from the teachers, coaches and experts. There is no credit given to fams like us, to our receipts for minnows, worms, seeds and dirt. For the time we actually spend teaching our own kids, spending time together as a family, instead of standing on the sidelines holding our Timmy Ho's cup ... pointing to the head on the team that is ours. YES~ another favorite memory as a Loony child growing up was exploring the backyard at my Aunt Joan's, myself, my sister, my cousin Debbie, building small bridges and forts in the 'swamp' carefully staying dry so we could return, pretending and playing....I believe every kid needs moments like this! It is fantastic to see our own kids now, playing, getting dirty and doing just the same... having FUN!

So its onto the spring clean up, patiently waiting to clean up the gardens, leaving the muck and the mess to protect my tiny plants. Time to clean up the coup, cause while I was planning a Head Chopping sorta party... my farminals have decided with spring and warm weather... the eggs shall return. And while its still not at a rate (more than one a day!) I would prefer...I will be patient, tuck those invites away, and wait and see.

And of course its not all sugar and spice...there are those facts of life that come with the snow

melting , with the things that lay hidden, frozen beneath the snow, the leftovers of winter, and the damn dogs and those things that they find... bring home, and deposit for Mama at the door. I thought the dead rodents around the yard were bad...nothing prepared me for Daisy's gift... her special find... dragged from down the road, over the pipeline...the gift that keeps on giving, and like the cats... always comes back?! The pets are enjoying spring with the cats enjoying the sunshine on the sidewalk, the dogs excited to know that though the skidoo runs are over...the quad runs have returned, tracking us thru the bush at breakneck speeds, keeping those watchful eyes open for a rabbit, or a scent of something good. Smokey... our wee kitty remains a wee kitty? What she seems to lack in kitty size, she makes up for with kitty FAT! Guessing of course her tail situation is the cause of her size, she is a happy feline, learning the art of stalking chipmunks and squirrels, following and harrassing our other 'Mamakat' and hanging with her BFF Ryki.

And now the wait begins, waiting for the Northern air to stay warm, for the fear of a snowstorm to leave, and for the green to be greener, the flowers to pop, and the gardens to give us those tasty snacks.

Cheers! to the sun shining on us all! and a big WOOT WOOT for Spring!

Keeping MY Wagon on Track

A new day today... when I awoke feeling great... thinking of the post yesterday... a rant yes... a rave ..yes a result of my nicotine deprived thoughts getting it all out. But today was a good day...the day to start off without that morning puff...without the jolt of shit to my system ... it...YES today would be the day. Go figure that ugly ogre of reality reared its face full of shit ... and yes... I broke a wheel on my wagon... rushing to the outdoors to inhale that moment of peace ... that moment to be calm and to be ready to face that ugly ogre once again. I have fixed the wheel on my wagon, and now more determined and hopefully ready for the next round of... I need a fix?!!!!

This whole quitting the nicotine thing isn't THAT bad..but it does pose some moments in my day... when I am ready to snap... ready to scream... ready to crawl into my bed in cry. I can only hope it gets better in the coming days!!!

I am finding myself not craving more food...but craving my hands to be busy! Whether it be typing away on the keyboard, or hooking my way thru a new Loony Creation, if my hands are busy, so is my mind, and my cravings seem to be creeping their way away.

So lets see...some tips and tricks from my Loony day...

I am one of those peeps that are what you may call ... anti chemical. You will not find various cleaning products under my sink, you will not smell the odor of bleach in my home, and my toilets...the water is clear..not blue. It might even drive My Love a little bonkers the fact I will not buy these things, the fact that it is but once a year paper towel is added to the shopping list. A special occasion like Christmas I will purchase ONE pack ... cause I refuse to buy it otherwise. There is something about all that paper towel being used to soak up a simple spill, thrown away for what? zilch??!!!... an old towel..that bag of rags...soaks it all up just the same, easily washed in a load and ready to reuse for the next spill. And after ten years with this Loon My Love has learned to adjust. The once a year trip for paper towel is done strategically buying the biggest (and cheapest...best sale on of course) pack of towels he can score. Carefully stashing a couple rolls in his shop... he is a glass man after all so I suppose ...it must come in handy.

The bleach... a no no.. .he has learned the bitch'n he must face is just not worth bringing it home. But when there are so many other options... he has also learned...its not necessary. We can have a clean home with out the stench...the chemicals, and the Loon going Loony. I am a firm believer in the good old fashion bottle of vinegar...disinfecting its way thru my cleaning day. Years ago... the vinegar with the added action cleaning power of baking soda my dream cleaning team. I have since changed my ways a little...finding the soda leaves a rezidooo dooo... leaving my dishwater slimy, and my fingernails sore...polishing the powder away. Now my favorite thing beside the sink...the things that makes my cheapskate ways happy ? My shaker full of salt... my shot glass full of milk tags, and my little crocheted wash cloth. The handmade cloth that goes months without the stench... without the collecting of CRAP between its threads. I first learned the trick with salt years ago working in the bars... burn that coffee to the pot you say? can't get your hand in the hole? Well have I got the fix for you... grab some ice cubes... add some salt ...shake it around and voila...no more burn coffee and a pot that gleams!

(Loony note...I have no idea how I doubled this pic above...please accept my Loony apologies... as I am still mastering this whole...blog'n load'n wtf? and why and how is it there?!!!!)

And milk tags you may ask? what good will they do? Well years ago during one of our many moves around the land, a fridge was stored at my parents, and for years I got the ribbing of a lifetime.....WHAT IS WITH THE TAGS? why are the racks of the fridge filled with those little plastic tags? What kinda of a Loon are you??? I would happily reply that they could be reused...and one day...when I figured out just what they could be reused for...everyone would have to bow down to my Loony Wisdom. It was my mom who taught me the trick... who pointed out that those hard little plastic thingys, in the hands of a dishwasher was a pots best friend. No more stinky scraper pads @ the kitchen sink, no more chemically filled wonderbars to remove those tough (rarely ...never burnt!!!) scraps stuck on the side of the pan... no more scratches to my good frying pan...I count on to make dumplings... use a bread tag!!! works great...and if it gets gunky...throw the sucker out..ya know you are gonna get more from that next loaf of bread, or another bag of milk...and best of all ...they are FREE!!!! and NOTE to those dishwashing machine fans... use the milk tag BEFORE the pans go in... over the garbage can and watch as those scrambled eggs and soup rings, or muffin tins peel away into the pail and not floating all over your glassware in the machine!!!

Finally ... along with the burnt coffee in the bottom of the pot...which I can say never happens here...cause the coffee pot is like paper towels...only on the counter during special occasions... SALT comes in handy too around this tea love'n family of four. Your favorite tea cup... full of stains, and rings of brown? Some salt, a couple drops of water and good old fashion elbow grease...and voila...fresh and clean and tea stain free!!! and best of all...bleach free!!!

So I am off to my hook'n ways now... busily going thru my stash of yarn, thankfully a full box of strings cause honestly it gets me through the cravings. Anxiously waiting to hear the news from friends that their Loony Creations have arrived!!! My first ever official SALE of a Loony Creation.

A lesson learned in my plans ahead... Sweaters take a while... custom sounds great and Happy Hats... much better to 'stock' Mastering the art of 'not knowing how to' read a pattern, and the art of "Loony adjustments' to make something knitted...crocheted and looking forward to my next challenge... diaper covers? for a dear friend, part of my family ...Lisa ...expecting a new addition to her family. Newly added to my list... and lessons learned along the way...Loony Arm Warmers.... fantastic ways to warm my arms in the shack, keeping the layers down, but leaving my arms toasty warm without the bulk of a big'ol sweater.

So to end the day with a giggle.... when explaining to her gorgeous five year old son Oxtlan that he would soon have a brother or sister to play with, and asking 'what do you think buddy, would you like a boy or a girl' Oxtlan replied...

" A twin Mama"

"You want TWO BABIES Honey"...Mama asked?

"No Mama I want a twin just like me with brown eyes and brown hair and someone I can play with everyday!!!"

ahhh...to be five years old and not a care in the world...just wishes for a twin...Good luck birthing that one Lisa ... xoxoxo

Rolling the dice of LIFE

Sometimes I feel like life is just like rolling the dice... just when you think you are about to hit that big Yahtzee score.... instead of scoring an extra fifty points...something gets scratched.



Lately the snake eyes I think we have rolled...turned into bupkiss...and more headaches along the way. I can handle it... I know that life is all about ups and downs and there is always another day ahead to turn things around but GEEZE!



So today..in honor of the fact I am on day2 of self imposed torture ... giving up nicotine a little of this, a little of that... a vent, a rant, a loony rave.



lets see... we rolled the dice into the family court system once again... happy to hear that the 'GREAT Judge' was sitting on the bench that day turned into stress and despair when we also heard... "she doesn't want to be here, the building makes her sick?" and then " someone died in the judge's family this morning everyone has to be gone by 5" YUP ... the judge that on a normal day takes five minutes to read your papers, considers the factors in the case and generally is fair to all.... just wanted the hell outta dodge... could care less about listening to the wishes of the people, the needs of the children just says... "sir I think you should just psst get, and begone" pointing My Love towards the door. Not really sure what legal terms that statement falls under, and at least we came out no worse than going in... but really...after spending 9-5 in the hallways of the Honourable Family Courts? whatta joke. Whatta joke that any chicka with a pen can sign and swear on a simple piece of paper dragging everyone thru the system for what? a big old nothing!!! Whatta a shame that at the end of the day, the Lawyers and the Bailiffs sit waiting for the end, discussing the failures of the system, the time wasted, the energy spent for nothing. To most of the women I witnessed that day.....? Happy Hour without the booze, social time making new friends, a chance to disparage those around them, to giggle and laugh and make illicit plans of sharing crowbars and bringing down those evils dads. What I would give to have that security cam fed directly to the judge's chambers...to display the actual behaviour of the 'injured party's' cause lets face it...to MOST of them...its more of a game to play?! I know I had told myself before I would not bring THIS into my blog... but damn it...I want a smoke, I am still pissed that so much time and money has to be spent to satisfy the needs of a twit who has nothing else better to do ...with LIFE... which many seem to forget.. people have lives, people have obligations to fulfill, families to support and spending 9-5 staring at the walls... just doesn't fit that bill.



We rolled the dice again in life just over a year ago, finally upgrading the ol'truck that My Love drives... finally giving him a work vehicle that would get him from here to there without stepping thru that rusty hole in the floor. An added expense to our budget but also one that would add money to our day... or so we hoped. Go figure buying a slightly used low km vehicle at the end of the day... is costing us more than our home... repairs and fix its, daze without the damn truck we need and once again making us scratch our heads? where do we go from here? how do we make up for $$$ lost??? (see above...averaged about $1500 over the last year of attending courts... go figure roughly what we need to fix that truck!!!)



I sit rolling the dice over and over again...just give me a full house I ask, just a chance to get back on top, a chance to turn things around and take the pressure of My Love...who is just a guy, a husband, a father, working and busting his ass to support his family...but also the guy standing waiting for his head to explode... waiting for the moment when ... he might just catch a break.



We have the full house I am looking for, happy kids, happy household...if we can just hold on to that... if we can just be thankful for what we have and not focus on what we are missing I am sure we will make it thru this patch of rough... I am sure we will make it to the end of the day with a smile and love.



I know we are not the only ones in the world facing troubles, the poor folks down in Haiti... that kicks in the old reality check, and makes ya feel like a dork ..whining about our own troubles... our own friends and family facing their own demons and troubles... that is life right.... rolling the dice and making it day by day... one day at a time....RIGHT?!

DAMN what I would do for a puff... but I will not...I will not go outside to the spot where those emergency cigs R sitting...I will hold on...drink water...read the fantastic messages from my friends cheering me on... grab onto my hook and crochet my heart and cravings out... ring the old school bells and get those kids to work...before the patience runs out , before my tolerance for life runs out... Day TWO... I can handle the throughout the day stuff..its the first thing drag, the one after dinner drag ... the one that gives this mama five minutes of peace...outside in the fresh air alone... with my smoke... evil little bitch that stick... I hate her!!!!

Tomorrow I will blog again...Day3 and with any luck ...back to my Loony self without the poor me's and the rants...sharing some Loony tricks and tips... my cheapskate ways to keeping a clean and happy household...without the crud?!

That time of year again ~ There are Minnows living in the Kitchen Sink

IT's TIME FOR FISHING!!!! The Season is here and the RacineCrew Shack is on the ice ready for some action.

It took some serious cursing, shovelling, rebuilding and pulling but we managed to drag our big'ol shack out to our spot on Callander Bay this weekend. The wood stove was burning, and the skies were clear, and there is 12 solid inches of ice on the bay.

Now for those who may not be in the ice fishing know... and a Loony confession that I giggle every year when asked... No... even though we have a potbelly wood stove burning in our shack it will not melt thru the ice, cause a hole that our family happily fishing can sink into sending us to the bottom of the lake. There are twelve inches of solid ice beneath our shack, (with an average of 18-24 inches to still develop) the shack is raised off the ice on blocks at least 6-12 more inches. The wood stove doesn't sit on the ice, but on the shack floor where I sit and fish and stupervise the kiddies thru the window as the play running and smiling across the frozen bay.

Fric and Frac were very excited to see the shack in its spot. While waiting and watching Saturday we managed to put a couple hours in straight on the lake...without the comfort of my stove. A beautiful sunny day where you never really feel the minus 18 temps...until you go home and it takes two hours for your ass to defrost. No catches Saturday but oh what a day!

Dad working hard, pulling shovelling and cursing, and me while no shack yet...took the time to start our rink this year...skating on the lake always a must~!

Finally Sunday was our day... fire burning, sun shining, wind howling and fishing biting~! The kids declaring their holes within the shack, Aspen rigging up her new line from Santa and the wee Fishslayer proclaiming... "I WILL BE THE ONE! the FIRST one to catch a fish" There are still a few chores to be done, dishes to be brought home, cups to be washed, sugar bags to fill for our tea, and a radio! As much as I love Ryki's little songs... "Picky Picky Pickerel...Picky Picky Pickerel" He really needs to add some words to his song...over and over again...I am glad when his balaclava finally defrosts and he heads back outside. While a seasoned fisherman, Ryki is also a junkie for playing in the snow. He heads out into the 'frozen tundra' conquering the 'mountains' and diving into adventures as he explores the lake.

At the end of the day... a big catch..what we are there for really! A 3.5lb Northern Pike, straight from Ryki's hole, caught on the Fishslayer's rod, and where was the slayer you ask? Outside... playing, and roaming the snow with his friend. Now in our shack the official CrewRules state... if its your hole, and your pole, its your fish!!! Ryki is the ONE the once again claiming the record for first fish caught 2010. (Thanks Dad for bringing it in!)

So of course the best way to cap off the first fish of the season is what comes after right? For me... the fish, in the pan lathered in butter and garlic, a little sesame (oil..I am outta seeds!) and yummy goodness ... fresh fish... melting in my mouth. For the Fishslayer... its the GUTS, the GLORY and the EXCITEMENT that comes with his KNIFE. A gift from Santa for the wee man... his very own and very first... filleting knife~! He may not eat the fish... but chop it, slice it and dice it?...NO PROBLEM! Kudos to Dad for giving Ryki his first lesson on filleting a fish, and for having the patience to watch as Ryki sliced the fish ...and not his fingers!!! And kudos to Ryki for watching, learning and listening as Dad showed him the how to's of filleting!!!

On a funny note to cap things off this morning, Aspen has spent the last few days busily sewing dresses for her dolls and barbies. A bit of a relief for this Loony Mama as the girl has only played with Naked Dolls since birth. While finishing up (or trying to) a dress for her superhero she calls from the living room with a discovery... "Mama Wonderwoman has the same problem you do... her boobs are always to big to fit in the dress"

Wonderfully when these observations are made out loud eh?

Coming out the bathroom door... so to speak

Its been three years since I came online... since I started exploring, being curious and reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones, some even becoming family. Circles developing in many places, for many reasons, spinning around the web adding a little more to my Loony day.

I have discovered a love of photography that while I think was always there has now inspired me to capture through the lense our Loony life.

It was two years ago I began the journey into blogging. For the most part it is more on the flickr end of things, as I take so many pictures...why not share?! But here is the place I can write again, use my brain a little and explore the land of blogging...and I will admit now...I spell things my own way, my punctuation is lacking if not terrible at times...and I generally like life ...do it my own way learning as I go.

I like to think that things have improved...I have found the spell check, if I think for a second I can remember how to link, nothing fancy but the little things... I can do. My photo's I like to think have come a long way too, I love to look back at shots then and now. Shots of my friends too, how we have all improved and inspired eachother along the way.

So like all things new, a change, a way of coming thru the door that I always kept closed, I am no longer hiding the blog in the shadows. No longer worried about the google factor and what someone may find. Confident that there is nothing but a Loony Life to find, one that is full of life's ups and downs, and smiles and adventures.

One of the inspirations to do this came a couple years ago, an email in July 2008, a request for a submission from a friend whom I 'met' online, a fantastic, hilarious and talented lady...ARTIST, Linda Woods. At first sharing a love of Rosie O'Donnell, and later to share some giggles, my dog, and life thru pics. I have spent many mornings (afternoons, evenings, maybe a dream or too) reading Linda's blog, along with her sister Karen Dinino, smiling, laughing, shaking my head, as they share their thoughts, and day to day.

The email was requesting a few things, to be submitted for a new book the girls were working on, with the premise of Meeting in the Ladies Room, a book of reflections of women in a room of their own. A photo, how we see ourselves in the mirror, when we are alone, our thoughts as woman as ART. I have to admit, I was stunned, honoured and just plain old giddy. Were these two new friends crazy? My Loony face in a book? NOW? This was July ... chances were I was feeding my chickens in a bright colored moo~moo, wearing rubber boots and eye glasses with one arm?! Was Linda remembering what my bathroom looked like? Buying a house from a lady who was 91years old involved a lot of pastels, and the bathroom being PINK including the tub was just not gonna cut it~! I was on a mad dash, with a deadline (and let me say for the record...mostly likely one of the only deadlines I have made in life!) to find a bathroom, something cool...something awesome...something with nature! Turns out finding an outhouse these days with a moon in the door isn't as easy as one may think? The bathroom at the mall, while cool with yellow taxi cab checkered tile was a possible... but I wanted a shot without the camera in it... and the kids (cause lets face it they are always around somewhere) In the End, it was back to the pink bathroom at home, back to positioning myself so the good side...the one with the arm on the glasses was in the shot, positioning my nose to not look wonky, yet still hold those glasses on straight! The whole time smiling and acting giddy still thrilled that Linda had asked me to be involved! I played with some props, arranged the rocks in the mirror to the right side for the shot, moved Yoda outta the way ... my lipstick, my dreads....all in place to TAKE THE SHOT.

Along with the photo, there were three simple questions. What do you see when you look in the mirror? What do you think about when you are alone? and Where is the best bathroom you have ever been in. Honestly the questions were as much fun as the photo! How should I write it? like a poem? no I have never had the patience to write them. Like a story? geeze that would be too long. Random thoughts were scribbled on a page, with pages multiplying thru the course of the month, eventually after reading through all the thoughts, the answers came to me, typed in an email... I hit SEND.

Through thick and thin and life as it is in general, a rocky road~! ...Linda and her sister Karen, with the help of another great woman Pamela Detlor managed to not only get their new book published, but being the strong willed, inspiring woman they are...they did it on their own!

Meeting in the Ladies Room available here is an amazing look into the lives of women around the globe. Reflections of themselves and their thoughts and their lives as it is ~ ART.

It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in this project, a thrill to see my loony face within its pages, and an honour to be amongst such an inspiring group of women!!!

Now if only I could have taken that shot now! I have a cannon rebel !!! (thanks my love!) my bathroom is not pink anymore!!!! the dreads are even longer! AND I have two arms on my glasses!!! go figure... life is still Loony... the mirror is dirty, the plants on the shelf are dead now, and I should be doing dishes or something..not blogging !

Discovering Stormy Lake

Yesterday was an adventure day for the fam around here, up early I was cracking eggs, making sammy's and searching the cupboards for anything that would pass as a snack for our trip. A planned adventure with our friend... aka the friendly giant to discover a new park, to hit the canoe and to spend the day in the sun. Now of course as it would turn out, the best plans always require some tweaking right, like when the sun decides it does not want to shine, when the clouds win the battle filling the sky with grey. But none the less a little grey doesn't stop us, kids packed, life jackets packed, spare clothes packed we hit the road.

An hour down the road later we pulled into the park, Restoule Ontario Provincial park, following the signs to the Stormy Lake Launch we parked and looked to the skies, now not only was it grey but quickly turning wet. No worries right? no problems... like we always say it will just blow over right?

I grabbed my bag full of coins and headed off to the parking meter... two hours we figured should give us enough time to make the call, to judge our weather and explore a little after the drive. And being the cheapskate I am, and harboring a little grudge we were PAYING for parking ....I was prepared for a $5 fee... NOT the "meter is outta order sign, please go to the front gate" So off we go to fetch our parking tickets, one for us and one for the friendly giant, the rain only a gentle mist and the skies... sorta clearing, I dug out more change and agreed ... I would splurge for the $7 ~ 4hr ticket. Little did I know of course that when the meter is down all the girl at the gate is able to sell is the $13. day pass.... which if you ask me is a bit of a rip off.

"what do you mean only a day pass" I asked... "its raining... can't you improvise on this a little?" a half day pass, a special tag? a something??? "Does the day pass include free rainponcho's maybe?" Of course I got a "no" and a "NO" response from the teen behind the desk. My Love entering the kiosk eyeing up the rain poncho's on the shelf for sale... 'we might need these eh?" of course we were going to need them... but really .. did we NEED to spend the $8.95 per poncho... was staying dry really that important?? "I WILL BUY THEM" said My Love, I will get them and keep you dry" (insert kissass hubby here) so adding another $20 to the cost of our afternoon trip I turned to the teen behind the desk and started in on her again...

"so by my count now, we have been ripped for the parking tickets, (two cars) and the poncho's are a little pricey ...so what do you have to make it up to us? I would love a couple green garbage bags...cause you do not have children's poncho's" SURE the girl said ..no problem. "BUT" I asked..."have you got anything else for free? maybe a coloring book? anything?"

"well" she said "there is a summer promotion on right now, by buying the day pass I can give you a free pedometer"

"GREAT I will take FIVE!!!" it never hurts to ask...cause you never know what you might get!! And the smiles on the brats faces when hiking and they hit 5000steps...priceless (FOR FREE)

So back to the canoes and back to the rain we went, deciding that hiking thru the trails to the fire tower might be a good option to avoid the downpour. Hiking thru the tree's over the rocks and fallen tree's I managed to drag my ass to the top. And oh what a fucking view... a view I will return to ... definitely in the fall, when the tree's are changing colors and when the sun is shining bright. Ryki flying thru the trails stopping for every nut, stick or rock that caught his attention. Aspen quickly forgetting that she was wearing a garbage bag and collecting treasures (FOR MY POCKET) along the way. When we made it up and down and back to the canoes low and behold the skies had cleared and there was hints of blue popping thru. Canoes in the water and off we went... according to our friendly giant a 6km paddle stopping for lunch on the shoreline and a quick swim.

The only problem of my day... damn those possessed rechargeable batteries, damn my camera for going dead when we hit the water... damn it all those shots I missed, the scenes the moments... damn those batteries to hell!!!

And my favorite funny along the way...

heading up the trails sporting my splashy yellow rain poncho, Aspen comparing mine to hers she proclaimed ....

"Mama... I look like a dumbass don't I?"

"no honey..its like the famous saying goes... you look beautiful no matter what...even in a garbage bag!"