Spoil Yourself

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Ann Edall-Robson

As I look back at my weekend, it was so worth it to be out of the house early for my standing order appointment at Mezzanine Spa with my favorite pedicurist, Trish.

Some consider pedicures a pampering not only of their tender tootsies, but a form of relaxation of the body and mind. I agree with this; but I consider having a professional work on my feet an act of necessity and therefore it becomes an indulgence that is not a whim to be worked into my schedule, but it becomes part of my schedule. No matter what you call it, they are merely words that give justification to something that makes me smile, makes me feel good and best of all; it provides much needed “me time” in my busy schedule.

So, ladies (and gentlemen, too), book your pedicure and pencil it into your calendar. Perhaps you too will consider it a necessity and continue to spoil yourself each month. After all, I am certain you are more than worth it!

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Quilting Table

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Ann Edall-Robson

Quilts in the Garden

Spending hours in my quilt room created pain and knots in my shoulder, neck, arms and lower back.  Not about to give up on this hobby that I am passionate about, I discussed the matter with a local company that provides height adjustable ergonomic work stations for home and office. 

My wish list included being able to sit comfortably to sew, have enough room to spread out bolts of material, be able to have the room to incorporate at least two large cutting mats on the surface, move the table easily and be able to stand comfortably to sandwich my quilts.  This was a project that was new to them; however, they were enthusiastic and soon presented me with a few options before I made my decision. 

My pride and joy ended up being a height adjustable rectangular table on casters.  The main surface measures 36” x 60” with two drop down wings at each end that add another 36” to the length if it’s needed.  Investing in this height adjustable table for my sewing world now means I am able to have access to all sides of my work simply by moving the table, my sewing machine is at the appropriate height for me to use and when I want to plan a quilt I can stand and spread out patterns and material.  The best part of owning this versatile table is that I can work on my projects knowing that if I feel discomfort, a short break and stretch will recharge me.

 

Posted in Crafts & Hobbies, Garden | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Window Open

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Ann Edall-Robson

Sleeping with the window open is a habit that transpires night after night until the outside temperatures reach about -15 or so Celsius or the window is frozen shut – whichever comes first.  It is where the inside environment is hovering around the “I can see my breath” temperature that provides the best atmosphere to sleep in. This of course is combined with the heat registers being shut off in the room and the luxury of flannel sheets, down duvet and a hand-made quilt piled on top to snuggle under. The crisp freshness of the air descending through the window provides part of the recipe for one good nights sleep.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Feels Like Snow

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

As I walked down the hill you could smell the smoke from the houses with wood burning stoves. Across the valley you can see it making its way up through the pine trees indicating no wind. It feels like snow, but none is in the forecast and hopefully, since we will start our travels home tomorrow, this will hold true. As for today, being out in the fresh air with the smells of winter and the anticipation of seeing friends are what provides the warm fuzzies inside.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Orion’s Belt

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

It’s daylight now and the coffee tastes mighty good this morning. The smell of it brewing brought me out of sleep mode to start another day. We travelled on Christmas Day to be with more family and visit with friends for a few days.  I had forgotten how much I love the silence of the land in this country.  And at times, when we make the journey, I question why we have left this place that offers stars so close it seems they are only a touch away. We were blessed with such a sight last night when we arrived. Orion’s Belt, the Big Dipper, and The Little Dipper and of course the North Star was waiting for us.  We took the time to enjoy them before announcing our arrival and I am so glad we did as the sky is cloudy and overcast today with no thought of it clearing off for another round of star gazing tonight.

Posted in Thoughts on Life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Tranquil Time

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

It is quiet in the house this morning. Unusual, but nice. Venturing out onto the deck I was welcomed with what feels like an early spring day. No wind and temperatures that are not what I would expect from our December climate as it is already on the plus side of zero this early in the day.  We still have snow on the ground but the days of warmth that we have been experiencing will soon have it disappearing.

Enjoying the crisp morning air on the deck includes the sounds from the flying pigs. It is a welcome noise from the bushes and trees that are in the yard.  Yes, you read right. Flying Pigs. It is the nickname we have given the multitude of sparrows that visit the bird feeder. They are yattering up a storm this day. Impatient with my tardiness in filling their feeder. Today, they will have to wait a bit longer while I enjoy this tranquil time.

 

 

Posted in Garden, Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Calm Before the Storm

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

We are two days away from Christmas and the weather outside is not frightful at all.  If the Chinook winds keep up, and the warm weather prevails,  the snow will certainly diminish.

I think we have enough of the white stuff already on the ground that there will be snow on Christmas Day. However, here in Alberta, we are used to having the weather change overnight and wonder if these nice days are just the calm we are experiencing before a storm decides to blow in. 

 

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Treasure Hunt

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

Tradition has our Christmas Treasure Hunt well under way. What was once an easy job to keep the children occupied during meal preparation on Christmas Day has now turned into a technical twist of words and prose to entertain and challenge the children who are now adults. It is still enjoyable preparing the clues to see if they will have any idea what the end prize will be. Some clues are individual and some it takes the minds of all participating to figure them out. Occasionally they have to leave the house to visit with friends who have agreed to pass along a clue. Other times they have had to drive around to find letters in signs and store fronts to that need to be unscrambled. They receive emails and text messages and verbal hints. All in all, it is great fun. The only change that has been made over the years is now the last clue is timed to ensure there is help in the kitchen preparing the meals rather than keeping them occupied elsewhere. Merry Christmas.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Snow Day

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

A snow day! A perfect day to snuggle under a blanket with a good book, fill the house with the aroma of baked goods, do those domestic chores that we avoid or go outside and play.

On this day, the tattered and stained pages of favorite recipes win out. The only real decision that had to be made is which of the many much loved treats will make their way to the oven.

The snow continued to fall and with no wind it is accumulating where it lands. After a few hours of measuring, whipping, folding and dropping by the spoonful onto cookie sheets, fourteen dozen cookies are lined up on the table ready to be stored away. The scent of chocolate and spices linger late into the evening.

What is your favorite thing to do on a snow day?

Posted in From the Kitchen, Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Winter Weather

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Ann Edall-Robson

Winter weather is finally upon us. Yes, we have had a few dustings of snow but these have been short lived as one chinook after another has eaten the snow away. The storm we woke up to this morning will leave the white stuff with us for a bit, me thinks, as the temperatures are more in line with what should be normal at this time of year. And let’s not forget the north wind that seems to be with us day in and day out of late. All are reminders to dress warm and tavel safe.

Posted in Thoughts on Life | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off