We were at the dentist this week. Liam has two cavities... I have one. This is an xray of your grandson's mouth. Does anything look odd to you? Like two back molars growing in horizontally!! Ugh. Poor guy is going to have to go to an oral surgeon to have them removed. The top ones are crowding his teeth too so they will also need to be removed. Just going to settle in to watch a movie now. It's been an exhausting couple of weeks. We're looking forward to seeing you and daddio tomorrow! Show you 'the basement' and stuff... safe travels, we'll see you soon!! xox

Okay mumsy, if you are reading this blog first I'm going to direct you to start 3 or 4 blogs before this...


So this was my lunch at our meeting. It was deelish as far as salads go. I love the little eggs. What would that be? Pigeon? lol Anyways, the meeting was exhausting but productive and interesting. Got home around 7:30 and my mind was mush from the weekend, presentation and meeting. So, I just crashed. Felt great this morning and put in another heavy day. Found out that my next presentation on Monday was moved to Friday! Not much time to prepare. So, tomorrow I don't know if I will be online. Probably working super late! The good news is I'm going to try to take Monday off to spend with you and daddio! What do you want to do? Jim will be away on Saturday and studying on Sunday. I thought we could perhaps run around a do some groceries on Saturday, cook and bake :) Sunday we can go to the Maple syrup festival and Monday we can do the Maggies' breakfast and then walk around downtown, shop some more. Was there anything else you wanted to do? Miss you and looking forward to seeing you and dad this weekend. If the weather is warm perhaps we could walk to the lake. Of course bring warm stuff, it's always a little cooler! xox

So, we get spoilt the night before... the next day was work work work. Wake up call was 6:30 and breakfast 7:30. Christine was feeling better and joined us all day. I would take washroom breaks to just get a glimpse of eye candy... designer stores lined the main floor of the hotel and I was distracted!!! <sigh>

So, I just realized I might have left you hanging. I talk about Chris driving us down to TO and then I immediately showed you my room. To clarify, we all had separate rooms!! We met Paul for cocktails around 7 and Mike met us shortly after. Christine had the stomach flu so she stayed in her room and skipped cocktails and dinner. Do you ever watch Dragon's Den? Well apparently the guy from the show was sitting next to us at the bar. I never watch that show so I had no idea.

This is that Dragon's Den guy... the bald one.

My drink. Malibu rum and lime.

The restaurant was so chic and look at us country bumkins. 

My meal... scallops!

This is what 4 grown people laugh at after a few drinks...
Spotted Dick on the dessert menu!

It seems like ages since I last blog! As you know, I worked all weekend for my Monday's presentation. It went well and was a big weight off my shoulders once it was done. But, right after the meeting Chris and I drove downtown Toronto to The Hazelton hotel. OMG mom, what an amazing hotel! Of course I had to take pics to show you my room... The bed was amazing. I slept like a log and honestly I didn't want to leave. I could have stayed there forever. The bathroom had a tv built into the mirror. The shower had one of those rain heads so you felt like you were in a heavy rain shower. The floor was marble and heated, of course... It was delightful!!! Again a luxury I could have enjoyed for weeks! My room even had slippers! I don't even have slippers at home. Every little detail had me captivated. I think I spent a full hour just exploring my room. Is that sad?

My hotel slippers... was just thinking
I should have taken them! Damn.

The coolest alarm clock radio. Really wanted to take this.

The bed.

Loved this print. It was taller than me.

TV in the bathroom.

I even liked the wallpaper.

Bathroom heaven.

I wasn't going to make supper tonight as Liam wasn't around. But, at 5:30 he called me and I went to pick him up. It's only the second time that Liam has been over to his girlfriend's place and every time she or her parents insist on driving him home or picking him up. Liam said it's because they are embarrassed of their house. It looks like an old weathered cottage. The neighbourhood reminds me of Puslinch. That kind of a feel. It's also on Lake Chemong. Anyways, got home around 6:00 and started to make supper because everyone was hungry. Made chicken and ribs. It was a late supper. Still have work to do but I'm feeling a little better about things. 


I looked up midlife crisis and menopause today because my mood swing and emotions have been very extreme for me. I think I'm suffering from both... how cliché. I hate it when I'm a cliché...

Jim brought this book home for me. Aunt Liz put it together of all her horse pics and the last time Jim was over he said he wanted to get me a copy. So, Aunt Liz ordered one and it's my birthday gift... I know. My birthday is a couple months away! But, I won't be around for my birthday. So,  it was a nice gesture. It's a lot of pictures of horses and horse quotes. I know how much he must have paid for it because it's the same book we ordered for Paul's blog book. Too much money. Aren't I horrible? I want him to do something special for me and when he does I'm angry that he spent so much. The book is lovely. I'll show you next week.


Still aching from my riding lesson yesterday and almost being thrown off. I think I have two bruises on my bum. Can't see but it hurts to sit. And my thighs are killing me. I can barely walk. Oh, and I will be in Toronto tomorrow night for work. We have a manager/partner meeting. We are going for a nice dinner then and early night as Paul wants to start at 7:30! We go till 5:30. So, not prepared for this meeting either... sigh. Wish me luck! Love you xox

The house is quiet. All drying, dehumidifying, defiltering and defanning equipment are out of the house. So, it was a quiet sleep last night. I needed it. It was a rough week. And, oddly not because of the flood! Just work, so much coming at me all at once. Everyone is busy and this is usually our slow time. I guess that is a good thing. But, I feel overly tense and edgy and sensitive. I snapped at Paul. He offered to help me one night and gladly I sent him the files. He responds with an email that basically was of no help at all and deferring me to someone else. I was so pissed off. For a couple reasons... one: he offered!! And, then he takes the offer away. Why wouldn't he help me? Obviously, more work than he had expected? Wouldn't that be all the more reason to help me?? So, I confronted him the next morning. Of course, he was his charming self but I was having none of it. I left it with "Don't worry, I'll pull it together myself and if you have time before the presentation I will show you what I have." (It was oozing with bitterness.) Fifteen minutes later he sends me an email with some comments trying to be helpful and nice. My response was "I thought you didn't want to help." Then last night again he offers and says he's available all weekend to help me if I needed it, and I said, " I'm not falling for that offer again. Don't worry, I don't need any help." AND, I haven't forgotten reason number two why I was so pissed off at him. Two: Every time he has asked for help in the past, I have helped him with no hesitation, even if I was busy and even if it meant staying late. I know he's the President of the company so if he asks, you have to say yes. But, I'm not doing that anymore. I'll defer him to someone else. So, I had a little cry in the car on my way home. I'm allowed, right? Because, I really don't know how I'm going to get everything done next week. So, to add salt to the wound he sends me an email today saying, "Hope you're having a good Saturday." Honestly, do you really think I'm having a good Saturday??? That's what I wanted to email back but I didn't.


Anyways, I'm overly tense and sensitive as you can see. It was a relief to have Jim go to Cambridge without me. Liam stayed with me too. I decided to still go riding today. I'm sorta glad I did? I almost got thrown off of Beau. My new coach scares me a bit. She makes me do things that I have never done before and without any prep. Like cantering Beau with no stirrups. And jumping with Beau in a canter. I cleared it twice and then she had me change directions. It was his stronger direction too. Beau was so excited to do some jumps he cleared the jump but in the process threw me out of the saddle. I hung onto his neck. My seat was out of the saddle and everything. I was literally arms and legs hanging onto his neck. I was so shaken up! I had to take a break to collect myself and then she made me do it again. I did and it felt like a really good jump. She said she was proud of me for doing it again because most people would have gotten off the horse. Of which my response was... I could have gotten off the horse? Man, if I had known I totally would have gotten off the horse. Too bad I didn't have my camera. I'm sure it must have looked funny.


I better get back to work. Sorry, I couldn't see you and dad tonight. I was looking forward to it. But, we'll see you next weekend! No pictures today... not in the mood. But, it was a nice break to blog to you. I'm feeling better as I get work done too. Love you xoxo

Day four... no more fans!! But the industrial dehumidifier is still going. Still noisy but at least it's not roaring with fans anymore :) I came home yesterday to see a big garbage bin in the front of the house. All the garbage bags were in it. Walked into the house and it was louder than ever. They added 2 more fans!!! and a Hepa Air Filter contraption... did I mention all this already? I don't know anymore. I'm lost and disoriented. And the contractor had started to remove 2 feet of drywall from half the walls. Today even more was removed and the garbage bin outside was looking very full!! I seriously do not think this is necessary. 


I'm not ignoring dad's advice. It's just I paid Jeremy under the table. Stupid. So, I'm sure I will have to pay extra under the table to get him back to do that stuff. Also, so much else going on. I will just leave it for Dad to see in a couple of weeks and then figure it out from there.


Anyways, work is terrible busy. I'm preparing for a big presentation on Monday, follow by the same presentation to their shareholders on Wednesday. The following Monday another big creative presentation and the end of that week (April 1st?) a Capabilities Pitch presentation for new business that I haven't even started. So... busy. But, I'm going to get all that work done before you come so we can spend time together. The Monday creative meeting might be changed so hopefully I can still get that day off.


Stay tuned!! At least it's sunny out. No food pics. Liam went out with his friends yesterday to Wild Wings and today he is at Rowyn's house. She made him a bacon sandwich. Tomorrow's her birthday and Liam will be going out to dinner with her and her family. Jim was at classes late last night and tonight. I'll just make myself some spaghetti and work on my presentations. Here are some more pics. Probably going to upload them to FB now too. Something like this needs to be shared - lol. At least I'm laughing about it now. Lots of love xox

Garbage - day one

Garbage - day two

I see no drywall damage...

But, this is what they do...

Just so you know, despite all the upheavals, I'm still feeding your grandson. I admit, we did eat late last night, around 9:00 pm. We had ribs and potatoes. Tonight I made a chicken chow mien served over the last package of noodles that you brought for me on your last visit. Even Jim liked it. I made a lot as you can see. 


Tomorrow, Liam is going over to his friend Dylan's house. The poor boy probably just wants to get away from the constant noise of the fans! 


I didn't tell you that I had my riding lesson with another coach, Shannon. She's younger and teaching a whole different set of riding techniques. I feel like I'm starting all over again! She did say I cantered Beau really well and that I was a beautiful rider. I don't think Beau liked the new techniques, I didn't get the feeling he enjoyed our ride.


Thank you for your comments! No need to worry. Everything is fine just unsettling. Chat with you later, mama. Love you and miss you xx

Jim and the Hepa filter machine.

The good news is insurance is going to cover everything. I remember when we got the insurance agreeing to a VIP water escape clause. Oh boy, that was one of the better decisions I have ever made. We still have to pay the $1000 deductible tho. And they cover the sump pump expense too. So, that is a relief. The distressful part is they are going to rip off the baseboards and cut away 2 feet of drywall. At this point, I don't care that it's covered. It just seems excessive. Does it seem excessive to you? 


A carpet guy also came today to take samples of our carpet and under padding. He sends the samples to be tested and assessed. We will be getting the same carpet or equivalent value. He will also replace the carpet on the stairs. It all sounds too good to be true. 


The contractors dropped by again today. It's been a busy few days. We have new additions to the basement. 2 more fans, another industrial sized dehumidifier and a huge Hepa Filter to take the dust out of the air. Wow, how much extra was I paying for that VIP water escape???

Good morning! Just wanted to post a quick update. I slept through the night without waking up. Surprising, since the fans are so loud. Checked the basement and it looks like it's drying up slowly. Still wet areas. Jim said one of the guys said it would take at least a week to completely dry... ugh. Approximate date of completion is about 6 weeks!!! Oh man.


I went outside to see what Jeremy did with the pipe going outside. I don't think it's good that it's dropping water so close to the house. What do you think? It's under the deck so it's hidden nicely maybe we can feed a hose to my little garden?! That would be cool!! No more watering... like I ever did anyways. Hahaha.


Yesterday I noticed a few cars stopping in front of the house. I know in the summer you'll see cars do that, as I always think they are admiring the house. (I'm so vain.) But, I couldn't figure out why so many were doing it yesterday. As I was leaving the house this morning... I figured why...

This is the famous Jeremy!

One last blog for the day... so you aren't up all night worrying. Jeremy showed up! When we were on the phone I was mistaken the truck I saw was not Jeremy. He showed up around 7:30 and left around 9:30. The poor guy had been working since 8:00 am that morning (which really would have been 7:00 am with the time change). But, he was in good spirits. I was feeding him the chocolate cookies I had made. He really like them and must have eaten about 10 of them. (I made 3 dozen). I found out he had to drive two hours away to pick up the drill to drill through the wall that's why he was so late getting here. We love Jeremy. And, he also went outside to patch up the wall. I haven't checked that out yet as it was dark and cold out. But, I suspect he did a good job.


Thanks for calling! I know you must feel helpless reading my blogs and I didn't blog about it to get you worried. Just thought if you saw the images it would soften the blow of what we are going through. Despite what's going on everything seems pretty good. Liam has relocated some of his stuff to his room and quite likes it. Jim is unusually calm. Me... hey, I've baked and cooked and I feel somewhat normal. The damn fans are still going tho and the noise is annoying... but the last I checked it looked like it was working. It was just so wet and damp I have to be patient that it will take some time. It just reassures me that there was no way we could have ignored this and carried on.


So, here is our new, whatever you call it, from the sump pump. Jeremy ran it nicely up against the wall and out. Oh - and I almost to forgot to tell you... with all the moving of the furniture we found $30!!! We're going to need it :)   Good nite! Love you xx

Baking isn't even helping me feel better right now... maybe eating it will. Going to do some work-related work. Maybe that will keep my mind off of things. There's nothing I can do anyways, right? Right.

The contractor arrive.

The contractors arrive on time. Two fellows, Randy and Mark. Nice enough guys. I take them down to the basement and we assess the damage. They have to rip up all the carpeting. Yes, all the carpeting. It is soaked and there is nothing they can do. If they leave it within two days mold with grow and the under padding will start to smell. They also want to rip up the baseboards to check for water damage to the dry wall, etc.! I'm starting to freak out again!!! Jim and I convince them not to touch the walls or baseboards as we don't even know if insurance is going to cover this. But, I know we have to rip the carpets out and start to dry the place out. Honestly, there was too much water under the carpeting for us to dry up ourselves. So, we give them the go ahead. 20 bags of carpeting, 4 hours later, 2 large fans and 1 industrial sized dehumidifier later, here I am blogging to you and feeling super duper stressed. Jim is oddly calm and left for a study group about 2 hours ago. Once the carpeting was gone you could see water puddles everywhere. There were also pressure cracks in the foundation. Is that bad???  F--- I don't know. But, the fans are going and it sounds like jet plane about to take off. I've checked every half hour since they've left and it doesn't seem to be getting any drier. I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight. The fans are loud. And still no signs of Jeremy.

I don't see any wall damage.

The carpets are all gone :(

And bags and bags of wet carpeting...

are everywhere... Liam's media room.

One of these loud fans that don't seem
to be drying anything.

The industrial sized dehumidifier.

Bye bye contractors.
Gawd, I hope I did the right thing...

So, what does one do when waiting for contractors? Make... banana fritters, of course! What's your recipe mom? I mash the bananas then add an egg, sugar, vanilla and flour. Then fry. Am I missing anything? I got my frustrations out mashing the bananas and much pleasure taking the pics. I seriously have a food pic obsession. I can't even start to tell you how much better it makes me feel to bake something and then see an amazing pic of it. I think I might have missed my calling as a food artist. Lord know I might have to do this on the side to pay for my bills now! The close up shot above is awesome. But, here is a shot of it in a pottery bowl you gave me. Yes, you gave it to me. I thought it had a raw Carribean feel to it that really compliments the banana fritters... You want that bowl back now, don't you?

So, at around 9 this morning (which is really 8:00 am) I went to the corner store to get some cash for Jeremy. We get a slight discount if we pay with cash. Sounds sneaky but I don't really care right now. Anything to keep the costs down. After our $1000 propane bill and now this.... ugh. Anyways, on my way back I had to stop the car to take this pic. I just love it. So, beautiful, serene and calm... everything I was not at that moment.

Did you remember to change your clocks? I woke up this morning and obsessively ran downstairs to check the sump pit. It was empty!! Yay! We love Jeremy. The sump pump worked. But, what you can't see or hear in this pic is the water running into the pit constantly. If the plumber didn't come last night that basement would have been at least ankle deep in water if not more. It's almost 5:00 now and Jeremy said he would be back today to do that work... another $400 (ugh). But, I haven't heard or seen him yet. God, I hope he hasn't forgotten us.

Never a dull moment... we have a flood in our basement. I can't even try to make this blog funny. I'm just so stressed out about this! And, you might want to call dad to read this to him too.


We came home Saturday evening had dinner. Then around 7ish Liam said, mom can I show you something. He took me downstairs where there were just a weird series of wet spots. Looked almost like the cats were peeing everywhere and the floor seemed damp. Liam said he noticed the first puddle that afternoon and it was getting worse. I go to the furnace room where the sump pump is and sure enough water everywhere.


Without saying anything to Jim I call the plumber. They send someone right away. I show him the sump pump and he says... "This is the sewer pump. I don't see a sump pump." What do you mean? He said if this pump was broken there would be sewage water all over the floors but the water was definitely clean. So, we start to search for the sump pump. We find it... in the pantry under the rug! And it's over flowing!!! Why is it overflowing... because there is NO SUMP PUMP!!! How did this house pass inspection without a sump pump???


The plumber's name is Jeremy. Young guy, very smart and very patient. He scouted around the house and suggested that we install a sump pump and drill through the wall to allow for drainage. But, he couldn't do it tonight because he didn't have the tools. He could however install the sump pump to start pumping the water into another drainage in the furnace room. And, then he said that house insurance should cover this. So, Jim called insurance right away. Surprisingly, everyone was really responsive. The insurance guy said an adjuster would come by on Sunday and a contractor would be by first thing to start cleaning up. Meanwhile, poor Jeremy was here till midnight! This is what it looked like.

Can you see the water overflowing the sump pit?

Water was starting to go everywhere...

At the time this seemed that the worse room
for flooding.

Jeremy used my garden hose to drain
the water here.

And here's our $500 sump pump and my
chopped up garden hose working away.