Winter's Coming

Well it seems that weather gods just didn't want us to have much of a summer as far as weather is concerned and seems like it is going to be the same for the fall season. It feels like we just went from winter to winter with a few nice days here and there in between. So I figured it was time to start getting prepared for winter, so at lunch time it was off to Davidner's to buy a winter jacket. I did find a jacket, even got a bit of deal on the price. I had looked at this jacket in the spring and really liked it. I was glad to see that they had just gotten a shipment of these Outback Jackets in this month. So after Davidner's it was off to Beth's Yarn & Needle Craft shop to pick up some yarn for a scarf and mittens. Well I did pick up yard for my scarf but couldn't find the colors that look good. I don't need mittens just yet so I have some time before I will need them, and I wear gloves for the most part unless it is really cold. So all I need to pick up now is a pair of everyday boots and I should be set for the most part. Oh and I have to knit the scarf, but first I need to finish Brittany's mitten's that I started last year.

Life is mostly froth and bubble,

Two things stand like stone,

Kindness in another's trouble,

Courage in your own.

~Adam Lindsay Gordon

High Speed Internet

Today it happened, we finally got high speed Internet. WOW, what a difference from dial-up. I know enjoy going on the computer at home. Pages load in no time at all, updates are done in a couple of minutes instead of a couple of hours. I wonder how we put up with dial up for so long.

We gave up on waiting for Sasktel to bring us high speed Internet and we went with iNet2000.

It has been along time since I was able to load blogger on my home computer. I would always time out before it would load.

Frsutration

Okay, I have finally hit my breaking point with SGI. I am waiting on the claim for my car that was totaled at the end of June to be settled. I have the slowest adjuster around. I don't think he is the brightest either. He won't return phone calls if you are lucky enough to leave a message on his voice mail. So today I found the main number for the claims office here in town, called and got a very helpful lady that put me through to my adjuster's supervisor who is to call me back within the hour. Because my car was a lease with Toyota Canada, they negotiate the payout value with the adjuster. Before calling to talk to a supervisor I checked with Christine at Toyota Canada to see if she had heard anything and she is as frustrated as I am on this. I am hoping that this call will be enough to have this settled within a couple of days so that I can start the process to purchase another vehicle.

We are looking at purchasing a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD. Al and I have spent the last month test driving vehicles and have decided this is the one we like the best. So far we have test drove it twice and really like the feel of the vehicle and the ride. For a crossover type vehicle it gets good gas mileage. Everyone that I know that has a Santa Fe are really happy with the vehicle over all, the gas mileage and how it handles on the gravel roads. All plus reasons for us to want the same thing.

I know some of you are thinking why are you buying new, we have decided for the amount of miles we put on a vehicle new is the best way to go for us. It is nothing for us to put on 70 - 100 km per day sometime more on the weekends.

Draw a Pig

Have fun with this little personality test!

Draw a pig, click HERE

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Melt

You can add mustard or a slice of tomato to customize this sandwich, if you like. It reheats well, too, so you might want to make two at a time and warm the second one the following morning!

1 Thomas' Light Whole Grain English Muffin, split
1 slice (1 ounce) lean, low-sodium ham or lean Canadian bacon
2 egg whites
1 slice low- or reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Coat an egg ring (see note) with olive oil cooking spray. Toast the muffin halves until they're lightly browned. While the muffin toasts, warm the ham for about 1 minute in a small nonstick skillet. Remove the ham from the skillet and place it on half of the toasted English muffin. Cover to keep it warm. Place the prepared egg ring in the nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg whites into the ring. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the eggs are nearly set. Run a knife or spatula around the inside edge of the ring to break the egg loose. Remove the ring. Flip the egg over and cook it for about 30 seconds longer, or until done. Place the egg on top of the ham. While the egg is piping hot, lay the cheese over it. Top with the remaining muffin half. Serve hot.

Note: If you don't have an egg ring, you can use the ring from a widemouthed canning jar, sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.

Makes 1 serving Per serving: 230 calories, 25 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates (6 g sugars), 6 g fat (2 g saturated), 20 mg cholesterol, 8 g fiber, 570 mg sodium

Work Out

I started working with a trainer this week. She is what I have needed for a long time now. She set me up on a program that will work all my muscle groups and help me shed pounds. I have awakened muscles that have been dormant for a long time. The stretches that she has shown me to do after my workouts have prevented me from being sore the next day. I am not in any pain, but I can feel my muscles that is for sure. I have also learned a few more things that person needs to do to help with your weight loss. I know that calories in helps with the calories out but taking protein about 30 minutes before your work out helps your muscles respond better and allows you to push through your work out better, also you need some protein after your workout as well. So I plan to get to the gym a minimum of 3 days per week and working up to 4 or 5 days as I can. I have a great support system with work the three of us go to the gym together at lunch time. Having Brenda and Wendy to go to the gym with has been a big push for me.

Rebelling.....

Yesterday it was rainy and cold here, but I still haven't given up on summer, well at least I don't want too. I wore my sandals and capri's to work....there were some that thought I was crazy but pointed out it is no different than wearing a skirt. We had such a short summer, seemed that the only summer temperatures were those we had in September. We went from +30 C to +7 C in a week.

I guess it is time to pull out the fall clothes and put away the summer ones.