I pity da fool

that don't like Kade's new "do"

Kade Denis [above] sports a mohawk thanks to his mom Heather. She says Kade was very excited and in a while she might just shave it off and let his hair grow back before it is time to go to school in the Fall.

On the other hand, she could just leave it as it is and let her son go to school as Mr K. LOL! His tough guy look is cute Heather, just hope he doesn't get a big ego like Mr T.

click on pix for larger version

Lovin' Every Minute of It

When I saw this pix on facebook of our pal Rich Hunt a few thoughts came to mind. 1. The colours are spectacular and it's a photo worth blowing up and framing and 2. He obviously doesn't suffer from chronic back pain like I do (and yes, I'll admit, I'm jealous!) 

Awesome pix Rich. glad to see you are taking full advantage of our tropical Summer weather and doing one of the things you love the most.

Rich's other passion is singing and you can hear his music by clicking here.

Chronic Pain and Depression: 
A Terrible Twosome
By Matthew Hoffman, MD from WebMD

If you have chronic pain and depression, you've got plenty of company. That’s because chronic pain and depression are common problems that often overlap.

Depression is one of the most common psychological issues facing people who suffer from chronic pain, and it often complicates the patient's conditions and treatment.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

I Hope She Washed Her Hands Afterwards

My cousin Megan Fox posted this pix on her facebook wall with the caption "Cannot believe I did this...eeeeek!"

Actually I'm a bit surprised she'd react that way, considering two of the pets at the Ottawa home she shares with her BF Andy are a dragon lizard and a snake. But I guess even exotic pet owners have their limits and when it comes to marvelous Megan, big fuzzy spiders are where she draws the line.

Surmise to say, this creepy fellow didn't join Megan and Andy's pet collection.

Meet Alpha the Betta...OOPS...

...Say Goodbye to Alpha the Betta

At my place of employment, Talk Wireless Inc., there is a very low turnover when it comes to staff. Some of the team have been with the company since it first opened its doors over a decade ago and others have been there for many, many years.

A few days ago, our pal Pam Hopkins [inset] introduced her facebook pals to the latest addition to Talk Wireless, Alpha the Betta (Siamese fighting fish). She joked that he didn't talk back, need his own company credit card or even get a pay cheque. Sounds like the ideal employee.

Two days later Pam posted a R.I.P. to Alpha, who was found floating in his bowl when she got to work. He was given a fitting farewell, flushed away to the big fish tank in the sky via toilet. 

I guess working for fish flakes just wasn't much of an incentive to hang around.  Perhaps it would be best to stick to the Telus plush critters instead of live fish. R.I.P. Alpha, sorry I didn't get to meet you  :)

 

Angry Birds Fly Into Your Computer

If you're not familiar with the game Angry Birds, you just may have been marooned on a desert island for the past year or two. The ubber-popular game is a smash hit available as a smartphone or tablet App.

You no longer need a fancy phone or ipad to get in on the fun. Angry Birds is now available to play on your computer (Windows, Mac and Linux OS).

You will need to download Google Chrome -a new internet browser -and you must have a Google email account (such as G Mail.) It's easy to set that up -just be sure to read the terms and uncheck the box asking if you want Google Chrome as your primary internet browser (unless of course you do.)

Once you have that out of the way, you are only one more download away from enjoying Angry Birds on your PC. It's every bit as fun as the smartphone and tablet App version and even features levels exclusive to the computer edition. Other exciting games are also available to download.

I'm not much of a "gamer" (heck my Nintendo system is the original version, which came out two decades ago) but Angry Birds is so exciting, even I find it appealing. It's loads of fun for everyone, age 5 to 105.

To download Google Chrome and then Angry Birds click here.

"Little Man" Keeps His Cool

With my pal Becky enjoying a few weeks at her cottage, I have the pleasure of checking in on her home while she is away. My duties include gathering up the mail, feeding the fish in the koi pond and watering the plants. And I've had plenty of assistants, including Rob, Timmi and on many visits, my nephew Graham [above].

While he enjoys helping toss food into the pond for the fishies, the main attraction for my "Little Man" Graham is the sprinkler and hose.

As you will see in the short video clip below, the plants aren't the only things that get a good soaking and with the weather being hot and humid, who can blame Graham for wanting to splash around a bit.

 EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CLIP:

Keeping Cool...

Andrew MacNeil [cleverly guised above] and his dad Doug have just returned to St Catharines, after enjoying 10 days in the East Coast.

Hope you had an awesome time...what am I saying? You were out East, how could you possibly NOT have a good time?

 encore feature

Tips to Beat the Heat

Don't let the hot and humid weather get you down. Simply follow these very basic tips and you'll be as cool as the cucumbers we featured in the article above.

 • stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fresh fruit juice -avoid alcohol as a source of hydration.

 • stay out of the sun (especially midday)

• eat plenty of fresh fruit and veggies

• wear sunscreen products when outdoors

• go to air conditioned places like malls or community centres

• wear loose fitting clothing and a floppy hat

• reduce strenuous outdoor activity, especially between 11 am and 4 pm

• never leave the elderly, children or pets unattended in a car

It seems like only yesterday that playing with toys was what I did when I got together with my niece Erin Papple. Now that same little girl has grown up and turning 16 years old!

Officially, Erin's big day is Aug 1st and she is preparing to celebrate in style. She's invited 4 girl friends to join her at the Papple's family cottage in Turkey Point for a long weekend of birthday fun - where they will be chaperoned by Erin's parents Kim and Don and little brother Patrick.

Meanwhile back in St Catharines, Erin was joined by all our family at home to celebrate a week early. With the swimming pool temperature a balmy 85 degrees, enjoying a refreshing dip was as much of an attraction as the birthday girl herself.

Erin, Uncle Ken is still shocked that you are 16 now and so proud of the beautiful teen girl you have become.

Have an awesome time with your friends...hope your mom can find a menu that accomodates everyone (including the vegeterian and the glutton-free gal.)

 EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CLIP:

Erin's 16th Birthday

photos courtesy Bob Miller and scribbles

Brush with Fame:

Josh Groban Concert Review

by Kerri Thomson-Fortier

On July 18 my friend Kelly and I were driven to Air Canada Centre in Toronto, to see Josh Groban, via limo driven by her husband Buxton. We were lucky he had no other runs that night and the limo was for our pleasure. And pleasure it was....nice not having to fight traffic...sit back and relax with a glass of wine.

This was our second time seeing Josh and won't be our last. He is amazing live...you would think you were listening to the CD. When we were seated on the end of the isle in the middle of the floor...we looked to our left and about 10 feet away was a mini stage...oh yeah...Josh played his first couple of songs on that stage.

I was so busy taking his picture that when he ran past me to go to the main stage I didn't get to touch him. However, that changed because later in the show he ran back down the isle to go back on the mini stage and when he got right to me he high-fived me...and yes I have since washed that hand.

Josh seems like he has a huge heart. He brought some audience members up on the stage and they sat on blow-up furniture for a couple of songs. He answered a couple of text messages from audience members. He was very funny in between songs. Can't wait for him to come back!!!

click pix to view larger version.

Great Job!

THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEW FOR SCRIBBLES, KERRI!!

Timmi's Trail

 Mini Video Clip

Here's a short clip of a special place Timmi and I like to go for "walkies". What makes it even more special is where it's located. Find out where by watching this clip.



Jojo's a Beautiful Bride

We told you about it, now here's the "proof". Our pal Joanne Bonadies wed Kent Kildow in a breathtaking ceremony in New Jersey. We found the wedding pix featured here on facebook. Joanne's friend Susan Stiglianese Major posted them and tagged Joanne.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Italy, trying hard to find places that weren't too "touristy", sometimes with success and other times not.

It was great to hear about the magical day and honeymoon, Jojo...my dear "SS".

All the best to you and Kent!

The newleyweds were featured with our logo recently.

Click pix below to view large version...

Purr-fect Companions

Newlywed Joanne Kildow put these delightful photos on facebook a while ago, so we doubt that her kittens Dean and Rocky are quite this small now, but surely no less adorable.

The kitten bro's came into Joanne's home and heart shortly after the passing of her beloved cat Lance. And we can easily see how. Some may think "double trouble" but I think it is actually "double the fun".

 VIDEO CLIP:

NEW HOME at MY HOME

photos above and on video clip below, courtesy Bob Miller and scribbles

Click pix to view larger version

Celebrating with "Sister Jane"

Officially my sister Jane Storie's birthday was July 21st, but she celebrated the event a few days early this year. After returning from a mini-vacation with her boyfriend Ken Clark, Jane gathered with family at her mom's place on Sunday. After a much needed afternoon nap, I too joined the gang just in time for the delicious birthday cake and BBQ burgers and hot dogs. YUM!

Despite the humid temperature, the traditional marshmallow roast was still a go (as we see to the right as my mom assists Kim with her marshmallow) and there was lots of presents for the birthday girl. Including not one but two cards from her son Graham -one he picked out with his daddy and one he made while staying at Uncle Ken's while his parents were away.

 NEW VIDEO CLIP

JANE'S "KILLER" BIRTHDAY

photos courtesy Bob Miller and scribbles

It was great going to your birthday party Jane.

"Little Man"

Comes for a Visit

While his parents enjoyed a few day in Niagara Falls, my nephew Graham spent time with his Uncles Ken. Graham and I went shopping, dropped by my friend Becky's place (she has a koi pond and Graham loves to feed the fishies), made a cool card for his mommy's birthday, played, and watched Finding Nemo -two days in a row!

At night, Graham and I would go back up to his family's apartment so our "Little Man" (my new nickname for him) could sleep in his own bed. Then it was back to Uncle Ken's right after breakfast the next morning for another day of fun!!

With Rob still on the mend, an active 5 year old, a dog that needs walkies and a finicky cat, all under the same roof as me, we had a full house indeed!

Uncle Ken enjoyed our visit "Little Man" -despite having to wear his ice pack and lay down a fair bit- You were such a good boy, I can't wait to visit with you again!! 

My Cat Uses the Toilet...

Well it's Fact and Fiction. My cat J.R. has used a toilet, but as a seat rather than the more practical use. The photo above is where I recently found my furry friend hanging out. Now if only he could lift the seat and do his business, his Daddy would give him lots of his favourite cat food for sure!

iCat

After sitting on the thrown for a while, J.R. thoroughly washes his paws (hey, we live in the heart of "C-Diff " and the "Super Bug" zone.) Then it's time to enjoy his fave iphone app..."Talking Tom Cat" ...naturally!

Big Wheels Keep on Turning...

My brother-in-law Don arrived at my sister's birthday party in his "new" 2006 GMC truck. I didn't get a chance to check it out much, but our family friend Bob who was also at the party did. He told me the truck has all the bells and whistles and the engine purrs.

Bob seemed impressed by it, so that's good enough for me. It must be a great truck!

And Speaking of Trucks....

I once owned a truck - it was a gift and not my first choice for a vehicle. When I was the proud owner of "Betsy, the Brown Bomber", all I used the bed area for was to toss Timmi's used poop bags into, until I got to a garbage can.

I'm more car-oriented and still have trouble telling the many kinds of cars apart.

I may be 50 years old, but I didn't get my license until I was 39. Until then, vehicles were identified by size and colour. As in "There's a nice looking little black car" or "That's a cool big red truck".

In my 12 years driving, I haven't exactly become a pro when it comes to wheels. I still use the size and colour routine to this very day.

You can bet they're serving this tasty salad at the Convery's family cottage this week.

The weather we have been having is the perfect time for this recipe.