SUMMER DEF LEPPARD & KISS CONCERT

August 12th, 2014

Last August I went to see Def Leppard yet again with Brian. It hadn't been a year since we did the VIP experience in Las Vegas, but when the boys are playing your home town, ya gotta go!

We opted out of the Meet & Greet package this time around, but still did VIP to get decent floor seats for the show.  We started our evening at Big Daddy's on King Street where we proceeded to drink our way through the "Happy Hour" menu while enjoying a few appetizers. Brian and I do have a time when we go to concerts together and this night was no different. Needless to say, neither of us were feeling any pain when we grabbed a cab for the show, and we continued our party when we got there.

Brian took all the concert shots and the others were with our cell phones.

It all started with a couple "Liquid Cocaine" shots.

I believe this is "Gator Bait" and a few of these were consumed.

Def Leppard was on first.

Joe belts it out.

I am having a blast!

It was Brian's first time seeing Kiss

Wicked shot Brian captured.

I think Brian said he knew 2 songs! LOL!!

Paul is a great front-man.

The ultimate party band.

I know I had a great time, I just don't remember it all! I highly recommend Big Daddy's as a pre-concert venue.   

TEN YEARS OF MOUNTSBERG

It's not everyday one gets to hold a Turkey Vulture!  

Rob and I spent our first New Years Day in 2005 at Mountsberg Conservation Area, so last Saturday marked 10 years of us visiting! We go a few times a year, as it definitely is an all season area with lots of events and things to do going on year round. I did a pretty in-depth blog about Mountsberg in 2010, and you can read all about that here.

I will admit it's the Raptor Encounters we've become addicted too. It's an amazing experience to get so up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Because we go so often we've come to know the people there and it's nice to know they look forward to us walking through the door. It's more of a "catch up" session with friends when we go, of both the human and feathered species, and this past Saturday was no different.

Rob meeting "Buzz", a new member of the Raptor Centre.

 I have to admit I have a soft spot for a little grey Eastern Screech Owl that lives there, Echo.
 

If this picture had a name, it would be "Joyful".

First time I met Echo, September 2010.

Echo and I in October 2013.

To read all about the Raptor Encounters and our first one in 2010 click here. I also explain how the birds came to be there in that blog.

Another shot of me with Buzz.

I highly recommend a trip to Mountsberg, and if you're looking for a unique gift idea for the bird lover in your circle of friends or family, you can't go wrong with a Raptor Encounter!

MUGGLENET FAN OF THE WEEK!

Me at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" in Orlando, Florida.

I was pretty excited to wake up this morning and find out I was Mugglenet's "Fan of the Week". I cut and pasted the interview below. but you can read it online by clicking here.  

 Fan of the Week: Angie – January 4, 2015

Posted by: Michele January 4, 2015 in Fan of the Week

ANGIE

Age 45 – Toronto, Canada
Hufflepuff

How did you become a Harry Potter fan?
In July of 2010 I was home sick for a few weeks with a respiratory illness. I couldn’t do anything but watch TV and read. I had been seeing all the movies as they came out, but had not read the books. A friend had lent me the first couple. Once I started reading them I was hooked! I quickly got my own copies and have read the series many times.  I enjoyed the movies, but so much of the story is lost in them. I fell in love with the Harry Potter story because of the books.

If you could have one prop from the set of the films, which would it be?
The “H” sweater that Mrs. Weasley gives Harry for Christmas in the first book. I lost my own Mother to cancer three years ago, and that scene is very symbolic to me. To me it symbolizes Molly taking Harry into her family. The sweater would be like a Motherly hug and wrapping myself in the magic J.K. created.

What Potter fandom memory would you keep in your Pensieve?
My first trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida the year it opened. It was amazing! It was like walking into the books! Tasting Butterbeer for the first time, hearing Moaning Myrtle talking in the bathroom, walking through the Hogwarts Castles, it was all so magical!

Describe what being part of the Harry Potter fandom has meant to you in 7 words or less.
It keeps me young at heart!

Check out Mugglenet here!

DISNEY & UNIVERSAL RECAP

We were pretty excited to see Chip and Dale unexpectedly! 

It's been over a month since my trip to Orlando, and I heard a lady named Nancy has been waiting for my blog about it. I was sick when we got back, and then busy catching up with work and Christmas, but here it finally is. 

My girlfriend, Andi, and I had planned and saved for this trip for a year, and we were both equally excited about it, but maybe a little more so for Andi, as it was her first time going to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios!

Unfortunately, sometimes things happen that we can't really control that can put a damper on things. Andi got sick before we left with what she now calls the "Disney Flu". I got it half way into our trip.
Still, we made the best of it, we didn't get to do everything we had planned, but we soldiered on making the best of what we did do. I'm going to write the highlights for each day, which is followed by my top pics from the trip. These are the pics that jumped out at me when I was looking through the over one thousand of them. They may not be the best photo, but they brought back a great memory or emotion.

Some of the best moments and memories from this trip weren't captured with a photo, they couldn't be. Like, when Andi jumped out of her seat during "It's Tough to be a Bug", and I roared with laughter. Or when we had our private Ollivandor's Wand Experience, thanks to Andi's wandering at Diagon Alley! It's hard to capture the joy I feel having a Butterbeer or the excitement I feel just being there. I love going to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, not just because of all the stuff there is to do, but how being there makes me feel, like a child again, without a care in the world. It truly is a magical place, and I look forward to returning.

Here's the recap;

Sunday, Nov. 16- Arrive in Orlando and take the Magic Bus to Port Orleans, Riverside. Boat to Downtown Disney to shop and have dinner at Raglan Road.

Monday, Nov. 17- Early start to the day to make the opening show for Magic Kingdom. Lunch at Be Our Guest. Meet Winnie and Tigger, and go on a few rides; The Teacups, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Winne the Pooh.

Tuesday, Nov. 18- Breakfast in Animal Kingdom at Tusker House, where Andi meets Mickey Mouse for the first time, on his 86th birthday no less. We unexpectedly meet Chip and Dale before we are even in the park! We also meet Daisy, Donald and Goofy at breakfast.

Wednesday, Nov. 19- Enjoy Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot before going through the world pavilions. Enjoy a Frozen Grey Goose slushie in "France", and we both really enjoyed the Germany pavilion. Andi goes on Soarin, but I chicken out at the last minute. She loved it. We dine with visits from Chip, Dale, Pluto and Mickey at Garden Grill. I wait in line to meet my first ever Princess, my favorite one, Snow White. We have a lovely chat about men.    

Thursday, Nov. 20- Back to Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! Before the party we have an early dinner with Winnie the Pooh and his friends at Crystal Palace. We see Elsa (Frozen) freeze the castle before the awesome parade.

Friday, Nov. 21- We move to the Hard Rock Hotel for our last 3 nights. It's finally warmed up a little and we enjoy lounging around the pool. Andi is well on the mend, and I'm getting sicker by the minute.

Saturday, Nov. 22- We visit Universal Studios and the newly opened Diagon Alley, it's amazing. We have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron and go on the Hogwarts Express.

Sunday, Nov. 23- Andi heads out before me as I am need of more rest now that I have the Disney Flu, but join her at the park later and meet Bumblebee. We also have a private Ollivandor's Wand Experience which was truly magical! We enjoy a lovely late lunch at Emeril's on City Walk, before going our separate ways to take in a few more things we each wanted to see at the parks.  

Monday, Nov. 24- Back to Toronto.
Please enjoy a few photos from our trip.  (click on them to enlarge)

 

Hug from Dale.

I think Minnie and Andi may be related.

That's our lion look.

A little Disney magic!

Entering Magic Kingdom the 2nd time this trip.

The Frozen castle show was breath taking.

Olaf! Taken during the Christmas party parade.

It finally warmed up! Hard Rock Hotel pool.

Named after G n R original bassist, Duff McKagan. 

Running into friends at Diagon Alley.

Minion!!! Whaa??

I was thrilled to meet Bumblebee!

I adore Seuss Landing at Universal!

OWLS FOR CHRISTMAS

It's no secret that we like owls, and a lot of owl themed gifts were under the tree this year. Some I bought for Rob, and some were from friends.

I bought Rob a Steiff stuffed owl from the German pavillion at Epcot in November and also an owl themed "Our Family" Xmas ornament. We received a couple other owl ornaments from friends tied to our gifts from them.

My niece sent us owl mugs from Alberta, and they arrived all in one piece! I received a lovely owl bracelet and probably the most interesting gift was a new fun way to fry eggs!

It was a very owlie Christmas at our house this year, as it started with our owl themed Christmas tree. I hope you all had a great one!

CHRISTMAS BAKING

Shortbread Cookies, Cherry Balls, and Candy Cane Blossoms

I don't do a lot of baking, but there are a few things I like to make for Christmas. A lot of my Christmas baking gets passed on to friends as a little gift, and of course I keep a bit for Rob and I to enjoy.

The very first thing I ever remember learning to make as a child is Non-Cook Cherry Balls, our neighbor, Marilyn, made them, and I love them. They are as much a part of my Christmas as having a tree.

NON-COOK CHERRY BALLS

1.5 Cups Icing Sugar
1/2 Cup Fine Coconut
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)
1 TSP Vanilla
1/2  to 3/4  Cup Graham Crumbs
About 24 Maraschino Cherries (Drained from bottle juice)

Mix first 4 ingredients to dough like consistency. Pinch off a piece of dough, about small walnut size, put cherry in centre and roll into ball shape. Roll in Graham Crumbs. Refrigerate. Makes about 24 balls.

You can find my Shortbread recipe HERE, and my Candy Cane Blossoms recipe HERE.

Enjoy!

A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR ME

I didn't win it so I bought it!

I heard last year that the "experts" say you should buy yourself a little something while you are doing your Christmas shopping, it makes you feel good. I've been doing that for years! I always buy myself a few things during the season, and today my last "gift for me" arrived.

The first thing I purchased for myself  this season is the above owl serving board from Jennifer's of Nova Scotia. I really did try to win it first through a Facebook contest. I can't wait to use it!   

Rob and I finally made a road trip to Hyde Park Feed and Country Store this past Saturday. We've been wanting to visit for over a year. We picked up loads of goodies there; local maple syrup, bees wax candles, sparkling apple cider, home made soap, and more. We also purchased the beautiful welcome mat pictured below. Click on the pictures for a closer look!

It's too pretty to step on!

On our way back home we stopped into Featherfields where I was thrilled to purchase a Hobbit Fairy Door made by Sugar Bush Fairies.

This is a picture of the Hobbit Door I have.

When I got home I checked out the Sugar Bush Fairies Facebook page because I hadn't in a while and my jaw hit the floor when I saw the Harry Potter series they had! I quickly got in touch with them and bought the whole set! They arrived today!

I HAD to have these!

I just love the fairy doors, you can put them inside your house like I have, or outside in your garden. They are beautifully handcrafted from premium western red cedar. I have purchased them as gifts for others in the past and they have always been well received. I'm now the proud owner of seven! (and I'm not done yet)


If you haven't bought yourself a little something yet, I highly suggest you do!

XMAS SURPRISE FROM SCOTLAND!!!

This Christmas package made my whole day!

I don't remember who replied to who's "tweet" first, but I know the tweet involved "Airbourne", the only new rock band I listen to and love. I started following Emma on Twitter and she started following me after that first initial tweet.

Turns out her significant other, Mark, works for Airbourne and was on the road with them when we connected on Twitter. But we had more in common then the band. A love of nature, our fur babies, and more recently, Christmas. I asked her for her mailing address so I could send her a Christmas card, and she asked for mine. I was quite excited about the idea of getting a card from so far away.

I mailed a Christmas card adorned with a Snowy Owl to her quite early, thinking it would take ages to get there, but she received it before the end of November! LOL! I also included a desk calendar that we had made for 2015 for a few friends featuring some of Rob's wildlife photos. She seemed very happy with the card and the little gift.

I returned to work this past Monday after being off for a few weeks, as I got sick while on vacation and needed to take an extra week off to recover from a respiratory infection. Needless to say I was quite tired and stressed out on my way home Monday from the mountain of work I had to deal with.

When I was walking up the walkway to the house, I saw a package sticking out of the mailbox and when I held it in my hands and realized who it was from I forgot all about work! I was overwhelmed with what she sent me; a funny Christmas card, Scottish Shortbread, a couple Airbourne laminates  from their recent Canadian tour, and a Christmas Tree made out of Airbourne guitar picks! It was awesome!! It was such a thoughtful gift and completely lifted my spirits.

Rock and Roll, bringing people together all over the world! Merry Chris Moose Everyone!

My funny Christmas card from Scotland!

Can't wait to try these with Rob on the weekend.

My awesome Airbourne guitar pick Xmas Tree and Laminates!

OUR OWL TREE

Our 10th Xmas tree together!

We've been talking about it for the last couple years, but this year, our 10th Christmas together, we did it, an "Owl Christmas Tree".

Our tree this year is adorned with about two dozen unique owl ornaments, including the topper. The filler ornaments are candy canes, red glittery snowflakes, a few bows, and red and gold small balls. It's bloody beautiful! I am seriously in love with our tree this year and can't stop looking at it! Click on the picture to get a better look.

I was also thrilled that Rob found a box of Ganong chocolates to put under it after being to about ten different stores! Ganong Chocolates are made in New Brunswick.  I need some tastes of the Maritimes during the season.

Want to know why putting a box of chocolates under the Christmas Tree is so important to me?
Read my blog post, "Pot of Gold" from 2009.

I'm so glad to finally be feeling better and finding my Christmas spirit!

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

The day after my last blog post I flew off to Orlando, Florida for 8 days of sun in the fun at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Things didn't go quite as planned.

My traveling companion and friend, Andi, had caught a horrible cold a few days before our trip and was still under the weather when we left. We arrived to hot and sunny weather, which quickly disappeared to unseasonable cool and rainy weather which continued for most of our trip.

We made the most of it, but 4 days into the trip I got sick, and as Andi got better, I got worse. I have never looked more forward to coming home from a trip then I did this one.

Rob and I had a week off together after I returned to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. I thought a day or two of rest on the couch would have me back to my ole self and we could enjoy the remainder of our vacation together, as we had a lot of fun things planned. That didn't happen, I got worse.

We started our anniversary weekend off with a trip to the walk-in clinic, as my doctor was on vacation. I was put on a course of antibiotics for a suspected bacterial respiratory infection.

Our vacation came and went, as did our anniversary, with me still resting on the couch waiting for this horrible illness to pass.

I was suppose to return to work yesterday, but I am still too unwell. I am improving since starting the medication, but it is slow, and it's going to take a while for me to be back to my old self. I have never wanted to be return to work so bad. This time of year at work is always fun, and I missed our Christmas lunch today.

Rob was a trooper through the whole thing, as my illness wrecked his vacation too. He took good care of me the whole time and didn't complain once. 

I will eventually blog about the time in Orlando, but when I'm feeling better.

Our first anniversary was so great and memorable, and this one will be memorable too, for an entirely different reason.

     

HELLO? IS ANYBODY THERE?

I remember the first time my BlackBerry rang, someone was calling and I had no idea how to answer it! Who calls anymore? Email, text and Facebook seem to be the way to stay in touch these days. I do all 3, I like the convenience, and having the easy connection with friends and family all over the country.

But something that use to be normal happened this week, and it had a ripple effect. I had girlfriends call me on my land-line a couple nights this week! I could actually hear their voices and their laughter instead of reading LOL.

I enjoyed these conversations on the phone so much, I telephoned other girlfriends throughout the week in the evenings, and called some family members too!

I enjoy social media, and text and emailing have their place, but having a good chat on the phone can do wonders, and I think I will start doing that a lot more.

NOTE: No blogs for a week or so, I'm on vacation and off for the fun and sun of Orlando!

PRINCESS GRUMPY WINS A PRIZE!

Meadow checking out her prize basket.

Our veterinary clinic, Royal York Animal Hospital, ran a Halloween photo contest this year on their Facebook page. Customers were asked to post a pic of their pet dressed up and the top two dog and cat pictures with the most "Likes" won a gift basket.

I decided to enter a photo of Meadow and put the call out to our Facebook friends to vote. I knew right away that I wanted to donate the prize if we won, to Toronto Cat Rescue, an organization that a dear friend is quite involved with that helps find homes for rescued cats.

Meadow is pretty well taken care of (spoiled rotten), and being able to donate the gift basket to a worthy cause feels great.

"Princess Grumpy", the winning entry.

Overlooking her domain.

We bought a new hat for next year's contest.......