Welcome to Maureen Land

This may not work in my favour.

2012-03-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

I've learned a new knitting technique, stranded colourwork. It is terribly addictive. I'd have told you about it sooner, but I just wanted to do one more row...

No more hibernating

2012-03-13T23:42:00.001-04:00

And that's it, poof! Just like that we're thrust into full on spring. We don't do moderate in this country, do we?

Cruel hearted

2012-03-07T12:39:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry, Snowman. But I cannot make myself be sad about your inevitable demise.

An Ode to Work, in Three Parts (To be felt simultaneously)

2012-03-03T08:18:00.001-05:00

You know that old adage about being careful what you wish for? Um.... yeah, that.

Gratitude. Immense, overwhelming, overflowing gratitude. Things sure could be a whole lot worse.

A bump in the road, a pebble in the sea, a dot in the matrix. This too shall pass.

Us vs Them

2012-02-24T23:21:00.001-05:00

It was like one of those crazy, natural disaster movies at work today: A rag-tag group of nobodies banding together for survival. The team spirit was palpable but t.g.i.f.

Temptation

2012-02-23T20:05:00.000-05:00

Knowing I had a tasty soup thawing in my fridge was the only thing between me and a Diner meal tonight.

Wordless

2012-02-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things just can't be refined into a tidy, 35 word summarization.

Wednesday

2012-02-22T07:46:00.001-05:00

Some things, like flying, make one feel very small indeed.

Mardi Gras

2012-02-21T17:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Shrove Tuesday! Pancakes for dinner?

Returning to earth

2012-02-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

After 6km of skating, gliding, flying! - plain old boot walking seems so inefficient.

Morning commute

2012-02-14T22:55:00.001-05:00

Somehow this morning, everyone was smiling as we shifted in the crowded bus, like living pieces of a sliding block puzzle game, trying to maneuver to doors in time for our stops.

On keeping up appearances

2012-02-10T12:44:00.001-05:00

Made an appointment for a manicure next week, and have been obsessively hand moisturizing since. The equivalent of cleaning before the housekeeper arrives, I suppose.

What's your bag, February?

2012-02-08T20:29:00.001-05:00

With these blue skies and moderate temperatures, February, I'm growing suspicious. As if you'll be passing the torch of cold and infinite grey on to March, when I'm unsuspecting and ill-prepared. 'Cause that would be pretty low, February, even for you.

James

2012-02-08T10:21:00.001-05:00

James, hungry for breakfast and sick of winter static.

It was easier to make friends when I was 6.

2012-02-06T20:34:00.001-05:00

I'm meeting a new friend here for coffee tomorrow; have been struck with self-doubt. The company of a good book is hard to beat - what can I offer that's better than an evening spent with, say, Agatha Christie or Margaret Atwood?

Public Service Announcement

2012-01-31T23:22:00.002-05:00

If you haven't already, you should bookmark this address in your webbrowser. (I moved here a few months ago and soon, very soon, the oldaddress will disappear and no longer forward you nice people to thisnew location.)So, update your bookmarks. I'd hate to lose you!M.

Dinner (for grownups)

2012-01-30T20:21:00.001-05:00

Mac and cheese with side salad for dinner. Preferred the salad over the man'n'cheese, hated that I'm growing into my adulthood.

Friday

2012-01-27T13:28:00.001-05:00

Today, because of weather, I worked from home. And it was good.

Winter woes

2012-01-23T11:03:00.001-05:00

If it weren't for Burt and his bees, I'd never make it through these dry days of winter.

Love

2012-01-19T20:32:00.001-05:00

This couple laughed and held hands and kicked a snowball the full length of the path home. I thought they were the cutest thing.

Sometimes are easier than others to be patient

2012-01-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

Waiting in line this morning (they've just called number 74) and I'd forgotten my knitting. A long wait indeed.

Tidy closet, tidy mind.

2012-01-15T20:20:00.001-05:00

Sometimes after working to de-clutter a space, I like to peek in just to feel that feeling of chaos conquered by order.

(And yes, this is the *after* photo. Trust me, it's much improved.)

Silence

2012-01-14T08:21:00.000-05:00

The muffling quiet of snowfalls is so lovely.

Friday

2012-01-13T19:21:00.001-05:00

Some days there are good and bad parts about being a car owner. Winter storm season brings out both.

Tuesday

2012-01-10T19:48:00.001-05:00

You remember that skusch, skusch noise of skates on an outdoor ice rink? It still happens.

But I liked it the old way!

2012-01-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

I try not to get too sentimental about change. (Good things come with changes, too!) But this was a grand, overwhelming furniture shop owned by a man impassioned with his trade. Now they will sell double wide strollers and name-brand baby gear.

A brisk walk on a cold day.

2012-01-02T14:54:00.001-05:00

That happy, familiar feeling of too hot and too cold. Cold fingers reminding you to appreciate the warmth of coat and boots.

Day 12

2012-01-02T10:37:00.001-05:00

I feel like I've been on vacation for a month. Good thing I wrote down my passwords for work tomorrow.

Crashing, post-holiday style

2012-01-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

Am finding it hard to find my footing after the holidays. The really good ones seem to be the hardest to come down from.

New Year's resolute

2011-12-30T07:09:00.000-05:00

I find it hard not to make resolutions this time of year, despite knowing February will just bring disappointment. I'm well rested and well fed, with loads of free time. And the thought of a clean slate is so very appealing.

Thursday

2011-12-29T09:11:00.001-05:00

Today I bought the tiniest, most adorable little oranges.

Monday

2011-12-26T16:26:00.001-05:00

Well, that was lovely

2011-12-23T12:15:00.001-05:00

I've seen this view quite a bit over the last weeks. But there is nothing like a proper face-to-face visit with those you love, is there?

Friday

2011-12-16T19:56:00.001-05:00

Am pleasantly surprised to find myself not a Christmas grouch this year.

Thursday

2011-12-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

Listened to the news while waking up, now I have these half-remembered dream/news stories swirling in my brain. Believe nothing from me today, I am an unreliable source.

Tuesday

2011-12-06T23:39:00.001-05:00

These dark, grey, blah days. I'd rather be in bed

Delish

2011-12-01T21:16:00.001-05:00

Two poached eggs, cooked to perfection. Heaven on earth.

And so it begins...

2011-11-24T11:45:00.001-05:00

It's time. The snowbank jumping, slush goose-stepping, slippy arm flailing, red nose, wet sock days of winter have arrived.

Focus

2011-11-20T09:05:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I found that zone of productivity where you raise your head to look at the clock and find three hours have passed. When I finished I was nearly breathless with the effort. I'm pleased, I didn't know I still had that kind of focus in me.

DIY construction hacks

2011-11-16T19:45:00.001-05:00

I love seeing exposed pipes in buildings. It always looks such a jumble, I picture the whole works jimmied together with paper clips and rubber bands.

North

2011-11-15T21:46:00.001-05:00

There's a special place in my heart for the 705. Especially now in November, it's such a rugged and courageous landscape.

Un moment, s.v.p.

2011-11-13T18:07:00.001-05:00

Extracting my head from the clouds after a weekend of rejuvenating sleep, nourishing food and unconditional love. Be back to earth shortly.

Sunday

2011-11-06T20:37:00.001-05:00

Tonight I hemmed six pairs of pants, two of which I'd been wearing rolled-cuff for a year or two. Trousers that fit - it's a short girl's dream!

Speed reading

2011-11-06T11:32:00.001-05:00

Re-read chapter one this morning. Now, to move along quickly to two, before so much time passes I have to re-reread chapter one.

Written in September, posted in November

2011-11-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

Note to self, for when those ceaseless autumn rains come: you got your fill of beauty, remember? So long ago in September.

Lost: One Earring

2011-10-30T14:14:00.001-04:00

Retracing my steps, we found a cellphone sim card, a small pack of rivets, and a nickel. Single earring still MIA.

Sleeping machines

2011-10-24T20:01:00.001-04:00

I find it disquieting to walk past construction vehicles at night. Like a sleeping dragon, I half expect it to open one eye drowsily, then rumble and snort back to sleep with a small puff of smoke.

Irony (I think this meets the definition?)

2011-10-23T18:33:00.001-04:00

Spent countless hours knitting my first ever sweater. Hours and hours and hours of contented stitching. Now that it's blocking, I'm dancing around and can't wait until it's dry so I can sew it together. Knitterly patience is a lie.

Mystery pie

2011-10-22T16:24:00.001-04:00

Chose my slice based on looks alone, it could have been pumpkin or quiche or coconut. It was nothing but delicious.

Symbolic tree

2011-10-22T14:03:00.001-04:00

Received this tree at a good friend's wedding. I feel such heavy responsibility that it survive.

Memories

2011-10-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

I was deleting old photos from my library, I had about 15 of this delicious cob of corn. My mouth is watering for summer.

Tuesday

2011-10-19T00:22:00.001-04:00

Today my loyalty cards scored me a 1/2 lb beans plus a medium coffee to go. (Value added bonus: my office smelled of coffee beans all afternoon!)

Morning aftermath

2011-10-18T10:10:00.001-04:00

I can false nostalgia photograph this until I'm blue in the face, but when it comes down to it, it's elbow grease that's needed to make this attractive.

*What's not shown is the pot-covered stove top. I just couldn't do that to you.

Monday

2011-10-18T00:11:00.001-04:00

Spaghetti dinner eaten on the couch, followed by stove-top popcorn. After a long day's work, talk about an offer I couldn't refuse!

Simple Pleasures

2011-10-07T14:06:00.000-04:00

Today I was the first knife in a new jar. What is it about that first swipe that's so satisfying?

Please note: not everything may be as it appears

2011-10-06T13:04:00.001-04:00

This morning on the bus, I watched a lady put her crossword puzzle book on a recently vacated seat. I watched a nearby man reach over to rescue it, thinking it was left by the previous passenger. I watched the lady, startled, grab her book back thinking the nice man was actually a thieving man. She proceeded to give him the stink eye for miles as we travelled down the road.

Don't judge, dear lady. We rarely see the whole picture.

Laughing Geese

2011-10-02T08:22:00.001-04:00

I can't help but think the geese are mocking us as they laugh their way to their winter homes down south.

A picture in hand is worth two in the mind...

2011-09-30T19:23:00.001-04:00

I was waiting a few days, looking for The Perfect Autumn Photo. In the meanwhile, leaves were falling off trees and I realised it's now or never. Above, I present to you The Perfectly Adequate Autumn Photo. The beauty of September almost makes up for the dreariness of November, doesn't it?

Sunflower courage

2011-09-28T13:20:00.001-04:00

Somehow, this sunflower has stood up to squirrels, sparrows, and gale force winds. Kudos to you, Sunflower, I hope I deal with the upcoming autumn as well as you.

The road less travelled

2011-09-23T22:25:00.000-04:00

I'd forgotten there for a bit: I'm a better person when I take the time to walk to work.

Family games night

2011-09-22T13:28:00.001-04:00

Last night N and I soldered together a Geiger counter kit. Don't all families solder together for their family fun nights?

Flair

2011-09-21T12:23:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been trying to wear at least two pieces of "flair" when I dress in the morning. Bracelet, necklace, earrings... (And I'm trying to be strict, my hospital nametag does not count.)

Lesson learned

2011-09-19T10:19:00.000-04:00

My mother-in-law taught me a valuable lesson: that I was recently able to put to use. Popcorn is best enjoyed for dinner if 1) one's spouse is not available to share the meal and 2) if one is dressed in one's pyjamas.

No regrets

2011-09-17T22:11:00.001-04:00

Today, if I had been prudent, I could have washed the windows in what will likely be one of the last summery Saturdays for a while. Instead, tea and knitting on the balcony.

And with a day to spare

2011-09-17T22:09:00.001-04:00

Wait, I forgot to tell you! My To-Do Before Labour Day list was successful! (It was close there at the end, but managed to pull it off.)

Note to my future self:

2011-09-07T11:24:00.001-04:00

Those mornings when everything seems overwhelming and there's too much to do and too little time to do it - have breakfast. Most things are achievable after a slice of peanut butter toast.

Sangria

2011-09-04T00:54:00.001-04:00

Checkmark.

To-Go

2011-09-02T12:39:00.000-04:00

The loveliness of today's coffee was only slightly diminished by the necessity of the paper to-go cup.

Summertime blues

2011-09-02T00:37:00.000-04:00

Oh, but it has been a good summer, hasn't it? I'm sad to see it go, and if it weren't for my parents upcoming visit, I'd be dreading Labour Day. See you next year, Summer.

Done and done

2011-09-01T20:36:00.001-04:00

Submitted.

Thursday

2011-09-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

If I'd thought about it, I would have put this on my To-Do-Before-Labour-Day list: eat fresh corn.

Saturday

2011-08-30T09:30:00.001-04:00

You know how sometimes you want a lot of something? Like a big glug of orange juice, or a whole mouthful of smarties. Saturday, I took a big chunk of Montreal.

Photos! See the album.

Thursday

2011-08-25T19:12:00.001-04:00

June: home manicures
July: weddings
August: despair keeping up with home manicures
End of August: hangnails

Feeling Victorian

2011-08-24T10:16:00.000-04:00

There's a small, walled garden in our little village. No one was here (it was threatening rain) and a couple Saturdays ago, I sat on a bench and read to the songs of the crickets.

Saturday

2011-08-20T16:52:00.001-04:00

Today's adventure: a coffee and cookie in a seldom visited neighbourhood. It's like a vacation, but only takes $5, two bus tickets and a couple hours. (And I didn't even need to book time off work!)

Friday

2011-08-19T19:28:00.001-04:00

Today I bought two sweaters and a pair of socks* for $60.

*Some assembly required.

Wednesday

2011-08-17T22:16:00.001-04:00

Do they give tickets for parking like a dweeb? Because I may have to citizen's arrest myself for this number.

I believe I found my quickest route to work yet.

2011-08-16T19:35:00.001-04:00

When faced with a gravel road filled with uninviting delineators, I say, Forge On!

Treats

2011-08-16T00:27:00.001-04:00

Turns out, Sara likes pretzels. A lot.

Haiku for a sparrow

2011-08-15T19:15:00.001-04:00

Little sparrows look
so entitled. Why aren't you
feeding me? More, please!

Laundry Day

2011-08-13T14:23:00.001-04:00

I've perfected the art of hand washing socks. Socks in sink, add soap and water, let soak. The hardest part is remembering to rescue them before company arrives.

Still amazing after all these years

2011-08-11T00:21:00.001-04:00

I still think it's amazing that I used to have a ball of yarn, and now I have a pair of socks.

Tuesday

2011-08-09T19:48:00.001-04:00

Today I found myself dressed head to toe in brown. I felt a bit like a tree.

A book about chess, but it's not what you think.

2011-08-07T20:11:00.001-04:00

This afternoon I went diving into a book. Hours later I come up for air and I see the world differently than I did before. What a wonderful afternoon.

Peachy

2011-08-06T18:30:00.001-04:00

I have just consumed the perfect peach, juice dripping up to my elbow. Summer is delicious.

Inspecting the guards

2011-08-05T19:36:00.000-04:00

I love it that different people do different jobs. This job is one I could never enjoy, but I'm glad they're able to do it!

Library

2011-08-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

The striking round building here in the foreground is my favourite part of parliament. But from the front on the street, you don't see it. You have to be far enough away (across the river) or make the effort to get to the back of the buildings, in order to see it.

I appreciate things that take a bit of effort.

Canal

2011-08-04T14:24:00.000-04:00

I've been touring around the city this summer. We're not taking any official vacation, so I've been trying to take advantage of what we have nearby (and free.)

But it warmed my heart to see there are no guardrails surrounding the Canal (pictured here with water drained). It's like the city acknowledges that we're grown-up enough to watch our step.

Thursday

2011-07-28T20:46:00.001-04:00

This morning I walked to work as the sun was rising and it was my favourite part of the day. (My second favourite part was the 2pm finish and the promise of an early bedtime.)

Tourists

2011-07-28T10:35:00.000-04:00

Having visitors is an excellent excuse for becoming a tourist in one's own city.

Saturday

2011-07-23T12:09:00.000-04:00

Balcony, sunshine, unscheduled time, magazine, knitting, coffee. This morning has been Tums for my brain.

Nesting

2011-07-21T13:20:00.001-04:00

I lost one of my nice wooden knitting needles in a parking lot or a lawn somewhere. I like to think it was found by a bird and is being used to make up her nest. It'd be a good second life for a knitting needle.

Don't tell our landlord

2011-07-20T22:34:00.001-04:00

Don't tell our landlord, but we've acquired a BBQ. And, by gum, it is delicious!

Tuesday

2011-07-19T23:44:00.001-04:00

These are the days I want to remember. Days so hot that you don't even need to get wet to feel the cool of a nearby sprinkler.

Away

2011-07-18T20:22:00.001-04:00

Montreal is lovely, but things don't come easily there. Thankfully, good things are usually worth the effort.

Baking 101

2011-07-13T11:12:00.000-04:00

Many icing sins are covered with gratuitous candy sprinkles.

Travels

2011-07-12T23:10:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still alive. I didn't take any photos while visiting my hometown a couple weekends ago. It seemed too fake to take faux vintage photos, inspiring faux nostalgia, when there was so much real vintage and real nostalgia to be felt.

Above is a (faux vintage) photo of the mighty Beaver River that runs through my parents-in-law little village. Such a lovely, sunshine sketches sort of town...

I know it's just "stuff"

2011-06-27T18:19:00.001-04:00

I know it's just "stuff" but it warmed my heart to see Suzi Suzuki in a parking lot today.

Speaking at cross porpoises

2011-06-26T21:46:00.001-04:00

Sometimes when a bit of levity is needed, I like to substitute the word "purpose" with "porpoise" in sentences. Purposes, those self-important, self-determined plans we make. Porpoises, those ever smiling, singing, dancing mammals of the sea. It's gotten to the point I can't hear the word "purposes" without snickering a bit. I'd be terrible at business meetings.

The 70's called, they want their macrame owl wall hanging back.

2011-06-26T18:59:00.001-04:00

You know how you see something in a shop and say, Hey I can make that! I'm making myself a real, honest-to-goodness crochet belt. That's right, crochet.