Nova Scotia, in our hearts

One week ago, a senseless tragedy took place in Nova Scotia. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and the entire population of this beautiful province. No words can express how heartbreaking this tragedy is.

This past week was good. As the saying goes, all good in the hood. Our weather was nice for the most part but quite cool in the mornings. I found myself wearing my earmuffs for our morning walks on more than one occasion. We also noticed how the mist from the lake had formed some beautiful icicles around the trees. Very pretty. Those icicles are now gone as it was quite warm yesterday.

We made the decision to cancel our "Christmas in Barbados" trip. Like most people, we will stick around until it's safe to travel again. I also cancelled my gym membership. I don't think I will have it in me to go back to a gym until the threat of COVID-19 is gone. That's OK. I can live with that. Russell and I have enough discipline to maintain good fitness and mobility. It is not in our DNA to be couch potatoes so we will be just fine.

On the topic of fitness, last Wednesday, I had an hour long video conference with the instructor/owner of Fit Fun Canin to go over our pooches' fitness program. I was totally impressed. It is a four week program, 3-4 times per week, about 20 minutes each session. It may seem long but this is not your typical training program. Each week consists of 4 exercises, with a progression each week. It includes a warm up of about 4 minutes.....I warm up the toes, one by one, the paws, and the rest of the body by doing some slow spins and figure 8. There is also plenty of 30 second rest periods. This program is meant to work the overall core. I started with Cooper and will carry on with Spicy. Once we're done, then we will move on to another fitness level. I am very excited and Cooper seems to really enjoy it.

Last week also brought my first online grocery order, to be delivered on May 1. I had tried on many occasions to place an order but the time slots were always two weeks away. Then I thought, we can manage for two weeks without going to the grocery store. This order is with Provigo. I was concerned though about not having enough fresh produce until then so I tried another store, IGA, and sure enough was able to place a small order to be delivered tomorrow. If I do this right, between those two places, I will not have to go to the grocery store ever again LOL! For the time being, this will remove the anxiety that I was always feeling after going to the store. Works for me.

This week, maybe as early as tomorrow, our government will announce a gradual reopening of the economy. I have hope that I will be able to get my hair cut before my birthday in July.

I now have my first Netflix series under my belt, Wanted. Sadly I said goodbye to the two wonderful characters, Chelsea and Lola. Now on to the next series. We also had a number of video chats with some friends. Last night, on the spur of the moment, we chatted with Linda and Bob, then we called Pat. It was fun! This afternoon, I spoke with my sister and brother and later on I will be chatting with my good friend Eve. More video chats planned for this coming week.  Our calendar is actually getting quite busy!

That's my blog for today. I wish you all a wonderful week. Stay home, stay safe. Ca va bien aller.

A tribute to Nova Scotia, photo
courtesy of Len Wagg Photography.

Cooper and his fitness program developed by
Fit Fun Canin...Spicy will also get in on the action.

Nice ice formation on low branches on Lake St Louis...
it was a brisk morning walk on the Lakeshore Road.

You have heard of Where is Waldo...so, Spicy decided...
to hide...where is she?

Spicy and Cooper on guard during these
stay at home times...lots of walkers and
bicyclists to keep an eye on.

Stay home, stay safe and wear a mask when
out if you can not maintain the 6 foot
recommended distance...we like our
Buff masks...

Going with the flow

Happy Sunday everyone! We started our day with lots of sunshine but it's now raining a bit. It's a good thing as we raked our lawn and fertilized. The rain will help turn everything green. Once the weather warms up for good, we will seed.

This past week was good. We had nice weather for the most part but it was rather cool. Russell and I had to bundle up for our morning walks but the fresh air felt good. We got a bit of Spring cleaning done in the house, more to do but that's for another week . We also put away our Winter gear, doggie boots, etc.  Russell also cleaned out the garage and hosed it down. It is ready to receive our new Toro self propelled lawnmower.  Up to now, we've always had a lawn service but since we didn't know what the situation would be, we decided to bite the bullet and purchase one.  My hubby is excited!

Russell did quite a bit of grooming last week. Our two pooches got a bath and all went well. Russell did a wonderful job, no surprise there. Nails were cut and pads/feet were trimmed. They are in good shape on all fronts. Thank you to our human daddy for doing this!

As for me, I worked out a bit in the basement but I now have a knee issue which prevents me from doing quite a bit of lower body exercises. I laughed one day as I told Russell that I would rather regain my shoulder bursitis than have a knee problem. As the saying goes, you can't have it all. It's all good. On the topic of training, I signed up for an in-home dog exercise program with Fit Fun Canin. It will be personalized to our pooches, using what we have at home in terms of equipment. It will focus on working their balance and core while having fun. The equipment I will use will be a BOSU, a stability ball, a pouf and a cushion. I will get the program in about a week and it will include an initial video conference consultation with access to the instructor as needed throughout the program. I am really excited. It will be good for Coop & Spicy and for me. A huge thank you to Wanda for introducing me to Fit Fun Canin! I already got them used to the equipment, see photos below.

On Easter Sunday, we "Facetimed" with my sister and nephews and brother. We also did the same with some friends throughout the week. A nice way to stay in touch.

I now have only 4 episodes left to watch in the Australian Netflix series Wanted. For sure, I'll be done by Wednesday latest. I will then finish watching Ozark. Then I will switch to something else but it will be hard to beat Wanted. So good and entertaining.

All in all, we're doing quite well. Like most people, we have our moments of anxiety. They come and go and it's normal. We still watch Francois Legault's daily briefings. Russell reads up about the cures and vaccines...with his science and pharma background, he understands the research that is being done. We keep hearing that life will never be the same after COVID. Most likely true but I do believe that we will come out stronger and wiser. Yes, we miss not going out for lunch or planning a vacation but those days will return. For now, we have to stay the course for as long as we have to and help save lives.

That's my blog for today. I leave you with a bunch of photos that I always take of our pooches throughout the week. Cooper and Spicy certainly brighten up our days. Stay safe, stay well. Ca va bien aller.

Spicy and Cooper buddies and BFFs on the front sofa...
taking a break from looking out the window in their
version of Neighbourhood Watch.

Spicy can always find a spot to make herself
comfy.

Spicy sitting pretty on the BOSU...good girl!

Not to be out done....Cooper sits majestically
on the BOSU!

Spicy pushes the stability ball like a pro.

Cooper loves the stability ball...he is a smart
boy that loves to train.

Cooper post the bath wrapped in his blue
bath towel ready for the blow dry.

Spicy loved her bath time and the extra plush
pink bath towel...she blow dries very quickly.

Cooper and Spicy on the front porch watching the street and
supervising us while we raked the front lawn.

Happy Easter!

Hello everyone! I hope you are all enjoying a nice Easter, safe at home. This is where we need to be in order to save lives. While we're home, our front line workers, those literally in the front line and those behind the scenes, are bravely saving lives. I salute every single one of you.

All is good with us. This past week was pretty much the same as the week before although I slacked off a little on my workouts. Just a little. Russell and I had a number of walks though. We are discovering little pockets of Beaconsfield that didn't know existed. We live in a neighbourhood that is quiet so we don't see too many people out and about. When we do, we keep our distance but do say hello.

Our pooches are doing well. I've been doing more training with Coop & Spicy, just to have some fun and to challenge them a little. This week, I will start using a stability ball and do some form of core exercises with them. Something different and good, all done in a safe manner. Thanks Wanda for giving me good tips.

I still only go to the grocery store once a week. I'm getting better at preparing my list and try to buy the fresh produce that lasts the longest, such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, etc. I have become more creative with some of my cooking, trying to make everything last until the following week. Not a bad habit to have and to keep moving forward. I will say that our local Metro is now well stocked, from eggs, to flour to the infamous toilet paper. There hasn't been any line ups except on Thursday, I guess because of Easter weekend. I only waited 5 minutes outside. No big deal. I feel quite safe in the store, it is not crowded at all which is why I go there. I know where everything is so I don't waste time looking for things.

I'm still hooked on Netflix 'Wanted'. Oh so good. I watch one or two episodes a day, although I skipped two days last week. I had things to do....Today it's Easter, so I will refrain from it and spend quality time with Russell and the pooches. Tomorrow, it will be raining all day...hmmmm.

A few words about our lovely island of Barbados. Like all other caribbean islands,  and everywhere in the world, the island is suffering. We have been in touch with our hotel management a few times, some of them we have gotten to know very well over the years. Russell is also in almost daily contact with a nice fellow who manages the social media of our hotel. We get all the news from him. All beaches are closed, hotels and restaurants. Barbados is in complete lockdown now until May 4. It has 68 COVID cases and 4 deaths, a population of 270,000. Russell looks at Dover Beach every morning on live webcams, it is the beach in front of our hotel. Our hopes are up that we will go back one day. We wish all Barbadians only the best as they get through this.

As for us in Quebec, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. A gradual reopening of some businesses could take place in early May as long as the 2 meter social distancing can apply. The next few days and weeks will be critical. We continue to watch Francois Legault's daily briefing, haven't missed one since the beginning of the crisis. There is something to be said about hearing it live versus reading about it in the newspapers.

Before I end my blog, I want to give special thoughts to our most vulnerable, our elderly, especially those that live alone in a retirement home or a nursing home. They are not allowed visitors, they are confined to their room and it is heart wrenching to think that they are alone through this difficult period. My heart goes out to them. Another reason why Russell and I feel privileged and blessed to be healthy and together. We have nothing to complain about.

I end by quoting Francois Legault..."April showers will bring May flowers". Ca va bien aller. Hugs to all on this special Easter day!

Spicy and Cooper want to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Cooper and Spicy wearing their best Easter bows ready
for the post lunch Easter walk.

Nothing says Happy Easter like a fresh planter of flowers, a
bunny rabbit and carrot cake!

These two keep a close eye on my form during my
workouts, always ready to lick my sweat...so helpful!

The Pink moon as seen from our back deck.

A misty Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone! A bit of a rainy day for us, a fine mist on and off, not enough to warrant an umbrella when taking the pooches out but wet nonetheless. That's Ok. We woke up this morning and decided that today would be a lazy day. Thank you Mother Nature for helping us achieve this goal. Yesterday was a beautiful day and we spent most of it outdoors. More sun in the forecast this week.

This past week was good. Russell and I got quite a few power walks in, I managed to do two full workouts in the basement and we also had walks with Cooper & Spicy. On that front, we're doing pretty good and have a good routine in place.  As we were heading out one morning, we noticed that some critter was trying to get under our wood planters in the front. Russell was quick to put down bricks all along the planters, dug them in, put the mulch on top and voila. Looks like our abatement process worked. Nothing has been moved since.

Since groomers are closed, and it looks like they will be for a good while, we decided it was time to do some in-home grooming. Nails are done, thank you Russell. This week we will give them a bath and trim their sanitary areas. We also have the scissors needed to trim their "flipper" paws. On a daily basis, we already do the eyes, ears and check the bums for crumbs. Both have a full coat so no need to do any trimming or cutting. Again, on that front, we're good. Russell is also in good shape as he is now shaving his head every two days or so. No more trips to the barber. He quite likes it,  another successful new norm. As for me, well time will tell what I will do with my hair. I don't colour it, so it's not a problem. I just may have to grow it or attempt to cut it myself....hahaha! Anyone that knows me well will know how picky I am about my hair so I think the only option will be to grow it out if it gets to that point. The least of my worries now.

As the saying goes, if you want to believe it, it takes three weeks to form a habit. I think we're there and it is clear that moving forward there are things that we will do differently, all positive. Not just the two of us, but most people.

I've been going to the grocery store once a week, with a firm list in hand. No browsing, in and out as quick as possible, and my experience so far has been very positive in terms of feeling safe enough and being efficient. Needless to say that I apply the necessary sanitary regulations, and more.

Today, Francois Legault announced that the three week "pause" that was going to end on April 13 will be extended to May 4, to be reviewed then. Not surprising at all. On Tuesday, we will get Quebec "COVID-19 predictions". We read Ontario's so we expect similar predictions. No doubt that we're in this fight for the long run but we will get through it.

I saved the best of my blog for last.....last week, against my better judgment, we got Netflix. Thanks to my hubby for now putting up with my "binge watching", the reason why I NEVER wanted it. We don't watch much TV at all, we are music listeners throughout the day. But it was time for me to immerse myself in something that would totally take my mind away from COVID for a few hours. Reading a book just didn't do it. I am now watching two series, Ozark (thank you Melissa for suggesting it) and Wanted....thank you Nigel. I like both but Wanted is my favorite. It is witty, keeps you on the edge of your seat and the Chelsea and Lola characters are just brilliant! So far I've watched 4 episodes of each series.....my new norm, two hours a day of Netflix, for now. Heck, if it keeps me sane during these difficult times, then it's a good thing.

That's my blog for today. In next week's blog, I will talk about the island of Barbados and how they're doing. Time to feed our pooches then we have a "Facetime cocktail hour" with a friend.

I wish you all a great week. Most importantly, I wish you continued health. Stay home, it will save lives. Ca va bien aller.

Cooper and Spicy...always ready for some training...they are
amazing as they navigate the red cone maze.

How about a little 'high' jump action. Overrrrrr.

Cooper in his favorite 'on-deck' position..
surveying his Kingdom.

Cooper and Spicy taking in a little sunshine now that the
deck is open for business.

Spicy loves her lap time with Russell.

Spicy is such a snuggler...

Is Cooper having a bad hair day!?