tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80030972011-07-08T13:28:41.464ZThe web journal of a technical writer and part-time aspiring novelist living in Montreal.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.comBlogger1451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-72722828668731284062009-07-26T11:55:00.001Z2009-07-26T16:09:51.027Z

Hah!The family has reportedly gone zip-lining, the definition of which is (pulled from Wikipedia):A zip-line (also known as a flying fox, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial ropeslide, death slide[!] or tyrolean crossing [particularly apt in this case!]) consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-16700453545445324162009-07-19T16:06:00.001Z2009-07-19T16:06:37.371Z

Too funny!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1277104460194882182009-07-18T18:52:00.000Z2009-07-18T23:03:00.913Z

Okay, it's not the first time. But this time I've taken action and removed the link to my blog from my website. It's no good proclaiming by my reticence:a) how boring I am;b) how little I have to say;c) how busy I am; or d) how great a procrastinator I am. (I'm not sure which is true. Perhaps I should have added an "all of the above" option.)While John and Kassie are bumming around England and

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-4264709116025563752009-03-30T20:30:00.003Z2009-04-17T00:10:23.110Z

We spent the hour playing the board game Life in the living room surrounded by candles. It was probably Kassie's favourite Saturday night in a long time. I snuck a peak outside, both in the front and in back, and every single house in the neighbourhood was lit up — porch lights on, lights inside, even the street lights. (Wasn't the city going to turn off street lamps?) I wondered if we'd got our

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-15927117120942486602009-03-22T10:13:00.006Z2009-03-22T16:59:04.540Z

Battlestar Galactica then...and now...Kinda fitting that the last cover depicts Baltar, Caprica 6, and Starbuck together. What did you think of the two-hour finale? Not everyone in our family room felt the series reached a satisfying resolution. Me, on the other hand, I got most of my questions answered and I thought the conclusion rang true to the spirit of the show. My only question is what

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-53130423874652017862009-03-20T07:35:00.002Z2009-03-20T12:41:12.824Z

Kassie and John had their last day of skiing last weekend. Here's a shot before they started......and one après-ski:

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-61800991498406151472009-03-12T20:48:00.002Z2009-03-22T16:40:20.054Z

There's nothing like March break for updating the much-neglected blog and, most importantly, for some quality family time. John had a reception at Parliament Hill Tuesday night, so Kassie and I, both of us on vacation, decided to tag along.The weather didn't come close to rivalling either Mexico or California (the previous years' March destinations) but we had fun wandering around the Byward

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-37845433548639151392009-03-12T20:28:00.002Z2009-03-13T00:31:31.264Z

The 15-city tour finished in Kingston the weekend of February 21-22nd and we were there with bells on! It was Kassie's long-awaited Christmas present and the show was spectacular. The top 10 dancers from the TV show So You Think You Can Dance Canada took turns introducing the acts — a nice touch — and performed such favourites (in my opinion) as Breaking Dishes featuring Kaitlyn and Izaak, and

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-78169206851052183122009-01-25T20:10:00.005Z2009-01-27T23:17:23.748Z

It's well into the new year — Happy New Year, everyone! — and I'm finally getting around to blogging. I meant to wax euphoric about the holidays: the time spent with family and friends, and the rest and relaxation. I suppose it's never too late; however, fully immersed once again in the workaday world, I hesitate to conjure up memories of the holidays. The next vacation is a long way off. Oh woe

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-90808741919758140912008-12-19T16:17:00.000Z2008-12-19T21:21:30.694Z

I've just finished my last work day before the holidays! Hallelujah!Actually, it was supposed to be a half-day, as we were planning on leaving the city for destinations elsewhere to visit family and friends. However, snow has delayed our exodus. That's Canada for you!Before we leave (tomorrow is the latest plan), let me wish everyone a great holiday and all the best in 2009!!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-63736422398418663362008-12-07T10:56:00.002Z2008-12-07T16:03:19.101Z

What is it with drivers who beep pedestrians as they cross the street? Or drivers who beep other drivers as they wait for a pedestrian to cross? I walk to work and I can't believe the number of impatient people behind the wheel, especially in the morning. What gives?

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-52648203208502031432008-11-21T12:47:00.000Z2008-11-21T17:49:57.982Z

How much do you want to bet Twilight will surpass all box office expectations? I'd be at the cinema myself this evening except my 11-year-old shudders at the mere thought of vampires.She hasn't met Edward yet.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-48831227147243911402008-09-15T21:13:00.001Z2008-09-15T21:13:44.412Z

After yet another weekend spent tidying up, I was tempted to rave about two minor domestic inventions that have changed my life: Swiffer sheets and the magic eraser. (I probably should be waxing euphoric over the automatic washer/dryer, as I not-so-fondly still recall Monday mornings spent sweating over a wringer washer back on the farm - and Tuesdays spent wielding the iron over flattened

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-40689195166798084272008-08-22T08:30:00.002Z2008-08-22T12:38:24.480Z

I'm back from vacation and fully rested—even a week of work hasn't cancelled the effects of 10 days of rest and relaxation on the farm. I read nearly a dozen books, most of which I've today added to my Goodreads bookshelf. Be sure to check out the widget in the right column near the bottom of the page for the list. I'll try to write a review or two in coming weeks.Currently, I'm reading another

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-64099617617428106252008-07-22T20:47:00.001Z2008-07-23T01:06:15.127Z

I'll skip the usual plethora of excuses and dive right in. I stole this list from Amanda Ashby. I find it fascinating.The Big Read, an initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts, has estimated that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they've printed. How do you do?1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.2) Italicize those you intend to read.3) Underline the

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-76422801074632484562008-05-12T08:20:00.002Z2008-05-12T12:25:19.488Z

Of his children's novel Coraline, Neil Gaiman writes that he found, once people began to read it, that children experienced it as an adventure, whereas adults thought it nightmarish. I am definitely in the latter camp, and wonder if Kassie is truly ready to read about Coraline, a girl small in stature but certainly not in valour, who stumbles on an alternate reality that is a chilling test of her

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-85753790136575621782008-05-09T08:40:00.003Z2008-05-09T13:11:46.061Z

I've had a little time off between projects — I recently finished a configuration and administration guide for a client, in which I learned more than I ever dreamed about voice recognition and Grammar XML — and to celebrate my freedom I've been spending time doing the following:spring cleaningweeding the gardenattending step aerobic and muscle toning classes at the local Y (ouch!)meeting friends

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-35876465051987938642008-05-01T11:04:00.006Z2008-05-19T15:07:48.475Z

Apologies for the delay...our own warm, sunny weather got the better of me, along with work, income taxes, domestic duties...Below are the promised pictures of our trip over a month ago to California.On our first day we took a walk from our hotel in Beverly Hills to Rodeo Drive. Kassie was fascinated by the treasures to be glimpsed in Cartier's storefront window, and just about every jewelry

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-81771072918210689462008-03-26T12:16:00.001Z2008-03-26T14:40:40.780Z

...but now we're back and almost ready to tell you all about it: the warm, sunny weather; the Hollywood star we met by chance; Kassie's shopping spree just off Rodeo Drive; the giant cadillac we ended up renting to tour beaches and orange groves; not to forget the fun we had in Palm Springs (we're talking 90 degrees, mind!) and especially at Disneyland.Here's a sample to tide you over.More to

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-20340724685658192522008-02-21T13:42:00.001Z2008-02-21T13:42:30.779Z

I'm still here. Neither wind, rain, snow or sleet has driven me away. I've just been busy with work.The above is a glimpse of the technology I've been documenting these last few months: specifically, voice recognition.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-23850886220752140262008-01-12T17:39:00.000Z2008-01-12T22:44:23.479Z

...has our blue box gone? Oh where, oh where can it be?This question has plagued us the last few days, as it has our neighbours and several of our friends and family living in the vicinity who also recently lost their blue boxes. Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning we were visited by 95km/hour winds. Trucks on highways were overturned, Christmas trees left abandoned on the kerbside reportedly

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-19783300898593187572008-01-07T13:02:00.000Z2008-01-07T18:02:26.507Z

It's back to work. Sigh. While the holiday season is still fresh in my mind, I'm posting a few of my favourite holiday photos.These first three are from my mother's farm near Lake Huron where we spent the days surrounding Christmas Day. As you can see, this year she had snow for the holidays (speaking generously, of course)......but not nearly as much as we received.Unlike New Year's Day last

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-71626276047576771342007-12-22T16:38:00.000Z2007-12-22T21:35:21.648Z

Wishing you the best of the holiday season and great happiness and success in 2008!This year Kassie created our holiday ecard. To view previous years', click here.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-12578745533361820972007-12-03T08:28:00.000Z2007-12-03T13:29:32.593Z

Working at home today!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-46023246342389710772007-12-02T12:12:00.000Z2007-12-02T17:14:00.273Z

Reading books with Kassie is great fun. Currently she and I are reading the Charlie Bone series together. With her father she is reading The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding, a young adult novel set in Victorian England in and around the theatre district of Drury Lane.With the Grade 5 Mother-Daughter Book Club, recently organized by the school librarian, we have just finished reading Kit

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-57293915622513467022007-11-16T10:57:00.000Z2007-11-16T16:15:30.730Z

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. I like to cook but when work gets busy I tend to trust to the old faithfuls: pasta dishes, baked fish or meats served with steamed vegetables, hearty soups, and my trusty crock pot. This week, as a three-month project finished, and I anticipate beginning a new contract that should run to early Spring, I decided to try something new. It was tasty and I think worth

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-19837412804876795312007-10-31T14:31:00.001Z2007-10-31T14:31:05.338Z

We all know how this one ends, don't we? Happy Halloween!!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-42081136457563664152007-10-23T08:21:00.000Z2007-10-23T12:23:26.638Z

At first it was funny. Now, as with most things children find amusing, it has worn a little thin.Last weekend Kassie and I emerged from the house around mid-afternoon for a stroll down to the local village. A tall, white-haired man glanced up as we tripped down the front walk. We fell into step behind him, followed him just a few feet, when he turned around to gallantly clear the way for us,

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-73379566395376591282007-10-19T02:35:00.001Z2007-10-19T02:35:50.294Z

This is dedicated to all mothers. Dads and kids will enjoy it too!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-15868370995946572232007-10-16T08:30:00.000Z2007-10-16T12:33:39.319Z

Two weeks ago we made the trip to Granby Zoo. Granby lies 84 kilometres outside the city, and although we had trouble leaving the island—the Champlain Bridge is proving a traffic headache these days, among other major Montreal thoroughfares—we ended up enjoying the drive. The leaves had just started to turn, whereas the city, just a couple of degrees warmer, had yet to show evidence of autumn.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-16436377440883168262007-10-09T14:25:00.000Z2007-10-09T18:28:25.208Z

On Sunday we celebrated our one-year anniversary in our home by hosting Thanksgiving dinner. The leftovers are mind-boggling. Here is the list I started when I began to feel overwhelmed:thanksgiving dinner, take 2 (last night's fare) — throw the previous evening's turkey, stuffing, and roast veggies in the broiling pan and sprinkle with a healthy dose of déjà vu (leftover gravy and pumpkin pie

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-34042365644125020702007-09-26T17:47:00.000Z2007-09-26T22:10:10.849Z

I wonder what Jane Austen might have said on the subject of chick lit.I myself have a vague notion of the genre. I understand the term to refer to women's literature with the focus not on the domestic but on the professional and romantic lives of young contemporary, and usually urban, women. I believe Jane Austen would have approved of the subject matter. However, I imagine she might have found

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-36125742852972531362007-09-07T17:19:00.000Z2007-09-07T21:23:22.285Z

After six years of ballet, Kassie has decided to give it up. She may dabble in jazz, give hip-hop a go, but she's decided to forgo ballet exams and recitals.To say farewell, and pay her a fitting tribute, I am posting this video taken a few (several?) years ago. Bear in mind that she made up this routine on the spot while listening to her favourite Nutcracker CD. Daddy was simply trying out the

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-60308632929113376882007-08-31T12:17:00.000Z2007-08-31T16:22:06.220Z

TV has been dismal this past summer. If not for So You Think You Can Dance, I might have considered selling our new HD TV. Recently, however, we've had the pleasure of watching a truly enjoyable movie, Hot Fuzz, and just the other night the BBC series Jekyll, currently being broadcast on Showcase. And it's all thanks to the Brits. (By the way, So You Think You Can Dance is produced by Nigel

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-57866640055822809402007-08-30T17:29:00.000Z2007-08-30T21:30:48.258Z

According to Wired, Adobe is considering taking "the plunge into the lucrative world of office applications. It may sound far-fetched at first, but the stage is set for Adobe to flex its muscle in the office-app[lication] arena."Recently having had a go at an open source office application, OpenOffice, which some speculate may factor into Adobe's plans, I'm relishing the idea of Microsoft Office

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-88727221206314043422007-08-21T14:34:00.000Z2007-08-21T18:58:57.562Z

For the past two summers, between contracts, I've learned new programs, usually because a prospective client required that I do so. I've a fair number of software applications under my belt, so I'm usually more than game to try my hand at a new technology.Learning by laptop, usually while on the road, is quite different from a style I might have used years ago. My Toshiba weighs a tonne, which

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-22989219182338744492007-08-15T16:57:00.000Z2007-08-21T18:16:24.410Z

My daughter feels there aren't enough posters around the city of Cedrika Provencher, the nine-year-old who went missing on 31 July in Trois Rivieres. Around 8pm on July 31st Cedrika went on a bike ride and didn't return home. She was wearing a red bike helmet, a lime-green sundress, and green flip-flops. Neighbours report that she was looking for a missing dog, even though she doesn’t own a dog.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-31117264618354962072007-08-09T14:31:00.000Z2007-08-09T18:36:07.815Z

A friend of mine has just had her first novel published. I for one can't wait to read Amanda Ashby's You Had Me at Halo, published just two days ago by Signet. Here is the blurb: "Holly Evans has just seen her body laid to rest. Now she would like to move on to the afterlife. But apparently she has some mortal baggage to unload first, starting with the matter of how she died. Her heavenly shrink

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-37102404412477960512007-08-09T14:23:00.000Z2007-08-09T18:23:26.732Z

...who wait, and certainly to those who go on vacation.We returned two days ago to find our front porch nearly finished.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-82457358638484876542007-07-27T14:04:00.000Z2007-07-27T18:10:17.124Z

The last thing we expected to encounter while holidaying at my mother's farm in South Western Ontario was a fugitive on the loose. A man who has killed three people and has since gone into hiding...or fled farther afield, the authorities are not sure and/or are not saying.The manhunt has resulted in one sleepless night for my mother — with her daughter and granddaughter whom she sees twice yearly

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-51909383825031838802007-07-22T20:53:00.000Z2007-07-23T00:53:29.211Z

Recently I caught on to Mika. Somehow the files destined for my MP3 cell phone found their way to my daughter's Ipod. At first she protested: "What's this music?" "Is it Mommy's?" As in, yuck, gross. Then, a little later: "Lollipop...hmmm. Grace Kelly. I like it!"Otherwise I am oblivious to what she listens to...I have no objections to her bonding with her father over music. Fortunately, they are

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-72650687800069859362007-07-20T22:53:00.000Z2007-08-09T18:38:42.526Z

We are repairing our front porch, which was sadly in danger of collapse.It actually looks pretty good here. Appearances are deceiving.Below is the work-in-progress. This photo was taken a week or so ago. Yesterday, before the rain started, we actually got proper steps. The ones in the photo are makeshift only, provided after we grew fed up with entering the house through the garage and garden.The

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-48306823416549366652007-07-18T19:11:00.000Z2007-07-18T23:13:35.153Z

So what have I been up to since the spring when I stopped blogging? It wasn't travelling; we didn't even go away during March break, for pity's sake. Nor was it a new romance, as I'm a happily wedded woman. Not a new baby. Mine is 10 now and alarmingly close to independence (or so she tells me, when it suits her). A few things did occur during the interim worthy of blogging about, including:The

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-91399097707609704592007-07-03T20:24:00.000Z2007-07-04T00:27:03.226Z

Despite evidence to the contrary, I am still alive and kicking. Look for an update soon.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-33713210880838609472007-03-17T12:41:00.000Z2007-03-17T16:48:50.188Z

I promise not to wax euphoric again about the weather. Winter has returned with a vengeance. Last night we received another dump of snow, about 10 centimetres' worth. And it's back to -16 with the wind chill. Is spring truly just around the corner? I'm not so sure.Oh, yeah, happy St. Patrick's Day.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-42009400159422232952007-03-15T11:58:00.000Z2007-03-15T16:09:00.844Z

What other reason does one need? (Well, there is the little matter of my daughter's March break.)P.S. The snow (see below) is almost gone.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-51288578864354403332007-03-04T11:21:00.000Z2007-03-04T17:38:19.921Z

Obviously the wizard is keeping me very busy, since I haven't post once in the last month.I simply had to share photos of our recent snowstorm with you, particularly with my envious British mates. The first photo is of our house the day after the 40-cm dump we received this past Friday. The storm closed schools and saw many parents, including this one, working from a warm home as the snow fell

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1169847815240772392007-01-29T09:40:00.000Z2007-02-01T17:14:10.613Z

From the lofty heights of higher education at the foot of Mont Royal, tomorrow I return to the Yellow Brick Road. I'm sure it will be just as much fun as the last time.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1168457354137759342007-01-13T10:26:00.000Z2007-01-13T15:36:48.090Z

In the past I've listed my favourite books of the year. This year I dabbled in my usual genres: not only literary fiction but also historical romance, mystery and even young adult fiction. There were many good reads, including:Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad: the Myth of Penelope and OdysseusSarah Dunant's Mapping the Edge — a woman disappears, leaving behind a small child and the child's

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1168372620950826012007-01-09T14:56:00.000Z2007-01-09T19:58:37.210Z

A little late, I know, but at least it's still January. One more note on the weather...yesterday we awoke to a fresh blanket of snow. During breakfast the snow turned to freezing rain, and by the time Kassie and I ventured out it was drizzling and, later on, raining.This is not my idea of winter. Below is a picture of Kassie and one of our hosts venturing out on New Year's Day. We spent the

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1167872508031435542007-01-03T19:55:00.000Z2007-01-04T01:01:48.050Z

Several weeks ago I reported that a friend of mine from Nantwich received "the call" (otherwise known in writer circles as the much-coveted yes, we love your book and agree to pay you oodles of money to publish it). Today she explained how it all happened on the Pink Heart Society website. Check it out. Way to go, India!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1167857503898318252007-01-03T16:47:00.000Z2007-01-03T21:33:31.063Z

This photo speaks volumes, which means I need not mention the plight of animals unable to hibernate, nor the effect of lack of hard ground frost on crops, plants, insects...Jump down a few posts and contrast this photo, taken at Christmastime, with a similar shot snapped two years ago: same time of year, same place (the so-called snow belt between Sarnia and London, Ontario).

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1166778616689796212006-12-22T09:04:00.000Z2006-12-22T09:11:48.056Z

Below is a link to this year's holiday ecard. Give it a click and away you go.Below is last year's snowman.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1166777965287738102006-12-21T23:54:00.000Z2006-12-22T08:59:25.296Z

We're off to Grandma's house near Lake Huron tomorrow. Although I doubt very much we'll be dashing through the snow this holiday season......we do intend to rest and make merry! Wishing you and yours all the best of the holiday spirit and a happy and successful 2007.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1163936887789490442006-11-19T11:44:00.000Z2006-12-20T23:43:48.296Z

A regular visitor to the blog has requested that I get my act together and provide an update. In the past month and a half, during which time I have been conspicuously silent, the following events have taken place: Over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, we moved house (see post below). Well, to be accurate, we moved our belongings from a storage warehouse somewhere in Dorval to our new home in

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1159641827937733702006-09-30T14:40:00.000Z2006-09-30T18:44:50.463Z

Okay, I shouldn't joke.Please excuse my flippancy. Yesterday we took ownership of a five-bedroom house in Westmount, Quebec. Apart from a brief spell of panic — along the lines of "My God, what have we gotten ourselves into!" — we are ecstatic! It has taken just over a year for us to become truly settled in this magnificent city. It appears we are here to stay.Pictures to follow...of an empty

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1159641556352674472006-09-29T18:34:00.000Z2006-09-30T18:39:16.366Z

Indeed, folks, it is true. Aspiring writers in our midst do receive the call. One of my writer friends from Nantwich has recently been signed and will have her first book published in August 2007. Congratulations to India!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1157828809788318582006-09-09T14:55:00.000Z2006-09-10T20:35:50.226Z

Like other parents all over the world, I'm revelling in the fact that Kassie has returned to school. Summer is great—I'm sad to see it go (as I write leaves swirl and dance outside my window)—but a little routine is definitely in order.A month or so ago I switched from working at home to working 9-5 at a client's office. It reminds me a bit of school: we sit at open workstations in a room

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1153433550301906742006-07-20T18:07:00.000Z2006-07-22T15:00:56.353Z

Question: How long does it take to sell a house in the United Kingdom?Answer: From our experience, 1 entire yearNext Question: How long does it take to buy a house in Canada?Answer: From our experience, 1 weekWe take possession October 1, at which time the snow will be closer than you think now!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1152458301039839802006-07-09T11:16:00.000Z2006-07-09T20:49:42.403Z

After six months on the market, and six months "under offer", our house in the UK has finally sold. We are ecstatic!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1152145844892855482006-07-05T20:25:00.000Z2006-07-06T00:30:44.913Z

Last night our hosts here in Buffalo, New York took us to see July 4th fireworks, marking my first time not only to watch fireworks in the United States but also to celebrate Independence Day. It was great fun and some consolation for the bad weather we experienced in SW Ontario which prevented us from taking in the Canada Day celebrations. As this was our first Canada Day spent "at home" in five

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1152146269771021682006-07-03T09:35:00.000Z2006-07-06T00:37:49.773Z

Neighbours back in England report that the SOLD sign is up outside our house. Could it be true? We'll keep you posted. Five days and counting...

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1150744127432185662006-06-19T15:41:00.000Z2006-06-19T21:47:40.073Z

One would think a technical writer, of all people, would understand the benefits of reading instructions beforehand. Not this one, apparently. Look what happened when I plugged the money into the photo booth before reading the step-by-step instructions.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1150745603565083582006-06-19T15:28:00.000Z2006-06-19T19:38:52.946Z

It went off without a hitch. And to think the guys thought we'd forgotten or didn't care. Despite all the grumbling that 40 and 70, respectively, deserved a party, my husband and father-in-law finally got their just desserts Friday night. They didn't expect a thing – the trick was throwing the party over a month after both their birthdays!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1150482859814134122006-06-16T14:29:00.000Z2006-06-16T18:35:35.076Z

We're almost there, folks. We've reached a crucial step in the ongoing saga of our house sale. The sale of our four-bedroom home in the beautiful market town of Nantwich is almost complete. We "exchanged" yesterday and "completion" is set for July 7th.The house has been on the market nearly a year and "under offer" four months. What a long haul it's been. Here's hoping we make it through to the

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1150302902862237102006-06-14T16:23:00.000Z2006-06-14T21:43:44.346Z

Kassie finished school two days ago. Since then she's been partying it up and making emergency trips to the doctor: first for an unexplained bump on the head which pained her mightily, then for a buzzing in her ears which turned out to be an inner ear infection. I told the doctor yesterday we'd have to be on death's door to return today (however, she may have left behind her cap, necessitating a

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1149259231969883372006-06-02T10:34:00.000Z2006-06-08T17:45:58.436Z

For the last four years my daughter has had a day off school on her birthday thanks to the British school system. This year, attending a Canadian school, she must trot off with rucksack strung to her back just like any other day. She finds the idea insupportable. She doesn't care that her classmates and teachers will all have the opportunity to convey good wishes; neither does the idea of

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1146273493385767422006-05-08T11:29:00.000Z2006-05-08T21:11:00.046Z

...then what's the big deal about turning 40?My husband is turning twoscore this week. I have another five months to go. I'm in no panic.Soon after one of our friends turned forty he brought home Frances. Sleek, sexy and racy, the Italian beauty so enraged our friend's wife that she cut off her own hair. Despite the fact that she looks adorable with new do, her husband voiced his dismay and then

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1146762010656205672006-05-04T16:58:00.000Z2006-05-04T17:01:38.850Z

Catherine the Great (1729-1796), Empress of Russia (1762-1796), is well-known for her political prowess, military strategy, dedication to the education of girls, appreciation of the arts including philosophy...the list is without end. Last night we took in the latest exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Catherine the Great: Art for Empire, Masterpieces from the State Hermitage Museum,

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1146272893854861122006-04-28T09:54:00.000Z2006-04-29T01:19:44.326Z

In Quebec when a woman marries she does not automatically take her husband's name. Happily wed in Quebec during my mid-twenties (by which time I'd grown accustomed to my "maiden" name) while living abroad (with no desire to go through the hassle of changing my passport and VISA), I quite naturally decided to keep my name.Recently, while living in the West Midlands of England, I took to using my

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1146162594747704802006-04-27T14:13:00.000Z2006-04-27T18:31:00.813Z

My daughter hates using a dictionary, whether it's the Oxford Concise, Websters or Larousse's. Since Firefox and the nifty search form field you can customize yourself, I've been doing a lot of my research online, and I don't mean merely googling.I've added Merriam-Websters to my search box now, along with The Free Dictionary and, of course, Wikipedia. It takes a lot more time and effort to pull

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1146064671913409892006-04-26T15:03:00.000Z2006-04-26T15:18:53.586Z

This was my husband's reaction after getting off the phone with our estate agent in England. When the original completion date on the sale of our home passed merrily by, we immediately took action. Sadly, what with Easters holidays and illnesses, it took us nearly two weeks to make any headway. Today we learned that our buyer's buyer's solicitor neglected to do a required title search. Apparently

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1145986907895996172006-04-25T13:37:00.000Z2006-04-25T17:48:43.336Z

What do green fingernails, green frogs and green marbles have to do with raising girls? Ask JoAnn Deak, the renowned speaker and educator who made a repeat visit last night to Kassie's school, Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's (ECS). Deak used stories (personal parables) to help drill into us the three important ingredients necessary to build and boost our daughters' self-esteem, each of which is

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1145321651575467872006-04-17T20:28:00.000Z2006-04-18T00:54:11.643Z

I received word a few days ago that the writers' group to which I belonged in Nantwich has put the finishing touches on its website. The site features a perpetual story to which members contribute, numerous links and resources for writers, a forum open not only to members but visitors too, and a collection of weblogs written by members including the founder of the group, the prolific Penny Jordan

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1144800847288383402006-04-13T16:19:00.000Z2006-04-13T23:14:15.520Z

I'm a bit behind with my blogging. Final design approval for the website of the Williamsville/Getzville Chapter of the International MOMS Club came last month. It's a small site, so I decided to go with a one-page spread that features anchors within the page for navigation. A screenshot, snapped from Firefox, is below:To view my complete web portfolio, click here.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1144800288327972022006-04-11T20:01:00.000Z2006-04-12T00:04:48.340Z

Today Kassie told her drama teacher that the goddess of love and beauty couldn't be called Venus, as all the other goddesses in the play are Greek: Artemis, Athena and Hera. The teacher conceded her error. So of course Kassie won the part of Athena rather than Aphrodite. She is well pleased but I think we're still slated to do makeovers on Saturday night. Sigh.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1143667635042893702006-03-30T13:01:00.000Z2006-03-30T17:53:48.786Z

One of my friends welcomed the new year with the phrase "let this be the year something good happens". It's the end of March and already we have a pretty good list going:our house in England is about 3 weeks from closure: the survey has been done and the title search process begun;Kassie is beyond happy at her new school;my freelance writing career has taken off, with an exciting new client

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1143722307359186332006-03-30T11:51:00.000Z2006-04-19T19:15:28.020Z

We spent the second week of Spring Break at the Gala Resort Huatulco located on Tangolunda Bay, Huatulco (Oaxaca State), which is on the Southern Pacific Coast of Mexico. The weather was glorious, consistently well-above 30 degrees celsius with plenty of sun and invigorating ocean breezes. The resort boasts several pools, access to snorkelling and other watersports, a kids' club with staff Kassie

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1142734662776778932006-03-19T21:11:00.000Z2006-03-19T17:33:22.730Z

We're off to sunny Huatulco, Mexico for a week and - horror of horrors! - I'm not taking my laptop. Instead, fifty pages of the current novel to hand-edit, half a dozen books, and four chapters of my critique partner's latest novel. Of course, add to that the requisite bathing suits, wraps, frocks, skirts, sandals, and John and Kassie, of course. What else could I possibly need...oh, yeah,

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1141782907420550702006-03-07T20:53:00.000Z2006-04-19T19:10:41.823Z

The show is over. Kassie did a brilliant job in her drama club's production of Pippi Longstocking. She won the lead, as announced in a previous post, and surprised us all by delivering a stunning performance. She projected well, knew her lines, and won many a laugh during the show, as well as much praise afterwards. A job well done, Kassie!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1141501177741496082006-03-04T14:38:00.000Z2006-03-04T19:44:35.253Z

It seemed all it took was a short visit to England—let's call it a definitive step toward closure—to receive a reasonable offer on our house, which we accepted just this week. Let's hope the job offers start to pour in...we have reason to believe they may do just that. A touch of spring—such as the sight of snowdrops in our garden back in Cheshire—may have done the trick!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1140980755770887122006-02-26T14:02:00.000Z2006-02-26T19:05:55.783Z

So it's done. Our house in England is as empty as the day before our belongings arrived from Canada four years ago. Already we've had an offer on the property, so obviously an empty house shows as well if not better than a furnished one. While overseeing the packing up our furniture, etc., John and I managed several visits to friends (including a few truly wonderful homecooked meals), supper at

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1139365101446668742006-02-07T21:14:00.000Z2006-02-24T23:52:46.523Z

On the day I started another wip—that's writer speak for "work in progress"— I heard back from an agent I'd submitted a partial to ages ago, to learn that she's not interested. What a way to begin Chapter 1. Oh, well, I persevered as always and managed to churn out 9 pages. After all, I have yet to hear from the publisher who requested the full manuscript of my previous novel. Hope springs

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1139364835425297182006-02-07T21:10:00.000Z2006-02-08T02:13:55.436Z

Anyone who knows me well can predict I'm a fan of neither SUVs nor cell/mobile phones. I don't drive and I prefer to email my friends or catch them online to picking up a phone, cordless or otherwise. So when vacationing relatives entrusted their car and cell phone to us, we were grateful but hardly over the moon. I have to admit the phone can be very useful. However, our recent drive down to

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1138226986598851652006-01-26T11:49:00.000Z2006-01-26T16:48:45.316Z

It's getting a lot of press, always a good thing for a writer. I resisted reading James Frey's A Million Little Pieces despite numerous recommendations, mainly because I'm more of a Jane Austen fan than, say, a devotee of Jack Kerouac. I may have been wrong about the writing style—who can fault terse eloquence?—but now, halfway through the book, I'm starting to feel as if I'm caught in a Ken

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1138222964231133662006-01-25T21:01:00.000Z2006-01-25T21:04:12.213Z

Representatives of the publisher who requested my manuscript a few months ago assured me today that they'll get to it soon. Does that mean I'm out of the slush pile? Close enough!

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1138223499697353232006-01-25T17:04:00.000Z2006-01-25T21:58:46.293Z

The removals folks have confirmed the dates. I have coffee mornings set up, as well as dinner engagements. Plus I've planned a visit to my favourite art gallery for an exhibit of Pre-Raphaelite Drawings. Writing pals are emailing me with dates they're available. And I have my shopping list ready.Obviously I'm hoping the packing up of the house will take up only a small portion of our time: eight

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1137037363576920792006-01-11T22:40:00.000Z2006-01-12T03:49:19.476Z

It's taken us a good long while but we've finally finished documenting our summer travels. Be sure to visit to learn about our trip to that other university town, Oxford, as well as the two Oxfordshire homes showcasing Pre-Raphaelite works of art, particularly the summer home of William Morris which also served as a country retreat for his wife to indulge her amitié amoureuse with the painter and

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1136409383594914822006-01-04T21:13:00.000Z2006-01-05T02:36:24.840Z

I started off the new year with the creation of a web portfolio to showcase some of the websites and Flash designs I've developed. Although currently I'm spending the majority of my time writing online help, I hope to return to web design and development in the near future. You can check out my portfolio by following this link:http://www.jeannehaskett.com/webport.html

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1135195199300777382005-12-21T15:15:00.000Z2005-12-21T20:11:29.040Z

One more day and we're off work/school for the festive season. If you haven't already checked it out by invitation, here is this year's festive Flash ecard (a new tradition):

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1135097122314931502005-12-20T16:43:00.000Z2005-12-21T23:56:19.570Z

Yesterday on my walk to the Westmount YMCA I saw the tell-tale signs alerting pedestrians and particularly motorists of the city's plan to start removing snow from the streets. After the 40-odd centimetres we received on Friday - necessitating a day off school for Kassie - I considered it a clear indication that the storm and its aftermath had passed. No longer would we need to drag a giggling

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1133747868887763122005-12-05T01:54:00.000Z2005-12-06T16:17:50.233Z

I've finished my Flash training. No, it is not domestic drudgery I refer to (and the popular UK cleaning product) but the powerful web technology that delivers animation and along with it a high level of visual impact. For web designers, however, how effective is a Flash website? Many of us have been turned off in the past by bandwidth-hungry Flash intros, to the extent that now that we have

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1132706502919371762005-11-22T19:39:00.000Z2005-12-06T16:18:48.123Z

To think that we enrolled Kassie in a Montessori School at age three because we thought her overly shy. Today she came home to tell us she has the lead in the school play: Pippi Longstocking. The show is in March. We'll keep you posted (no pun intended).

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1132624852894739962005-11-21T09:02:00.000Z2005-11-23T00:49:33.716Z

Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) Version 7 will soon be upon us, forcing web designers back to the drawing board. If you're a stickler like me, and only create web pages in strict mode, then many of the hacks used to force IE to render as well as gecko-based web browsers (such as Firefox and Netscape) will no longer work: the star hack, for instance, as well as the body child hack. Conditional

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1132107090850261542005-11-16T07:38:00.000Z2005-11-16T12:37:51.830Z

I'm an historical fiction fan and a crime caper addict as well. Think Iain Pears, even CSI Las Vegas in a pinch. Recently a friend loaned me a dog-eared copy of The Cassock and the Crown, a true-crime story about a murder that took place in Montreal in the 1920s. Written by the grandson of the judge who presided over the first trial, the book tells the story of "Canada's most controversial murder

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1132065022484139112005-11-15T21:16:00.000Z2005-11-15T14:39:33.786Z

In honour of autumn, I've attached a photo from our recent visit to Niagara Falls (American side). It's snowing right now, so it seemed only fitting to post this as Winter fast approaches.

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1131729517112690312005-11-11T23:59:00.000Z2005-11-11T17:18:37.126Z

I've written the book. Written the cover letter and synopsis. Sent it all off. Waited for the confirmation letter from the publisher attesting to its safe arrival. Rushed to pick up the mail as soon as I heard it drop through the mail slot for two, maybe three weeks, then gave it up as other things took over my time. Yesterday the publisher contacted me to request the remainder of the manuscript

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1131631106466463402005-11-10T21:03:00.000Z2005-11-10T13:59:23.606Z

I attended my first live hockey game over the weekend between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres while we were visiting friends in Buffalo, New York. The rink is smaller than it appears on television and the players much larger, particularly if you're sitting two rows behind the penalty box as we were. Thanks Jamie! Surprisingly, we were surrounded by Canadiens fans, much to my

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1130864907052195002005-10-31T22:05:00.000Z2005-11-15T14:55:38.283Z

Last year we spent Halloween in Dubai. You can imagine Kassie's dismay trick or treating during Ramadan. (Fortunately we stuffed a load of candy into one of our suitcases.) Spending the second-highest rated North American holiday in England also paled in comparison to tonight's festivities. (A formerly pagan ritual to some Brits, certainly in our old neighbourhood, apparently smacks of

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003097.post-1130864548723221822005-10-31T08:10:00.000Z2005-11-01T17:04:50.460Z

A little while ago I attended a talk at my daughter's school entitled "Girls Will Be Girls: Raising Courageous and Confident Daughters" led by Dr. JoAnn Deak, an educator, school psychologist and author. It was a lively discussion which the speaker began with a series of true/false questions designed to identify common misconceptions about physiology and intelligence, as well as gender

Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14481361464816660878noreply@blogger.com1