37- Shit I love Subway, 38- Mr. Clean with Febreze

I worked at Subway for a year. I actually loved my job. Most days I worked until midnight. Closed the store, dealt with the annoying drunks with the munchies. Some days I would open, get up and be to work by 7:30 to smell the rotting stench of proofing bread. That delicious baking bread smell that hits you when you so much as walk by a Subway restaurant? Not always pleasant. I would leave work smelling like rising yeast and onions. We would stand clear and not inhale when opening a new package of sliced turkey meat (one word for the smell that would escape. Farts. Turkey farts.). I ate Subway sandwiches (usually the same one) twice daily for a year of my life and still to this day, I get excited for Subway. I went through withdrawal when I no longer ate lunch and supper there. I squeal, and ask6" REALLY?!?! when someone suggests Subway as the choice of meal. It really means that much to me.

Before I worked at Subway I use to get a veggie round with cheese, mayo, lettuce, pickles and olives. While I worked at Subway I use to eat a caesar chicken wrap with chicken pieces, mayo, caesar, lettuce, tomato cut up, and cheese. When I worked at the Subway in Sackville over Christmas, I would get the 6" turkey breast on white bread with cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomato cut up, and heated for approx. 25 seconds. Now that I no longer work at Subway I order the 6" roast chicken on honey oat with lettuce, tomato, olives, cheese and honey mustard. My job title was Sandwich Artist. There is an art to Subway, and it is a beautiful thing. (PS see my delicious sub sneaking around the new Baked Lays I tried that burned my tongue but had a delicious ranch taste to them? That roast chicken sure is sneaky. Snuck right into my gut).

My camera is on the fritz, as I have said before. WELL tonight as I contemplated throwing it in the garbage, I noticed it has ANOTHER battery. Not just the double A's I put in it periodically but there is a side drawer with a watch battery in it. Hmmm... maybe that is the battery it continues to tell me to change. We will try and see. I did have my heart set on a new digital SLR Canon, but that can wait a little while if this puppy is fixable. Today I cleaned. Yesterday I shopped and had Subway. Today I cleaned and glared at the rain. Me and Mr. Clean.

36- Frosty

One of the two hottest days of the summer and this is what I created today. Frosty the Snowman. If you haven't already, check out my other blog found in my profile. I did a couple other ones but as I said, my camera is on the fritz and I can only squeeze out a couple at a time before I want to throw it across the room. To do list: more rock arts, more other arts, improve apebbleintime on etsy.

35- Still attempting to be Martha.

I made cupcakes, and tried, tried, tried to perfect a butter cream recipe. I am not great at it. These were the closest. I don't want to eat them, so please come visit and you can enjoy a butter pecan with butter cream icing cupcake. Very buttery.

Sad news, along side our car that went kaput on the highway yesterday. Apparently it is not the batteries going dead, but my camera going dead. Even with brand new batteries, the camera shows the low battery symbol and automatically shuts the camera off, so I can not take photos. It makes be very sad, it has been a great little camera, and I wanted to continue blogging for at least a year... we will have to see what I can do about the things breaking all around me.

33- Cape Breton Kitchen Party, 34- Out on the Mira

I went to Cape Breton for a Jack and Jill party for a bride and groom who will be marrying on October 17th. I had never heard of a Jack and Jill party until I had friends from CB. If you too are curious what a Jack and Jill party entails, think wedding reception being passed of for a wedding shower. It was amazing. Decorations, door prizes, a DJ, handmade treats and sandwiches, dancing, drinks. If I ever get married it will consist of someones living room decorated with some Dollarama streamers and melon balls. I was blown away by how much work went in to this. I was happy I went because I will be missing the wedding, and this was a nice substitute. I guess I should have never underestimated a Cape Bretoner's ability to throw a great party!** The above photo is Canada's Largest Fiddle found on the Sydney waterfront. I read once that if when travelling you see something that is titled 'largest', you should stop and photograph it, chances are you will not see anything of that girth again. So as touristy as it may be I stood with the socks in sandals, fanny pack wearers and snapped this shot.

Cape Breton was an experience, and I am very thankful for being able to take the trip. Even without the sun shining this part of Nova Scotia shone in its glory that has been forever spoke (and sang about). People were kind and generous. The pace of life was perfect. Words cannot describe the scenery and we didn't make the quest to the famed highlands. As we drove to and from Sydney I saw cottages and homes people dream of owning. Driving through Whycocomagh, I thought, how amazing it would be to live in a place this beautiful with the beauty of hills high above and ocean at your feet. To have the chance to take your time and relax, enjoy life without rushing. It could have possibly been the front lawn covered in wood cut-outs painted like every character from 'The Simpsons' that made me think of all the extra time people may have on their hands.

** Baddeck had a zillion opportunities for photos, here is one of many.

30-sweet dreams, 31- the end of summer, 32- Cape Breton

Susie's Shortbreads. Dresden Row, Halifax, Nova Scotia. I could be their publicist, promoter, salesperson extraordinaire, because these little sweets are by far the best treat to give yourself. I have nothing else to say but if you can, go, you deserve a treat. ** The above flavor is 'Key Lime Pie' very tart lime icing, vanilla cupcake, graham cracker crumbs on top. I have had a variety of flavors, as have friends of mine, and no one, has said one is bad. My favorite- 'Red Velvet'. My goal for the summer- to test 'Blueberry Pancake', I have never been able to catch it while it's there.

While playing tennis the other night, I went to get the ball and saw these sneaky little guys poking up on the other side of the fence. I love blueberries. I love the smell of blueberry fields, the look of their pretty red leaves covering the ground (Tom Selleck who grew up surrounded by blueberry fields, who worked in blueberry fields from age 5 on practically- has other feelings towards these delicious babies). By far my favorite fruit. HOWEVER, blueberries mean one thing. Summer is coming to a close. I know, Debbie Downer here to ruin your day. Late July/August and into September is prime harvesting time. The fact that we are into this time already frightens me. Back to work, back to school, good-bye beach days. This year it is feeling a little more depressing because summer, has felt more like fall and I'm not afraid to call it like I see it. Mother Nature- you robbed us.

This weekend I am in Cape Breton for the first time in my life. I will admit I have made many hilarious jokes at Caper friends' expense. Pretty harsh, don't you think considering I have never been to their place of origin? I have taken note of a few things and will comment accordingly, but as of right now I will leave you with the wonderful welcome I received upon arrival, even after all the one-liners against her, Cape Breton still wanted me to 'Explore our Scenic Travelways", that was nice of her.

29- Nova Scotia

Yesterday we went day tripping around our province. As you can probably predict, weather wasn't ideal, so the beauty doesn't show as bright as it should. Shopping and gelato in Mahone Bay (Candy Cravings is my favorite gelato stop, yes, above Dio Mio). Liverpool is a town I have never visited before and although this was the roughest part of the trip, the people were nice and there was just enough. That is what I enjoy about smaller towns. They have all they need. Who needs two Costcos? Who needs everything to be 24 hours? I will admit to enjoying the conveniences Halifax provides, but I enjoy what smaller Nova Scotian towns offer as far as a community. Continuing on to Keji's Seaside Adjunct which was the original goal to check out.









I had heard that this portion of our provincial park had pristine white sand beaches, aqua blue water and a chance to see seals sunning themselves on rocks just beyond the shore. I think because of the poor weather, the venture was not as beautiful as it could have been, but it was beautiful nonetheless. The hike itself is approximately 2.5km to the beach and seal watching area. We went a little further each way, and including return we walked around 7.5km, didn't see any seals but heard them 'ortting' behind the rocks. The waters were a little darker than aqua blue (probably because of the overcast sky), and where the sand was wet, it was the color of cement. Where it was dry, almost the color of snow. I was astonished, sand this color in Nova Scotia? It is something you definitely need to see to believe.

On the way home, Lunenburg served as a stop for supper where I was extremely horrible and ordered fish and chips (after smelling the ocean for so long it only seemed like the right thing to do). Our new GPS girlfriend Veronica got us home and after a day of exploring I was more than ready for a night of brain rotting TV (think Big Brother). All in all probably one of the best days of vacation.

27- Back to the Beach, 28- Those Ships are Tall

This is one of my favorite spots, ever. And this my friends, is why. Gorgeous waves, sunny skies and ocean swimming.

The Tall Ships left Halifax today and Mr. Baseball and I made the mistake of planning a trip to the waterfront (we avoided that Swine Flu disease pool) and went .to Point Pleasant Park instead. Although still highly populated with ship viewers, it was a better deal than the waterfront would have been. We saw some ships, walked around and thought about how beautiful life would be if we owned a boat.

25- Riding the waves, 26- KISS this

Friends came to visit this weekend. I love just hanging out and having fun. Laughing and remembering. The weather this weekend was not great for anything outdoor, but that didn't stop us and Friday we attempted swimming in the Atlantic Ocean at Lawrencetown beach. Although it was somewhat warm on land, the water was still not quite the temperature I would enjoy swimming in. The boys swam, the girls took pictures.

Saturday KISS was in the city for thousands of fans to enjoy in the pouring rain. I, not being one of their biggest fans, (although I did thoroughly enjoy the great teenage movie Detroit Rock City starring Eddie Furlong featuring KISS) was not going to be attending their concert. Tom Selleck went, said it was the ultimate concert and was gushing like a 12 year old after her first date. I did not see the real Gene Simmons, but the imitators, were quite amusing.

It is finally a gorgeous day, I hope to head to the beach and add some color to my legs... they need it.

24- If he Likes it, Beyonce Knows What he Should do

I am 27. I have been with Mr. Baseball for 7 years, 8 and 1/2 months. We have never broken up, been on a break or lived apart (since day one we even lived in residence together). There has never been a question about us getting married. We own a house together. Yet I have still not been proposed to.

I hear ticking all the time. I want children and he knows it. He has always known it. I think this is what is putting an engagement on hold. Possibly it's the cost of a ring? Maybe the recent explosion of engaged friends makes him want to be different and by being different he will wait until I'm 78 years old? Whatever it is, seeing (and hearing) Beyonce on a repeat of Ellen today, reminded me that if Sasha Fierce knows it. Mr. Baseball should too.

23- It Feels like Summer.

Relaxing, calm, laid back, young, revitalized. Summer makes me feel this way because like a child, I get summer vacation. I get to sleep in, lounge around, do things at my own pace and get my life back in order after 10 months of chaos.



I snapped a picture yesterday that embodies how summer makes me feel. It's a section of my living room, and is there all year round (the ladder and the vase change with the season because I'm a dork like that) but it reminds me of all that is summer to me whenever I look at it.

Magazines are another Miami Vice of mine. I could spend hours flipping through any magazine. Any and all. It takes a lot of my pay cheque each month, and has since I was old enough to buy (or beg) for them (think Jonathan Taylor Thomas BOP magazine when I was 8).

The ladder reminds me of days gone by and the beach grass with tiny shells is all summer should be- lazy beach days.

22-Summer Strawberries

I had strawberries in the fridge from the latest batch of Fruit Salsa and I decided I would bake something incredibly tasty to be the best housewife that summer makes me be. To aid in this adventure I turned to the housewife of all housewives, Martha Stewart.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/candace-nelson-strawberry-cupcakes

Her website had a recipe for Sprinkles' Strawberry Cupcakes (Sprinkles being a cupcake bakery in Beverly Hills I do believe that I have never been to but it sounds delightful!). The cupcakes were relatively easy to make and turned out surprisingly well. I'm still working on an amazing butter cream icing recipe, this one would have been a lot better, had I not doubled the amount of strawberry puree and halved the butter and icing sugar amounts.

I'd like to say come for a summer visit and enjoy a coffee and a cupcake. However, as most baked goods in this house, they didn't last very long!

20-Sounds of Summer, 21- Love-40

I showed you tastes of summer, and sights of summer, now I will share with you all the sounds of summer (at least in my house). It includes drama, back-stabbing, bickering, lies and deception. It's every one's favorite summer reality TV show! Come on, everyone has a vice. Miami Vice.





This summer has had crap weather, as I have stated before. I think we have had 3 sunny, warm (I cannot say 'hot') days. It has been perfect weather for tennis, with a cool breeze and the sun ducking behind the cloud so you can really get into that perfect serve. Something that doesn't take a lot of talent to get by and just have fun. Tom Selleck and I have been playing a couple of times a week (when not pouring). Tonight I tried with a new partner... who beat me her first time. It's ok, I never claimed to be good... I just enjoy having fun, and she enjoyed getting some practice in for this weekend.

18-Shelby, 19-Sammy

When I lived at home, I didn't have a lot of pets throughout my life. Mr. Baseball had TONS of animals. In 18 years he had about 8 dogs, and 10 other creatures (cats, rabbits, birds, etc.). This is something I have always had trouble understanding. How you could 'go through' so many pets in such a short time, but some animals don't live long, and some move on (ie: The Littlest Hobo). We have had 3 cats which we inherited all at once when I was 10. 2 having passed on after only a few years due to illnesses and one who is 17 and still at home. I had one dog, Mandy, who was there before I was, and I can't even remember how old I was when she died. 10, maybe? 12? We waited a little bit to get another dog, we got Shelby from the PEI humane society when I was 18 and about to move out and Mom didn't want to be alone.

Shelby is a good dog. She never bites or growls, she wags her tail at everyone, even when people are mean to her. She is nothing but loyal and trusting, playful and sweet. When I was home two weeks ago I was rubbing Shelby's belly and felt a lump. She had another on her behind. We took her to the vet, who booked her for a removal surgery. I went home to sooky her, because she is a good dog and deserves it. Poor Shelby looked so sore and in pain, but she was so happy to have all the attention she was getting. She slept a lot but was almost completely back to normal the next day.

Sammy has been with us since my grandparents passed away and left their mini farm full of cats. Since it was Spring there were plenty of litters of kittens around. We took two white kittens with black spotted heads home, named them Whiskey and Frisky, my sister and I were happy with our new additions. A couple of days later, returning to our grandparents house we heard a tiny "Mew, mew, mew" as pathetic and sad as you have ever heard. Looking under the step we saw a small black rat of a kitten in a box soaked from the pouring rain. Who could leave a kitten there all alone, in the pouring rain, when all other cats had been shipped off to various farms and houses? Sammy came home with us that day and Mom fell in love with her as much as we had when we saw her dripping wet and begging to be loved.

Sammy didn't like loud noises and would often hide out in a bedroom while people visited (especially children). She would slink out when the coast was clear, and climb up on an unexpecting lap, stick her pin-sharp claws into the legs and settle in for a nap. She was small her whole life, probably never weighing more than 5 lbs. Lately I don't think she weighs even 3. She enjoys plain Lays chips, drinking straws and plug protectors, which she would play fetch with for hours.

In the last year or two, Sammy lost her hearing. Before this, if you so much as crinkled a chip bag, Sammy would run out of hiding from however deep of a sleep she was in and come running for chip after chip. This also happened with a bag of Temptations. At 17 years of age, Sammy has slowed down a lot. Besides losing her hearing she has lost her love of the plug covers and straws. When I was home she no longer wanted Temptations, chips or even her Fancy Feast canned food. At 17 years of age, Sammy has been a good cat. Never needing to visit the vet, never attacked her owners, never needing much attention, just happy to have been picked up out of the wet box in the pouring rain, and taken home to be loved.

16- 'Sun'flower, 17- Wax on, wax off

This flower in a bag was given to me as a birthday gift in April. I planted the seeds sometime in May and low and behold, a huge stalk of sunflower goodness has grown in almost 2 months. I leave the plant in my window sill and remember to water it (miraculously) every few days.

I'm excited for the plant to bloom, I enjoy flowers, I just tend to kill them. Thank you, Amy for the lovely birthday gift. Definitely a gift that keeps on giving!

Through the beginning of this week I was on a hardcore cleaning marathon. Scrubbing and scouring, throwing stuff away because face it, I will never need it if I haven't needed it in the year I've lived here. Now that the sun is out, it's the outside that needs the makeover.

Last year when we moved in, it was all about the inside. Painting, organizing, still getting settled. This year, it's moved outside. We are building a deck sometime this summer/fall, I would love to replace the fence and shed because they are old and falling apart. But apparently home renovations cost money, so we will be repainting and repairing, instead of replacing. Today I got started on scraping the fence. I now know how Ralph Macchio felt when Mr. Miyagi tortured him with the 'paint the fence" BS. What is in the picture is only half of it... I did what you see today, what you don't see, will be done another day.

15- It was a slow day...

The door knob was broke (as in snapped off), we went to Kent, bought a new one, Tom Selleck fixed it. The end.

Other than this exciting endeavor, I watched Michael Jackson's Memorial. Did Jillian Michaels. Cleaned out some cupboards, sorted through some papers, etc. Really summer does not get any more exciting than this. IF, the sun decided to come out. I might decide to leave my house.

14- Sights of summer

For a fleeting moment, I saw it. It was glorious. Friendly. Hopeful. Beautiful. Now, 40 minutes later, the sun has gone again. I need you, sun. You are necessary for summer to be enjoyable. No, not every day, I don't want you to tire yourself out, but please, a day here and there?

Speaking of beauty, Molly, spent the time the sun was visiting squinting on the window sill and basking in the heat that summer should bring.

I will wait patiently for the days of beach going, swimming in the ocean, tan lines, a reason for ice cream, picnics outside, all followed by starry nights. If the sun decides to never return, at least Molly and I have these photos to remind us of what summer should be.

13- Taste of Summer

It was only a matter of time before I share the ultimate summer treat. The past two summers have been spent scouring for a Farmer's ice cream stand (rather than the competition Scotsburn who by the way does NOT have a Birthday Party flavor). Farmer's only graced us with their tantalizing treat during the summer months, during ice cream stand hours. How excited was I when I stumbled upon a 1 Litre container available for my anytime pleasure at the Superstore near my house?! Finally I would not be limited by the Farmer's stands and hours.

This ice cream has managed to capture all aspects of my childhood birthday parties. Ribbons of cream cheese, chunks of pound cake, vanilla ice cream and of course jimmies (or sprinkles- depending on who you ask). It tastes like a paper plate with vanilla homemade 'mom' cake, with vanilla icing and jimmies, made soupy with melting vanilla ice cream being scarfed down between present opening, pinning something to something else, and running and screaming like a lunatic.

I have been told by a head shaking roommate, as I savor spoonfuls straight from the container, that I look like the girl on the container. "But it's a child," I responded. To which he said "Exactly". I think that may have been a stab at my maturing. Be warned, eating Birthday Party ice cream, will bring out the child in you.

12- Sprung Off

Last night Mr. Baseball and I went to free, let me repeat, FREE concert. Lots of bands in the line-up, Dinosaur Jr., In-Flight Safety, Metric, Handsome Furs, and finally, The Offspring. The Tragically Hip were originally suppose to play but sadly for some, they could not. Thus making the concert free, to anyone. YAY! I love free. Really, who doesn't?

We went quite early and had supper at Bubba Ray's (Ryan had wings, I wasn't in wings mood, but as soon as I saw/smelled his I was), we got cupcakes from my idol Susie, and we went to get our mud on and watch Metric and The Offspring.

This is my pedicure a week later after standing in a mud puddle for 2 hours. I have to hand it to Halifax Shopping Centre's Rainbow Nails- their handiwork held up. (I didn't take my camera, because bags were searched and wanted to eliminate that whole hassle, so there are no pictures of the concert itself- I know disappointing-but I can tell you Dexter Holland looks the exact same. Exactly)

The Offspring did not disappoint (I will admit right now that I only know all the words to Why Don't you get a job and Pretty Fly for a White Guy) and all their well known songs were played as well as a few others. This goes to show, the best things in life ARE free!

11- Well Cindy Day, explain this.

Two weeks straight I have only barely caught a glimpse of this 'sun' thing that is suppose to make an appearance in summer. TWO WEEKS of fog, haze, mist, rain. Promises made day after day of a little excitement- THUNDERSHOWERS. Never to happen.

What did Haligonians do to deserve this? I thought SAD happened in the depths of winter, not this year, SAD sufferers get a second round in July. My plants are rotting because they are too wet. My grass is almost knee height (a slight exaggeration) because it's been too wet to cut. I do not want to garden in muck, so the weeds have taken over there. There are hopes of seeing the sun tomorrow, we'll see.

10- Sweet Summer Treat

Summer there are often many BBQ's, pot lucks, get togethers, parties, beach trips and picnics. A recipe I often turn to requires no culinary talents at all, and it's something that pleases both children and adults. Fruit salsa and cinnamon tortilla chips. I made some for Tom Selleck's work pot luck today, he's a fan. I go for a couple at a time- he goes for gold finishing what is there.

Recipe for salsa is easy: Cut whatever fruit you like into TINY pieces. I used peaches, apples and strawberries. I have also added cherries. Kiwi is also an option, blueberries are difficult to cut small. For a get together of 20 or less, 1 apple, 1 peach and 6-10 strawberries is plenty. Once cut into small pieces, mix all the fruits with approximately 3 tablespoons of natural fruit jam. As sugarless as possible, the fruit is sweet enough, especially with cinnamon sugar 'chips'.

Chips are tortilla wraps, spread with butter/margarine/Pam spray and sprinkled with a cinnamon, sugar mix. Use a pizza cutter to slice wedges before putting them on a cookie sheet and baking at 350*F until crispy and bubbly. Cool and enjoy with the fruit salsa.

9- True Patriot Love

Canada day. Joel Plaskett played, weirdos were out aplenty. I got to hang with cool people and see fireworks that I'm sure sent more than one dog a-runnin'. Traffic getting home took about 45 minutes, but I like traffic jams when there is nowhere to be. Relaxing in the car chatting. Listening to December 1963 (Oh What a Night), and Fire Burning by Sean Kingston which I'm sure I am way to old to enjoy. It was a great day despite the sky you will notice behind the flag. Where are you sun?

8- These eyes

The first day of summer break and this is the excitement of the day. I didn't do much which is how I like it. Slept in. Lounged with a coffee. Did level 3 of Jillian Michaels. Laundry. Showered. Groceries. Drove around looking for an unoccupied tennis court. Played tennis. Watched Legally Blonde. The perfect relaxation day. I am over it now and have set out things to do, places to go and people to see.

While looking for an empty court, we ended up in Eastern Passage, and because this is Nova Scotia, you are never too far from the ocean, you are also never too far from a lighthouse. Here are both:

You will notice a particular haze to my outdoor pictures in the past couple of posts. This is fog and cloud. That is all we have seen for the past 2 weeks. When/if the sun comes out this summer there are sure to be many photos exhibiting the beauty of NS in the summer. Until then, imagine the beauty through the fog.

Happy Canada Day! Fireworks and festivities tonight!