Vacation

It was likely not a good idea to start a blog so close to going away on vacation; definitely lost momentum! Oh, but it was a wonderful vacation!


The 10-day cruise up the west coast of Mexico was a first for us. I can now understand the obsession with cruising - what a way to relax! You really can't do anything BUT relax. We sailed with Holland America on one of their smaller ships - the M.S. Ryndam, and were two of about 40 people under the age of 40. That might sound "not-so-fun" for most of you, but since we're not into partying and we were travelling with my in-laws, it was most ideal. We had sunshine and warm temperatures everyday until our last day at sea, which really just helped with the transition from sea to land to... reality. Almost.

Before we settled back into our normal life, we drove to Phoenix, Arizona from San Diego, California. We spent six days in the beautiful landscape and sunshine of Arizona, taking two days to see the Grand Canyon and Sedona. And again, I can understand the obsession with becoming a "snowbird" and escaping the cold damp north to the dry heat of Arizona for a few months. Bring on retirement!


On another day I will delve into the beauty and memories of the six stops we made in the Mexican Riviera - a whole other world.


And on another day you will likely see a post whining about the trials of painting our home, for that's the task I've undertaken since returning to the cold damp snowy north!


Until then, as Christmas gets closer and closer, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Are you stressing about snow tires?

The first snowfall of the 2008/2009 winter season is always anticipated. Whether it is with excitement or dread, well, that depends on the person. My brother longs for the snow so he can get out his snowboard. My father cringes at the thought of winter, because of the sub-zero temperatures and the work it brings. Who looks forward to scraping off your car early in the morning while you can see your breath in the frigid air when you really just want to be asleep in your warm bed?

I must say the change in seasons here in the Eastern part of Canada is refreshing. The crisp air of fall with the leaves crunching under my feet as I walk bundled up in a sweater makes me feel cozy and peaceful. My spirit is refreshed each spring when there are the remnants of snow piles here and there, and you can smell the rain in the air and see the new beginnings of life as flowers bud and leaves begin colouring the sky. And though I now live in Ontario, I grew up an Island girl, and there is nothing more wonderful than running barefoot in the soft cool sand of an early summer day before the sun has a chance to heat it. And then come August... oh what pleasure and freedom it brings when the scorching sun is beating down, and you can run from the hot sand and into the cold waves of the Atlantic ocean. Talk about feeling refreshed!

So what does this have to do with snow tires? Well, not a whole lot yet. Except that on Tuesday, Oct 21st, we had our first unexpected, and not welcomed, snowfall of the season. For me, that is a tad bit early. October?! I didn't even have my winter jacket dug out yet. Thankfully, the snow brush never left the car since the last snowfall in the spring, so I didn't have to use my arm to clean off the car windows. The snow on the ground has long since melted, but the reaction to an early snowfall still lingers.

I have joined the thousands of Canadians rushing out to buy snow tires. It may seem early to be concerned about buying snow tires, but with reports warning Canadians that there could be a shortage this year, I want to be prepared. We suffered through a snowy winter last year without snow tires, and the roads were treacherous for us!

The Toronto Sun reports: "The Ontario Safety League warned consumers yesterday to expect a snow tire shortage as a result of a mandatory winter tire legislation passed in Quebec last year, which is sucking up all of Ontario's stock." Apparently the official estimate, which was also quoted in the Toronto Sun article, is a 30% increase in the winter tire demand this season.

So this morning I headed to the Honda dealership to look into this snow tire issue. Yup, they were sold out but should be receiving a new supply later this week. Next, Costco. Score! They had 4 Michelin tires and 4 rims that would fit our car, and it was less expensive than Honda (big surprise). The downside? They don't accept Visa. So I took a chance, with about 5 people in line behind me inquiring about tires, to walk away and call my husband. Of course, he was in a meeting. Since I called 3 times within 8 minutes, he finally sent me a text message asking what was up. We proceeded to text back and forth, finally making a decision to use cash and buy at Costco. Thankfully, when I went back to the counter, 'my' four tires and rims were still available. Mission accomplished!

Now the wait to have them mounted, balanced and installed. I have called around to get quotes on having the tires put on the car, but all are more expensive than Costco, so I guess we'll wait until they can fit us in. I'm sure the snow will hold off a few more weeks, and hopefully our already poor tires will survive a round trip to Kitchener and to Buffalo.

My advice for you? If you plan to purchase winter tires this season, get up, get your keys, get to a store and buy them NOW!

Thought I would add to the "panic"... :)

A Fresh Start

Well, I've gone and done it... I've entered the world of bloggers! I take this step with a slight hesitation, not quite knowing what to expect. Do I want to blog daily? Weekly? What exactly do I intend to write about?

I think you can tell from the title "Scribbles and Nudgings" that I'm not quite sure! I associate scribbles with the posts I might share on the mundane events or even adventures I may have.

As for the other half of my blog title, you won't find 'nudgings' in the dictionary. Is it ok to make up a word for your blog? I must confess it wasn't me who made up the word, but an older friend in his late 80's. He sends out a newsletter every so often about the atrocities and events in Haiti, and how people there are suffering. The title of his newsletter? Nudgings. And I think it's quite fitting as his intent is to make readers think, and if so inclined, help in some way.

So on some occasions, that is what I hope to do. From time to time, I hope to share something with you that will make you think. Those posts will be considered my "nudgings."

So, welcome to my new writing journey. I hope you have patience while I figure out what direction this will take! For me, it is exciting. This is a place where I have freedom to express the words and opinions that build up inside. It could be called "Freedom in Words" or... "The Path Unknown..." :)