ManitoulinGirl

I enjoy nearly all music, but particularly enjoy smooth jazz and R&B. I also love rock music (most of the time), but can take or leave most country music.

I love cook books, craft books & gardening books. My favorite novels are usually mystery books. Top mystery authors at the moment are Giles Blunt, Kathy Reichs, Elizabeth George and the "Blue Shoes & Happiness" series by Alexander McCall Smith. I also love books which make me think - For example, The Book Thief; Secret Life of Bees; Memory Makers Daughter; To Kill a Mockingbird...

I have a lot of interests in crafts, but am a master of none. Am trying to learn patchwork, knitting and sewing simple items. I do love to cook & like trying different types of cuisine. I host theme dinners for my friends every month or so.

I am married to a wonderful guy and have a 21 year old son, who is studying Environmental Geography at university. We live on Manitoulin Island - the world's largest freshwater island. (Northern Lake Huron close to Georgian Bay) I love to travel. My husband and I are both retired and love to travel. We spend a bit of time in Florida each winter. Love to see new things and meet new people.

I love chocolate, especially dark (no fruit - fairly plain), note cards, vintage or interesting buttons and fabric, teabags (herbal or regular wrapped), ribbons. I'm crazy about dogs and cats and other animals - I am especially fond of dachshunds (wiener dogs). I love hiking and canoeing. I putter in my vegetable garden and flower gardens in the summer. My favorite colours tend to be jewel tones & "happy colours" but I'm not picky.

Just a note to let you know that although I think I live in a wonderful country, the postal system is dismally slow. If things are slow getting there, please email me and I'll let you know when it was sent. If you don't receive it in a fairly reasonable timeframe, I will send a new package. I sent a package to Australia this past year (not SwapBot) and it took 4 months to get there! Not sure whose mail system was at fault there. :-)

I find as I grow older that I am increasingly in love with our earth and concerned about the way we treat it. I also find myself becoming more gentle with people and more open to new ideas and philosophies. I am trying to do something creative every day and also want to try new things. For reasons beyond my control my career life is most likely over, so I am finding new ways to measure my worth.

I enjoy watching American Idol, Canadian Idol, Amazing Race, Survivor, Criminal Minds , House and the Food Network. My husband doesn't cook at all, but loves to watch the Food Network with me. I am starting to convince him to help out with some cooking, so I'm glad that he is being inspired.

APRON SWAPS: I am "vertically challenged". I'm only 5' tall and of medium build. I usually prefer a full apron (because food inevitably lands on my chest) , but will be happy no matter what!

RECIPE SWAPS: I would love to receive my recipes on 81/2 X 11 sheets of paper instead of recipe cards. I find it easier to organize my recipes in a binder. However, I also am collecting recipes on 4 X 6 cards for travelling.

I always try to rate promptly - If for some reason, I haven't rated you let me know. It's possible that I haven't received it OR it is possible that I overlooked it. I also try to rate generously.

I really enjoy SwapBot, but I don't enjoy drama - If you haven't received something from me...please just let me know and I'll resend. I have never flaked and never will. This is supposed to be fun and I would like it if we all keep it that way.

On that note, I will be travelling during Feb & March - I will receive emails, but not your packages - I'll rate when I get back to snowy Ontario. :-)