I hadn't heard anything about that, but then I've been out of touch most of the day. One doesn't think about such things happening in smaller towns, but I guess people are the same everywhere, and the stresses just as bad, even if they take a different form.
We spent most of the day travelling to Pinawa to hang a show in their local art Gallery. My friend Gail and I, with one other lady, have rented a portion of the gallery for the month of September. The items I took out were well received, and what I saw of Gail's looked pretty good, as well. I don't think the third lady will be setting up until Saturday.
When we got home, there was a "Dead Files" marathon on, leading up to the start of the new season in the evening. While I sat and watched, I started sorting painted fabric, looking for something I could use to make more small purses for the gift shop in Selkirk. They are selling well there, and I keep being asked to bring out more. I have 6 I can take out Sunday, as promised, but if anymore are needed, I will have to make them. Unfortunately, my shoulder is giving me so much trouble, that this may not happen. I did find already painted fabric for about 7 more, and zippers to match, but I think that will be the end of them. Too bad. I sort of liked having that little bit of extra money, although I know I never get paid for my time.
Now I'm taking a minute before bed to catch up on e-mail and check the news. I think that, accompanied by Tylenol, I should sleep well tonght.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Making the news
I don’t know if it made the national news but I know it made the Winnipeg news. Yes, we did have a stand off in Neepawa today. The RCMP and SWAT closed down a block of 3rd Ave. Right across from the elementary school. Good thing classes hadn’t started yet. Only teachers had to be evacuated. It is not really funny but they evacuated them onto 2nd street and their cars were on 3rd so most of them were wandering town cause they couldn’t get to their cars to drive home. Rrain lives on 2nd by the school. They evacuated up to her corner so she was okay. She was at work anyway but her house was unlocked so she was worried. A number of places locked down. Our office included but we had a sign on the door that we were open and to knock. We figured if the person at the door didn’t have a gun we were okay to let them in. Actually had two guys came to look at the air conditioner. I figured that the suspect wouldn’t be wearing a Four Seasons shirt so I let them in. Rrain cancelled the farmers market at work but ten minutes later SWAT fired the tear gas and it was all over. Since a lot of people missed the cancellation notice and showed up they held the market anyway. So that was my day. Except of course when Winnipeg phoned and asked if I was accepting anything today or what. It seems there were a lot of transfers that are Neepawa specific holding up the signing date. Does the fact that they were notified that I was writing a manual on those specific transfers not make them realize that, no, I am not accepting today. I logged on after that and the rest of the province had left them anyway. I am also supposed to be accepting documents for dauphin and Portage this week. Does the term burn out come to anyone’s mind!
Jumping on your roller coaster...
Pati it seems you are about to go on your roller coaster ride with all your events and the driving to and fro... so here I send my wishes for you to have the strength and stamina to 'get it done". You are well prepared with stock and organized as always, I am sure, so now all you have to do is forget that 'weariness' you spoke of, and do your very best. I shall be thinking of you - to wind down in between your outings, play your Candy Crush, as I will not expect a report from you for a few days.
Things are as usual here. Yesterday I baked the most delicious apple pie using the last of the large apples from that special tree of mine. Today I am trying an old recipe of yours Pati and I think Cathy you make it, too - ragout meatballs in the slow cooker. The frequent rain has the garden looking very sad right now - still lots of tomatoes to do down but the conflict still remains for kitchen space - Harry has a full dehydrator with onions he bought at the WalMart Store Tuesday. They have a shelf there of marked down veg and fruit - usually only a $1.00 /bag but the items are still very usable as were these large red/ and white and spanish onions were.
I separated the first pair of budgies yesterday - they had destroyed all of their eggs and were starting to fight - viciously even drawing blood. And to make it even better for me (haha) the second pair has started to lay eggs again. Oh brother!
Well time for my breakfast and then on with it. Take care all.
Things are as usual here. Yesterday I baked the most delicious apple pie using the last of the large apples from that special tree of mine. Today I am trying an old recipe of yours Pati and I think Cathy you make it, too - ragout meatballs in the slow cooker. The frequent rain has the garden looking very sad right now - still lots of tomatoes to do down but the conflict still remains for kitchen space - Harry has a full dehydrator with onions he bought at the WalMart Store Tuesday. They have a shelf there of marked down veg and fruit - usually only a $1.00 /bag but the items are still very usable as were these large red/ and white and spanish onions were.
I separated the first pair of budgies yesterday - they had destroyed all of their eggs and were starting to fight - viciously even drawing blood. And to make it even better for me (haha) the second pair has started to lay eggs again. Oh brother!
Well time for my breakfast and then on with it. Take care all.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Weary
The three purses I needed are finished, and I've been spending time doing more purging. I have bags of embroidery floss, and hand sewing needles, to send to the thrift store, and I have half filled a very large pill bottle with rusty pins and needles, for the garbage. As I work, I'm embarrassed to find I'm dealing with dust. Considering where I'm working and the sort of use the place gets, that really shouldn't be a surprise. So a bit of cleaning is going on at the same time, as the purge. I read a quote today but don't remember where. "Artists aren't messy, they just have ideas laying around everywhere." A new rule in my house--don't use blue dawn to dampen your cleaning rag. Maybe the Lady in Red put the idea into my head. There just isn't enough paper towel in the world to clean up all the suds. Maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but never the less, a truth to live by.
One reason for spending so much time in the studio, even though I can't do much in the way of machine work, is that it's been rather cold the last few days. I know, I know, just a few days ago we were complaining about the heat. But today, there is no reason to sit outside, and I have ground coffee in the fridge, so no reason to go anywhere. This morning David suggested that we turn the furnace on, long enough to warm up the house. I refuse, on principle, to turn the furnace on in August. That's just wrong!
One reason for spending so much time in the studio, even though I can't do much in the way of machine work, is that it's been rather cold the last few days. I know, I know, just a few days ago we were complaining about the heat. But today, there is no reason to sit outside, and I have ground coffee in the fridge, so no reason to go anywhere. This morning David suggested that we turn the furnace on, long enough to warm up the house. I refuse, on principle, to turn the furnace on in August. That's just wrong!
Books
Just a quickie note. I received my two books today and I delivered my DVD on loan to the Lady at the Thrift Store. I shall enjoy having as my own ( I paid for them) and reading the Julia Child book Mastering The Art of French Cooking. There were two books - Volume One and Volume Two. It is really just a whim on my part since watching the DVD Julie and Julia but I say, do what you want to do, right? Didn't cost much and I would never have had the opportunity if I had not spoken with this Lady.
Nasty thunderstorm and lots of rain last night - I was up pumping, of course. but it cleared by morning And then in Huntsville all of a sudden the sky darkened and torrential rain came. We sat in the car at the Metro Grocery store until it eased off a bit and then while in the store, the rain stopped and the sun came out....go figure!
Must go and do dishes, and put the birds to bed. Take care
Nasty thunderstorm and lots of rain last night - I was up pumping, of course. but it cleared by morning And then in Huntsville all of a sudden the sky darkened and torrential rain came. We sat in the car at the Metro Grocery store until it eased off a bit and then while in the store, the rain stopped and the sun came out....go figure!
Must go and do dishes, and put the birds to bed. Take care
Monday, August 27, 2018
Yes, and now I have an ear worm
It was a bit of a joke. I just never thought I would hear the phrase "coming down" on this blog. I like the song too, and have a difficulty deciding whose version of it I like most. I've always enjoyed Kris Kristofferson, in any of the roles he plays actor, singer etc., and Johnny Cash was just plain "special". Hated his version of "Bird on a Wire", though.
Worked myself silly today and yesterday. I got a phone call asking me for more of the purses I sell through the gift shop in Selkirk. They reluctantly agreed to wait until next Sunday, when I'm out there. Good thing, as I didn't have any. Prior to that, I was leisurely getting everything ready to hang the show in Pinawa on Saturday, and the pieces I'm delivering to Selkirk on Sunday. Then a flurry of e-mails, and suddenly I'm hanging the show in Pinawa on Thursday. It's now supper time on Monday, and I've replaced parts of the hanging system for five pieces, finished a sixth piece, prepared a final inventory for Pinawa, and have three purses almost ready for hand finishing. Thank Goodness for pledge month on PBS--there haven't been any of my regular shows on for a couple of weeks.
By 4:00, I was exhausted, but still puttering in the studio. I started looking around for things to purge. Liberated a big plastic bin and three small compartmentalized plastic boxes. Then I started to go through the bookshelf I use for odd stuff. Oh my, I found some memories. Things I had kept for emotional reasons, or made by hand and couldn't part with. I looked through everything, fondled most of them, wallowed in the memories, and put them back on the shelf. I'm just not ready to part with them.
Worked myself silly today and yesterday. I got a phone call asking me for more of the purses I sell through the gift shop in Selkirk. They reluctantly agreed to wait until next Sunday, when I'm out there. Good thing, as I didn't have any. Prior to that, I was leisurely getting everything ready to hang the show in Pinawa on Saturday, and the pieces I'm delivering to Selkirk on Sunday. Then a flurry of e-mails, and suddenly I'm hanging the show in Pinawa on Thursday. It's now supper time on Monday, and I've replaced parts of the hanging system for five pieces, finished a sixth piece, prepared a final inventory for Pinawa, and have three purses almost ready for hand finishing. Thank Goodness for pledge month on PBS--there haven't been any of my regular shows on for a couple of weeks.
By 4:00, I was exhausted, but still puttering in the studio. I started looking around for things to purge. Liberated a big plastic bin and three small compartmentalized plastic boxes. Then I started to go through the bookshelf I use for odd stuff. Oh my, I found some memories. Things I had kept for emotional reasons, or made by hand and couldn't part with. I looked through everything, fondled most of them, wallowed in the memories, and put them back on the shelf. I'm just not ready to part with them.
That's what makes it perfect...
You grab hold of an idea and go with it - just like you did by sitting in the backyard and enjoying the sun. Such little pleasures make such a big difference. So please make sure that you keep that sunny day in mind and reproduce it when I am there so we can sit in the sun. And Cathy you do the same - I am visualizing the walking trail, and the patio at your home as well!
Now you ask about the other blog I made. I love this saying - I love the song from where I drew the saying, and it was Sunday morning. I laughed at your question Pati and then could see how you might think I was actually 'coming down' from something even though I know you were joking. Perhaps it was just relief from a week that one could call less than stellar ?
But we start a new week now and today it is more crabapple juice. Yesterday it was picking . also I got the jars up but need to wash them quick this morning before the production commences. I did tomato juice yesterday and another batch of refridgerator pickles - that used up the remainder of the english cucumbers hanging on the vine. Tomorrow we go to Huntsville and I am anxious to see if that lady actually brings in her Julia Child cookbooks - I have the DVD tucked in my purse so I will not forget it.
Now for some breakfast and then "get to work" haha! You two have a good week , and write if you can. I am always happy to log on and see a few words. Take care
Now you ask about the other blog I made. I love this saying - I love the song from where I drew the saying, and it was Sunday morning. I laughed at your question Pati and then could see how you might think I was actually 'coming down' from something even though I know you were joking. Perhaps it was just relief from a week that one could call less than stellar ?
But we start a new week now and today it is more crabapple juice. Yesterday it was picking . also I got the jars up but need to wash them quick this morning before the production commences. I did tomato juice yesterday and another batch of refridgerator pickles - that used up the remainder of the english cucumbers hanging on the vine. Tomorrow we go to Huntsville and I am anxious to see if that lady actually brings in her Julia Child cookbooks - I have the DVD tucked in my purse so I will not forget it.
Now for some breakfast and then "get to work" haha! You two have a good week , and write if you can. I am always happy to log on and see a few words. Take care
Sunday, August 26, 2018
A perfect day
I managed to find time to sit outside today, and drink my (home made) coffee. You could certainly smell Fall in the air, but it was sunny--not too hot, not too cool. I could read without worrying about how to position my chair relative to the sun. Just right. I don't do that sort of thing often enough.
May I ask----
Coming down from what?
We have developed quite daily routine. Everyday, after reading the paper, one of the first things we do is turn on our computers, firstly to get free chips on Poker Stars and then to check the blog, and finally to play Candy Crush. This morning, I played Candy Crush for almost two hours, and this isn't necessarily an isolated event. David can play for an hour or more. This routine happens every morning. Every day when you first sign in, you receive a free booster, and unlimited play, for a limited period of time. The boosters used to increase in value for every consecutive day you sign in. It's been awhile since I missed a day, so I don't know if that's still the case. If you do miss, you go back and start over. I haven't missed a day since my computer crashed last spring. At some point while we play, we eat breakfast, and maybe, get dressed. It can be after 11:00 before we actually start our day. I'm betting that Beth won't want to sit, and watch me play Candy Crush for two hours. I guess these routines are just one way of putting in time--not necessarily a good thing, even at our age. Have to think about that one.
The local Starbuck's is closed for renovations, for a week. OMG!
What to do? The first couple of days, I got my coffee at Tim's, but it's usually luke warm when I get it. Not happy about that. (The lady at Starbuck's told me that coffee is supposed to be sold at 200 degrees F. Their machines tell them how hot is is.) So, yesterday, I went to the Starbuck's at Henderson and McLeod. I ordered my usual--a Venti De-caf Espresso Pour-Over. Took a few minutes to drink it while reading my book, and started to get a head ache, from the noisy environment, I thought, so headed home. I soon realized that I was in some sort of allergic response--not life threatening, but debilitating. I made it home in one piece, went to bed and slept like a rock for over an hour. I still had a headache for the next 6 hours, even with Tylenol. I fully believe that she made my drink with regular espresso rather than de-caf. Most of the time, I can handle a small amount of caffeine, and devote that to my one daily Dr. Pepper, but my allergy is cumulative, so I must now avoid caffeine for four or five days, until it is thoroughly out of my system, and then slowly build up that minimal tolerance again. Not a happy camper.
Very little going on in the studio. Still having shoulder problems. I must be compensating with my right shoulder, as that one is hurting a bit too, now. I have finished beading the one piece that I based on a piece of very dark blue fabric that had been painted and then over dyed. But, now I have to find a piece to bind it and back it. This means dyeing a piece to match that very dark blue. I tried two pieces of fabric yesterday, which came out a very pretty blue grey, but not the dark I want. I had mixed a little blue dye with black, which is what I would do if I were using acrylic paint. For the third piece, I started with navy and black, but saw that the fabric had a green tinge, early in the process, so added just a tiny bit of red. The results coming out of the bath were encouraging, and it's now in the washing machine. If it works, I can finish the piece today. Other wise, it will just be a bit more puttering and de-stashing, to pass the time. Fingers crossed!
We have developed quite daily routine. Everyday, after reading the paper, one of the first things we do is turn on our computers, firstly to get free chips on Poker Stars and then to check the blog, and finally to play Candy Crush. This morning, I played Candy Crush for almost two hours, and this isn't necessarily an isolated event. David can play for an hour or more. This routine happens every morning. Every day when you first sign in, you receive a free booster, and unlimited play, for a limited period of time. The boosters used to increase in value for every consecutive day you sign in. It's been awhile since I missed a day, so I don't know if that's still the case. If you do miss, you go back and start over. I haven't missed a day since my computer crashed last spring. At some point while we play, we eat breakfast, and maybe, get dressed. It can be after 11:00 before we actually start our day. I'm betting that Beth won't want to sit, and watch me play Candy Crush for two hours. I guess these routines are just one way of putting in time--not necessarily a good thing, even at our age. Have to think about that one.
The local Starbuck's is closed for renovations, for a week. OMG!
What to do? The first couple of days, I got my coffee at Tim's, but it's usually luke warm when I get it. Not happy about that. (The lady at Starbuck's told me that coffee is supposed to be sold at 200 degrees F. Their machines tell them how hot is is.) So, yesterday, I went to the Starbuck's at Henderson and McLeod. I ordered my usual--a Venti De-caf Espresso Pour-Over. Took a few minutes to drink it while reading my book, and started to get a head ache, from the noisy environment, I thought, so headed home. I soon realized that I was in some sort of allergic response--not life threatening, but debilitating. I made it home in one piece, went to bed and slept like a rock for over an hour. I still had a headache for the next 6 hours, even with Tylenol. I fully believe that she made my drink with regular espresso rather than de-caf. Most of the time, I can handle a small amount of caffeine, and devote that to my one daily Dr. Pepper, but my allergy is cumulative, so I must now avoid caffeine for four or five days, until it is thoroughly out of my system, and then slowly build up that minimal tolerance again. Not a happy camper.
Very little going on in the studio. Still having shoulder problems. I must be compensating with my right shoulder, as that one is hurting a bit too, now. I have finished beading the one piece that I based on a piece of very dark blue fabric that had been painted and then over dyed. But, now I have to find a piece to bind it and back it. This means dyeing a piece to match that very dark blue. I tried two pieces of fabric yesterday, which came out a very pretty blue grey, but not the dark I want. I had mixed a little blue dye with black, which is what I would do if I were using acrylic paint. For the third piece, I started with navy and black, but saw that the fabric had a green tinge, early in the process, so added just a tiny bit of red. The results coming out of the bath were encouraging, and it's now in the washing machine. If it works, I can finish the piece today. Other wise, it will just be a bit more puttering and de-stashing, to pass the time. Fingers crossed!
Sunday morning coming down...
So another weekend almost over and we have had the pleasure of rain. That's OK as I do not have to water. But as I look at your weather and see almost freezing night time temps in Neepawa I wonder what on earth is happening? I really do not want to think about that as there is so much to harvest yet in our yard and the thoughts of the "big cleanup" coming next frightens me, haha!
Not too much exciting around here - I have visited with Daisy and her granddaughter Michelle, and they are planning to return to Toronto today after a few weeks of a less than ideal situation - Daisy is just holding her own but always has a smile and a few laughs when we visit.
The birds are teasing me now - no babies as yet and it looks like maybe none to come in the immediate future. The first couple have laid eggs but they have not developed and now they are disappearing - I think the mother eats them?? And the second couple have not laid any yet. I am just as pleased as looking after what I do have is a challenge. I find them interesting to watch though - each has it's own personality and I have seen interactions between cage mates that indicate they are playing with each other and I find this pleasing - makes me happy. I also love to hear the bird song and believe me these birds are very vocal.
So on with the day. Hope all is well with you. Take care
Not too much exciting around here - I have visited with Daisy and her granddaughter Michelle, and they are planning to return to Toronto today after a few weeks of a less than ideal situation - Daisy is just holding her own but always has a smile and a few laughs when we visit.
The birds are teasing me now - no babies as yet and it looks like maybe none to come in the immediate future. The first couple have laid eggs but they have not developed and now they are disappearing - I think the mother eats them?? And the second couple have not laid any yet. I am just as pleased as looking after what I do have is a challenge. I find them interesting to watch though - each has it's own personality and I have seen interactions between cage mates that indicate they are playing with each other and I find this pleasing - makes me happy. I also love to hear the bird song and believe me these birds are very vocal.
So on with the day. Hope all is well with you. Take care
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Getting serious now....
Prompted by your last posting Pati about bringing things, the suitcase was brought up from the basement, dusted off, and things started to be put into it haha! The first item was my little Tigger who promptly jumped in and curled up - I wonder if I could bring him?
I spent a bit of time yesterday making up a little sewing kit filled with what I thought I would need to do hexies as was the prompt in your message, right? I have it all ready and the little quilt I'm working on, and all secured in a plastic zip lock bag and in the suitcase. So I shall not forget it! It is a good idea to bring it as I can sit in your studio and work away with you. And Cathy I'll bring the unfinished quilt with me to Neepawa so you can see it too. It's not much by comparison, but it is what I have been doing in spare time for the past two years haha!
Time for some spinach scramble for breakfast. And today more work with produce - tomatoes again today. Take care
I spent a bit of time yesterday making up a little sewing kit filled with what I thought I would need to do hexies as was the prompt in your message, right? I have it all ready and the little quilt I'm working on, and all secured in a plastic zip lock bag and in the suitcase. So I shall not forget it! It is a good idea to bring it as I can sit in your studio and work away with you. And Cathy I'll bring the unfinished quilt with me to Neepawa so you can see it too. It's not much by comparison, but it is what I have been doing in spare time for the past two years haha!
Time for some spinach scramble for breakfast. And today more work with produce - tomatoes again today. Take care
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Relaxing Tuesday
Yesterday I got together with a couple of friends. The hostess lives quite close to me. Originally another lady had invited us over, but had to cancel at the last minute, so my friend Kathy jumped in rather than disappoint us. We are all aging, and ended up having a humorous discussion on aging, and exercise programs. The up side is that they have decided to get together again while you are here, Beth, so that they can meet you. I'm quite looking forward to introducing you, so remember to bring those hexies. Of course, if you forget, I can lend you some.
The whole discussion gave me some food for thought. The physio was trying to help me with strengthening exercises, because I'm very weak in the upper body, something made worse by my shoulder injury. Maybe he had a point, and maybe there is incentive for me to continue the exercises he gave me. I'm certainly aware of research that shows that regular upper body weight training, improves the general health of seniors. Worth a try.
Yesterday I even had a chance to play in the studio. With all of the exhibition work out of the way, I can experiment with things that aren't necessarily part of a planned exhibition piece. To that end, I started cutting motifs out of embossed wall paper, and painting them, with the idea of making them part of very small collages. This gentle physical work has the potential to keep me busy for awhile, and has me finding my enthusiasm again. I can't wait to get back down there.
The whole discussion gave me some food for thought. The physio was trying to help me with strengthening exercises, because I'm very weak in the upper body, something made worse by my shoulder injury. Maybe he had a point, and maybe there is incentive for me to continue the exercises he gave me. I'm certainly aware of research that shows that regular upper body weight training, improves the general health of seniors. Worth a try.
Yesterday I even had a chance to play in the studio. With all of the exhibition work out of the way, I can experiment with things that aren't necessarily part of a planned exhibition piece. To that end, I started cutting motifs out of embossed wall paper, and painting them, with the idea of making them part of very small collages. This gentle physical work has the potential to keep me busy for awhile, and has me finding my enthusiasm again. I can't wait to get back down there.
A real rain fall
In this case we asked for rain, and we got it! At least I did not have to do the watering last evening, but I did have to do some pumping from here in the house haha! And this morning it is so very cool - the storm really helped to ease the heat but I expect that may change as the sun comes up.
We went shopping yesterday as usual and I spoke with the lady in The Thrift Store who tidies up the Book section. She is there each Tuesday as are we, so I have come to speak pleasantries with her. Yesterday she asked if i were looking for a specific book so I said yes, I keep looking for Julia Child's The Art of French Cooking but I never really expect to see it on the shelf. She then told me she had it in her own collection at home, along with the sequel and that since she was never going to use it she would bring it in. She intended to go thru it and try the recipes long ago but never did...so I asked her about the movie Julie and Julia with Meryl Streep which I love and have watched many times - this was the reason I was looking for the Cookbook. She has not seen it, but her story seems to parallel the movie's story. So here is our plan....I shall bring in the movie for her to view ( on loan) and she shall bring in the books for sale (at $2,00 each) and I will buy them and the proceeds will go to the store. I think this was a very charitable exchange on her part. Hope it works out.
Sorry Cathy that your "bounty" was not to be this year. If only there were some way we could share what we have here. I will be so busy today doing down stuff. We had enough cucumbers of our own but didn't Harry go to the veg stand here in town and buy a bag for me to do down more! He also picked ground apples in Huntsville yesterday from the Public Orchard which we have gone to for years, and I did down apple sauce and froze it yesterday. He has more fruit leathers dehydrating right now. And the tomatoes multiply on a daily basis!
I have heard from my friend Sue with some pictures from her cruise to Alaska in July given and arranged by her two daughters as a Birthday gift. The three of them must have had a fabulous trip together. She is offering up a few dates for our gettogether in the Fall for Lunch as we do every year. I imagine she may have a few more stories and pictures for me to see. I think I shall give her a telephone call this time instead of an email in response as i wish to offer to drive to Gravenhurst to meet them ( Sue and the other two who usually join us in the Fall) The one girl lives there and is having a horrendous time with arm fractures that are not healing and is in some great pain and very discouraged with things, She has trouble going out much so since i would like to actually see her, and she might not come as far up as Huntsville, I would meet them in Gravenhurst for Lunch. The highways would still be OK in late Sept /early Oct so I wouldn't worry about that - it is about 1 1/4 hours south - I used to drive there all the time for work.
Well, time for some Breakfast - I have been drinking pure cranberry juice since buying it yesterday to ward off that 'feeling" I am experiencing right now. Hope it works. Take care
We went shopping yesterday as usual and I spoke with the lady in The Thrift Store who tidies up the Book section. She is there each Tuesday as are we, so I have come to speak pleasantries with her. Yesterday she asked if i were looking for a specific book so I said yes, I keep looking for Julia Child's The Art of French Cooking but I never really expect to see it on the shelf. She then told me she had it in her own collection at home, along with the sequel and that since she was never going to use it she would bring it in. She intended to go thru it and try the recipes long ago but never did...so I asked her about the movie Julie and Julia with Meryl Streep which I love and have watched many times - this was the reason I was looking for the Cookbook. She has not seen it, but her story seems to parallel the movie's story. So here is our plan....I shall bring in the movie for her to view ( on loan) and she shall bring in the books for sale (at $2,00 each) and I will buy them and the proceeds will go to the store. I think this was a very charitable exchange on her part. Hope it works out.
Sorry Cathy that your "bounty" was not to be this year. If only there were some way we could share what we have here. I will be so busy today doing down stuff. We had enough cucumbers of our own but didn't Harry go to the veg stand here in town and buy a bag for me to do down more! He also picked ground apples in Huntsville yesterday from the Public Orchard which we have gone to for years, and I did down apple sauce and froze it yesterday. He has more fruit leathers dehydrating right now. And the tomatoes multiply on a daily basis!
I have heard from my friend Sue with some pictures from her cruise to Alaska in July given and arranged by her two daughters as a Birthday gift. The three of them must have had a fabulous trip together. She is offering up a few dates for our gettogether in the Fall for Lunch as we do every year. I imagine she may have a few more stories and pictures for me to see. I think I shall give her a telephone call this time instead of an email in response as i wish to offer to drive to Gravenhurst to meet them ( Sue and the other two who usually join us in the Fall) The one girl lives there and is having a horrendous time with arm fractures that are not healing and is in some great pain and very discouraged with things, She has trouble going out much so since i would like to actually see her, and she might not come as far up as Huntsville, I would meet them in Gravenhurst for Lunch. The highways would still be OK in late Sept /early Oct so I wouldn't worry about that - it is about 1 1/4 hours south - I used to drive there all the time for work.
Well, time for some Breakfast - I have been drinking pure cranberry juice since buying it yesterday to ward off that 'feeling" I am experiencing right now. Hope it works. Take care
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
An explanation
Why am I concerned about $$$? The last few months have been tight. This has resulted in a serious look at the budget, and the emerging knowledge that many regular expenses have increased significantly--most of which are more or less beyond our control, e.g. water bill, phone bill, fuel costs. This month I'm in the process of a serious re-vamping and re-prioritization of our budget. I've mentioned some of the steps in a very informal way, but haven't-and won't-really go into detail.
But, Beth, if we are heading to Neepawa, I'm going to have to put gas in the tank, and that will be an extra expense. I will spend the money gladly, as it means spending time with family.
But, Beth, if we are heading to Neepawa, I'm going to have to put gas in the tank, and that will be an extra expense. I will spend the money gladly, as it means spending time with family.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Goals for Beth's visit
A humourous response (I hope) to you folks.......having just read both of your entries for today, I have to reply with my goals for the visit. No fuss...no outings (or inings for that matter) that would cost money....... no gigantic plans to entertain (family not included in this)....fun visit with family....relaxed visit with my sisters...lots of laughs....lots of tea...one fabulous picture of the three of us.....no house cleaning (remember who is coming and what she is coming from haha!)....no outrageous meals - simple and plain.......and above all, peace and tranquility, rest and relaxation, no mind boggling decision making, .......and last but not least, a chance to see you both and enjoy your company. Sing along now..."I'm here for a good time, not a long time, so lets have a good time, and live each day as it comes......"
Hope you like this XX
Hope you like this XX
So much for the budget
We've been living on a pretty lean budget this month, in hopes of having a little extra to spend when Beth is here. Well, today we gave up on that goal. When we replaced the laundry room sink, David asked what to do with the old one. I told him I didn't care what he did, to fill it with mud and plant flowers if he wanted to. So that's what we did this morning. It's now been settled in beside Lion, and filled with whatever we could find at the garden center clearance. We also drove out to a remote garden center, to buy more Hydrangeas. The two we have have been wonderful this year. This is year 3 since they were planted and they appear to have settled in quite well--a really good show of foliage and blooms. Unfortunately, that place isn't open Mondays, but we will be going back. David also decided that we just had to replace the shower curtain, and it had a we bit of mould on it. They no longer had one in the pattern I have used for years. I could get it in a couple of different colours, none of which would match the bathroom, so bought a different one--not as nice.
While we were out, we stocked up on a couple of OTC pharmacy items, as well as a prescription. Did you know that they have hand-held pagers in Walmart? Whoops! I can hear David in the yard. vacuuming. I wonder what. Maybe just cleaning up after setting up that sink planter, or maybe he's decided to do something about the ants. Those little buggers are everywhere, even climbing people now. Doesn't bode well for our planned dinner on the 16th.
If we are looking for small pleasures, maybe Cathy, you should count not having anyone come in while you're working as one. I hate being distracted by a guest, when I'm trying to concentrate or plan.
And maybe I should attempt some work around here.
While we were out, we stocked up on a couple of OTC pharmacy items, as well as a prescription. Did you know that they have hand-held pagers in Walmart? Whoops! I can hear David in the yard. vacuuming. I wonder what. Maybe just cleaning up after setting up that sink planter, or maybe he's decided to do something about the ants. Those little buggers are everywhere, even climbing people now. Doesn't bode well for our planned dinner on the 16th.
If we are looking for small pleasures, maybe Cathy, you should count not having anyone come in while you're working as one. I hate being distracted by a guest, when I'm trying to concentrate or plan.
And maybe I should attempt some work around here.
Leaves of Yellow
The heat and drought has meant that our trees are already turning yellow. Very depressing. Not as bad as it must be for the farmers. Most of the crops are stunted and dry. There are fields of corn with nothing in them. The canola is too dry to swath. It just shatters on them. We got nothing out of our garden this year. Jim keeps hoping for a cucumber but I think he is out of luck. Especially since it got down to 2 last night. We were fortunate that the grasshoppers bypassed us this year, but Jim went to pick up Sam yesterday (4 miles south) and brought back at least 40 of them. We have also been inundated with tiny insects. No bigger than an eylash. They cover everything. The table, the house, the chairs, drinks. Even with a cover they are so small they get into your drinks. Quite a year. Patty is on holidays this week, so I am taking my lunch in the office (in case someone comes in) but I am not doing work. I locked the door and left a back in 10 minutes note on it and walked around the block. As I came up the street I could see someone on the stairs waiting for me. Nothing all day and they show up when I slip out. Elizabeth is here but she has nothing to do with document processing so she can't really help people that have process questions. We are going to Killarney next Sunday. Plan on getting there by 9am so that we can spend some time with Chloe. They are so busy in the summer it is hard to get together. I personally have done nothing ambitious like creating art or processing the summer's bounty. But I have read some good books :). the house is still a mess but what the heck. With dogs there is no hope of getting it clean.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Right you are...
If it were not for all the "new days" that come our way how would hope flourish in our lives! At least that is my way of looking at it.
I have been reading over past little while in the Free Press about the 50th Anniversary of the BOLER and the celebrations for the Boler trailer at the Red River Ex. Now I have many memories of the Findlay's Boler of which one was a trip to the USA with Mr and Mrs, Gail and Lilah, and me, all inside that little thing haha! I often think of that and wonder how we ever managed it? Another memory was meeting Mrs Findlay at the Rehab Hospital after she just got off working nights, and me still in residence at the Nursing School and driving out of the underground carpark and off to McConnel Lake for the weekend - her manoeuvring the car with the Boler in tow! Now that was something I tell you!
Cathy I see that you have smoke alerts in your area - how is it looking there? Air quality is also on alert in Winnipeg. There are areas in Northern Ontario now feeling the smoke effects of the BC fires. It is a real frightening thought of all that is going on right now.
So here's to a "new day" and lets all celebrate it. Take care
I have been reading over past little while in the Free Press about the 50th Anniversary of the BOLER and the celebrations for the Boler trailer at the Red River Ex. Now I have many memories of the Findlay's Boler of which one was a trip to the USA with Mr and Mrs, Gail and Lilah, and me, all inside that little thing haha! I often think of that and wonder how we ever managed it? Another memory was meeting Mrs Findlay at the Rehab Hospital after she just got off working nights, and me still in residence at the Nursing School and driving out of the underground carpark and off to McConnel Lake for the weekend - her manoeuvring the car with the Boler in tow! Now that was something I tell you!
Cathy I see that you have smoke alerts in your area - how is it looking there? Air quality is also on alert in Winnipeg. There are areas in Northern Ontario now feeling the smoke effects of the BC fires. It is a real frightening thought of all that is going on right now.
So here's to a "new day" and lets all celebrate it. Take care
Saturday, August 18, 2018
A new day
That knowledge always brings a little hope.
David got the sink done. I think it's more sturdy than the old one ever was, but it's also smaller. A mixed blessing as that means more room to manoeuver in the laundry area, but we'll have to find out if it's big enough to cope with the size of loads I sometimes put in the washer. In any case, I get to wash out the four dye baths I've done over the past couple of days. I'm trying something new that was suggested by the ladies at my meeting on Wednesday. I'm quite excited about the results I'm getting, but can't be sure until the pieces have been thoroughly washed. For many years I used a special industrial detergent, but recently heard that Blue Dawn will do the same thing. Love the stuff and never have any any other dish soap around, but I'm not sure that I trust it that far. Not a problem if I were just thinking of fabric used in art, but anything that I use in a charity quilt, must be colourfast.
No exciting plans for the weekend. David is about to head out to cut the grass, as there is a "garden waste" pick up on Monday. I prefer to stay upstairs when he's dong that, just to keep a casual eye on him, in case eh has problems--not that he has lately--but better safe etc. I'm hoping for a little studio time. I haven't done anything other than purge and the four dye baths I mentioned, in almost a week. Like any other addict, I'm in withdrawal, but determined not to push it, as being able to return safely to my studio is very, very important to me, right now.
Be safe and be happy, ladies. After all, we now have something wonderful to look forward to.
David got the sink done. I think it's more sturdy than the old one ever was, but it's also smaller. A mixed blessing as that means more room to manoeuver in the laundry area, but we'll have to find out if it's big enough to cope with the size of loads I sometimes put in the washer. In any case, I get to wash out the four dye baths I've done over the past couple of days. I'm trying something new that was suggested by the ladies at my meeting on Wednesday. I'm quite excited about the results I'm getting, but can't be sure until the pieces have been thoroughly washed. For many years I used a special industrial detergent, but recently heard that Blue Dawn will do the same thing. Love the stuff and never have any any other dish soap around, but I'm not sure that I trust it that far. Not a problem if I were just thinking of fabric used in art, but anything that I use in a charity quilt, must be colourfast.
No exciting plans for the weekend. David is about to head out to cut the grass, as there is a "garden waste" pick up on Monday. I prefer to stay upstairs when he's dong that, just to keep a casual eye on him, in case eh has problems--not that he has lately--but better safe etc. I'm hoping for a little studio time. I haven't done anything other than purge and the four dye baths I mentioned, in almost a week. Like any other addict, I'm in withdrawal, but determined not to push it, as being able to return safely to my studio is very, very important to me, right now.
Be safe and be happy, ladies. After all, we now have something wonderful to look forward to.
Keep HER there please!
Life is difficult enough without help from your Woman in Red Pati so please keep her there with you! But please keep sharing your stories of HER adventures because I am enjoying the laughs too much.
I took Daisy along with her granddaughter to Huntsville Hospital for an 8 pm appointment for an ultrasound last night. I offered to drive them and glad I did - for Daisy and Michelle. Things are a bit tough there right now and I know Daisy enjoys my company to lighten it up a bit inspite of her increasing compromised situation medically. I cannot remember if I mentioned that her son was to come this week but then his wife fell and broke her arm so all the plans fell through for care. Now Michelle is staying for another week. Her mother owns a Hair Salon in Toronto where Michelle also works so times are tough for them complicated by Daisy's recent fall and subsequent issues. Daisy's son Mike now has to drive his wife to the Salon to set it up for her for the day, She is answering the phone and basically running things with one other hairdresser doing all the hair work as she herself cannot do anything physically with her arm in a sling and constant pain. What a circus for them! Driving down to Huntsville we spotted smoke rising from the bush along the highway and shocked to see flames rising above the trees and the air filling with thick black smoke. Fire trucks were rushing up from Huntsville along the highway ( cars by the way were not giving way for the trucks - must be frustrating for the emergency responders when this happens) On the way home, in the dark now as it was past 9 pm, I wondered if the highway may be blocked as a result but only encountered heavy Friday night traffic heading North for the weekend and as we passed the area, no evidence of continued involvement so thankfully they must have got the blaze under control. Michelle said she had seen a structure in full blaze on the way down, so perhaps it was a garage or maybe a home? With the dry ground and trees and the threat of forest fires I had worried the fire could have taken off worse.
Well, the weekend is here and so I hope you folks enjoy a bit of rest - Cathy how are things there - have you cleaned up your garden yet? We are in the process of doing that now - but with each day Harry comes up with a new idea and things get interesting. Yesterday a dog wondered into the yard obviously lost so Harry secured him by promising treats. He had a phone number on his collar which I called but left a message only. It was about an hour later that Harry actually made contact and the fellow came over in a flash to get the dog. The dog has done this before and it was the same dog we helped the neighbour Ruth look after in the Spring that landed in her yard. The man was very nice and acknowledged that he had come this way before to retrieve the dog and joked that we must have his phone number on speed dial by now! Take care.
I took Daisy along with her granddaughter to Huntsville Hospital for an 8 pm appointment for an ultrasound last night. I offered to drive them and glad I did - for Daisy and Michelle. Things are a bit tough there right now and I know Daisy enjoys my company to lighten it up a bit inspite of her increasing compromised situation medically. I cannot remember if I mentioned that her son was to come this week but then his wife fell and broke her arm so all the plans fell through for care. Now Michelle is staying for another week. Her mother owns a Hair Salon in Toronto where Michelle also works so times are tough for them complicated by Daisy's recent fall and subsequent issues. Daisy's son Mike now has to drive his wife to the Salon to set it up for her for the day, She is answering the phone and basically running things with one other hairdresser doing all the hair work as she herself cannot do anything physically with her arm in a sling and constant pain. What a circus for them! Driving down to Huntsville we spotted smoke rising from the bush along the highway and shocked to see flames rising above the trees and the air filling with thick black smoke. Fire trucks were rushing up from Huntsville along the highway ( cars by the way were not giving way for the trucks - must be frustrating for the emergency responders when this happens) On the way home, in the dark now as it was past 9 pm, I wondered if the highway may be blocked as a result but only encountered heavy Friday night traffic heading North for the weekend and as we passed the area, no evidence of continued involvement so thankfully they must have got the blaze under control. Michelle said she had seen a structure in full blaze on the way down, so perhaps it was a garage or maybe a home? With the dry ground and trees and the threat of forest fires I had worried the fire could have taken off worse.
Well, the weekend is here and so I hope you folks enjoy a bit of rest - Cathy how are things there - have you cleaned up your garden yet? We are in the process of doing that now - but with each day Harry comes up with a new idea and things get interesting. Yesterday a dog wondered into the yard obviously lost so Harry secured him by promising treats. He had a phone number on his collar which I called but left a message only. It was about an hour later that Harry actually made contact and the fellow came over in a flash to get the dog. The dog has done this before and it was the same dog we helped the neighbour Ruth look after in the Spring that landed in her yard. The man was very nice and acknowledged that he had come this way before to retrieve the dog and joked that we must have his phone number on speed dial by now! Take care.
Friday, August 17, 2018
that darn woman in red
Now she's been playing around in the laundry room. I noticed a bit of a puddle on the floor while doing the laundry. I had noticed this last time, as well, and mentioned it to David. So, nothing but off to Rona for a new sink ( the store is closing and there is a sale on. Don't want to miss that). We installed the old one when we moved in almost 20 years ago, so maybe it doesn't owe us anything. Besides, I can no longer get it clean from all the dye and paint that I use in it. We brought it home, and I suggested that we not worry about replacing the old one today, thinking of the fact that I was only half way through the laundry, and I still had two dye baths "batching" in the old sink. However, it is in the process of being replaced, and I managed to get what will be the load out of the washer and into the dryer. Then, we ( the "royal" we) find we need to replace some of the connections to the floor drain. So off to Rona again. I took a book and waited in the car. He comes out without the new connections. Seems that the old one was fine, and all that had to be replaced was the actual piece that is connected to the sink, not the part that connects onto it. Problem solved. But the donkey work of setting everything up continues.
The other thing that Woman in Red has done is eat all of my pasta. I was sure I had several meals carefully put away in the freezer, but not so. Since I only eat multi-grain pasta, we had to pick up a box of that while we were out. Not easy to find in smaller grocery store, and when you do, take extra money. Tonight I'm cooking a big pot of multi-grain to freeze where she can't find it, and then more regular stuff for David's supper. Never a dull moment.
All I've manged to get done in the studio, other than 4 dye baths, has been more purging. We took a big bag to the thrift store on our first outing today. This may be necessary, but is always emotional for me. Very sad to be letting go, but a big relief to have let it go. Very confusing to my soul, which may be why I a little weepy and short tempered. Being aware of this, makes it a little easier to control.
The other thing that Woman in Red has done is eat all of my pasta. I was sure I had several meals carefully put away in the freezer, but not so. Since I only eat multi-grain pasta, we had to pick up a box of that while we were out. Not easy to find in smaller grocery store, and when you do, take extra money. Tonight I'm cooking a big pot of multi-grain to freeze where she can't find it, and then more regular stuff for David's supper. Never a dull moment.
All I've manged to get done in the studio, other than 4 dye baths, has been more purging. We took a big bag to the thrift store on our first outing today. This may be necessary, but is always emotional for me. Very sad to be letting go, but a big relief to have let it go. Very confusing to my soul, which may be why I a little weepy and short tempered. Being aware of this, makes it a little easier to control.
Raining
Started to rain in the night - a very welcome relief for the dry conditions. Even if I did water last night I did not mind this as we have been promised rain but none has come until now. I had to go out with an umbrella this morning - the dog refused to move further than the front steps - to move some trays of planted seeds that I had to move into the greenhouse to prevent it from getting drowned. I do not think I made it in time and see that it is drenched - oh well, I'll look at it better in the daylight.
We have started to pull plants out now and clear ground eg the beans and the peas will be next. Harry is all ready to prepare the beds to plant his garlic which will occur in a week or two. I've weeded the plots and now he puts more soil and manure before the fresh newly bought bulbs get planted. Then covered with straw for over the winter. The process never seems to end haha!
Pati I am happy to hear that your trip to Pinawa was successful and now you can prepare for your showing with confidence. I watched The Quilt Show most current session last night and saw the tool in action for Die Cutting. I think this is quite an amazing tool but wonder about cutting the different shapes and lengths - would need the specific die to do this so one would have to accumulate several of them? I tried to look up machine on net but did not get too far yet with this search.
The fires around our area are coming under control and nothing as bad as in BC right now. Still have NO FIRE BANS so no chance of making a fire this year. I actually gathered all my little piles of kindling and sticks with idea of getting rid of them. And to have the skies tainted by smoke as far as Manitoba demonstrates the severity of this years fires and is a bit scary to hear that this is probably the normal now. Perhaps it is a weird sight to see coloured skies such as you described, but it does not bode well for the cause and effects, does it?
Onto my bowl of oats and raisins that I prepared last night and put into the fridge for breakfast. I have not had this dish for awhile so looking forward to this treat. I can still hear some rumbling in the skies so I guess the rain storm is not over yet. That's OK as I would like an "inside day" to putter about. Take care.
We have started to pull plants out now and clear ground eg the beans and the peas will be next. Harry is all ready to prepare the beds to plant his garlic which will occur in a week or two. I've weeded the plots and now he puts more soil and manure before the fresh newly bought bulbs get planted. Then covered with straw for over the winter. The process never seems to end haha!
Pati I am happy to hear that your trip to Pinawa was successful and now you can prepare for your showing with confidence. I watched The Quilt Show most current session last night and saw the tool in action for Die Cutting. I think this is quite an amazing tool but wonder about cutting the different shapes and lengths - would need the specific die to do this so one would have to accumulate several of them? I tried to look up machine on net but did not get too far yet with this search.
The fires around our area are coming under control and nothing as bad as in BC right now. Still have NO FIRE BANS so no chance of making a fire this year. I actually gathered all my little piles of kindling and sticks with idea of getting rid of them. And to have the skies tainted by smoke as far as Manitoba demonstrates the severity of this years fires and is a bit scary to hear that this is probably the normal now. Perhaps it is a weird sight to see coloured skies such as you described, but it does not bode well for the cause and effects, does it?
Onto my bowl of oats and raisins that I prepared last night and put into the fridge for breakfast. I have not had this dish for awhile so looking forward to this treat. I can still hear some rumbling in the skies so I guess the rain storm is not over yet. That's OK as I would like an "inside day" to putter about. Take care.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Tired
The meeting went well last evening, most things were sorted out, and the rest taken care of today( I delegated). Today we drove out to Pinawa, so that I could see the Gallery where I will hang my stuff on Sept 1st. There were construction delays-- 45 minutes to drive about 1km at 2-3 km/hour, in heavy traffic, most of which appeared to be heavy gravel trucks. This made the trip, usually about an hour, just under two hours.
Dick and Vivian were busy with appointments, but tried to get to the gallery between appointments, to chat and have coffee with us. The gallery was pleasant surprise, and I may be able to take more with me than I had thought. This trip has always been without stops, so I didn't take my diuretic this morning. However, there is a very new Tim Horton's, on the East side of Beausejour. This will be a welcome stop whenever I make the trip again. I had stopped at The 59er, near Birds Hill Park, on the way out, after clearing the construction, but we stopped at Tim's on the way home.
A very strange day atmospherically, not because of weather.
The smoke from B.C./ Alberta totally obscured the sun, creating the strangest colour sky. It was almost like low hanging clouds, everywhere, but the most unusual colour I've ever seen. The man on the radio described it as almost as though everything was seen through a yellow filter. He also described it as very "creepy", and I have to agree. I had noticed it when I first got up, and wondered if we were about to have a tornado. I had heard of a pending tornado causing the sky to turn a yellow/green, but this was really more of yellow/brown,. As he said--creepy.
Now to think about bed. It's early, but just about time.
Dick and Vivian were busy with appointments, but tried to get to the gallery between appointments, to chat and have coffee with us. The gallery was pleasant surprise, and I may be able to take more with me than I had thought. This trip has always been without stops, so I didn't take my diuretic this morning. However, there is a very new Tim Horton's, on the East side of Beausejour. This will be a welcome stop whenever I make the trip again. I had stopped at The 59er, near Birds Hill Park, on the way out, after clearing the construction, but we stopped at Tim's on the way home.
A very strange day atmospherically, not because of weather.
The smoke from B.C./ Alberta totally obscured the sun, creating the strangest colour sky. It was almost like low hanging clouds, everywhere, but the most unusual colour I've ever seen. The man on the radio described it as almost as though everything was seen through a yellow filter. He also described it as very "creepy", and I have to agree. I had noticed it when I first got up, and wondered if we were about to have a tornado. I had heard of a pending tornado causing the sky to turn a yellow/green, but this was really more of yellow/brown,. As he said--creepy.
Now to think about bed. It's early, but just about time.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
I hope that I figured out the problem
I think that the "Woman in Red" has secretly been living in my computer. It must be that or else my brain is rotting faster than my body, and if that was so, I don't think I would notice it. I have been juggling contracts and arranging volunteers for three up-coming fibre exhibitions, all at the same time. As well I have three exhibitions hanging on the first September weekend. I am involved to a greater or lesser degree in all three of them, and have been quite worried about how my physical endurance is going to keep up. Now a good friend is trying to organize a fabric marbling day on August 30. I so-o-o want to go, but know for sure I can't manage 4 days in a row of intense activity.
And about those three exhibitions? Well I got the contracts mixed up and have spent the last three days organizing volunteers for the hanging on August 31st, followed by a reception complete with Artists' Talks on Sep 7th. After contacting everyone and sorting things out I realized that the volunteers aren't needed until September of 2019.
I was in tears right after supper, but then had to go out to a meeting, where I had to apologize to all of my volunteers and explain why they suddenly weren't needed for over a year.
Now, I would never have made such a mess of everything. It must have been someone else, and I can only think of one person to blame--the Lady in Red.
Who ever is to blame, I came home from the meeting and poured a big glass of wine, only because there was no B&B in the house. That would have been so much more satisfying.
And about those three exhibitions? Well I got the contracts mixed up and have spent the last three days organizing volunteers for the hanging on August 31st, followed by a reception complete with Artists' Talks on Sep 7th. After contacting everyone and sorting things out I realized that the volunteers aren't needed until September of 2019.
I was in tears right after supper, but then had to go out to a meeting, where I had to apologize to all of my volunteers and explain why they suddenly weren't needed for over a year.
Now, I would never have made such a mess of everything. It must have been someone else, and I can only think of one person to blame--the Lady in Red.
Who ever is to blame, I came home from the meeting and poured a big glass of wine, only because there was no B&B in the house. That would have been so much more satisfying.
Physical woes....
Not easy for me to read your last blog either Pati knowing how much you cherish your abilities to work with fabric and fibers in creating your art, and verbalizing your fears for the future if those abilities fail you. In my day to day work around the yard and house, I, too, have experienced a similar sense of change in me and my body's ability to function and wonder what I can do about it. In my case the intricacies of fine hand work and cutting precisely are not as imperative as yours, but I still find I have to adjust strategies to alleviate my pain or my restrictions of movement just to get the job done. There must be help out there eg with tools, or accessories, to give you a "leg up"? You mentioned investigating such options. So lets do it..... lets see what can be had to help. I am anxious now to follow your journey to resolve and anxious that I shall soon be there with you two, Cathy and Pati to see you first hand and perhaps we can commiserate, or rather strategize, together?
Blooming hot here....when will it end? Just when I think it is getting better ...wham...another heat spell hits us. I cut the grass the other day and I literally had water running down my face and in my eyes. Then sitting down to rest after, it took me awhile (longer than usual) to recover. And watering takes a good two hours each day although I find some solace in this one task. And I find lots to eat as well .... yesterday as I roamed about the entire yard watering with the hose, I gorged on cucumbers, and tomatoes, and strawberries and even a few raspberries.
I go to the dentist Thursday at 8:30 am to have that filling fixed - never look forward to this although there is a new dentist now in this practise - a younger foreign man who was really quite pleasant in my last examination - I guess I'll find out how he is at filling a tooth.
And my lady friend Daisy is not doing well - last week had a bad fall and the family took her to ER. No broken bones but for the last week has been a bit off. The local Dr did urine tests but the results were negative inspite of her up every hour or tow to urinate. Her granddaughter took her to ER again yesterday and they were doing Ultrasounds, and CT scans and bloodwork. She keeps me updated on the phone ( from the ER last night at 7 pm!) I shall call today and if they are home and up to a visit,(although I do no think they would admit her to hospital,) I shall go over this afternoon.
And yesterday while we were shopping in the Metro in Huntsville my friend Ruth from across the street called asking me to come over for a coffee - a "girls only" visit probably with her sister ( the one from Holland) and maybe another neighbour but I was not sure who she had in mind! I wish I could have gone but it was not to be!
Time for breakfast and then the day begins...oh, joy and rapture,,,haha! Take care.
Blooming hot here....when will it end? Just when I think it is getting better ...wham...another heat spell hits us. I cut the grass the other day and I literally had water running down my face and in my eyes. Then sitting down to rest after, it took me awhile (longer than usual) to recover. And watering takes a good two hours each day although I find some solace in this one task. And I find lots to eat as well .... yesterday as I roamed about the entire yard watering with the hose, I gorged on cucumbers, and tomatoes, and strawberries and even a few raspberries.
I go to the dentist Thursday at 8:30 am to have that filling fixed - never look forward to this although there is a new dentist now in this practise - a younger foreign man who was really quite pleasant in my last examination - I guess I'll find out how he is at filling a tooth.
And my lady friend Daisy is not doing well - last week had a bad fall and the family took her to ER. No broken bones but for the last week has been a bit off. The local Dr did urine tests but the results were negative inspite of her up every hour or tow to urinate. Her granddaughter took her to ER again yesterday and they were doing Ultrasounds, and CT scans and bloodwork. She keeps me updated on the phone ( from the ER last night at 7 pm!) I shall call today and if they are home and up to a visit,(although I do no think they would admit her to hospital,) I shall go over this afternoon.
And yesterday while we were shopping in the Metro in Huntsville my friend Ruth from across the street called asking me to come over for a coffee - a "girls only" visit probably with her sister ( the one from Holland) and maybe another neighbour but I was not sure who she had in mind! I wish I could have gone but it was not to be!
Time for breakfast and then the day begins...oh, joy and rapture,,,haha! Take care.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Not an easy or happy day
Yesterday, about 4:00, my shoulder and back suddenly told me that they had had enough and were not going to work anymore. I know I had been pushing it quite a bit, and had been trying to pace the work, but obviously I hadn't been too successful at reducing the physical stress. I did almost nothing for the rest of the day. Any movement, especially of my left shoulder caused pain. I applied heat and Voltaren liberally before bed, and managed to get some sleep, but any movement today is still painful. This is the worst my shoulder has been since I hurt it June 25th.
The work I was doing was cutting fabric with my rotary cutter, and machine quilting--both are essential activities for the any sort of quilting activity--not only art quilting. Since David's stroke, and thumb problem, he can no longer cut for me. Paying someone else to do my quilting for me is not feasible. $$$
With all of the problems I've had over the past 6-7 years, I've had to change or adapt a lot of my activities, both in daily life, and in the studio. Now I'm facing the possibility that I can no longer adapt. There are generally speaking four steps in the rehabilitation response sequence following an injury that results in some sort of disability--adapt the persons method/basic ability of accomplishing a task, adapting the task itself with the use of tools, finding a completely different method of accomplishing the task, or, finally, have the task done by someone else. This sequence can be flexible depending on each person's unique living situation. At this point I'm fearful that I've run out of viable options. The only choice I have right now is to not do any studio work, in hopes that, over time, the shoulder will heal enough that I can consider going back into the rehab sequence, and re-visit some of the steps. This would be quite a "leap of faith".
Worry over all of this has resulted in a very uncomfortable day, and quite a few teary periods. To top it all up, Poker Stars has been having technical problems, and even that sort of diversion isn't available to me. So my plan for the evening is to sit and watch re-runs of Antiques Road Show. Oh Joy!!
The work I was doing was cutting fabric with my rotary cutter, and machine quilting--both are essential activities for the any sort of quilting activity--not only art quilting. Since David's stroke, and thumb problem, he can no longer cut for me. Paying someone else to do my quilting for me is not feasible. $$$
With all of the problems I've had over the past 6-7 years, I've had to change or adapt a lot of my activities, both in daily life, and in the studio. Now I'm facing the possibility that I can no longer adapt. There are generally speaking four steps in the rehabilitation response sequence following an injury that results in some sort of disability--adapt the persons method/basic ability of accomplishing a task, adapting the task itself with the use of tools, finding a completely different method of accomplishing the task, or, finally, have the task done by someone else. This sequence can be flexible depending on each person's unique living situation. At this point I'm fearful that I've run out of viable options. The only choice I have right now is to not do any studio work, in hopes that, over time, the shoulder will heal enough that I can consider going back into the rehab sequence, and re-visit some of the steps. This would be quite a "leap of faith".
Worry over all of this has resulted in a very uncomfortable day, and quite a few teary periods. To top it all up, Poker Stars has been having technical problems, and even that sort of diversion isn't available to me. So my plan for the evening is to sit and watch re-runs of Antiques Road Show. Oh Joy!!
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Your weather
I almost hate to be writing about weather again but you folks there are still in the thick of it - setting records in Winnipeg for high temps for heavens sake! And smoke alerts to add to the mix according to the Neepawa weather. I check every morning to see what is going on there. Please take care and stay in if you can. Here, it has been better - in high 20's to 30 and not so terribly humid. So I can go outside and work without feeling like I'm dragging myself around.
Surprise! My Bailey won first place in his category at the Mutt Show yesterday and won a trophy, a bag of goodies and $20.00. As a first place winner he was also automatically entered in the Best of Show but did not win that as I had expected as there were some very talented dogs on display. It was such a fun afternoon. Poor little guy came home and was zonked right out. And Harry went to the Foodland and bought us a bucket of chicken for supper with the $20.00 ......easy come, easy go! I will try to send a picture via the email of him at the show if I can.
Today it is back to work for me - I actually did not get much done yesterday except a batch of tomato juice so I must do the birds and vacuum today, and finish the wash. Ugh!
The other day I broke off a piece of filling while trying to eat some ribs. I made short ribs in the oven ( not Daddy's recipe) with just some BBQ sauce over top. They were a bit hard in places and obviously too hard for that poor tooth. I will have to make an appointment to get it fixed as my tongue goes there all the time now to feel the hole - why is that? I was not counting on having to go to the dentist right now ($). Take care
Surprise! My Bailey won first place in his category at the Mutt Show yesterday and won a trophy, a bag of goodies and $20.00. As a first place winner he was also automatically entered in the Best of Show but did not win that as I had expected as there were some very talented dogs on display. It was such a fun afternoon. Poor little guy came home and was zonked right out. And Harry went to the Foodland and bought us a bucket of chicken for supper with the $20.00 ......easy come, easy go! I will try to send a picture via the email of him at the show if I can.
Today it is back to work for me - I actually did not get much done yesterday except a batch of tomato juice so I must do the birds and vacuum today, and finish the wash. Ugh!
The other day I broke off a piece of filling while trying to eat some ribs. I made short ribs in the oven ( not Daddy's recipe) with just some BBQ sauce over top. They were a bit hard in places and obviously too hard for that poor tooth. I will have to make an appointment to get it fixed as my tongue goes there all the time now to feel the hole - why is that? I was not counting on having to go to the dentist right now ($). Take care
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Shopping and Smoothies
On Thursday, my blender developed a nasty leak through the base. I have to guess that the gasket died. It has served me well for the last two years, so we were faced with getting a new one. Given the heat, and the fact that it's the weekend, we headed out to shop before even having breakfast, hoping to avoid both the heat and the usual crowds of strange people at Walmart on Saturdays. We had also run into a spaghetti sauce crisis, in that we had used the last bag from the freezer. Once on the road, David mentioned that he didn't have any chili either, so that meant stocking up on supplies for that, as well. I casually wondered if tomato sauce might be cheaper at Walmart, than Sobey's. So--we shopped for groceries at Walmart. I tend to avoid this privilege as I know that Walmart has forced smaller grocers to close all over the USA, and then left the area, leaving many poor people without any access to food.
This was an experience. Walmart keeps prices down by using lesser-know brands, including "Great Value". I have sometimes run into "Great Value" or as it sometimes appears as "GV" brand, in the Giant Tiger Store across the street. There we find it in frozen food such a pizza, and for that, you get what you pay for. But I've never used any of their canned goods. Guess I'm going to now. They also had some unbelievable deals on meat, and I confess that we took advantage last winter, without any consequences.
But both of us are fairly firm on buying produce, and most of our regular meat at Sobey's.
I also found a new blender at Walmart ( which was why I went in, in the first place.) Amber has told me how much she likes her "Ninja" blender and we almost bought one, until I realized that it blended upside down. The first one I bought, when I started my new eating regime, did it that way, and this wouldn't suit the process that my book asks for. We did find a nice "Kitchen Aid" one, for the Ninja price, and brought it home. This meant that we both had a smoothie for lunch, and it did a very fine job. I hope it last awhile.
David started getting out the slow cookers for making the spaghetti sauce and chili, when we realized that we had both forgotten that one of my slow cookers had died, last time we power cooked, and we had got rid of the two very old ones we had under the stairs. We only have one! So, it's spaghetti sauce today ( and for supper too) and chili tomorrow. Much easier on both of us.
And tonight is my night to watch tv.
This was an experience. Walmart keeps prices down by using lesser-know brands, including "Great Value". I have sometimes run into "Great Value" or as it sometimes appears as "GV" brand, in the Giant Tiger Store across the street. There we find it in frozen food such a pizza, and for that, you get what you pay for. But I've never used any of their canned goods. Guess I'm going to now. They also had some unbelievable deals on meat, and I confess that we took advantage last winter, without any consequences.
But both of us are fairly firm on buying produce, and most of our regular meat at Sobey's.
I also found a new blender at Walmart ( which was why I went in, in the first place.) Amber has told me how much she likes her "Ninja" blender and we almost bought one, until I realized that it blended upside down. The first one I bought, when I started my new eating regime, did it that way, and this wouldn't suit the process that my book asks for. We did find a nice "Kitchen Aid" one, for the Ninja price, and brought it home. This meant that we both had a smoothie for lunch, and it did a very fine job. I hope it last awhile.
David started getting out the slow cookers for making the spaghetti sauce and chili, when we realized that we had both forgotten that one of my slow cookers had died, last time we power cooked, and we had got rid of the two very old ones we had under the stairs. We only have one! So, it's spaghetti sauce today ( and for supper too) and chili tomorrow. Much easier on both of us.
And tonight is my night to watch tv.
Not so hot...
Maybe I am just getting used to the hot humid weather, but lately it has not been quite so bad and actually quite liveable and workable! Hope it keeps up like this. Today is the Sunflower Festival - big celebration here in Sundridge. The weather is calling for showers and then a thunderstorm. Not good news for an outdoor event. The main street and waterfront is lined with vendors, and stage music and kids events. And of course the Mutt Show this afternoon at which I am showing our little Bailey. Hope the weather changes to the better.
The neighbours have arrived next door. We all had a long chat over the fence yesterday as we gave them vegetables from our garden, and she gave us a box of specialty chocolates from Holland, and some cookies and an authentic Delft plate which I have placed in the china cabinet to keep it safe. So for the next six weeks I will tend to avoid our back area as much as possible - I have come to really enjoy the privacy we enjoy the rest of the year when they are in Holland haha! I noticed this reticence of mine last night when I was watering and almost forgot their presence when walking along the fence to get all the tomatoes - there they were resting on their back patio so I quickly tried to avoid eye contact and water the plants. Funny feeling. Next year they both retire and he says their time in Canada will increase - to what degree I do not know yet because they now have two granddaughters back home which seem to be the centre of their life.
I love your latest art piece Pati posted on Mouse Factory. The colours are beautiful and look so nice on the "rusted" background. It must feel good to create a 'fun" piece as you call it, after all the other work of dyeing and purging you have been doing. How will you show this piece - on a hanger or in a frame?
Well, time for breakfast and then get ready for the day. Sometime in between the activities downtown I must clean the bird cages ( my Saturday treat) so do not know how this day will shape up?
Have a nice weekend folks... Bye for now
The neighbours have arrived next door. We all had a long chat over the fence yesterday as we gave them vegetables from our garden, and she gave us a box of specialty chocolates from Holland, and some cookies and an authentic Delft plate which I have placed in the china cabinet to keep it safe. So for the next six weeks I will tend to avoid our back area as much as possible - I have come to really enjoy the privacy we enjoy the rest of the year when they are in Holland haha! I noticed this reticence of mine last night when I was watering and almost forgot their presence when walking along the fence to get all the tomatoes - there they were resting on their back patio so I quickly tried to avoid eye contact and water the plants. Funny feeling. Next year they both retire and he says their time in Canada will increase - to what degree I do not know yet because they now have two granddaughters back home which seem to be the centre of their life.
I love your latest art piece Pati posted on Mouse Factory. The colours are beautiful and look so nice on the "rusted" background. It must feel good to create a 'fun" piece as you call it, after all the other work of dyeing and purging you have been doing. How will you show this piece - on a hanger or in a frame?
Well, time for breakfast and then get ready for the day. Sometime in between the activities downtown I must clean the bird cages ( my Saturday treat) so do not know how this day will shape up?
Have a nice weekend folks... Bye for now
Friday, August 10, 2018
Hot, hot hot!
Despite that, I had a couple of letters to mail, and books to take back to the library, so chose to walk over. I wore the huge sunhat I got in Cuba, and actually made it there and back. I didn't want to be stuck over the weekend, without books to read.
Yesterday was hot as well, so other than a coffee run, we've been staying pretty close to home. David has tried to do some yard work, especially getting water to the front flower gardens. He finds it easier to take it around in a 5 gallon pail than to try to get the hose around there. And the Hydrangeas are still very nice, especially as the one on the south side of the garden is in full bloom. I really want to get a couple more.
It's so much cooler in the basement, and I spend a lot of time there. Yesterday, I finished a small hanging to take out to Selkirk for a show in September. I'll have to try to get a picture up on the other blog today. A finish usually means a new start, so today I'm hoping to get the Damask Napkins I dyed last week interfaced (stabilized) and cut over the next couple of days. Last evening I also got a new idea documented in my sketchbook.
Spending a lot of time reading. The library books give a sort of synopsis on the cover, but more and more I'm finding that it doesn't tell me as much as I would like to know when I choose a book. I picked up one yesterday that sounded like a nice gentle murder mystery. The first 12 pages were an almost endless intense, feminist rhetoric. What's more, there were so many characters introduced, some of them going by nick names, and with confusing forms of address, ( e.g. everyone was "sister", but one person really was the narrator's sister.) As well, the time jumped from past to present etc. And that's just the first 12 pages!
The problem is particularly true when I order books over the internet, which the library encourages us to do. Don't even get to read the cover that way. But I have to say that the internet route is wonderful if I find an author I like, and wonder if he/she has written anything else.
Well, just about coffee time again, but today, I think I'll make it at home.
Yesterday was hot as well, so other than a coffee run, we've been staying pretty close to home. David has tried to do some yard work, especially getting water to the front flower gardens. He finds it easier to take it around in a 5 gallon pail than to try to get the hose around there. And the Hydrangeas are still very nice, especially as the one on the south side of the garden is in full bloom. I really want to get a couple more.
It's so much cooler in the basement, and I spend a lot of time there. Yesterday, I finished a small hanging to take out to Selkirk for a show in September. I'll have to try to get a picture up on the other blog today. A finish usually means a new start, so today I'm hoping to get the Damask Napkins I dyed last week interfaced (stabilized) and cut over the next couple of days. Last evening I also got a new idea documented in my sketchbook.
Spending a lot of time reading. The library books give a sort of synopsis on the cover, but more and more I'm finding that it doesn't tell me as much as I would like to know when I choose a book. I picked up one yesterday that sounded like a nice gentle murder mystery. The first 12 pages were an almost endless intense, feminist rhetoric. What's more, there were so many characters introduced, some of them going by nick names, and with confusing forms of address, ( e.g. everyone was "sister", but one person really was the narrator's sister.) As well, the time jumped from past to present etc. And that's just the first 12 pages!
The problem is particularly true when I order books over the internet, which the library encourages us to do. Don't even get to read the cover that way. But I have to say that the internet route is wonderful if I find an author I like, and wonder if he/she has written anything else.
Well, just about coffee time again, but today, I think I'll make it at home.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Morning coffee
Enjoying my first morning coffee while at the computer. It is a bit cooler out this morning and quite refreshing, but I know it will quickly heat up again before too long once the sun comes up.
Yesterday we ventured to Mike's for a visit - he was calling to see when we would come and it was actually difficult to schedule this week - Harry has Dr appointment today, and Saturday we go to the Sunflower Festival here in Sundridge and have entered Bailey into the Mutt Show. His category to be judged is a face only a Mother could love. There were only six categories and he did not meet the criteria for any of the other five so this one is it..... haha! We entered him only to show participation - the sponsor of this Mutt Show owns the local pet store and he encouraged us to enter to increase interest in the area. He gets samples from his pet food suppliers so we will get a goodie bag regardless for our efforts.
Enjoyed the visit with Mike as usual but it seems so fast - Harry is always anxious to hit the road right after lunch. Mike starts his University on Sept 5 and goes into the U this coming week to buy his texts - I think I am as excited as he is - he just doesn't show it.
Lots of work to get at today - take one day off and it piles up! Its more fruit leathers on the agenda today and I have to do down more tomatoes. The problem is always the conflict of the kitchen use - Harry gets to make his leathers (once I bring all the equipment up) and into the dehydrator, and then I wait to do my thing after. Great fun.
Hope all is well with you folks. My friend Sue sent more gorgeous pictures from her cruise trip along the inward coastal passage to Alaska - I think she should be back home by next week? Nice to see what the rest of the world is like through others? But then I am coming to Winnipeg so that keeps my spirits up - cannot wait! Take care
Yesterday we ventured to Mike's for a visit - he was calling to see when we would come and it was actually difficult to schedule this week - Harry has Dr appointment today, and Saturday we go to the Sunflower Festival here in Sundridge and have entered Bailey into the Mutt Show. His category to be judged is a face only a Mother could love. There were only six categories and he did not meet the criteria for any of the other five so this one is it..... haha! We entered him only to show participation - the sponsor of this Mutt Show owns the local pet store and he encouraged us to enter to increase interest in the area. He gets samples from his pet food suppliers so we will get a goodie bag regardless for our efforts.
Enjoyed the visit with Mike as usual but it seems so fast - Harry is always anxious to hit the road right after lunch. Mike starts his University on Sept 5 and goes into the U this coming week to buy his texts - I think I am as excited as he is - he just doesn't show it.
Lots of work to get at today - take one day off and it piles up! Its more fruit leathers on the agenda today and I have to do down more tomatoes. The problem is always the conflict of the kitchen use - Harry gets to make his leathers (once I bring all the equipment up) and into the dehydrator, and then I wait to do my thing after. Great fun.
Hope all is well with you folks. My friend Sue sent more gorgeous pictures from her cruise trip along the inward coastal passage to Alaska - I think she should be back home by next week? Nice to see what the rest of the world is like through others? But then I am coming to Winnipeg so that keeps my spirits up - cannot wait! Take care
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Not an adventure but rather a marathon
We had purposefully delayed a couple of errands over the weekend, with not knowing what might be open and what might not. So, this morning I had a list of 7 errands we had to run, with a temperature forecast of 30, and a humidex of 34 predicted. I plotted our route, and off we went, just before 10.00 a.m. Our last errand, before my visit to Starbucks, was the mall. We realized I had forgotten to add something to the list, and hurried to get that done, and then both, exhausted succumbed to the lure of the New York Fries kiosk on our way to the door. So stopped for lunch--and a good lunch it was.
As we left Starbucks--stop #8 at this point, David remembered that he needed a hair cut. So off to the little barber shop close to home. I sat in the car and drank my coffee while the job was done. But I sure had to keep the car running and the a/c on while I waited!
Once at home I had a volunteer job to do that turned out to be much more than I expected, but I got it done, and could finally head for the studio. More purging, and some steady hand work, but I did get to watch a tv show while working. Was trying to do laundry at the same time. Carried a load of laundry upstairs and realized that it was time for supper. Got another hour of studio work done after supper, and then came upstairs to relax and play a game of poker, but was interrupted by a phone call.
By now it's time for bed. And how did your day go?
As we left Starbucks--stop #8 at this point, David remembered that he needed a hair cut. So off to the little barber shop close to home. I sat in the car and drank my coffee while the job was done. But I sure had to keep the car running and the a/c on while I waited!
Once at home I had a volunteer job to do that turned out to be much more than I expected, but I got it done, and could finally head for the studio. More purging, and some steady hand work, but I did get to watch a tv show while working. Was trying to do laundry at the same time. Carried a load of laundry upstairs and realized that it was time for supper. Got another hour of studio work done after supper, and then came upstairs to relax and play a game of poker, but was interrupted by a phone call.
By now it's time for bed. And how did your day go?
Weather and other things
We were pleasantly surprised to get a phone call from Jeremy on Saturday. I didn’t answer cause I didn’t recognize the number but fortunately he left a message. He and Denise were in Neepawa and stopped in for a visit. The clouds were moving in and then the wind came up. They decided they better leave. Jeremy gave me a call later and said they didn’t even make it to the highway before they had to pull over. We had horizontal rain and hail. We got 3/4 inch in less than 20 minutes. Jim rushed to put the car in the garage before the hail damaged it and then he got stuck there cause the rain and hail were so strong he was scared to come back. It eased a couple of times and he finally made it back. Since it was his birthday we wanted to get to town for supper. Finally everything quit and I headed to the car. I no sooner made it to the garage when it started all over again. This time the hail was about nickel sized. Now I am in the garage and Jim is in the house. Eventually we made it to town for Chinese buffet. What a day. It started when I made him breakfast and burned the bacon and broke the yolk on the eggs. At least supper was good when we finally got there. I am assuming jeremy and Denise made it home cause I got no more messages. I know we wanted rain but not like that.
Monday, August 6, 2018
I guess it must be my turn
We've kept close to home for the most part, over the past few days, Our only real outing was to head out to Selkirk, Saturday, to pick up the two pieces that have been on display over the past month. Both came home in good shape. We stopped at the A&W in Lockport for supper on the way home, as we often do. Unfortunately, it was the worst meal we've ever had in that location. But we did have coupons for free root beer.
Otherwise I've been in the studio, as was posted on the other blog. David has been busy in the garden, doing a general clean-up. The Virginia Creeper, all along the side and back fence, was impinging on the neighbour's vegetable garden, so dealing with that was a priority. We put up a finch feeder, that has attracted no interest what so ever. Once I saw a couple of birds at it for a minute, but that's all. Too bad.
David has started using his bicycle a bit lately. He doesn't go far, just 2-3 blocks, but it's a beginning. Now the neighbour next door has talked about joining him, using my bicycle. Lloyd is 15-20 years younger than David, so I don't see that he'll find the routine much of a challenge.
Supper is over. Must be time to head downstairs again.
Otherwise I've been in the studio, as was posted on the other blog. David has been busy in the garden, doing a general clean-up. The Virginia Creeper, all along the side and back fence, was impinging on the neighbour's vegetable garden, so dealing with that was a priority. We put up a finch feeder, that has attracted no interest what so ever. Once I saw a couple of birds at it for a minute, but that's all. Too bad.
David has started using his bicycle a bit lately. He doesn't go far, just 2-3 blocks, but it's a beginning. Now the neighbour next door has talked about joining him, using my bicycle. Lloyd is 15-20 years younger than David, so I don't see that he'll find the routine much of a challenge.
Supper is over. Must be time to head downstairs again.
Dyeing adventures
Following along with your dyeing Pati on the Mouse Factory blog and feeling your anguish with the posted results. Actually I like the parfait dyes but can see how the fabric -the so called "muslin"- attempts would be disappointing (as you stated darn right "po'd" with it all).
Another noisy thunderstorm during night which did not produce much rain again - thank goodness I had just watered everything before supper. It seems we are getting worse weather all the time, as is everyone, and expect this may be the new normal. I have been following the news about the tornado disaster in Alonsa and thinking about you Cathy and wonder if you get enough warning about pending severe weather for your area. It sounded as if this came up very quickly?
We are dehydrating crabapple mush into fruit leathers right now. We have trees hanging to the grounds loaded with crabapples this year. One such tree hangs over the fence into the Holland neighbours yard so yesterday Harry cut the branch off completely and then sat at the back taking all the apples off one by one. With these he blended them with honey etc and made the mush to put in the dehydrator.
I had also cut and cleaned and dehydrated more herbs from the garden. Basil, thyme, oregano and sage this time. The little herb garden I fashioned is the best I have ever made and the herbs are overabundant. More than I can use but gives me an idea of how I can improve for next year perhaps. I wonder if I can dehydrate cucumbers haha! - there are so many hanging off the vines I cannot keep up with eating them - how many ways can one eat cucumbers? Speaking of which I better sign off and get my breakfast - cucumber sandwich anyone? Take care
Another noisy thunderstorm during night which did not produce much rain again - thank goodness I had just watered everything before supper. It seems we are getting worse weather all the time, as is everyone, and expect this may be the new normal. I have been following the news about the tornado disaster in Alonsa and thinking about you Cathy and wonder if you get enough warning about pending severe weather for your area. It sounded as if this came up very quickly?
We are dehydrating crabapple mush into fruit leathers right now. We have trees hanging to the grounds loaded with crabapples this year. One such tree hangs over the fence into the Holland neighbours yard so yesterday Harry cut the branch off completely and then sat at the back taking all the apples off one by one. With these he blended them with honey etc and made the mush to put in the dehydrator.
I had also cut and cleaned and dehydrated more herbs from the garden. Basil, thyme, oregano and sage this time. The little herb garden I fashioned is the best I have ever made and the herbs are overabundant. More than I can use but gives me an idea of how I can improve for next year perhaps. I wonder if I can dehydrate cucumbers haha! - there are so many hanging off the vines I cannot keep up with eating them - how many ways can one eat cucumbers? Speaking of which I better sign off and get my breakfast - cucumber sandwich anyone? Take care
Friday, August 3, 2018
Long weekend
According to my clock you have 15 minutes Cathy until you can fly out of there haha! One, two, three ....go!
The thunder is thundering here right now but the sun is shining and there are two or three drops of rain so far. I am NOT watering tonight - let the showers prevail if they come and I'll sort it out in the morning.
The neighbours next door from Holland arrive on Thursday for their annual 6 week vacation. Today I fashioned some nice signs to go along with the cheap colourful leis we bought at Dollarama to hang on their tree in front of the house. I cut letters out of construction paper and glued them onto bristle board to read WELCOME HOME. Harry just has to put stakes on the back to stick them into the ground on Thursday and I'll take a ladder over and hang the leis then.
I have work to do this weekend including cleaning the bird cages thoroughly which I do every Saturday. So many cucumbers and tomatoes to do something with..... Cathy we were sitting resting outside this afternoon and I said I wished I could wiggle my nose and voila you would have some of them to counter your disaster of a garden you wrote about. Harry suggested we could send them express next day delivery if we wanted - it would only cost $50 or $60 dollars I expect with no guarantees....(don't panic!) I think you may have to go to the grocery store instead haha!
So I hear more rattling and noise outside so maybe we are going to get the thunderstorm forecast, and the rain is coming down in torrents now ( I guess pumping may be my next job?).
Here's to a very nice long weekend for all and enjoy whatever you plan but for sure at some time make a cup of tea and think of us others - that way we shall be together. Take care.
The thunder is thundering here right now but the sun is shining and there are two or three drops of rain so far. I am NOT watering tonight - let the showers prevail if they come and I'll sort it out in the morning.
The neighbours next door from Holland arrive on Thursday for their annual 6 week vacation. Today I fashioned some nice signs to go along with the cheap colourful leis we bought at Dollarama to hang on their tree in front of the house. I cut letters out of construction paper and glued them onto bristle board to read WELCOME HOME. Harry just has to put stakes on the back to stick them into the ground on Thursday and I'll take a ladder over and hang the leis then.
I have work to do this weekend including cleaning the bird cages thoroughly which I do every Saturday. So many cucumbers and tomatoes to do something with..... Cathy we were sitting resting outside this afternoon and I said I wished I could wiggle my nose and voila you would have some of them to counter your disaster of a garden you wrote about. Harry suggested we could send them express next day delivery if we wanted - it would only cost $50 or $60 dollars I expect with no guarantees....(don't panic!) I think you may have to go to the grocery store instead haha!
So I hear more rattling and noise outside so maybe we are going to get the thunderstorm forecast, and the rain is coming down in torrents now ( I guess pumping may be my next job?).
Here's to a very nice long weekend for all and enjoy whatever you plan but for sure at some time make a cup of tea and think of us others - that way we shall be together. Take care.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Gardens and other disappointments
Our garden is a total failure this year. And I thought last year was bad. The only thing that grew was the yellow beans. I dug up one potato plant last night. It was planted in May. There were two, ping pong ball sized, potatoes. I have a few Roma tomatoes ripening, maybe about 12 off of the 12 plants I have. No peppers. No cucumbers. No lettuce, swiss chard, carrots, beets or onions. The green part of the onions is still the same size as when I planted them. There. Now I have bitched. One thing we were fearing at work was when one of the other offices got there hands on titles from Elkhorn Ranch & Resort. I wrote up a manual to help them. Too bad no one read it. What a disaster. I managed to round up most of them before it was to late and fix them. Others were already accepted so I had to file documents to redo them. I was not a happy camper yesterday. I am sure they are all capable of learning how to do them, but they could have at least asked!!!! Oooooh!! A second bitch. I am on a roll now :). Saturday is Jim's birthday. I am pretty sure he will love it if I take him out for Chinese food. It is also my 20th work anniversary date. I even got an email from the general manager congratulating me. I'd feel special but I know he does it for all anniversaries. A Winnipeg clerk that used to be in Dauphin and worked here a couple of times sent me a really nice email full of clip art of balloons and high fives and congratulations. A nice surprise. And now I have a long weekend to look forward to. Hopefully there will be one cool rainy day that I can work in the house. It is starting to look pretty scary.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Keeping up appearances
I was speaking with my friend Vivian on Sunday evening, and she mentioned that she might drop in sometime this week. OMG! There's a reason I haven't invited any of my ladies groups over lately. The living room rug was absolutely filthy,with food stains for visual interest. Since I had a disagreement, over how it had been cleaned, with the company that usually cleans it, last spring, I haven't been able to find someone to clean it, at a price I can afford. Last time Vivian dropped in, it was "demo day" for my kitchen work, and there were two men with big hammers in the kitchen, and the stove was in the living room. There was no way that I could have her here with the rug in that shape. So I bit the bullet on Monday, and phoned the old company, and made a deal with them, and an appointment for today. Then I heard that Vivian wouldn't be coming. Oh Well, it'll still be fairly clean for Beth when she gets here. Anyway, the fellows showed up this morning, and did a beautiful job. I am well pleased. Had a chat with the fellow, and found out that their main office is in the same building as the dentist we used to see at Bartlett and Osborne. Their company, which was sort of small when I first used them, had been amalgamating with several others, and is now fairly large. I gather that the dentist's office is somewhat smaller, and of course the dentist we used is long gone. I think I remember seeing his obituary. I do remember that Mom was his first patient when he moved in there, and I had thought that meant his first patient. But a couple of years before I retired, I ran into a woman who had been a patient when he was doing clinical training in Toronto, before setting up his practice here.
David has been wanting to be more active lately. A couple of weeks ago he took a ride on his bike and had a fall that left him "bloody but unbowed", and yesterday, he decided to use the pressure washer on the outside of the house. We can't really see a difference, but the process sure left him wet and dirty. Today it was off on his bike again, and some trouble with the chain. Dirty hands and the need for quite a scrub. Trying to build up his bike riding ability is turning out to be a bit of a challenge.
I'm thoroughly tired of the needle book I'm working on and will be glad to see the end of it. I'm starting to think that it may be contributing to the shoulder pain I'm having. But I'm close enough to believe that I will get it finished tonight. Better eat supper and get back to work.
David has been wanting to be more active lately. A couple of weeks ago he took a ride on his bike and had a fall that left him "bloody but unbowed", and yesterday, he decided to use the pressure washer on the outside of the house. We can't really see a difference, but the process sure left him wet and dirty. Today it was off on his bike again, and some trouble with the chain. Dirty hands and the need for quite a scrub. Trying to build up his bike riding ability is turning out to be a bit of a challenge.
I'm thoroughly tired of the needle book I'm working on and will be glad to see the end of it. I'm starting to think that it may be contributing to the shoulder pain I'm having. But I'm close enough to believe that I will get it finished tonight. Better eat supper and get back to work.
Alaskan Cruise picture
I just received an email from my friend Sue with a picture of the Hubbard Glacier. She is on her cruise with her daughters up the inner passage to Alaska - imagine her taking the time to send a short message and picture! You never know.....
Busy is right!
Just read the Mouse Factory Blog and can see how busy you have been Pati. What wonderful work, and you say you are not finished yet with more to do with hand stitching. Your current needle holder that you say you use, is also very nice. I am assuming two of the pictures are of it?
Rained most of today and with heavy rain this morning - enough to dampen the garden and hopefully to help the forest fires -the latest report has over 1000 people in one town on 24 hour standby to evacuate. It took me just over 2 hours to water our gardens last evening - I timed it. Thank goodness I don't have to repeat that again tonight.
I had wanted to view the skies last night for the best view ever of the planets aligned, especially Mars which was supposed to be brilliant. It was overcast so I saw nothing. Cathy I keep thinking of your fabulous 180 degree view of the skies - did you perhaps have a look?
More produce done today -Tomatoes anyone? Also my second quasi apple crisp with free fall little apples - nice taste actually. Now the best thing to happen today....I organized a cupboard in the kitchen to hold some of the pickles Harry has made, and found a box of Girl Guide Choc mint cookies - from last Fall- hidden at the back. Who would have done that I ask haha! So we can really surprise ourselves sometimes eh? A cup of tea and a box of cookies - good for supper?
Have to go to take Bailey out. Hope all is well. Take care
Rained most of today and with heavy rain this morning - enough to dampen the garden and hopefully to help the forest fires -the latest report has over 1000 people in one town on 24 hour standby to evacuate. It took me just over 2 hours to water our gardens last evening - I timed it. Thank goodness I don't have to repeat that again tonight.
I had wanted to view the skies last night for the best view ever of the planets aligned, especially Mars which was supposed to be brilliant. It was overcast so I saw nothing. Cathy I keep thinking of your fabulous 180 degree view of the skies - did you perhaps have a look?
More produce done today -Tomatoes anyone? Also my second quasi apple crisp with free fall little apples - nice taste actually. Now the best thing to happen today....I organized a cupboard in the kitchen to hold some of the pickles Harry has made, and found a box of Girl Guide Choc mint cookies - from last Fall- hidden at the back. Who would have done that I ask haha! So we can really surprise ourselves sometimes eh? A cup of tea and a box of cookies - good for supper?
Have to go to take Bailey out. Hope all is well. Take care
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