And another special day....

Happy birthday Dave!!  And less important Happy New Year to all. 

Just puttering as well...

Although I am not producing gorgeous pieces of art such as you shared Pati on your Mouse Factory Blog.  My "studio" work yesterday consisted of basting five hexis - sounds sort of minimal but not when you think that the project actually made its way out of oblivion and into my room haha! That is progress!
It was a pleasant surprise to read that your latest improvisational quilt was graciously gifted to Gail. I think that was a very nice gesture since she was obviously in love with it. There are just some items or pieces of art that one does fall in love with, isn't there?
There have been severe weather warnings for last few days about a storm with winds and freezing rain to hit us last night and into today. So far this morning the outside is quiet except for a bit of cold wind blowing about, so I have my fingers crossed that things will not be as terrible as predicted.
I reorganized the open shelf on the kitchen wall to accommodate some new items I received for Christmas. Two new Tim Horton 2019 mugs, and a new DavidsTea mug, and a DavidsTea clear glass tea pot. It meant moving some of the Tim Hortons empty coffee tins to a box but that is OK for now.
Harry is almost finished printing and laminating his pictures from the old computer so I may be able to do a switch in the new year and then get our Server to connect us to the internet and then Geek Squad to troubleshoot issues. Apparently the Geek Squad are not able to touch anything with the Internet server (I had taken all the internet info into the store when I had them set up the new laptop before Christmas, but they could not do that for me - too bad!)
I am upset that I am on a dry spell with Lottery tickets as well. Pati you mentioned you scratched yours and got nothing for your trouble! I will sometimes get a free play or last number of the Encore ( Extra for you folks) but even those small wins are eluding me. I hope my luck will change as we are still booked to return to Casino Rama on Jan 30 with the reorganized seniors bus trip. When we drive past North Bay I spot the construction sight of the new Cascades Casino being built there - the structure is visible from the highway, and so far only the metal girders are erect but I can start to see the basic look of the place. They still say is should be open in July 2020.
So now to make a toasted bagel for breakfast and another coffee and I should then be 'good to go" for another day. Take care folks. Any special plans for New Years Eve?  I shall likely just go to bed like I always do....

a finish

Basically a quiet day on the home front.  I worked in the studio, and David watched a marathon of all the Indiana Jones movies.  His sister dropped in for tea, as she sometimes does.  A nice visit and, as usual, I did most of the talking, as we seldom have visitors, and I over-react.  I finished another weird quilt top.(See other blog) Now I will give the studio a good clean-up, before starting anything else.  Thinking of you both.  (I let Gail drink out of a Duchess mug today, as she is family, even if from the other side of the family)

Now that you mention it----

I do have a vague memory of eating Christmas dinner at our house, and even of seeing a picture, a few years back, of Uncle Mernie and Kenny, and some one else sitting around a table in what had been the front main floor bedroom of the house. I don't ever remember eating a meal in the dining room that Dad created out of the Living room/ bedroom next to the kitchen. But, I was probably out of the house by the time he built that, although I remember using it for the buffet we had at your wedding reception, Cathy. Before he had a dining room, the basement would really have been the only viable option in that tiny house.  I even remember people square dancing in the basement!

We have nothing huge planned for our anniversary.  Rather, we plan to go to see the movie "Cats", tonight.  It's at our local theatre.  I can't remember the last time we went to a movie that wasn't on "half price Tuesday".  Maybe, when the original Star Wars came out?  Or maybe a few years ago when Loren, Amber and the children went with us to a movie at the theatre in Grant Park Shopping Center to celebrate someone's birthday- probably for Amber's girls.

David bought me a couple of "quick pick" lottery tickets for Christmas.  We checked them yesterday and took away nothing.  Oh well, at least no wrapping paper to dispose of.

The next few days are almost like "the lull before the storm".  Nothing planned, no urgent errands.  Since we didn't win the lottery, I can't even head out to buy fabric.  Beth now has the Kidd novels to read, and I started the Monkeewrench novels, but not before reading the most recent one-"Ice Cold Heart".  A tease Beth-Roadrunner has met a lady, and it looks promising.  She, too, has a past.  Having started back at the beginning, I realize that the author(s) has been very clever in setting up everything for a lengthy series.  Of the 6 main characters, after 7 books, only three of them are set up for "happily ever after", although to be fair, two secondary characters who disappeared after 4-5 books, found happiness in each other.  This means that we have something to look forward to  in future books.

Cathy, you've always been the one in the family who truly loves and collects books.  Do you have a favourite series to recommend? I believe you've been through a few genres; -which are you favouring right now?  Have you read the "Red Sister", "Grey Sister", and "Holy Sister" series?  I thought of you while reading it. I heard about it from Loren, who often reads similar books to what you read.

In the studio, there is a piece in progress, that I expect to post, on the other blog, sometime this weekend.  This is another modern, improv piece that has been inspiring and challenging  enough to put me in a bit of a creative frenzy.  Something to keep me busy over the next few days.

And now the build up to 2020

But before that comes Happy Anniversary to Pati and Dave. Do you have anything special planned?  Christmas was quiet here. All the fuss and worry and supper is done before you know it. Jean brought triffle for dessert so it really was a Christmas dinner. I remember alternating Christmas with auntie Lorrain. I have a very vague memory of eating upstairs but I remember lots of meals downstairs after they put in the rec room and Kenny’s bedroom. Our turn was always in the basement and I would get so excited when daddy lit the pudding on fire. And Kenny and I always got raw carrots as a treat and didn’t have to eat the cooked ones. How my tastes have changed. We had Brussels sprouts and we ate them all. (Of course frying them with mushrooms, onions and bacon helped).  Jean is selling her Jeep in Brandon today so Jim is meeting her there to bring her home. I offered to go and keep him company but he knew I really wanted to stay home. Since he is letting me I guess I should do something while is is gone. My new oven needs cleaning and I am almost afraid to do it, but it is set. It would only let me do 5 hours. I wanted to try something shorter. Oh well. I’ll see what happens

Floating Trees....

There are green Christmas trees floating around the outside of the front room window - beautiful display. You guessed it...Mike gave us an outdoor laser light to set up and create a colourful display of green trees and red speckles across out front window. He bought one for himself and had it set up when we visited Wed - I loved it. That would make him happy as there was another wrapped up for us to open there. I set it up yesterday and have enjoyed the colour ever since. We did not have any colour outside this year so this makes up for it. Mind you it is close to 40 degrees F and the snow is melting and creating puddles all over and the need to shovel at the front, and icy underfoot. Calling for freezing rain and ice pellets over next few days..... Not nice!
The Kidd books were a request from me - Mike knows I like books and always gets me something different from sources he reads, But also asks prior if there are any that I would like. Out of the blue I wondered if he could get the Kidd series so asked him,. Obviously he did a lot of research as the series is four books, but he tells me they are ordered from all different places because they did not come as a "set" anywhere. His hard work, but my fortune I guess..
The freezer is now full of little soup dishes and I have two more in the fridge for eating now. I had to do some fancy switching in the freezer to get all the dishes in which resulted in having to take out some things ..one of which is a store bought chocolate cake that I had hidden in there. I wonder if I now have to eat it??????
So on to today..still lots of work to do inside but I also have to keep my eye on the outdoors and the accumulated water and ice all around. Hope all is well with you folks...thinking about you both Take care.

The Kidd Series

Oh, what a treat!  It's quite dated now, as it was written in the late 1990's, and involves computer "hacking", but easily read , regardless.  Had you asked for it, or did he come up with the idea on his own?  And where on earth did he find it?  Probably on Amazon.  You can find absolutely anything on Amazon.  And remember, this is the "Kidd" that is a minor character in John Sandford's Lucas Davenport  series.  

We had dinner at the local Aalto's restaurant.  This isn't a big restaurant, so I had made reservations early.  What a surprise when we got there and the hostess took us in, then made a right hand turn where we had never seen a right hand turn before.  A section of the wall had been opened into an adjacent banquet room, which was set up full of dinner tables.  We were taken in to a far corner, right beside the washrooms. But, lots of room, and a quiet corner.  We had to walk all the way back and into the main section for the buffet.  Moving into that main section made us realize just how busy and noisy it was.  We all agreed that there were advantages to sitting in the "boonies".  At least we could converse and all could hear what was said.

Then it was home to play Joker Rummy.  David and I often play it together, and we both discovered what a different game it can be with more than 2 players.  Loren had had to cook dinner at home as both his kids were under the weather.  But they phoned and had a chat with both David and I.  The party finally broke up when David fell asleep at the table.

Today we're back to reality with laundry, and the need to plan meals.  But--no left overs.  To bad one can't order in a bunch of left over Turkey dinners.

Early Boxing Day

Here I am up very early on Boxing Day - could not sleep and the dog Bailey was out of sorts - he got up around three thirty and had to go out - so I took him out in the dark and cold. He settled in after that but I could not so I stayed up. Checked for messages and played my favourite Christmas song on the computer - Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea.  It was the perfect song to listen to in the background as I read the Blog. So many memories revisited and many happy thoughts to go along with those memories and with Family. We certainly are scattered now so it makes get togethers not so convenient anymore - especially since my "bus" no longer exists to carry me away to Family in Manitoba haha!  But this Blog takes its place for me now and, I so love it to keep me connected.
A very wonderful visit to Mike yesterday to celebrate Christmas and a phone call with Willie while there made the day complete. Driving was fine but today brings a freezing rain warning - so I plan to stay at home to ruminate about the day before and start to straighten up a bit. Harry has plans to make onion soup with the boney remains of the Prime Rib Roast so I expect I shall have to round up the little dishes for that - they will be frozen individually once filled - makes for a quick meal down the road. 
Mike treated me with a special gift - the set of four books by John Sandford - the Kidd Series. I am so excited to now "own" this series - I can read them anytime... again and again.  Same as you Pati with your Monkeewrench Series.  Cathy I am sure you also covet some special books/series - what???
So greetings on this special day my sisters....Take care 

Quiet peaceful time

I, too, look forward to a quiet time on Christmas Eve.  Maybe a little time to reflect on the passing years, and to remember family Christmases at home.  Maybe one with 24 people sitting around the table at Auntie Lorraine's?  that table started in the kitchen and ran right through the living room.  Sometimes there was even a "children's table' in the front foyer.  I have a very strong memory of walking home alone after dinner, one year.  it was bitterly cold out, and not much snow on  the ground.  I had to walk carefully along a slippery sidewalk, in new shoes-despite the cold.  I don't remember any of those big family dinners at our house, but I do remember Christmas at Uncle Burt's house.  Can't remember if we ate there, but I know we spent the evening there.

When my children were small, we would try to make it home at Christmas, from where ever we were living, at the time.  And then there was Christmas 1980, at Beth's house in Victoria, and that terrible drive through the Fraser Canyon trying to make the last ferry--which we did by the skin of our teeth.  That was a crazy Christmas, all of us together in that house with cats and baby Will.  I don't think I'll ever for get that one.  It was a little more special in that Dad and Phyllis were in Victoria as well, and he was happy.

When David's father lived with us, I tried to make a ritual of serving a Stollen on Christmas Eve.  They sold them at work--as part of a Christmas Fundraiser I think.  I don't think they were made there, but they could have been.  I've certainly never found them since.  This year, I saw Stollen in local stores, but at quite a price, and then we found them at Natural Bakery, when we were there last week, for less than half, I bought two.  Only when we got home did I read the small print and discover that they were a "product of Germany".  No way of finding out how old they really were, but I'm sure there were lots of preservatives in them.  Only one had Marzipan in it, and we tried that one today.  It was quite nice.  Purely a raisin bread, rather than the fruit bread we might find here, but quite tasty. Made me think of the loaf of bread that David's sister found in her motor home one spring.  It had been there all winter, but was as fresh and tasty as when she bought it.

I'm reading a book that contains an element of wonder and spirituality that is just what I appear to need, right now.  It's "Two if my Sea", by Jacquelyn Mitchard, an American with an impressive resume.  This is a pleasantly crazy book that starts with a horrendous natural disaster, and jumps to training Olympic-quality equestrians, and at the point I'm at, introducing menacing "bad guys", with the hint of Angels in the back ground.  Sounds insane, and I can't put it down.  Since it's the last library book I have, and they don't re-open until Friday, once it's finished, I'll be forced to start the re-read of the Monkeewrench books, that I've been planning for a couple of months.  Unfortunately, since half of the writing duo recently died, I notice the books are a lot less about Monkeewrench and far more about the two detectives and the maverick FBI agent.  Still a good read, but not nearly as "quirky" as they started out to be.

I hope everybody's Christmas is what they hope it will be.  Relax, eat, drink and have dessert.  That's what our family has always been about.

Merry Christmas greetings

As Christmas Eve day comes to a close, and the car is packed with the food, and with parcels, ready to visit Mike tomorrow, I send my message to you both....many good thoughts of family, and of happy times together,  and as we look ahead to another hopeful new year.
All is in readiness, and now I shall spend a bit of quiet time reflecting - a little drink in my hand, and the movie The Polar Express ready to start.  
Take care, and Merry Christmas. XX

Fun pictures....

It looks as if Chloe is totally involved with her new assets, Cathy. It is neat that she is so interested in most everything - Kris and Sandi's influence no doubt ?  I'll bet Grandma was also on the floor at some point in the visit?
Yesterday we made an unplanned and quick trip to Huntsville to Staples to buy more laminating paper for pictures, and another colour ink cartridge so Harry could complete his task of printing all his pictures from the old computer. We also filled the car with gas as most stations along the route to Sudbury and back will be closed tomorrow - not wanting to be stuck without gas...
As you know the Starbucks new Store was built on the same property as the new Canadian Tire Gas station so guess what... I jumped out of the car and across to the Coffee Shop. I was anticipating purchasing a 'special" holiday drink and I did not disappoint myself. Caramel Brule Latte - delicious and covered with whipping cream and sprinkles. And just for me!!
Today will be the big day of prep and packing for our trip to see Mike tomorrow - Christmas day. it will be busy i am sure so i better have my morning coffee and get on with it.  Yesterday it was 40 F and more melting and water to shovel at the front of the house - I will be happy to see the temp drop slightly which is in the forecast. Take care

Quick note

We had a great time in Killarney yesterday. Sandi has been sick all week so we left soon after supper but we had a fantastic visit. Chloe loved her presents and spent most of the day excavating the archeological dig that auntie Kik gave her. There was the skeleton of a dinosaur in it.  She also made me feel very old and decrepit

Kris BBQ’d steak  for supper so we were very full by the end of the day.    

I was pretty tired by the time we got home, but very happy and content. 

What a tease you are.....

Oh Pati how I wish I were there at your home right now and enjoying the fruits of your labour. They look wonderful and I so love mincemeat tarts. And I wouldn't say no to a wee nip either, haha! I just made myself a hot milk to sip before bed time but I guess I could pretend?  And today I made a shepherds pie for my meal as I love it and I needed some soul food, of which shepherds pie is one. 
Very mild with temp around 35 F today so I did the roof again - shoveled off the snow so that with melting and then freezing again the snow would not create the ice buildup I am so dreading. I have made a pledge to myself to shovel the roof frequently this winter, so that I will not face the terror of the spring thaw and leaking as I did last year - so far I am keeping to my promise and doing it according to my plan. Good for me....
Three more sleeps and Christmas Day will be upon us - I am still trying to get things organized so as to keep the panic to a minimum and ward off the stress that invariably follows suit. Time will tell. Except Harry found another recipe on the Net for Christmas Peppermint Patties.yesterday so off to the store for ingredients (cream cheese, peppermint extract etc.) and then I made them. Very, very fiddly but even I was amazed with my results even though they are very sweet and extremely flavoured ( perhaps too much extract even following the recipe exactly) I had some small paper cupcake holders which they fit into individually once hardened and are now layered in a container in the fridge. So now what do I do with them???  If only there was a darn bus heading to Winnipeg haha!
Well, off to read a bit. I am into the previously read Gamache novel How the Light Gets In because I was looking for a good read and this book is on my KoBo.  And because I have always wanted to read Elliot's Middle March, I have planned to start it early in 2020 and see if I can get through it with the understanding and knowledge it requires. I own the book actually. And today on the CBC radio show they had an hours discussion about MiddleMarch  and a companion novel written about an authors life lived through her reading of the book. I own that book also. I consider this to be an exciting challenge for myself.
Take care.  ps still on the old computer. Harry is trying to print off all his pictures so as not to lose them.

Done!

Here they are.  We found everything we needed at the Sobey's store near by.  I had forgotten that there was a Liquor Mart in the store, with a very helpful clerk who pointed David in the right direction for the brandy we needed.  We bought 2 bottles of E.D. Smith Mincemeat.  No trouble finding it as the fellow was unloading a carton of it just as we were there!  We only used one bottle, but now have an extra for next year.  We got 23 tarts out of two boxes of tart shells. ( don't count some are already gone)

 And, there is enough brandy left for Cafe Royale this evening.  David picked up a bottle of White Rum and a carton of Egg Nog while we were there, so he has a treat as well.

Christmas will get you one way or another.

Here we are looking forward to a quiet Christmas, where we don't have to kill ourselves with a lot of fuss and work getting the house etc ready.  But David wants mincemeat tarts.  He's been trying to find a good one by buying them the last few years, without any luck.  Yesterday we bought two very nice looking ones at Natural Bakery on Logan, only to find out they were all pastry and not much filling.  So today, we're off to try to find the necessary supplies ( Cross and Blackwell Mincemeat with Brandy--not likely!) and we will be baking them ourselves.  I'm not even sure I have the right tins for baking them.  He won't like my tiny tart tins I bought for the Cheese and Lemon tarts.  Besides, those appear to have rusted after using them once and washing them.  

Anyway, after a shopping trip 3 days before Christmas, possibly trying to shop at Walmart-- the rest of the day will be spent baking.  Pray for me--OMG!! I will even have to visit the liquor store!!

Christmas

We've decided on a restaurant Christmas dinner this year.  Our reservation is for 5:30, and I'm not sure how that will interfere with our yearly toast to "Family."  Can't you just see me taking my "family " wine glass in with me and asking them to "fill'er up".

Cathy's gettogether

Thinking about you and everyone for your celebration on Dec 22 Cathy. Safe trip and happy times. XX

post script...

I forgot to mention related to Christmas.....this is for you David, I have my fancy decorated red Christmas hat out of the cupboard and ready to wear on Christmas Day - do you have your hat ready????
Also at the Thrift Store I spotted a gorgeous pair of red wool slacks on the rack - good fit and perfect colour to coordinate with the red over blouse I had bought a few weeks ago.  So I shall be a vision in red to celebrate this special day.  I am getting excited - how about you folks??  I am hoping for some pictures of your events after the fact - do you suppose?

Questions about the weather...

Yes, Cathy I agree about your question related to temperatures. Right now it is minus 29 C and feels like minus 35 C outside.  I just had the dog out for his morning outing, and too cold for his little feet - he sniffed about for awhile and then made a beeline for the door.  Me too, haha! And then made a hot coffee.....
It is sort of countdown until Christmas here - I am trying to wrap some gifts to take to Mike's and some for Harry and I to open here at home. We usually come back from the trip to Mike's and settle into our unwrapping before bed on Christmas night.  And as is my custom now, at 7 pm my time, I shall raise a glass in honour of you folks Pati and Cathy, my sisters, and wish you well, and wish for a wonderful year ahead in 2020 for us all. 
Come the weekend we shall be getting into the "prep' for the Christmas meal - Prime Rib Roast for us this year. But there is all the gathering, and finding dishes, and planning how to store and pack and take etc that goes along with any trip away for a meal. 
But here is something exciting I did for myself...... on Tuesday at the Thrift Store they had 50% off all Christmas items. I had a look and could not believe that there was a set of gorgeous Christmas dishes. Now Pati, I have always envied you for having your dishes and the fact that you bring them out for Christmas and always wanted to do that for myself ( do you still or did you sell them - I cannot remember what you did?) There are four large plates, four small plates and two bowls ( like cereal dishes I guess) There were some cups and saucers but i did not buy those as have no need for them. I washed them up and packed them and intend to take to Mike's to set our Christmas table. I shall feel great. And afterall, it is all about us isn't it? haha!
Well, morning has broken and I shall get on with the day. Hoping you folks are doing fine, and thinking of you ...

An evening out

This evening we went to a movie--"Knives Out".  Really a "take-off" on the Hurcule Poirot books, with lots of suspects, and few clues, followed at the end by the detective facing everyone for  a big reveal.  Except it sort of wasn't.  Lots of twists in the plot, right up until the end.  This type of thing is often confusing at first, and this was no exception, but with a lot more humor that one might expect in this type of film.  A few big names, but mostly unknown actors-- to me, anyway.  A couple of older names, such as Don Johnson.  I haven't seen much of him in years, although he was in the Jane Fonda film that came out last year.  He has slipped into character roles quite nicely, and a treat to see Jamie Lee Curtis playing her age.  We went to the 5:40 show at the mall, and then to the food court for a very late supper.  A pleasant evening.

How does the weather change so fast?

The high was -6 yesterday.  The forecast high for today is -23.  We had the repairman out to look at our dryer yesterday.  He said all that is wrong is a switch and that our dryer is in exceptionally good shape.  They have to order the switch and hopefully it will not be expensive.  Meanwhile he bypassed the switch and direct wired the dryer on.  All that means is that when we open the dryer door it keeps on spinning.  We thought we might make a game of it and try to catch our own underwear as it is flung out.  Yesterday was the opening of the new appliance store in Neepawa (same person.... he has moved from his home into a store front in town)  Beds, couches, tables and appliances.  His prices are quite good too. He deals in GE appliances and Ashley Furniture.  Jim fell in love with a couch and I picked a bed.  (fantasy lives).  I went to the Cantata in Neepawa at the beginning of December.  It was performed by the Community Choir.  (Rrain is a member)  Loved it.  So much talent.  Today we are going to the legion early as Mary Murray is celebrating 50 years in Canada and is throwing a lunch party for her friends.  After that we have to come home because we are dog sitting tonight  |Could be interesting with 3 big dogs in the house.  Tonight I have a rehearsal for a Murder Mystery were are doing for the Touchwood Christmas Party.  Sunday we head to Killarney and before you know it it will be Christmas day. I have been doing only stocking stuffers for gifts for years, but I had to change this year as Chloe "knows" that only Santa fills stockings. 😉 I am glad pension cheques come a bit early this month.  All the money is spent on monthly bills, but it will cover the overdraft that comes with Christmas.  Then I figure out how to cover the monthly bills.  "Too much month at the end of the money"

Inspired...

Yes, I attended the Christmas Cantata at 3 pm this afternoon. Once again I was inspired and filled with peaceful thoughts as the Local Church Choir and Narrators did a wonderful presentation of the Birth of Christ in music and readings. The beauty of the Church inside with gorgeous stained glass windows and seasonal decorations also contributed to the scene and atmosphere. So all is well right now.
Tomorrow I am off to North Bay for the day as I have a full agenda including taking the new laptop to Best Buy. I'll be wishing the day will go well and all my desires will be fulfilled.... so here's hoping!
Take care

A good chuckle for me....

Not depressing or anything of the sort Pati - just a good laugh because it all sounds so familiar - from this house, that is... haha! Now I do not speak for Cathy mind you, but I have heard some similar remarks lately from that house as well... Did I????
Snowing lightly and it is rather delightful! Sort of rhymes doesn't it? Bailey just loves it out in the snow so I try to take him frequently - or he will come up to me and just sit at my feet and stare at me. He sure knows how to get my attention, little darling.
There is a Christmas Cantata tomorrow afternoon at the Presbyterian Church. I went last year just out of the blue and was so happy to go. I will try to go again tomorrow - as a matter of fact, I shall plan on it.  So I better have a bath and wash my hair tonight before bed. And that means changing the linen, and that means doing a wash.....don't you just love it!! 
It will soon be time for my Happy Hour and this time of year I like to view some Classic Christmas movies - today I think it will be Miracle on 34th Street.
Have fun you folks....and keep laughing.....XX

Time passes--( more nonsense)

We're moving toward the Winter Solstice--now a week away.  This time of year, for about 4 weeks, driving becomes as issue as the sun doesn't get very much above the horizon.  This means that sunglasses aren't enough and visors become necessary all the time.  I've been aware of this for a few years now--ever since I figured out what was wrong .  That took awhile.

With this, the effects of aging are also becoming more obvious.  Every morning, we make a joke of congratulating each other for making it through the night.  Behind that is the very real fear of one of us having to deal with the other not waking.  We don't joke about that, or even talk about it.  This time of year with snow drifts and icy streets the physical effects of aging are also emphasized.

Please don't think I'm in another "blue funk", because I'm not.  I'm a little down and aware of it, but have found the best way to deal with it is to talk about it.  Sometimes saying these things out loud, or typing them into a post makes me realize how silly they are.  Yes, we are aging.  I'm having trouble with my right knee and am now forced to use my cane, even in the house.  But--I slept like a log last night, and feel much better than I did yesterday.

The sale in Landmark is on again today.  There are a couple more vendors, but my prices are marked, and Gail assures me that there is no problem with me not getting there early.  ( Since it's now 11:30, there is no danger of us getting there early)  I know that once I do get there there will be people and food and laughs.

Oh no!   David has just come in to ask me what we want to do for supper tonight, and what we want to plan for our anniversary.  That makes me think of 54 years together, and the whole aging thing pops up again!  Maybe I should just close this down and go and get dressed.  I've probably depressed both of you with all of this nonsense.  Sorry.  Go eat cookies and feel better .  That always worked when we all lived at home--those many years ago.

Finally, a quiet day!

Last evening was my presentation to the quilters' Guild.  The last three weeks have been busy coordinating the slide show with the lady who was putting it in PowerPoint for me, as well as me rehearsing the actual words, while coordinating them with the slide show.  My friend Susan came to help hold up the actual quilts, while the slide showed a close-up of the embellishment.

Well, the lady showed up early with the slides on her computer and the equipment to put the image on the screen was already in place, but they couldn't find a connector to run from the computer to the other equipment.  I was told quietly that the equipment itself is so old and out of date, that there is now way the two things could have been connected, no matter how many connectors they could find.  They were in such a tizzy, that they weren't listening to anyone else, until Susan and I actually broke into their conversation suggesting that if the could find 3-4 ladies who could walk around the hall, the audience would be able to see the actual quilt up close.  That worked quilt well.  I even sold one of my pieces.  Lady came to me while I was packing up and offered cash money, and I took it.

Susan was there as my guest, as she had let her membership lapse.  At the end of the evening we just looked at each other and said "never again!"  I have no intention of ever going back for a full meeting.  I'm in a monthly challenge, and am thinking of simply dropping in before things start, and picking up my challenge design for the month.  The meeting itself was that awful.

Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Gail's again.  Her craft sale is on again, and my stuff was left there last week.  I plan to go in the early afternoon, rather than early morning.  I  moved the wrong way during last night's meeting, and barely slept last night because of a very painful right knee.  Today it didn't want to bare any weight, and I ended up putting on the dreaded knee brace that has been sitting on the floor of my closet for the past few months.  I was surprised at how much it helped, and am hoping for a better sleep tonight.  But I told Gail that there was no way I planned to be getting up to an alarm, tomorrow.

Why?

Jim finally got the water in the utility sink working again. He called me over to show me and as we were looking the drier died. Totally gone. Fortunately it was almost done so I was able to spread everything out in the living room. We will see if it can be fixed but I think we are looking at a new drier. The washer is having problems too. Should we replace it now or wait for it to die?  The dishwasher leaks. We have to set our timers so we can go up and dry the floor as soon as it is done. I can live without the dishwasher but I use it as counter top. I can’t loose that counter space! The stove is new but our fridge is one that Jim’s sister got rid of when she got her new one.  Why does everything go at once?! And merry Christmas to me!  Jim was asking what I wanted. I said a big box of Twinings Earl Grey Tea. I might change my request. Sometimes you just wonder why ☹️

Our Blogging History

Browsing through our Blog data and realized with some surprise that we have been Blogging since 2009 according to the list of number of Blogs published. It seemed to surprise me anyway - time flies by when having fun??
So I think we should congratulate ourselves on 10 wonderful years of togetherness.And perhaps look forward to the next ten  - OK?
Take care

My" go to "as well...

In the midst of a whole bunch of c... yesterday, in the afternoon Harry asked for a coffee and as I poured the milk into the cup - you guessed it... curdles! I got my coat on and flew out the door to the grocery store for new milk (I'll have to do something now with the two quarts of sour milk ) On way home I passed the LCBO and quick turn in and bought a bottle of wine. Home I came with my milk, finished making a new coffee for Harry and then in the midst of more c... forgot my bottle sitting nicely on the counter still in the little brown LCBO paper bag. There it was early this morning - should I have a goblet now??? No, a nice coffee will do the job.
So now I must make something with sour milk - I'll get out my recipes and think about it. 
Snow squall warnings for today, and it is cold again here as well folks. Do not like to take the dog out but since I have to, he gets dressed in his little sweater and out we go. There is no way I can attempt to put boots on him, so he goes "bare foot".
Well, on with the day. Thinking of you Pati for tomorrow but most of all, hope you have fun!  Take care.

Stream of ideas

It's cold.  had to go out and wore a heavy pullover sweater, a very heavy cardigan, my big scarf/shawl, tuque, and finally, my parka.  Put all that on and try to drive a car!

The second of three books that I ordered arrived today.  I had ordered these thinking that they were "Monkeewrench" books that were missing from my collection.  Turns out that they aren't, but are by the same author.  Why, when one orders books from Amazon.ca, do the books come from England and Ireland?  And why do I calmly pay the shipping charges? well, at least I have something to read.

Why do the cookies David has hidden in the computer room taste so good.  Why can't they taste awful?

I have two large quilts going into a travelling show within the next month.  Over the past few days I've painfully changed the hanging sleeves to what I had thought we decided at our last meeting.  Each sleeve has to be sewn on by hand after the piece itself is finished.  Today I found out that the size has been changed again, to just slightly bigger than the ones I put on.  Now I have to start all over again.

I hate winter.  It's very pretty, and there are parties and places to go, but why does the cold make my arthritic bones hurt so much.

Well, that is off my chest.  Now, how do I get myself in a better mood.  Turns out there is a special episode of "The Masked Singer" on tonight.  Maybe a glass of wine will get rid of the Whine?

Cute little snowmen....

...and to think that some like minded individual spent time to put them all together for the sale - just for you Pati to love them and buy them haha!  And special that they will be useful for you as well?
Nothing new here. I was on phone again with Geek Squad today to ask more questions about this need to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.  Yesterday at Mike's I introduced the issue and received great feedback and explanations with Harry and I asking questions and then Mike opened his laptop to Windows 10 and we got a bit of a tour. I thought that finally there was consensus, but then today it all fell apart again so I am back to wonder and worry. I have some time until January 14 but you know how fast time goes when there is a need to do something drastic!
Mild outside and. threat of rain - just what we want right? NOT.
I go to the Dentist in the morning - it is a regular scheduled appointment but two weeks ago I had a tooth start to act up and have had pain etc since then - hoping it may just be a filling, but fear it may be another root canal issue by the way it is acting. Regardless I will need to have it attended to. And Thursday I have a long overdue hair cut appointment. 
So Pati as you give your presentation also on Thursday, my thoughts will be with you. You are well prepared and have lots to show by the sounds of your previous messages - so as the saying goes, eh Cathy?  Break a leg.
Take care  ps I packaged the second batch of saurerkraut today and froze it. The first batch was bottled.  Nice to get that done and the big crock cleaned and back downstairs. 

Sale Day

The sale at Gail's house is over for this week.  I did better than I ever have before, but none of my new items sold.   And by saying "better", it doesn't mean I did well, only that I did better than ever before.  None of the previous sales were good.  I've left my stuff out there, as they plan to open again next Saturday.  My Cheese dip went over very, very well.  Very rich and great with pretzels.  Now, I'm exhausted and ready for a quiet evening.

A busy week ahead of me, and I've decided to take it one day at a time.  Worrying about Thursday, won't help me deal with Wednesday.  but that doesn't mean I can ignore Thursday.

So tomorrow, I'll sort out the studio, and rehearse my presentation for Thursday, but confine my worrying to installing the three new magnets I bought today to use on the uprights of the big storage racks.  They are made out of clothes pins and look like snowmen.

Well, it appears that there has been some sort of update that means I can no longer add a photo from my photo albums.  I will try to e-mail the photo to both of you.  If that fails I will try to add it to a this posting from my old computer.  Pissed off, I am.

sounds like quite an evening...

...and not one I would like to have.  I think I am finally over my cold.  A few coughs and sniffles left but that is all.  It hung on for a long time  I have a new vacuum (small things excite me) I am now the proud owner of a Dyson Big Ball Animal.  My vacuum was a very old Kenmore that had reached the dangerous point with the electric cord.  The Dyson was $200 off so it was comparable to other vacuums that we had looked at.  I think I will like it. It even has an attachment for grooming long hair pets (hence the animal in the name |I guess).  It also has one for vacuuming up pet hair so it will be welcome around here.  Tomorrow Rrain and I are going shopping.  Probably won't buy anything but we are going to wander the streets of beautiful downtown Neepawa.  It is supposed to be -1 tomorrow before plunging to -20 on Sunday so this could be our last chance to enjoy the walk.  We are going to Killarney on the 22nd for Christmas and then Jean and Rrain will be here on the 25th.  Jim has promised Jean turkey so I guess I better get one.  I was going to use a chicken! Jean has offered to bring dessert. We don't have our tree up yet but maybe on Sunday.  Unless Jim gets bored while Rrain and I are out tomorrow.  

And now it's Thursday

As it was when I finally got to bed at 3:00 this morning, after a visit to the local Urgent Care Centre.  I had used an exfoliant on my face Monday evening during my shower and had been plagued by something in my eye all day Tuesday, and yesterday.  By evening I was ready to get help, so headed to Urgent Care, which is the same place a few blocks away as had previously been an Emergency dept forever.  I got there at 7:30 and waited until 12:30 when a person called my name and took me in, saying nothing except "in there" while pointing to a treatment room.  There I sat until 1:55, speaking to no-one and seeing no-one but cleaning staff, moving in the hall.  Then a doctor rushed in.  Examined me thoroughly, but quickly, and pronounced that there was nothing in the eye but a sty (sp).  He recommended warm compresses, and I was out of there in less than 10 minutes.  Only once he mentioned it did I remember that this had happened once before.  Felt a little like a fool, but I sure didn't tell him.

You had asked for pictures.  I had started with a 6 inch hexie as called for in the video.  Six inches means 6 inches along each side, in any pattern I've ever used, but the result was far too large.  So I moved down to a 4 inch hexie.  This was okay, but I still wanted to see if a smaller size was feasible, so went down to a 3 inch hexie.  This was fussy, but worked out well with a little help from my stiletto.  I only ironed the straight edges after the first step, and nothing beyond that.  I made six of them to take to the craft sale Saturday.  Here they are with my beaded silk pouches.  They are priced much lower than the pouches, and I'm a little concerned about that, but we'll see.

 So today, I will get everything ready to take to Gail's on Saturday, and tomorrow is laundry--a much bigger job than it used to be.  Then Saturday the sale, another busy and tiring day.  I just don't have the energy I used to.  Makes me feel very old these days, although I know I'm not really, when I consider how very well my "cohort" is aging.  I was born a little to early to be considered a "Baby Boomer', although you two made it.

Well, hot damn.....

The video on the hexi fabric ornament from Not Afraid of Colour was watched twice by myself so that I could grasp the concept. Although I have not actually attempted it, I am very interested.  Any chance of some pictures of your creations Pati?  BTW I have also actually constructed two of the no sew fabric star ornaments highlighted on the Last Homely House blog recently and although mine turned out rather rough looking, I was pleased to have done them. I was so happy to read that you are making these Pati. Cathy these videos would be great fun for you to watch and so to see how Pati is working through the instructions.  Happy thoughts to you both.....

Puttering again

And that includes the type of shopping we did.  Off to the fabric store, where I renewed my membership which gives me at least 20% off anything I buy for the next year.  Since I'm having fun making smaller than bed sized quilts, I priced extra wide fabric for use as backings.  Once I get some money together, I'll also check the price of it at the quilt shop where I usually find things about 60% of the cost at Fabricland.  A bit of juggling, but I really don't want to pay inflated prices just because it will save me a trip across town.  Today I've been working on little tree ornaments based on a hexagon of fabric.  I saw the instructions on a blog I follow--"Not Afraid of Color", a couple of days ago, and have adjusted the size down to something more appropriate.  These aren't great art, but they might sell at the craft show next weekend.  If nothing else they will fill up my section of the table.  But they required tiny buttons to hide some hand stitching, so I bought pretty little buttons.  Lots of little buttons. Probably more than I will ever need, but I'm having fun.

Yesterday, we went to a craft show.  A lot of junk.  I saw one table which had some very nice bottles of "something", but nothing to indicate what was in the bottles.  I had to wonder if they thought they would bring people to their table to ask, but I just saw people walking right by.  What I did find was a package of seasoning for putting with soft cheese.  They were giving out samples and they were wonderful, so I bought a big bag.  I am expected to take some sort of food offering to the craft sale, and this might just fill the spot.  I had planned to make miniature blueberry muffins.  Tried the recipe yesterday morning--just to test them you understand--and they were awful.  So 40-some tiny little muffins went in the garbage.  Actually is was more like 34 since we both ate a few.

Today David's sister came over for tea, and was telling us about trying to sort out her step-daughter's estate.  Mary Lou died a few  days ago.  She was only 4 years younger than me. She had been in poor health for many years, even going through a liver transplant.  I had liked her.  She was fun, and we spent time together down at the lake.

Warm weather around here right now, but I understand it will be back to normal temperatures later in the week.  No more rain and sleet.  However, everything remains slippery, roads sidewalks and parking lots.  I've been taking my cane with its ice grippers when I'm out walking--not that I might choose to do much of that!

Another early morning

I will be so glad to have this Dr appointment over as I could not sleep again last night - I shall try going to the appt again this morning after that silly trial run I made on Friday!  But the weather has been on my mind with snow and freezing drizzle called for - I just looked out the window and it is still fairly calm right now. But in southern Ontario it really hit bad and who knows what will be coming here. After the appt we are going to shop a bit more - I have a list of ideas to look for gifts - yesterday Mike called and was asking for ideas as well, but in the conversation I was able to pick up a few ideas for him. There is so much talk on the radio lately of people downsizing their gift giving - I have always felt this way but being attached to a family of gift givers over the past many years I have not really been able to execute my ideas/thoughts on the matter. 
I was able to finish the sewing of all the little squares into a piece that measures about 21 X 25 - small for sure but I plan to put a wide border of red  (from that bolt of fabric I spoke of ages ago) and cover with red backing and try to machine quilt it. it keeps my mind going. I am not reading right now but on occasion pick up my little tablet with the games and play a bit of Candy Crush and Wordscape etc. It is fun and I hope will keep my mind active and 
thinking.
Heres to the coming week then. Lots to do and lots to look forward to as well as the countdown to Christmas starts. Yesterday I went to the storage shed and brought home my box of favourite Christmas music and DVD movies that I plan to watch over the next month.
Take care 

Catching up.

Thursday evening was interesting.  After my get-together with the TFAM group, the afternoon was pretty well shot.  We did a bit of banking, went home and sort of looked at each other.  Then I suggested that we have supper out, prior to the show.  David made a reservation ( good move, as it turned out) at the restaurant in the casino hotel.  This was the same place as we had our Thanksgiving dinner, and quite busy.  We took a cab, so that we could both have a drink during the evening.  Phoned, and were told that it would be 10-20 minutes.  So we both  relaxed a bit.  I headed for the bathroom and barely got in before David shouts that the cab was there.  So a scramble to get our coats etc.  It turned out that the driver only lives a few blocks from us and had just been starting his evening shift.  The dinner was good, then on to the show.  That was disappointing.  The poor Kenny Rogers impersonator was a probably our age, and admitted that he was a cancer survivor. ( too much information, maybe?) The lady impersonating Dolly Parton, maybe tried a little too hard.  She was wearing heeled shoes with no back, and had trouble walking.  I wondered if the shoes were an effort to create a Parton-like walk.  The fellow had obviously read the Winnipeg paper and made quite a few "local" jokes.  None particularly funny.  The best thing about it was the back up band. The show lasted about an hour and 10 minutes.  I'm glad that it was a free show.  The couple sitting next to us had come in from Kenora and had a room at the hotel.  An expensive evening for them.  I think we might be hesitant to go to see a tribute band again.  There is a Patsy Cline  one coming soon, that David expressed an interest in.  We'll see.

Nothing coming up that is too exciting.  David watches tv, and plays Poker.  There are a couple of new games that he's finding interesting.  I'm keeping busy in the studio.  Not much art going on, but I am working, and that pleases me.

bus driver

We've taken a few casino bus trips over the years, and my memory tells me that there was always a collection for the driver.  I've always thought of it as a TIP.  At the same time, I disagree with it to a certain extent, as he is paid well for his service.

Proof....

Sad to say that I have proof that your sister is losing it......
We went down to Huntsville this morning early and i went into the Doctors office for my appointment for 0900.  It seems that I did not have an appointment - the Doctor is not even in today. My appointment was scheduled for Monday Dec 2 at 0900. How did I ever get it wrong?? And why am i so upset with this dilemma in the life? 
But not a wasted trip....To Starbucks i did go, to Starbucks I did go...high ho the merrio, to Starbucks i did go.  I went into the new store, looked around at everything, bought a coffee and a little reusable white plastic cup to put it in, and used my Starbucks Rewards card. Oh i was so happy. Harry choose to stay in the car and did not want a coffee. All the better for me then...
So here I am at home, and still wondering about my mental status - I even had a bath, did my hair, and dressed up - now i will have to do it all again for Monday. 
Wish me luck, and you folks take care. You may have to start to take care of me haha!

Same thoughts here...

Pati, I had that same thought and even expressed it to the organizer who seemed to shun the idea. Then by coincidence the next day i spoke with another of the regular bus goers, and i was surprised when i mentioned it to her that maybe we could all throw in an extra loonie or so into the box that is being collected for the bus driver - i was a bit shocked to hear her say that she and others were opposed to the idea of even collecting for the bus driver but that this organizer had taken over from her mother who had organized previously and since the mother had collected for the bus driver, she just carried on with this practice. So go figure.....!
On a happy note we made a special trip this morning up to North Bay to go to the Metro Store where Prime Rib Roasts were on sale!!!  Yeah, we are now the proud owners of a nice Roast which is now in the freezer awaiting Christmas. The price was worth the trip so I am indeed happy. Now we are in discussion as to the rest of the menu... interesting times!
I think this afternoon I might pull out some sewing that i started last week. Do you remember that box of 2 1/2 cut squares you gave me Pati??   That box has been worth its weight in gold for me. And i think that it is bottomless besides.... I made a complete double quilt in nine square blocks with them, and then several toppers, and now I have taken all the reddish fabric and i am sewing blocks to make another ? something - maybe a table top or whatever?? But it is all because i had to clear my machine and get back to sewing - to save my soul haha!
Anyway after the snow and freezing rain etc last night I see the sun shining now - maybe a nice day or two in store? Take care

Casino trip

David is suggesting that the passengers who do go, chip in to pay for any empty seat.  Might help keep the bus running every month.

Blogging

It is nice to hear from you both. Blogging is a habit forming activity for sure, and when events interrupt that habit, it can be difficult to re-establish same. However, from my perspective, I encourage you both to try to keep writing. I have mentioned before how much this Blog means to me and my life, and how much I look forward to seeing all the messages. 
Yesterday it was shopping in Huntsville, and then to visit the brother in law. We stopped at a Tim Hortons to buy him a coffee and bagel, and as I waited, I glanced at the display shelf. I was wonderstruck as all the new seasonal mugs and other items were on display - This year there is a collectors mug honouring Manitoba (it seems to be a series of Canadian themes as this mug was numbered #2 in the series) I must have it!! Also several other different mugs to choose from for the seasonal offering. So much to covet, it is mind boggling!
Also of great importance is that the long anticipated Starbucks is now open in Huntsville. I have waited long and hard to see it finally open up but it was the wrong time for me to enter and enjoy. Our time was limited yesterday so i just glanced with a promise to return. As it happens, I have a Dr appointment in Huntsville on Friday so I am planning to go to the Starbucks then and see what is up. Anticipation !
And then in the afternoon I received a telephone call from the Casino Rama organizer. The bus trips have been reincarnated. She apparently got a call from the Casino suggesting a new plan that would see a smaller bus ( 32 seat rather than the 55 seat coach) and that she would only have to pay $5.00 an empty seat instead of $25.00. So she reconsidered her decision and has decided to continue. We are booked for the first trip starting in the new year on January 30. I guess I shall have to start to save my coins again haha!
So yesterday was a happy day with good news to spread a smile on my face. Today I start with the cleaning of the bird cages so it just gets better and better, right!  The breeding pair have 7 new eggs in the cage - all of her eggs from the first attempt did not mature but it did not take them too long to get back at it. Oh woe is me!
Take care folks.It is raining right now but supposed to turn to sleet and snow before the day is up.

Re-establishing my habits

One thing I didn't get with the second data transfer for my computer, were the very many internet sites I had bookmarked.  It used to be my habit to sit with my tea, during and after breakfast, and deal with all of the computer junk, checking my e-mail, playing those games that require daily use, and cruising the Internet.  This was the most frequent time for my blogging, and I tried to make it a habit.  In the evening I do a more hasty check, and often, if I haven't blogged in the morning do it then.  Like Cathy, I'm having trouble establishing those habits again, after being without the computer for almost three weeks.  

I'm, also, slowly trying to re-connect with all of those web sites I used to spend hours searching out.  One thing I don't want to make a habit of is 2-3 hours in my nightie playing on the internet every morning.

After my busy Saturday, I still don't appear to have caught up with myself, or else, I'm fighting something off, such a s a cold or mild flu.  Just no energy, and wanting to sleep all the time.  another thought is that we haven't yet replaced the CO2 detector that fell apart.  Best we look after that in the morning.  This has meant just basically doing nothing other than the basic minimum- preparing food for myself, and bathing.  This is giving me lots of time to reading Kelley Armstrong's Cainsville series.  Really weird ( really weird!) but not something one ever wants to put down.  I'm finally on the last book of 5, but just getting started.  I also know there are one and maybe two  novellas, associated with the series.  I've read one of them, "Rough Justice", and have the other on order.

Thursday, we are going to a concert at Club Regent.  If you remember, last year we saw Randy Bachman, in November.  this year it's a free concert for Players Club members, a tribute show to Dolly Parton, and Kenny Rogers.  David had to get up early one morning, and get in line to pick up tickets at the Ticketmaster box office.  Each Club member was allowed only two.  Well before we found out about this, I had signed up for a casual meeting and workshop with Textile and Fibre Art Manitoba, an organization I belong to and exhibit with.  The meeting lasts from 10:30 to 1:30, so with the concert, we're looking at a very long day.  However, tomorrow is also "pay day" and that means grocery shopping.  Not looking to that, at all, given how exhausted I am right now, after doing nothing today, but having a nap.

Almost 7:00.  Best have my bath and get ready for bed.  Oy vey! My life has come to this!

p.s. Just before I signed off I remembered the blog "Pickled Gizzards" by Alison Schwabe  ( I needed to add her name when googling it)  I checked it out and found not 1, but 3 blog entries I had missed when the computers were down. All about cooking Lamb and "Fairy Bread".

My only excuse is laziness

I read the blog everyday but never seem to post. Things have been moving along slowly here. We went to Chloe’s birthday party on Friday. Both Jim and I have been fighting colds but we loaded up on drugs and headed out. Of course we brought Auntie Kik with us.  Chloe’s birthday supper of choice was French fries, spicy chips and cucumbers. The rest of us had pizza. She also wanted the bumps so the 3 grammas there obliged her. We also met her new kitten “Whiskers”. She had been asking for a kitten at thanksgiving and it seems this one wandered into their lives just before Halloween. They put up some found posters and left a message at the vet clinic but no one came forward. It is the friendliest little black kitten. Saturday was the Christmas Wish Sale at the yellowhead. This year I only worked 2 shifts. And left. No stress for me at all. I did buy Sandi her present. She asked for something specific and a vendor had it there. And of course I bought some fudge. The Parade of lights was Saturday evening. Other than one big break in the flow it was one of the best parades yet. Lots of floats, towed by lots of BIG farm equipment and everything covered in lights. Also every firetruck and RCMP car in town. The kids loved the sirens and horns. Sunday we did nothing but watch football. American and Canadian!  Yeah Bombers. I didn’t realize it had been 29 years since our last grey cup win. Today we are going to get together with Jim’s sister Jean for a visit. And so another week starts

Three down, and a zillion to go.

I culled my cookbook shelf as well, awhile ago.  I kept the ones I use most, and a couple with sentimental value, but now I see a few more have crept back on.  I very much value my "Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook", the one with the pink gingham cover, or was it red, and has just faded that much? I have to admit that the recipes I now use generally come from the Dr. Phil book.

Yesterday was spent at the gallery in Selkirk.  It was the annual event-- Holiday Alley, where the entire block of the main street is closed off and all the buildings are lit up with events happening all over.  We had asked for only small musical groups with no amplifiers.  That we got--group after group of one or two men with guitars singing---similar songs over and over again.  Finally there was a young lady with a guitar, but her voice was so low that no-one could hear her. But over all it made for a relaxed but sociable day in the gallery.

While out at the Gallery, I took a look around to see if I could spend the $60.00 gift certificate I had won in a draw a couple of months ago.  I found a very nice wreath, and a small daintie tray. Over the years, every time I have ladies over, I serve dainties on a dish from my Christmas china regardless of the time of year. I no longer have to do that.  Black wouldn't have been my first colour choice but it was really the only thing that caught my eye.  I tend to go for pottery when I shop like this, probably because I can't do it myself. As a bonus, it was made by one of the ladies who donated the gift certificate for the fund draw.

The wreath is now hanging on our front door.  Now both of us keep thinking there is someone at the door.

This afternoon David ran a few errands while I sat and enjoyed my coffee at Starbucks.  He had to pick up three prescriptions.  Almost the end of the year, and Blue Cross has run out. $388.00.  "Nuff said about that. Then home where he looked after the wreath, recycling and garbage detail.  I spent time working on the presentation I have to give to the Quilters' Guild.  I had planned it all out and took pictures.  Then I had to insert a note about what pictures I wanted where within the presentation script, at the same time as editing the script itself.  One lady said she would help me with  the pictures, and I sent them all to her, via e-mail on Friday. I have heard nothing from her, even though I specifically asked her to let me know if she received them, even following up with an e-mail yesterday, asking again.

Then I had a thought.  Oh oh. Not usually a "Good Thing".  She had mentioned putting them in a PowerPoint format, and during my trials with the computer, someone had used the word "PowerPoint".  So I checked out the various programs on my computer and there is was.  I played with it, not having used it in 30-40 years, and wasn't I able to get all of the photos in, and in the right order.  I've saved it to a USB stick, but won't say anything to anyone, but rather take the USB stick with me on the day, just in case.

So now we both relax, until time for the football game.  I have offered to go for take-out food, so supper is taken care of.  Maybe I'll even find a minute to sew.

Good to be Back in business,,,,

That is how I was going to start this message but then just read your tale of woe about Shaw so hope at last that will be the end of it Pati. I was thinking all the time I read about your needing help etc that things were so much simpler before we got connected to technology and how it came that we are all required to comply with these necessary and involved steps in order to watch a TV show, or read a message from family or friends ( not a letter in the post that is!) Although, it does give some select few a job doesn't it? Those people with whom we talk and allow to take over our world, have to work, after all!
I had a run in with local road maintenance the other day resulting in a written formal complaint to the Town office. Yesterday afternoon I took the dog out just in time to see the Supervisor out the front taking a picture of my said issue. So we sparred. It took a while before the conversation turned pleasant and in the end we both came away I think, with a better understanding. These sort of confrontations take a tole on me and I never feel at peace because I think about it and play it over and over until I get upset again. 
We are in the cookie factory still and i hope perhaps today shall be the end of it as all the cookies are baked, but some need some decorations yet which should take place today. Then i need to store them until we make up trays to take to both Mike and Will, and also this week to Harry's sisters husband who we plan to visit on Tuesday while we are in Huntsville for shopping. His medical condition keeps him attached to the home on oxygen, and he is basically isolated and lonely. He sends us songs on the computer and emails all the time, and has taken to calling most evenings just after 6 pm because he has a cell phone that has a plan of unlimited calls after 6 pm. Donna still works and is most often not at home much. 
yesterday one of the shelves of the book shelf where i keep a million cookbooks collapsed so I knew it was time to organize it. Harry keeps bringing home cookbooks from the dump store, and it has become unmanageable. I have my favourites and usually do not venture into most of the others. I took three boxes of culled books down to the storage unit to store until we can drive them up to his sister in law in Kirkland Lake - she loves cookbooks and will sit all day looking at them.  I was surprised that Harry actually let me get away with this. Anyway, I was able to fix the shelf so that it will hold steady ( for now) and have most of the ones I want to keep nicely shelved - looks neat and tidy. However, i found some very interesting books including one that brought back some happy thoughts / nostalgic reading! And it involves you Pati. Remember Recipe Book compiled by The Ladies Auxiliary of the Winnipeg Citizens Radio Club?  Recipes from folks that I remember and names I remember from way back and names I remember you mentioning: Mac Findlay, Pat Findlay, Sheryl Chapnick, Chris Gunn, Sonya Gunn, Linda Lisecki, Shelley Chochinov, to name a few and I am sure you would recognize many of the others. To make a long story short, I spent far more time going through some of my keeper books than I should have, but I had a ball!
Well i better go and get ready for another day. Take care.

It never rains but-----

Today the "black box' that connects my tv to Shaw died.  This meant that David had to disconnect everything and take it to the Shaw store to get a replacement.  Then the replacement had to be connected, and programmed to match my tv.  Sounds simple?  No it isn't.  David brought home the new box, connected it, and said that the rest was up to me.  I had a booklet of written instructions that had so many names of parts and tasks that it read like Greek.  so, I called Shaw.  Spoke to a nice lady, who took over while we were on the phone.  Just sitting there with nothing to see, as we were only on the phone.  She asked me to get David on the line as the account is in his name and privacy matters--of course.  (snort) It took about 45 minutes but she got me up and running and we hung up after my thanking her.  I turned around and the damn system is doing up dates.  Meanwhile David headed out yet again, (we had been out earlier for coffee and groceries) because the yogurt he had bought was the wrong one.  Once he was home everything settled down, until he turned his tv on. No connection.  So he gets on the line to Shaw, and discovers that in connecting me, the lady had disconnected his black box instead of the broken one of mine.  this meant that he had to go back to the Shaw store for yet another box, which he brought home and then had to call Shaw yet again to get his connected.  That took awhile.  I had eaten supper ( this had been going on since about 1:00)  so he sat down to supper and discovered that his tv was now doing up dates.  In between all of this we were trying to get our huge , once-a-week laundry done.  

We both spent the evening playing poker.

Back in business

finally.  Not nearly as much stress this time.  I managed to do most things by myself.  I was amused by how much I had learned by watching The Geek Squad working on the computer.  I ended up needing help to set up my e-mail, and in connecting to the news channel.  In the end I realized that I had been connected to Microsoft news, which is just the Microsoft company newsletter--all feel good stories, and not the news I have been watching for years.  So today my chore will be to figure that one out.  Monday I had another meeting out in Selkirk, not getting home until the middle of the afternoon.  Then it was full out housework getting ready for my stitchery ladies coming on Tuesday afternoon.  In the end only three of them came, the others having weak excuses such as as long scheduled MRI.  Where are their priorities?  lol.  But it was a chance to use Mom's fancy saucer/plates.  Then, I always think of family and how we all have a part of that precious memory of life at home, and the frantic house cleaning that preceded a visit of the "Spinsters".  Having a group like this over leaves me exhausted but with a good feeling about having the whole house clean at the same time.  That sure doesn't happen often.

By the time the ladies left, I was absolutely wiped out.  David took me to a movie--"Terminator: Dark Fate".  The local theatre has seen better days.  They are in the process of a huge renovation at that mall, given the availability of the building that housed the Sears store.  That has been taken down to pilings and roof, and, I understand, that there will be a new theatre, restaurant, a grocery store, and some other retails stores. So there's no hope of any improvements in the old theatre.  We sat in the back row, that is mainly reserved for wheelchair attendants and "people with mobility issues".  These seats are only rarely used, and in much better shape than most of the others.  I figure we qualify, and we probably actually do.  Much more comfortable than other seats that are always quite a struggle to get out of.  Not that we didn't have a choice, as there were only 14 people in the theatre.  We've found that the early show, on "cheap" Tuesdays, is often less crowded than later.  Once we were the only people there!

After the show, we went out gambling, and came home ahead, so yesterday, did a bit of shopping.  Food certainly, but also some clothes.  We are finding that only doing laundry once a week,  (which our poor sore backs love), leaves us short of some things.  Luckily, David found the long sleeved winter t-shirts he loves on sale.  I had wanted a couple more pair of pants to fit my expanding body ( yes, expanding, making me very unhappy with myself).  They apparently weren't on sale,but I bought them anyway.  She rang them up and I immediately questioned how small the bill was.  "Oh" she says "They're 40% off for a surprise sale, Today and tomorrow,  everything in the store is 40%off".  So we bought a third pair.  I also picked up a pair of slippers when we bought David's shirts.  I wore them after my shower last night and they hurt.  This morning I couldn't put on any slippers, my feet were so sore.  I sure hope they will take them back, but I'm not optimistic.

Today, I'm looking at taking it easy, and tomorrow as well.  Saturday, I'm working in the Gallery in Selkirk.  It is the yearly event "Holiday Alley".  I've working the last two years for this event, and loved every minute of it, although it's very busy and I come home exhausted.  The latest Rockton book is waiting for me at the library.  I've been reading some of the Steve Berry books you recommend, Beth, and can't put them done, once I get started.  I'm also re-reading some of the "Wild Hunt" series by Kelley Armstrong.  related to her Cainsville series, but separate, I find them amusing, as well as interesting. A melding of current moral standards with ancient Celtic beliefs. Best read in order, as all of her series are.

David is up, and it seems we need to go to the wine store today.  Best get dressed before we leave.

Maybe Spring has come?

NO, not really but i could hope. It is milder last day or two and the snow is melting, and where i did the roof has melted to show shingles and snow melting and dripping off the eaves. Nice if it were true - but rain forecast for a day or two and then the temps will fall again and I expect more snow. How is that for your morning weather report? haha!
Shopping yesterday as usual and i bought a new pair of runners at The Thrift Store - never worn and tags still attached. I am wearing them in the house - just like you have a house pair of shoes for the house, Pati. I find them very comfortable and supportive so hoping they may help me with safety issues as well. I found the slippers I was wearing were not all that safe.
Harry also bought three huge green cabbage on sale at Freshco - and yes, we made another large batch of saurerkraut and have it sitting in the big crock now to ferment or whatever saurerkraut does. The first batch is already bottled in jars.
We were trying to price a prime Rib Roast for Christmas Dinner and not having any luck - so expensive. The Butcher Shop in Sprucedale came back in their message that we could have a 10 lb roast for $150.00. Guess what - we have decided to plan to go with another meal. Just trying to choose something other than another Turkey Dinner that we had for Thanksgiving, which would be fine if we had to.
Well I have to make myself something with eggs this morning - perhaps scrambled eggs on toast? Yesterday at the checkout Harry was trying to put an 18 eggs carton into the bag and the lid slipped and eggs fell out into the bag itself, - so we struggled to rectify the situation as good as we could as we were holding up the line. Needless to say when i got home i had to fix it and found myself with some eggs cracked so i shall use them now. The situation could have been much worse so we got away lucky.
Hope all is well...take care

YEAHs all around....

Happy, happy - so happy you are back in the saddle Pati and your message expressed your excitement - I could "hear" it ....haha!
Take your time to set things up so that you get it the way you want, and the way that will work for you.
And how about those Winnipeg Blue Bombers eh???? 
Take care

Success!

David's computer accepted the invitation to participate, and is now all set up.

Hi there.....

for the moment, I'm in.  Just got home form picking up my new computer, and now have to re-establish all of my settings.  I'm actually quite proud of myself.  I guess I learned a few things via my trials over the past two weeks, because I got back in to Google and back into Blogger all by myself.

So this is just a short note to say hello, and now I must go and spend the rest of the evening, while David watches the end of the football game. getting set up again

A bit of chatter....

Still cold and snowy here but managing to survive the " winter" so far. Yesterday I did the roof in anticipation of forecast mixed precipitation in next day or so - I shall continue my quest to keep the roof from icing over and causing all the leaking in Spring as we experienced this Spring. I am determined to succeed so I shall forge ahead. With the snow rake and step ladder I can only clear about 6 to 8 feet up from the eavestrough but it may be enough to prevent the 'daming" effect. Time will tell.
No more trips to the Casino!!!! I received a call from the organizer who says she will no longer be running the bus trips related to issues with the Casino and the Bus company and the contract. They have told her that she will have to pay out of pocket $25.00 for each empty seat on the bus. Lately there has not been a full load travelling so it would mean a considerable expense and actually quite an unacceptable request to expect her to pay. Of course if we wanted to, we could drive the two hours and go on our own but that is not going to happen - it was the idea of the bus trip that made the whole event an adventure for us. The new Casino in North Bay is under construction now and due to open in the Summer 2020 so there is always an option there to try it out. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!!!
Christmas cookie baking here right now - Harry is on a roll with his baking up a storm ( and with me helping haha!) Yesterday early in the morning while i was sitting with my coffee and thinking as i always tend to do,  I had a sudden urge to set up my little fibre optic tree. What a thrill - just for me of course - so I managed to dig out the box from the basement, and set it up, and light it up, and voila - happiness and delight!  One needs to do something wonderful for oneself after all.......
So lots on my 'to do" list for today so I'll get at it now. Hope all is well with everyone, and you are keeping warm...take care

Pretty early morning

Just came in from taking the dog out for his early morning constitutional. It is milder today and a light snow is falling gently all around making for a very pleasant scene. If it weren't still mid November and if I knew this "winter" weather were not staying I might feel even better about it. Take what I get I guess.  But for sure, one thing on my agenda for today will be snow shoveling. I make my "list" or agenda or whatever one wants to call it every morning- add to it as the day goes on sometimes- but the thrill is crossing off in big heavy strokes those chores that have been accomplished - however big or small... haha!
The Christmas cakes are baked and wrapped and stored away except for one which I am slowly slicing and eating. As it turned out, I was very much a part of the preparation process as i knew i would be. But that is OK - always is OK.
Yesterday I had to turn on the heaters etc in the basement which meant a bit of shuffling of stuff, but I did much work and by the end of the day felt very satisfied with progress. It helps to feel you have been productive rather than to have made no difference. Of course, it is only me who sees any progress and only me who can determine success on such days. Slow and steady should be my motto.
So here's to the weekend again. Hope all is well folks. And Pati hope all your computer woes shall be resolved. Take care.

Better news from your perspective Pati

As you say, now let's wait and see that what is promised is delivered.. I felt I was with you all day yesterday and urging you on, and praying for miracles.... maybe it helped a bit???haha!
We shopped yesterday and made a trip into Bulk Barn to purchase the necessary ingredients for this years Christmas Cakes. Harry has it in his mind to bake a batch again this year. Once home he checked a recipe and then I ventured into our local Village Bins to purchase the remainder of the items.  I organized everything i could last evening for him to get started this morning.It is always a real process. However i am going over to visit with dear old Daisy and will not be in the kitchen to help Harry. He is fine with this - we'll see,
I baked a cake, and will ice it shortly and then cut and place on a plate to take with me - i always take something.I spoke with her son to arrange the visit and he says she is really deteriorating with her dementia and right now is really not with it much? I shall stay for a bit and talk with her but I am sure the son and granddaughter will keep the conversation flowing - they talk non stop!
Bitter cold in these parts still and very unpleasant. I almost hate to  take the dog out and even with his little sweater on I fear for his comfort - no way I could ever put boots on him. I have tried and failed many times.
So on with another day ...breakfast and then march on. Happy that you may be back in business Pati and with a new computer that you like. Keep us informed...take care

My thanks, and an update

 My trip today, to Best Buy, was a bit anti-climatic.  I prepared my self for battle.  Wore my luck underwear.  Wore what would have been work clothes, in the day.  ( do we all remember those days?  Cathy is the closest to them)  David insisted on going with me.  I took all of my receipts, and even took the very old computer in the trunk of the car, in case any sort of data transfer became necessary.  I practiced say "Fix it or replace it".

Went into the store, and waited a bit for other customers to be cared for. saying that I knew I would be awhile.  The computer was sitting in front of my on the desk.  I was polite and explained what had happened on Sunday.  The fellow looked at me and said "Sounds like the computer itself is the problem".  I couldn't believe it.  Then he turned it on to see this black featureless screen I was talking about, and the damned thing came on and behaved beautifully.  Bad words!!

The final decision was that it would be replaced.  We spoke to the same guy who sold it to us. He talked about the upgrade they recommended.  I really wanted the 17" screen.  I think I could have lived with a smaller keyboard, but not a smaller screen.  Then David noticed one larger computer on the other side of the display table.  The salesman says "Oh, that's the new version of the one you have.  They are just coming in".  More bad words!!  This is what we had wanted in the first place, not to be told it didn't exist and the best they could offer me was their display model!  Anyway we are upgrading to the new version of what I had in the first place, but they  are "in transit", and may not be in until Friday.  So I have the new/old one, which is working well except for sending e-mail, and with Poker Stars.  They have agreed to assist me in working with Microsoft to re-activate the code on my Office 2019, which they installed on Sunday.  Lots of promises, we'll see how it goes.