OMG!!

My baby turns 50 today!  How did this happen?!? I'm far to young to have a baby that age!  Happy birthday Loren!  I hope it's a great one.

Accepting the inevitable

Today the fellow came around, from the company that looks after weeding and fertilizing our lawn all summer, to clear the snow off the roof of both the house and the garage(which was much worse than the house).  David has been expressing concern for a couple of weeks now about how much snow was up there.  This is something we've discussed over the past couple of years.  Neither of us is really capable of doing some jobs, and neither of us would be at all safe if we tried.  Just one more expense that we have to take into consideration, and one more check in  favour of long range planning regarding selling the house.  

We don't want to sell the house and we don't want to move, but we have to accept reality, and take steps/make plans to stave off the inevitable for as long as possible.  Sad but true.

Maybe we are now experiencing regrets about the life style we lived that left us with little more than our pensions.  At the same time, I wouldn't trade the memories of our travels for anything.  Neither do I still have the same regrets about having to sell our last house.  Yes, we were victims of a nasty housing market, and sold it for a little less than we paid.  Yes, it is now worth 3-4X what we got for it.  But at the same time, that house was designed for entertaining, and that is no longer a part of our lives. So, had we stayed, we would now have 3/4 of a house that would never be used.

So we accept our current life style, make whatever changes we can to support it, and we talk about the very long term ( I hope), and how we'll deal with it.

For some reason-----

I've been thinking that it's Saturday, all day.  Beth phoned today to let us know that she has lost her internet and won't get it back until her modem is replaced.  One has been ordered and it's coming by snail mail from Val D'Or.  Could be awhile. We have arranged to have our car repaired, but the work won't start until Mar 18.  While we had the rough estimate of $2000, we will probably never know the actual cost--just get billed for the deductible.

Shopping today.  We're getting in the habit of getting up and getting out fairly early, so as to avoid all of the old people cluttering up the stores.  Everyone gets their government pensions on the same day, including us.  As we were leaving the house, the temperature was minus 30, without the wind chill. Not my idea of a pleasant day.  We visited five stores, as well as the bank.  The trunk was full, and groceries overflowed into the back seat.  So shopping was only half the job. Then it all had to be pick up and moved into the house.  By the time everything was put away, we were both exhausted.  So not much more has been done, only a bit of laundry.  I expect we'll both veg in  front of the tv or computer tonight.

Sunday evening-sigh...

I find myself just filling time.  I am procrastinating like crazy on working on the two commitments I have--a demonstration for March 16 and a full day workshop for April 28th.  I did get most of the samples for the demo done this afternoon, but only after giving myself a good kick in the butt.  Now I've just finished 3 poker tournaments, without winning anything. I think I may be still fighting a bit of the "blues", especially when I'm tired and not sleeping well.

But I did get out to Starbucks today.  A bit of excitement there.  A little sad too.  A man came in, probably in his 20's-30's.  He was obviously mentally challenged in some way.  He shouted hello to a few people from the doorway, got himself a cup of coffee, and then wandered around talking to himself, but you could see people sort of cringing away from him.  He was a little disheveled, and none to clean.  There is a special care facility in the same mall, so this isn't an isolated event, but usually it happens on a weekday, and there are several of them and one or two "companions" with them.  Not so today.  I had my book and couldn't see the whole room.  Next thing I saw was the police coming in.  Not unusual again as they, and EMT's often stop in.  But this time they gently, and unobtrusively  escorted the fellow out.  Obviously the staff had called them.  I was impressed with how quietly it was done.

A quickie

Just came in from the Library and I was able to take out the Nicholas Spark book Every Breath that you mentioned Pati. I now look forward to some good weekend reading. Neither of the PJ Tracy books that I ordered have arrived yet so in the meantime I shall have something to keep me company haha!
Mild right now and supposed to rain tomorrow and then dip down to minus temps and cold for a while. I fear that this varying spring like weather will play havoc with the melting, with all the snow and the roof covered with layers of solid ice. Dread, dread, dread !
So back to work....Harry is in the little greenhouse as I write and I shall have to fetch and carry shortly.
Have a good weekend folks - take care.

Catching up

We went a little early to pick up my piece, on Tuesday evening.  I was able to see all of the art, and chat with a couple of the artists.  There was quite a snack buffet, still out, and we both took a dessert square.  A nice little treat.  But getting out of there, with my piece and the grids, was a challenge, with everyone trying to get out all at the same time.  We ended up leaving the grids in the car over night, as neither of us felt, in the least, like wrestling with them.  Thank Goodness, we didn't have to get them down the basement again, as they are normally stored in the garage. 

Yesterday was quieter, but we were still out, as we wanted to get gas, knowing I was heading out to Selkirk today.  Snow last night, but the highway wasn't too bad, and I only ran into one problem.  It's a divided highway and there was a big highway snowblower truck coming at me on the other side of the divided road.  He was blowing the snow into the median, but it was actually blowing right across the median, over my side of the highway, and into the fields.  It was like driving into the wall of a full white-out.  Thank Goodness I could see well enough ahead that I was prepared, and had slowed down, being grateful that there were no other cars near me.  But sitting through a busy meeting, driving both ways, and then having to deal with a fairly loud religious discussion while I was trying to relax over my coffee, has left me quite tired.  I'm glad I don't have to go out tonight, even if there isn't a lot on tv.

7:36pm  Well, David read an e-mail about an Artisans' Market this evening at the Gallery in Selkirk, and since he hadn't been out all day, off we went.  I was impressed at the market, as it was the very first one, although they plan to have them every third Thursday until fall.  But we didn't stay long, then turned around and came home.  As a result we are just now finishing supper.  I was really hungry. But there are still a few minutes to relax before bed.

Among the missing, I guess

I sure haven't said much here, for awhile.  I had mentioned being in a "blue funk" last week, but it seems that I haven't quite recovered yet, more physically than emotionally.  When I worked, the staff used to say I was "dragging butt", and that's exactly what it feels like.  No energy, no ambition.  A few minor physical effects have me wondering if I may be fighting the flu.

But today I'm forced to move, or at least put on a show of doing it.  Awhile back I had mentioned being accepted into an exhibit relating to ecology--today's the day.  I hadn't realized that it was a one day show.  Even less than one day.  We set up this afternoon for an opening reception this evening.  It's in a hotel, and we can't hang anything on the walls, so I'm having to take grids to use.  I've been invited to the reception, and plan to attend for at least part of it.  Then at 9:00 we have an hour to take down, and move out.  Not much chance of making a sale, but it will be exposure, although that's greatly over-rated.

Otherwise, we're still staying hunkered down at home, venturing out once a day, out in the cold, for coffee.  Seems silly, but it keeps me going.

Louis Riel Day

I would have taken the day off anyway, but this way I am not using one of my vacation days.  And yes, I am counting the days.  Counting "work" days makes it even closer.  I am still not sure how we will make out without my salary but I intend to find out.  Now I am trying to compare health care plans.  Even at $217 per month Blue Cross is pretty competitive.  Other plans can cost less but the coverage seems to match what you pay.  I think I will end up with |Blue Cross, but still need to discuss it with Jim.  It also seems they want me to pick a retirement gift.  It is from the same catalog as my 20 year gift so now I get to pick my second choice.  I wish I'd known when I picked my 20 year gift. It would have made the choice so much easier if I had known I could get both.  I asked management not to announce my retirement until March, so I have a bit of a breather.  I really don't want a retirement party.  It used to be special when we were open to the public and all the people from the law offices and banks dropped it.  They did offer us an option of going out to dinner.  Just our office.  I am not keen on that either, but I do owe my co-workers the respect of offering them that chance.  It is a free meal for them and a chance to say goodbye. I will think about it.  I find myself starting to do something around the house now and then thinking "that can wait until I retire"  I am going to need a whole new mindset.  And a hobby. 

Apple pie

Yesterday I made an apple pie - first in a long time and I quite enjoyed the treat. Harry buys apples and then realizes he cannot chew them so I get to do something with them - just like the bundles of ripe bananas he buys off the discount trays - then I have to use them up eg banana muffins or as with today when I plan to bake banana loaves ... Good job I like banana muffins and loaves.
Yesterday I had to do a switch with the heaters in the greenhouses - the night temperatures are really cold and the little greenhouse where the majority of the plants are got down to 32 F. Because I have to juggle only two outlets from the house, what I did was close down the big greenhouse for now, move the plants from there into the little greenhouse and moved the electric cord and heater from the big greenhouse to the little one. So there are now two heaters in there. Tricky, but I did it. It will not be a permanent change but for now at least the temp will remain higher overnight. 
At Mikes the other day I foolishly sliced the top on my left middle finger with the blender blade - nasty! A quick first aid and my insistence that a trip to ER was NOT going to happen, off we came back home. It was fun actually to be able to hold the bandaged middle finger up - just picture it and imagine my delight to be able to do that all the way home and get away with it...haha!
So another week folks - you are celebrating Louis Riel Day today and we are celebrating Family Day - whooppee! Hoping all is well as always....take care.

Another week - another three feet of snow?

With all this snow I wonder if it will ever melt in time for summer haha! I wanted to take a picture to share with you but then realized you folks have just as much and know what snow looks like right? But I really think this winter has outdone itself.  Pati you spoke of ice on the windows...yesterday I went out to the greenhouse in the morning and spotted one window of the big greenhouse that was a true masterpiece... I wanted to get a picture but have no good way to capture the beauty of what was drawn - leaves and trees and swirls as if a master artist had spent all night creating. How does nature create such beauty? If one's soul needs a boost (which it does) ....this did it! Of course as the sun came up and the windows warmed that gorgeous picture disappeared.  I am anxious to see what might greet me this morning although it is overcast and snowing right now. And the same picture would never reappear - but an equally beautiful one might.
Spent most of the day switching from old car to new car yesterday - the possession date changed a bit because of the weather but it was yesterday that it finally occurred. So much paper work...I just signed and hoped that I would not be surprised in what was written in all that small print. But here we are with a white Equinox with many newer options. We drove to Huntsville to shop after finally getting into it, but Harry drove and so far I have not sat behind the drivers seat. We bought new seat covers at Canadian Tire so I must get them put on sooner than later to try to protect the "newness". And put the covers in the trunk and on the back seats as I have done with other leases. I am the one to try to protect them from damage but sometimes cannot catch everything, thus, I am paying extra for Excessive Wear/Damage coverage. And we plan to visit Mike on Sat ( yes, I guess to show off the new car but mostly just to visit haha!) so I want everything done before then - which means today will be busy for me! Shoveling the first item on the list haha!
So I guess I better get at it....hoping all is well with everyone...I wish I could see your new hairdo Pati but hearing you went and got it done was good enough for me. That's a real mood booster just in itself.  I am re reading Kingdom of the Blind  just because i wanted something good to be reading and still enjoying it just as much as the first time even if I know the end - it makes all the clues dropped throughout that much more interesting.  Take care

Oh My Gosh!

We had checked the mail box earlier,to find it empty, and just after I finished the last post, I got an e-mail from the Post Office saying "Your parcel has been delivered".  Sure enough, there was my parcel in the mail box, delivered by the mail person, not in independent carrier.  Talk about service!  Now I have thread, and I can sew.

No sure what happened

Tuesday evening I had a bit of a melt down.  Turned into a withering ball of self pity.  Had trouble sleeping but finally had a glass of wine and fell asleep.  Woke up Wednesday and worked my a__ off while David was out getting the bulb changed on the car.  By the time he got home I was, again, wallowing in self pity and lashing out at everyone.  Spent the afternoon getting my hair done.  They did a wonderful job!  Paid with my credit card and immediately realized that I had used the small internet card I keep, instead of the other one, and the bill had put me over my credit limit.  Off to the bank and immediately put a payment on , using money I had earmarked for another purpose.  But that's yet another problem.  Then off to Starbuck's.  I was so upset and self involved that I couldn't settle to either my book or my coffee.  Driving home I was almost  in despair asking myself what the hell's wrong with me.  Then it struck me that I had started a prescribed 2 week stretch on Diclofenac on Sunday night.  One of the primary side effects, and one that the doctor has been carefully watching for, is depression.  I removed the rest of the pills from my dosette, and went out, and away from David, for the evening (Quilters' Guild meeting), for his sake more than mine.

Fell much better this morning.  Maybe a little of "name it and deal with it", but add the fact that I missed last evening's and this morning's dose.

Another thing, that had me going yesterday, was that David had taken the car in for a quote for repairing the scrape I got on the fender when I brushed against the house.  He had felt that it was fairly minor and we might be able to pay for it ourselves rather than going to Autopac.  Almost $2000.00.  This will have to go through Autopac, and it will mean a demerit on my license.  Since the car is registered in my name, it means our insurance goes up this spring, when it is renewed.  The funny side of it is that, when I called to report it, I was told that they were very busy with all of the accidents that happened this week as a result of the snowfall, and to call back in a few days, if the problem didn't affect the operation of the vehicle.

So now to face the day.  I haven't been in the studio for about 3 days ( another cause of depression??). Last night I was surprised to find that a class I had proposed for a retreat at the end of April has enough registrations to be a "go". Never thought that would happen!  I was also asked last night if I would prepare a short-10 minute presentation on"something" for the next meeting of the Guild.  There will be four of us, and they film it and show it, at the same time, so that everyone can see it and it only has to be done once.  It used to be done as a type of "round robin', so that it had to be done 4-6 times over an afternoon.  So both of those have to be well prepared for.  Looks like busy times for me.

Win some, lose some--or is that lose-lose

A warmer day, but that has it's own problems.  Started with David heading out first thing this morning, to blow snow.  We should know by now that if it warms up a bit, there is for sure going to be more snow.  David and the neighbour had just about finished the job, when the city decided that it was time to plow the street.  Our street is only one block long.  There were four graders and three loaders on the street at the same time.  No snow was taken away, but a whole bunch was moved to various places along the block.  Unfortunately for us there was a big SUV parked right at the bottom of our driveway.  Of course they couldn't tow it, and just plowed around it leaving a big winrow.  Then, in trying to cleaning winrows from all the driveways, they left piles of snow, and David and Lloyd had to go out again with the snowblowers and re-do what they had done earlier.  A little later the guy came and drove his SUV away leaving quite a mess.

A little later, while I was downstairs dealing with laundry, I found water on the floor.  This is always a little scary in that basement, as we've had at least one insurance claim for water in the basement already, and have really done nothing about curing the problem. ( A major, read $$$ job) Turned out that there were huge ice accumulations in both of the windows on the North  (driveway)and South (studio) sides of the house.  With the warmer weather the one on the North side was draining behind the big, good quality book case against that wall.   These windows are installed against the outside of the house, leaving a fairly thick cement wall before the opening into the actual wall into the basement.  The ice was 1 1/2" to 2" thick, on that wall.  David spent quite a long time chiseling some of it off, and then put a towel in the window, as we had to go out.  He finished the job after we got home.  Thank Goodness!

We had to go out to pick up some pills.  I had ordered them a week ago for David.  They needed to fax the doctor for permission to refill, and said they would phone when the pills were ready.  There had been no phone call, until I called this morning to find out what had happened. They were ready a week ago, and since they will only keep them waiting like that for a week, and can't put they back into stock, they would had had to destroy them, and perhaps bill us?  At $318.00 a refill?  

A stressful day?  What to do?  Well, I have found that I miss my blond, and my hair is quite salt-and-pepper without it, and I hate it. I made an appointment to get more blond.  Tomorrow afternoon at 1:00, knowing that David is going to get yet another bulb changed in the car tomorrow at 10:00.  The job usually takes less than hour ( we've done it a couple of times since the new year).  When I tell David, he tells me that because it's happened before they will be doing a full diagnostic and it might take quite awhile.  He would call and let me know so I could cancel the appointment.  Well, if he calls, I'll take a cab.

And that's my day--so far.

To work or not to work

That isn't even the questions since our Workflow program is down and we can do nothing.  We were told to review the Senior Staff Notes but I can only take so much of that, and I have been at it for 1 1/2 hours already. (and don't really remember anything I read )  I have slowly been trying to clean up my office at home, but then I find a book I haven't read in a while and that is it for the day.   As for snow......... It is well over my crotch in the yard, which I found out the hard way.  I was worried that I might not be able to turn around and go back.  I knew for sure if I fell that was it until Spring thaw.  Sam dropped by yesterday with a container of "goodies" that Betty had packed for me.  There was a funeral at the colony and Sam said every guest brought food.  Cookies and cake!  Well, Patty tells me Wokflow is back up and running.  Guess I better work for a while.  On the other hand..... what are they going to do?  fire me?   

Quiet times

Nothing as exciting as a new car around here.  Not that we couldn't use one, but we're praying that this one will last another year or so.  We're sticking pretty close to home, given the very cold temperatures.  So far we've managed by putting on an extra layer around the house, but broke down yesterday and turned the heat up a couple of degrees.  I opened the blinds in the bedroom, and was shocked to see how much ice had collected on the window--at least an inch thick in one spot.

Today there was a meeting out in Selkirk.  A woman came to give us a "quick" presentation on a community event to be held next November.  I put "quick" in quotation marks as the Chairman finally told her after 50 minutes that we would have to move on.  It was an interesting presentation, with lots of interesting statistics, but she was really "preaching to the choir" as our organization had participated in the event for the last three years. This really screwed up our meeting time, and it was so rushed and so busy that I came home exhausted.

Doing a lot of reading.  I started another book by Nicholas Sparks and soon realized that it was the third book of his, in a row, that had the same basic plot.  I have to believe that others will be somewhat the same.  So now I have a small pile of thrillers to go through, but I've ordered so many from the library that I'm hesitant to get more for fear that I'll have a pile of 15, as due back in 3 weeks.  That happened once before.

Still trying to stick closely to my diet.  To that end, I have bought avocados.  I've resisted that in the past, as they don't keep very long and are costly, but now I know that they really do change the flavour of various dishes, including -hold your breath-tacos.  Yes, I found a recipe in the book for tacos, tried it, and love them.  A really filling meal. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, so Googled "How to eat a taco".  What it said in three paragraphs was basically-  wear a bib and use a napkin-They're messy.  It was right.  I still plan to eat them again.  The other dish I found nice, using avocados- was "Green Grape Smoothie".  Since I have a lot of green grapes frozen I can make it anytime.

Now to get some supper, and look forward to an exciting (?) evening playing poker.

New car this week.....

Process to get into a new lease car is moving faster than I anticipated but that's OK. Yesterday I was out in the driveway emptying, and vacuuming and cleaning the car and then Harry took it to the car wash to get the outside done.  Cathy, we are getting another Equinox like yours so I guess my introduction to your options will help me a bit? It is a white ( Harry's choice) 2019 Equinox and should get today or tomorrow. Will have to negotiate the Sirius contract (radio) as we will get 90 days free, and then the Insurance switched over but that will all fall into place. So I shall have no need for now to worry about the mileage on the old car but in my favour, I did manage it well, and we would not have had to pay extra even if we waited until end April to re-lease.
So onward and upward.....Take care and keep warm. Surely Spring will arrive sometime.... haha!

"Aching all over...."

Isn't that a song from Randy Bachman ... no, his was "Shaking all over"  Anyway I am hurting from shoveling yesterday. In the morning, I was clearing around the yard in preparation for the forecast freezing rain and rain overnight, and also trying to dig out the ladders with idea of trying to get some snow off the roof. And I got the back door areas cleared - always like to know there is an alternative exit if needed. Once I had the big ladder dug out, then Harry decided he was going to go up on the roof himself and clear some of the snow - we worked all afternoon with him shoveling completely around the roof and about 6 or 8 feet up the roof from the eaves. I was on the ground shoveling all that came tumbling down at me. So I was actually having to re- shovel the same places I had done in the morning - go figure! The freezing rain did come and a bit of rain but not as much or as severe as expected. I had the pump at the ready but it was not necessary. We seem to have to respond to what is being given us on a daily basis. And I see you folks are still in the deep freeze.
Yesterday as well I went into the Car dealership to officially start the process to turn this car in and to lease another - this lease ends April 28. The fellow there thinks we can move sooner and do the exchange in a week or two.  This would certainly help with my issues related to mileage. So we will see. Still have to have an inspection but I would want to clean the car first - how does one vacuum and clean a car in the driveway under these present weather conditions?
So here's to the weekend - hope all is well. Take care

Cathy, well done!

It has been the decision that has torn you apart lately - that has been done ! Now turn to happier times. Once you have decided, and started to move along the path, it all comes to be for you.  I am happy for you, and will always be here cheerleading the loudest for you, as well.  Keep us informed - it is a secret with me until you officially announce ( or someone else is actually reading our blog haha!) Take care dear sisters XX

Retirement

Ok. I did it. I put in my retirement notice for March 29. I will need another job to make ends meet but not for a little while. I need the break. I haven't announced it yet so it is still a "secret". I have to get blue cross too, but I want to talk to them about the custom plans they have. The small one only offers up to $300 per year for drugs and we go through $500 a month. Big difference. Other than that I am using the last of my holidays for the last week of March so my last day of work will be March 22. I’m  scared because I know I can’t afford this but I am relieved the decision is made. Jim is glad too because I have been twice as bitchy as usual for the last while. We’ll see how I do as the day gets closer.

It's nasty out there!

Snow-lots of snow- and wind and cold.  David tried to blow out the driveway but had to come in and warm up a couple of times during the process.  He just did what was necessary and didn't touch the patio or the paths to the bird feeders.  It's supposed to be as bad or even worse over the next couple of days, so I hope we can stay home.

We had another bulb in our headlight assembly burn out over the weekend.  David called this morning and got an appointment for this afternoon, so drove me to Starbuck's and left me there while he went to the Dodge dealer. That way I could relax over my coffee.  I've been going on my own for the past few days just for that reason.  Then we went grocery shopping to stock up on perishables to use in the next couple of days.  I've been making an effort to use diet recipes that I usually don't use.  Today I bought hard Taco shells.  Gonna give it a try, and yes it is okay according to the book. 

Then it was off to the library on the way home.  Score!! I found "Kingdom of the Blind" on the New Releases shelf, and grabbed it.  I told the librarian who checked me out that I had been on the waiting list for it.  When we checked I had been number 199 on the list.  I also grabbed a couple more Nicholas Sparks books and will give them a try.  Good plans for a couple of days of hunkering down at home.

Books

One of my trips this morning was to the library - to look for that book you mentioned in the last message Pati.  There is a whole shelf of his books but that particular one was checked out. But surprise, the second book I ordered two weeks ago came in - this one is from Mark Pryor and the next in the Hugo series - again what you recommended for us. So I will not be without reading once I finish this Monkeewrench book which will be done tonight.
I walked over to Bank, and store, and then downtown to the Library, Pharmacy and Post office. After the freezing rain/drizzle last night, the roads / sidewalks were snow/ slushy from the sand put on so it was really hard going by foot - by the time I got home my legs were sore ( boo hoo!) 
I am about to make Tuna melts - buns broiled in the oven covered with a mixture of boiled eggs mashed, tuna, grated cheese and mayonnaise. I just had a graving for an old favourite (comfort food that is...) haha!
Take care.

and not so positive

With our research early in the week about survivor pensions, it was a bit of a jolt to read in a blog I follow, that the writer had just been informed of the suicide of a man with whom she had worked closely.  ( She is now retired)  A couple of days later she wrote about the funeral and her emotional reactions to things.  (She is very open about her emotions!?)  Today my friend Dianne, whom you both met at the lake, phoned to let me know her husband had died-fairly quickly after a nasty diagnosis.  I had not spent a lot of time with him, but we had corresponded via e-mail and telephone fairly often during my more active friendship with her.  Advancing age and difficulty travelling has caused the friendship to limp along over the past few years.  I had known via Facebook that he was in hospital.  Her situation is now somewhat dire.  Her rent is paid until the end of the month, but she would very much be able to move in to subsidized seniors housing before then.  I don't think she realizes how long waiting lists for that sort of thing can be.  Anyway she is facing having to make a big move, and dealing with the possessions of a lifetime, including both her stash and his.  Since she inherited both her mother's stash ( significant) and her Grandmother's ( lots and lots of moldy, dusty old textiles) this is a going to be somewhat of a challenge to her.  Just listening to her talk about the life she faces almost broke my heart.  She did not talk about the emotional loss she has experience, but it's early days yet.

Additionally, I'm reading an excellent book-"Every Breath" by Nicholas Sparks.  this is not a "romance" but rather a very inspirational novel about  a deep enduring love and the difficulties the couple experience in living, together and apart, during their subsequent lives.

Put all of this together, and I'm almost numb, but at the same time I feel a growing apprehension--not sure where that is going.

Very positive!

Pati, I love this piece and remember it well when you completed it. Not surprised it would sell which in my mind substantiates the appreciation of others for your work. This new owner must have a very special place to hang your art as it jumps out at me as simple but gorgeous and makes a statement. Plus I love red birds haha! I am happy for you.

Yesterday we made it out to the little greenhouse - snow and all - but unfortunately many of the plants inside did not survive without attention for so long - needed water! But the temperature outside is milder right now, and this promotes easier heating inside. I know it will be getting colder but it is a nice feeling for now to be able to see through the clear windows and not just see frozen structures. 
I shall have to get out and shovel this morning - the plough went down again and dumped at the end of the driveway and the drive itself has not been done for a day or two with lots of snow falling - that's my fault for not doing it but c'est la vie!
Well, another surprise. Harry volunteered us to cook off the three huge turkeys for the Lions Wild Game Dinner on March 2 - we did it last year and he told me then "never again" which I foolishly hung my hat on - so another event to worry about, that is not to my liking. 
We go back to the Hearing Aid Clinic on Tuesday - I have done the calculations and developed a one year plan to save in order to pay for one of the higher priced devices - I know the man will be disappointed as he depends on people buying right away but I also have to think of my financial situations with income Taxes and re-leasing of the car both coming up in April - I do not want to leave myself short right now. 
So it is now February so a bit closer to Spring and Summer - a long time coming. I hear of folks planning "getaways to warmer climes" now - I wonder if I envy them or not. I know how much you enjoyed your trips Pati, but I'm not sure I am all that into it. 
Mike told me that he may have an opportunity in June or there abouts, to partake in an educational trip to Rome as part of his Roman Civilization course - trip includes sight seeing but more importantly attending classes at the University of Rome and hear lectures from some of the most learned professors in the field. He would also get two credits for this. Not sure of the financial impact for him as he only just heard about it in class but he thinks it may be valuable as well as very interesting for him. Time will tell.
Well, breakfast time and then off to work for the day!  Hope all is well with you folks. Take care

A positive moment

I've been doing a lot of negative thinking about my art lately.  Probably boring my friends to tears.  Then I got an e-mail this afternoon telling me that it looks like a piece of mine has sold out of the Manitoba Moments exhibition. This little Seminole Pieced piece, titled "Snow Fence". The sale hasn't been finalized yet, but is in progress.  I'm still flattered that someone liked it enough to even initiate a sale.  This really was my favourite in the show, and I had thought it might sell sooner, as the exhibition has been travelling for almost two years now.