Influences

In admiring the colours and designs of your fabric collection just received Pati, I believe you may, indeed, be influenced by The Last Homely House host. Cathy I wonder if you have had a chance to log into that blog just so you know for yourself some of our references to her and the blog? She just completed a quilt on commission with bright and bold colours and she gushed with enjoyment and excitement with every mention of her choices. I must say, very similar to Pati's choices and also Kaffi's designs!! 
I think you are headed in the right direction Pati - good on you!
And in addition, I enjoyed the Mouse factory entry touring us through your design board - Oh, how this thrilled me, as it brought back memories for me as well. First that I have actually sat on your chair - there- and viewed this wall, and second because I, too, have a doll face - a souvenir from the Ottawa Convention of 2006. I also have been thinking so much of sewing again, and wondering how i could manage this. I had to pull out the machine to sew something for Harry a day or so ago, and then Mike asked if I could bring the machine to sew a torn top he had. With each sitting at the machine I was back into my dream state - the state where you wish you could sit all day at the machine and sew, and be perfectly happy!!
We went to Mike's today for a visit - I did sew his top while there - and had another nice get together. The only issue is that the dog Bailey is "out of sorts" and I am now worried enough that I shall call for an appt tomorrow at the Vet. He acted totally out of character on the trip and at Mike's and has been demonstrating some untoward symptoms over the last day or so. I get myself too upset when there is an issue with the animals - I guess because I feel helpless. So another worry!...ugh!
Time for bed and I'll deal with it tomorrow. The power went out here last night in the middle of the night for a few hours. Apparently Harry read after the fact that it was a planned outage but when you do not know so you can plan for it, it becomes an annoyance.  Take care folks. Love seeing all your pictures. Maybe I should learn how to send pictures - do you think it's time haha?

Life has been good

I don't know if I mentioned that I had ordered a bit of Kaffe Fassett fabric, over the internet, on Monday.  there was no source in Winnipeg, so I ordered from the only place in Manitoba I could get it--Morden.  I was very surprised when it arrived today.  I had thought I ordered 7 1/2 m in blue/turquoise fabric.  Turns out that I had ordered the red that I loved but didn't really fit my vision.  I',m so glad I did that.  These colours won't really work together without the red.  The other thought I've had is that I'm allowing that woman on The Last Homely House, influence my creativity.

Otherwise, I'm working on the next technique in my book.  I won't be trying to put together a piece with it, as I'm starting to believe she is wanting us to collect all of the small squares or borders we make, and then create an art piece out of everything, towards the end of the book.  I'll  wait and see.  I  will put up a picture of what comes out of each section of the book.

Thank you Beth!

Your mention of the Golden Buffalo slot machine put the idea of playing it in my mind.  I won a nice little jackpot, last evening.

Today was pay day for those of us with Government pensions.  This meant grocery shopping, always a chore, especially as the big grocery store near home has been renovated to create very long aisles, that are a horror to someone with mobility problems.  But we "got'er done".  We were able to stock up on some non-perishable items, and a lot of otc  supplements.  I even found a warm cozy sweater for use in the fall.  There are still a couple of errands to run , but we plan to be out and about tomorrow.

Otherwise I'm still busy in the studio ( see other blog).  Not wanting to do too much more walking, maybe I'll spend tonight playing play money poker.  Maybe my luck will hold and I'll win a tournament.

Another weekend over

you’d think since I have retired weekends wouldn’t mean much but they still do. Yesterday we met Kris, Sandi and Chloe at spruce woods. They were camping there and we went there for the day. Had a really good time. I ended up at the beach without my hat, bathing suit or towel but played anyway. Jim has gone back to get a park pass and all my stuff was in the car. When he came back he left the car in a parking lot near their campsite and walked to the beach. By then I had been sitting on the wet sand making holes full of “muck”. It turns out Auntie Kik is a very good hole digger and I am very good at mixing the sand and water in the hole and making muck. We met with chloe’s approval. After lunch (Kris made some really good kabobs!) we walked over to the interpretive centre and dug for “artifacts” in the sand. And fondled furs and they even took the green snake out of his cage so we could touch him. Jim hung in the whole day but he was pretty beat by the time we got home. He has been feeling so much better this last week. Maybe he is finally recovering. Today was cool and windy. I took advantage of the lack of heat and did some yard work. Tomorrow should be cooler too so I can continue. The rest of the week is going to be hot again. I think I will do some inside cleaning too while it is cooler. It gets so hot in the house even when I close all the windows and blinds early. Jim is watching Dirty Dancing but since I think I have it memorized I am going to go to bed and curl up with a book that I have read before. That way I don’t have to concentrate on it😜

Aphids

David spent a few hours with his power washer and only water, hosing down the outdoor furniture and the patio.  He was absolutely filthy!  Then we had to push the water down the driveway to get it way from the house.  ( Not that you would know anything about that , Beth!)  There is a big improvement in everything, but you still can't see the different colours in the patio bricks.

wet hearing aids

Once, with my first hearing aid, it stopped working and I took it in, only to be told that it had moisture in it.  They sent it away for some sort of treatment--not guaranteed to work, and it came back working just fine.  But, you're right--moisture inside is not good for them.

My braces are working well.  There has been no knee pain while wearing them for the last three days.  However, the lower leg portion is quite tight, and last night, when I took them off, there was a large ( 1 1/2" by 3/4") blister on my right shin, and a large area covered with either tiny blisters or pimples around my left leg.  Both are diminished this morning, but I'm thinking of giving them a break today.

There was a long article in yesterday's Free Press about the effect of Aphid poop on the city.  Evidently there is a major infestation, and nothing that can be done about it.  The little buggers are targeting  American Elms, so neighbourhoods like River Heights, St James, and Riverview are having major problems.  One can wash it off, that's all that can be done.  Late yesterday David went to Canadian Tire to buy some detergent to use with his power washer, and they were sold out.  Wonder Why?

Since we can't really sit outside anymore, I started working my way through the Maria Shell book.  Worked like a fiend, then realized I was doing it wrong, so dropped everything and went for coffee.  For most of the rest of the day I read the book "Holy Sister" by Mark Lawrence.  This is the last in a three part series that must be read in order--"Red Sister", "Grey Sister", and "Holy Sister".  Now this is going to sound insane, but it's about  a Warrior Nun, on a fantasy planet, that is being slowly frozen under a dying sun. It's fairly brutal, and quite bizarre, but he makes his characters very human in their emotions and relationships.  I had a little trouble getting into the first one, but then couldn't put it down.  Neither could I put down the others.  I have been waiting so impatiently to get this one, and will be very sorry to see it end--which should be some time this morning, as I read last night until I couldn't see straight.

Today it's back to the studio, although there will be time for coffee and sorting out my shopping list and bills, getting ready for pay day tomorrow.

Ask, and ye shall have.....

RAIN!  And it came down heavy but not for long. It was a thunderstorm that came through last evening - very loud, but also very wet! Thank goodness. But also a bit of a pain to control the water and i was out getting soaked until i could get the drain bypass set up to work. Still i had to pump as well. it was all said and done by midnight. I just had the dog out for his morning event, and all is damp but not overly soaked. The barrels are full.
Yesterday we went out to the lot on Lake Bernard of Harry's cousin - the lot and trailer we check all the time because he lives near Burlington. While I was in North Bay Friday, they dropped in unexpected to see us and Harry was alone - so he said we would visit them Sat. He has a new lady now who I met for first time, and a new trailer ( over the years we have witnessed his fifth wheel deteriorate from weather and lack of attention to point it is now collapsing and rotten.) It was a nice break - I had Bailey in the water for just a bit ( I just rolled my pant legs up to wade in a bit) - he walked in but quickly ran out but I think he liked it and may come to like it more if we continue to take him there?
Today is laundry and vacuuming. I actually got the bird cages cleaned yesterday but now need to complete the vacuuming. At least i will not have to water the garden and yard .....yeah!
Take care. ps I had my hearing aids in when i was out trying to divert the water and they got a bit wet - I dried them off best i could so hope I did not damage them??

OK I fold.....

No way I could compete with your braces Pati, that do look a bit complicated (compared to my tiny hearing aids) However, when you say that they are helpful, then I agree that the effort to attach and wear them will be worth it. Hidden under pant legs should be no problem either if you can pull the legs on without incidence? and needing to use the washroom I would think would be no problem either? Please keep us informed as to how beneficial they are for you.
We enjoyed our bus trip to Casino Rama yesterday - so much so that Harry made sure I registered us both for the end of August run. I felt that if he would come just once, that he would enjoy it enough for us to make it a part of our routine - something different and yet sociable and fun to do together? No wins for me but at the end Harry brought his losings up to break even. The secret was finally finding the Buffalo machine that I so wanted to play ( remembrances from Club Regent I guess) I lost quickly on Lobsterrmania, and Enchanted Unicorn so wondered around a bit while Harry persisted on another machine, until I spotted the Buffalo machines - Harry quickly slid in beside me at another Buffalo machine and kept winning enough to break even for the day. I have the location noted in my mind so next time hopefully we can steer our way there right away. 
Today I go to North Bay to celebrate Willie's Birthday with him - I made a cherry cheese cake before bed last night to take. I suggested we go for lunch but I'll see how the day goes. 
I shall be looking forward to the weekend as I have found this week very exhausting - not that anything will change over the weekend but at least I can stay home and "normalize' a bit. More heat and humidity to contend with and lots of watering for the garden until hopefully some rain may fall. When will that be????
So folks - all for now. Take care - it is Friday already for heavens sake!. 

I call your hearing aids----

And raise you two very complex knee braces.  Yes, it's been an interesting week at my house.  I was fitted with knee braces last Wednesday and they just didn't fit, so this morning I saw an Orthotist.  He immediately saw what the problem was, and moved me into much more complex braces.  But they fit under my trousers ( I was worried about that), and they do offer more support.

David got one too, but his is lighter weight and much simpler.  This is what they tried to give me the first time.

Yesterday was spent in the gallery in Selkirk.  a pleasant day, but I was exhausted when I got home, as per usual. I was home just a few minutes before my friend Andrea showed up to work in the garden.  This meant that we both ended up sitting out on the patio, while she slaved away.  David is quick to jump up when the time is right for him to move something or take the refuse away, helping her in whatever way he can.  Regardless, we don't relax.  Add that to three bad nights in a row, and I'm in rough shape today.

Having said that, here is my horoscope for today.  Don't laugh Cathy!  Remember that this applies to you too.

     "You will get an enormous amount done at work today because         you have energy, optimism, confidence and motivation.  You          are unstoppable.  In fact, you have that feeling that you can do          twice as much work as usual--and you probably can."

Do you have any idea how hard this is going to be to live up to? It's already noon and I just finished breakfast!

But, David has an appointment to have the oil changed, in the car, this afternoon, so I will have some time by myself, and can maybe get into  the studio.  Mind you, there hasn't been a lot of housework done lately, so I may spend the afternoon doing that.

How do you hear me????

Ladies, I now have my new hearing aids in situ.
At this present moment I am extremely pleased.
I have a lot to learn and much reading of manuals etc and trying things out but that will come. I must also adapt to the changes that I am to expect with the assisted hearing. First thing I noticed when I got home was hearing the breeze in the trees - how simple!!  Then I noticed my clock in the kitchen ticking - how simple!
Must run now as I have all the watering to do - no rain forecast for many days and lots of hot humid days coming soon - same as your forecast I guess. Ugh...

No pooping toads around here

My friend Andrea, who has agreed to help us out in the garden, showed up late this afternoon, ready to work.  She worked like a Trojan for 4 hours straight, while we cooked and ate supper and then sat out in the garden and watched her.  She plans to come back Wednesday evening.  She took some of the suckers from the Nanking Cherries that had roots with her.  She evidently belongs to a plant exchange group, and thinks others might be interested in trying to grow them.

Andrea is an artist friend, and I once took a silk painting workshop with her as instructor.  She has also been involved in one of the Christmas Craft sales at my friend Gail's house.

Yes, it's hot here too.  Maybe even a little too hot to sleep.  There was a light breeze over the patio, which was part of the reason we sat out there for so long today.  But I got the red hanging I made during my workshop, all bound, and the hanging sleeve attached.  I think I'm going to be glad to see the end of the work on this one.  The workmanship is not perfect, and I'm tired of it, probably because my perfectionist heart doesn't like the improvisational nature of the piece.  There are a couple of other pieces from the workshop that I want to quilt, and finish, but I don't think they are going to be finished in a hurry.  I would rather sit outside and read.

My doctor increased the dosage on my diuretic, when I saw him on Wednesday, and I'm seeing results already.  I had wondered if that might happen, and I'm glad to see it.

Cathy’s Monday part two

Even though I know I will be asleep before dark I have started a fire. I have already missed two months of summer. I have got to cram in all I can while I can. The dogs are curled up at my side... it has cooled off enough for them and I am curled up in my chair. The only downside is the toad that lives under the stairs. He comes out every night and poops on the patio. I can hear him now.

Cathy’s Monday

Let us bring new meaning to the term stiff and sore. I just kept going today and my muscles eased up. Jim did lots today too.  Mowed part of the lawn (Carrie Wayte saw him working and came over with her lawn tractor again. It is twice as big and twice as fast as ours) He primed the garden pump, took a mouse nest out of the engine of the old car (Yes, mask and gloves were involved) and tried to keep the garden tractor running. We finally admitted we need a new battery BUT, it seems Carrie’s son works at NAPA and she gets a family discount. Next time she hits town she is taking our old battery in and getting a new one. Some neighbours are really great. Jean dropped in today and offered me $40 for helping on Saturday. I told her I didn’t do it for money, I did it cause we were family and she started to cry. I didn’t realize how alone she felt. My bad ☹️  She did give us some of the leftover ham so my meals are planned for a while. Jim picked up some cheese at the colony today and came back with 1/2 an ice cream pail of strawberries. Some for supper and the rest in the freezer. Now I am just sitting outside. It is a bit cooler now but the forecast is for another two weeks of heat😥. If it weren’t for the grasshoppers life would be perfect.

Cathy's nice weather?

I believe some of that nice cool weather you described Cathy is reaching us now as this morning is cooler and I am hopeful I can bring down the temp here in the house today or tomorrow before the next heat wave hits us. The outside was bearable yesterday but the inside still stifles. Glad you had a very happy day out on the course. Maybe you should take up golfing for a hobby? haha!
Another week and another full week as it is turning out. Tomorrow to Huntsville (for hearing aids?) and then Thursday is our Casino Rama bus trip and Friday is Willie's Birthday so I have a day planned with him. And of course there is always the garden to keep us busy - watering especially. Fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate and not bring us all down again with that desperate heat.
Harry got a box of fabric at that big sale on Saturday I mentioned, and there may be some that I can use to make some more shopping bags ( other than my red fabric that is) I use my red bag regularly when going to the store or Lottery or Library - it is a nice size and easy to manage. He also bought two plastic containers of ribbons - many still packaged and unused. I have always been fascinated with ribbons and have several books on Ribbons and how to sew into embellishments etc so I was happy with that but again unsure as to when I might be able to actually make use of them. 
So here's to the week to come folks and hope shall be well for all of us. Take care.

Cathy’s weekend

Yesterday Jean, Jim’s sister, catered a school reunion and I helped her. She prepared all the food but I was the “runner” bringing out the food from the cooler and replenishing the bowls. We ran out of food anyway. They were big eaters. And big drinkers. The bar at the legion was very happy. I ended up doing all the cleaning up so I was pretty tired when I got home. Jim put on a movie and I know I saw the end but I barely remember it. Today was the legion golf tournament and Jim lasted the whole day. I was so excited. I haven’t hit a golf ball in two years (as if I golf regularly 😜) and on the hole for the closest to the pin I actually hit onto the green!!  There was only one team following us and wouldn’t you know it. One of them beat my distance. They didn’t give the measurement so I don’t know how close I came. I do know it was my best golf shot ever. It was a good day. Not to hot, no wind, and Jim lasted the whole day. I can tell he is really tired though. We are outside and he is in his lounger with his eyes closed. A good day all around even if he does nothing tomorrow. And tomorrow the heat comes back again. Sometimes I really wish we had air conditioning. Normally it is only a couple of days a year but we have had some really long hot stretches this year. If only we could save it and bring it out in January.

Saturday, you say? Where did the week go?

Well, I guess that when you spend most of your time in the basement, one becomes oblivious to the passage of time.  As well, we all know that time goes much more quickly in summer than in winter.

I have entered my red piece with the boxes into the All Members' show out in Selkirk, in September. Each show has an opening reception attached, to which every person in the show is expected to contribute food or drink. People have come to know and expect my Melting Moments, so I thought the event might be a good excuse to make the tarts and not have to eat them all myself.   Although, I'm sure I'll do my share to make sure they're eaten.  I confess that I hadn't considered  making them with lime juice, but there is lime juice in the fridge that needs using.

Yesterday, Gail took me to a new(er) bead store. It was on Gertrude just east of Osborne.  There was much more than beads there, but there were lots and lots of beads.  I even found the same type and brand  of  seed beads that I use, at a good price.  Both Gail and I have been a little concerned about the potential longevity of the bead store we have been patronizing for the past few years, so it's good to know there is an alternative.  I bought a couple of tubes of seed "pearls", but also found some larger, what I call, focal beads.  The sort you put just a few of in a piece to create focal points.  Gail and I have also been working on a barter of one of my pieces in exchange for a couple of pendants, and she had been looking for larger "pearls" for use in one of the pendants--and found them.

Now that my frenzy of studio work is over, and I've come up for air, I find that there is housework to keep me busy for a couple of days.  Funny how that happens.  But, having finally got a decent sleep the last couple of nights, I think I can deal with it.  Wednesday was a very "bad" day.  I was pretty well out of it most of the day.  Up and moving around, but not really that aware of what was happening.  I blame it on lack of sleep, but convinced  David to leave the a/c on over night for a couple of nights, and got caught up on sleep, to a certain extent.  So today will involve scrubbing, and vacuuming and maybe even a few dishes washed by hand.  The weather is supposed to be beautiful, which always makes anything physical less of an issue.

This evening my tv shows are on PBS, so I get to watch tv for 2 1/2 hours.  One show needs to be watched, not just listened to, while stitching.  That goes against the grain!

A-a-a-rgh!  David has just told me he's going out to cut grass.  Guess I'm  on my own with the housework.

Like the pan....

My little tart pans are nor nearly as nice as yours....Now I ask, is there a special reason for making these tarts? My usual habit has been to make a batch at Christmas and then eat them....but no reason to make any other time of year even as a special treat for me. I have on occasion bought a container of cheese, though, just to eat when i saw the price on sale. And not only the appearance has changed in the packaging, but the size has diminished as well. Let me know how you make out Pati - and will you make the filling with lemon or lime juice?
I enjoyed the get together yesterday at Ruth's inspite of some communication barriers as it seemed that they all just naturally slipped into speaking Dutch frequently especially since she received many telephone calls while we relaxed on the patio outside and her one sister made calls as well. What I appreciated more in sitting there and having the opportunity to watch, was the dynamics of the family relationship which I find fascinating. What do you think someone sitting with all of us when we are together would think about our dynamics????
A bit of rain last night but again not enough to fill the barrels so I expect I may have to water. Harry will be off to the "biggest garage sale in Sundridge and area" this morning. The Almaguin Pet Rescue always have a sale this time of year as a fund raiser and it always proves to be a winner! I will stay home haha!
The weather continues to be unbearable especially for Harry as he has difficulty with the humidity and breathing etc. So we tend to sit a lot on our nice patio area and just enjoy a bit of breeze once in awhile. But today i must plant some perennials and herbs. The Home Hardware finally put the last of their plants out for FREE and lucky Harry was first in line. Some nice fern plants , and parsley but also some licorice plants and salvia which I must plan to put in special areas. My Caraway plants are seeding now and apparently I must put bags over the seeding flowers to collect the seeds?? Cathy do you know what I should do??
Now for my cereal - I could not resist myself so picked some red currants the last two days and have cleaned them and put them in my cereal - delicious. I have decided NOT to make jelly this year - too much left over from past years. So I am happy to be using some of the fruit anyway and the rest I will let the birds have.
So as Friday comes again, I hope your weekend will be fun for you all, and take care!

a bit of fun

I decided that I want to make a batch of Mom's cheese and lemon tarts.  but we gave away all of our tiny tart tins a few years back.  So I bought a new tiny tart tin.  It hold 2 dozen tiny tarts.  Now to find some McLaren's cheese.  Last time I saw it, it was relabeled as Kraft Imperial cheese.  Gosh, maybe I should have found the cheese before buying the tin?  Yu' think?

And what have the Findlays been doing?

Yesterday we saw the doctor.  I don't think he was too happy to see the forms that David passed along from DVA, but he will fill them out when he can.  After seeing both of us and listening to us complain about old age, he gave both of us prescriptions for knee braces.  Our appointments were for early morning, as they usually are, but we are also used to a bit of a wait, so have learned to buy two hours of parking rather than just an hour.  However we were first in, and out again in less than half an hour.  This meant that no other services in the building were open, and we would have had to wait over 2 hours, so we came home and then went in this morning with our prescriptions.  While there I saw they type of over toilet armrest that I had wanted, so picked them up as well.  David couldn't be fitted, so he now has an appointment next week when an orthotist will be available to help with the fitting.  I was fitted with my two braces, and off we went.  Next stop was Starbucks, where I waited while David went grocery shopping.  By the time I had ordered my coffee, I could feel the braces slipping down, so visited the washroom where I re-positioned them and tightened them as much as possible.  They were slipping again before I got back to my seat.  By the time we got home, they were down around my ankles.  I now have an appointment with the orthotist as well.

Then we had to attach the toilet armrests to the toilet in the basement.  This was challenging, and lots of bad words were said.  Finally we reached a point where screws were called for.  Can't find the screws.  Finally David heads for the garage where he thinks he has some screws that will work.  I headed up stairs to make lunch.  Cleaned up all the packaging from the toilet armrests, and started filling the dishwasher, when I tripped over the package of screws.  The David announced that he was all pooped out and finished for the day.

While David had been shopping, he found eggs for $1.50/ doz, and, of course, had to buy 2 dozen.  I now have 3 dozen eggs in the fridge.  But we did hard boil some of the older ones, although I'm not sure how fast we'll eat those either.

But--ta da-- the book I ordered with an estimated delivery date from England of the third week in August, arrived this morning.  So I have some amusements for the rest of the day.

ps re: Birthday

Coincidences do happen. This morning Ruth called me and invited me over for coffee tomorrow for 10 am. It will be a real get together - her sister from Elliot Lake arrives today for a visit, and her sister from next door ( the Dutch) and two other of her friends both of whom I have met at one time over there.  So a little gift was definitely in order and Harry very kindly went to the local Flower Shop and bought a gorgeous yellow arrangement in a yellow basket. It is really nice and I will feel good in taking it - and yellow is her favourite colour. So I look forward to a nice outing. Just thought I would share this with you as it makes me feel happy!!

Same activities here apparently...

Appointment at the Hearing Centre yesterday. I have committed myself to new hearing aids and I have to go back next Tuesday for the real thing and apparently they expect me to pay for these real things as well !! So I shall have some news to be sharing I am sure about how I shall be adjusting so hang in with me OK?  Pati and Dave's experiences are sure to help me along as well. I do not know if I will have little antenna, as they are over the ear devices, so who knows?
Hot and humid and muggy is all we have here and it starts to grind on  one's nerves (and the nerves of others as well) haha!  I take the car in for an oil change at 8 this morning and then I have to pick Kale for Harry to dehydrate and then I have to clean the bird cages - sound like a perfectly wonderful day! Tomorrow is the neighbours Ruth's Birthday and I have a card but certainly not in the mood for baking any treats so I may just callover and see if she is up for a visitor and coffee and take my card. 
So now it is a bit of breakfast and then head over to the garage. Hoping you are all doing OK - is it this weekend that you are to golf, Cathy? Take care

A giggle

Today we were back at the audiologist.  When we were there two weeks ago, she took ear  channel molds and has had new, in the ear, ends made for the hearing aids that David has been wearing for the past 5 years.  She put them on, programmed them and taught David how to put them in himself. She also taught him how to make a push button adjustment to the sound, for use in very noisy areas. He's very impressed with the improvement in sound quality.  They are cute and have little tiny antennas that stick up out of the ear.  No-one will see anything unless they take a good look in his ears,  but I noticed them sitting beside him in the car, after hearing her discuss them with him.  They are quite sturdy for their size and are used to help take the device out of his ears.  They are just so-o-o cute!  I couldn't keep from petting them with a finger tip.

Early tomorrow is a doctor's appointment.  Quite a week.

Didn't know what to do with myself

But I figured out a way to keep sewing.  I have booked a table at an Artisans' Market in Selkirk for August 15th.  I'll actually be sharing two tables with my friend Gail, as we figure she will fill a table and a half and I get the other half.  So, today I get to take a good look at what stock I have lying around, and decide if I have to make more.  I had been slowly working on a couple of things for the sale I usually participate in around the beginning of December--the one where I never sell anything but have a great time socializing and eating, and look forward to every year.  I need to find some small gold sparkly silk leaves to go in my little silk beaded pouches, but can use small pink rosebuds in the mean time.

A nasty thunder storm moved through yesterday morning.  I got up just as it was starting, as I had to go out to Selkirk for a meeting at 10:00.  The wind was terrible, almost blowing the rain sideways.  Power was out for a good part of the city, for awhile.  Both David and I were worried about what highway driving would be like, but by the time I had to leave everything had calmed down and the drive was pretty well smooth sailing.

Our supper was at A&W.  We had another coupon book.  Still have a few coupons left.  The savings are minimal, but it is a good excuse to eat out  once in awhile.

So, down to the studio for awhile and then off to an appointment with the audiologist later this afternoon.  We saw her a couple of weeks ago, and were given the task of wearing our hearing aids all day every day for two weeks to see if we had communication issues or if buying new aids would improve things.  I'm really not sure if that question has been answered

Make no plans...

Yesterday turned out to be a different day from that which was planned - maybe a good thing to be able to go with the flow once in awhile?  The laundry basket remained sitting in the middle of the floor ignored until I moved it late in the day - still dirty!
We walked with the dog in the South River park which I have mentioned before is a favourite walk. Then over to the newly opened Food trailer set up at the local variety Store - to be opened officially at 11 am . The line up was already anxious to try it out, apparently. I stayed home and set up our little table outside while Harry went back and did the honours of getting the food. My craving for French Fries was satisfied and as an extra, we each had a hamburger with the works. We shall never go there again - the old saying "bin there, done that" will suffice!! 
So not to be totally bummed out, after a few hours we went to the Ice Cream stand set up down near the Lake. We each had a great cone with specialty Ice cream piled high. This was welcomed and for sure we shall be returning there again, over the course of the summer. Nothing done at home all day, but I took a page from Pati, and sat outside and sewed hexigons for my quilt still in progress. It was glorious to just sit and enjoy and bonus to get about thirty of the little devils sewn onto paper. I guess I shall pay for the day today, because that darn laundry basket still awaits some attention.  And the expected bit of rain did not materialize overnight so I think the hose shall be in my hand for a few hours today to get the garden watered.  But I feel refreshed today so that is all that matters - little things mean a lot, right?  Take care folks, and I hope you are enjoying the weekend also. And apparently another bonus - the Bombers won again!

Weather

The weather forecasts were all saying that today was going to be hot and humid, so we broke down and turned on the A/C.  When I went out for coffee just before 2:00 it was quite pleasant with a touch of wind, so we opened up again and it has been a lovely day.  It may even be cool enough to sleep tonight.

My workshop is finished.  I have all of my little samples, although none of them is quilted, and they may never be.  I have one to finish putting together, and it's one that I particularly want to put together, so will be working on it tomorrow.

Laundry day today, but it was finished early.  David has just told me that there are 4 rabbits and a squirrel at the feeder, with a crow standing guard, probably waiting to pick one of them off, I guess.  Watching the wild life at the feeder is about as much excitement as we have around here right now.  I did get out to buy bras today.  They only had two in my size, and I bought both, although one is a light green with slightly darker green lace.  I love the green one, and believe it is light enough to wear under white, which is the whole reason I needed to buy more.

It's now evening.  David is into the Winnipeg football game on tv,  and providing me with commentary.  but this doesn't mean that I can't play poker.  Best get to it.

Nebigits???

I was going for advantages 🤪

Jim being sick does have nebegits

jim has been very uncomfortable sitting in lawn chairs. Jim got one.... I got one. It sort of makes up for losing my swing but I am still holding out on the pool😁.  It is very comfy with lots of different positions from sitting to totally reclining. I figured I deserved something too. They were on sale at home hardware and we got them there. They had very similar ones at giant tiger for less, but they had water damage, rust, and one had a large mouse nest in it. For my own peace of mind I paid a little more. (Actually, I won’t pay until the visa bill comes😁)

The fickleness of rain

Yesterday we did get some rain. We got just under an inch. Neepawa, four miles north, got 2 1/2 inches. Today, we were under another watch but I watched the clouds go south. I just finished watering the garden and flowers. It was over 38c with the humidex today. It is still about 32c in the house. I am sitting outside. It will be a while before I can go in to bed. I was so hot making supper that I think I was a bit out of it. At least Jim ate but I have so many leftovers. He thinks he wouldn’t mind eating something and then just picks at it. Our one freezer is making some very scary sounds right now. I am not sure how much longer it will last but it is at least as old as my kids so it owes nothing. I will just have to replace it right away as it has a lot of stuff in it. And, now that the garden is watered and I am relaxing I can hear thunder. Doesn’t look like it will produce rain though. We have had a couple of feeds of new potatoes now. Probably every night from now on so that they get used and not wasted. We have signed up for the legion golf tournament on the 21st. Rodney says he will hit the balls for Jim once he gets worn out but at least he can drive the cart and participate. Who knows.... he might be well enough to golf.  It sure is taking a long time to recover.  He got a call from his friend today.  Jim had called him to say he just wasn’t up to going to the Minnedosa fun fest this year, but he never heard back. Today he got a call... Stef has been in the hospital for two weeks with a broken hip!  Couple of invalids!  Time to sit back and listen to the thunder. 

Almost missed it!

Started watching The Last Homely House this morning, got a few minutes in, and left it, as I'm not fond of videos of her cooking.  I probably wouldn't have gone back except for your comments, Beth.  We've got to find that recipe!  Who wouldn't want a cake like that? Although I'm not sure what her son thought of it.

Another day spent in the studio.  The last lesson in my workshop has been released, and most of it was stuff I already knew, but I did spend time making fabric according to her directions.  I can post something on the forum tomorrow, and it's done.  I've been looking for similar stuff on the internet ( not looking too hard, though) and found the lady on one of the blogs I follow talking about a new book written by her friend, Maria Shell.  We've seen this woman's work on The Quilt Show, and I was impressed then, following her blog ever since.  I checked the book out on Amazon and found it for a really good price, with free shipping, from California, so ordered it.  I think I may get more out of the book than I did out of the workshop.

Today was the first time, in my memory, that Winnipeg has been under a tornado watch. It's been quite hot, muggy and windy all day, but relatively quiet now.  The sky is not bad above us, but quite dark to the South.  Not much I can do about it, in any case.  How are you making out Cathy?  I believe you were under the same watch this afternoon.  Any sign of moisture?

Laugh,laugh and more laughs

Just watched the latest video from The Last Homely House East of the Sea and I have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. What a wonderful way to end my day before bed time with a little frivolity and lots of fun. I don't get enough of that these days so I'll take it from wherever I can, and who knew it would be from this video haha!  Nighty night folks ....take care

A bit of rain last night with lots of light and noise

But certainly not as much rain as I read in the WFP that fell in Winnipeg, for sure!  How did you folks make out? Did you also get some of the wet stuff Cathy?
The rain barrels actually are not all full as I checked this morning but over course of today we may get more. At least I will not plan to water today if at all possible. I have to do something with these ripe bananas I told you about buying on Tuesday - yes it is a deal, but not over 3 dozen of them haha! By the way also a big bag of tomatoes I will have to eat or otherwise dispose of. So I plan to do the fridge today and try to freeze some of the fruit in spite of having baked with some yesterday- wish me luck. I think I would appreciate a day inside to try to catch up, but as is often the case, other things always tend to take precedence.
So off and running I guess...... Take care

Please let it be true....

I just spent what felt like an eternity watering the entire yard and garden - everything is so dry. If it is to rain I shall go out and dance in the midst of it with great happiness haha!.
The house is humid again not only with the temperatures but also with all the dehydrating being done here over the last few days. And the fans are going still.  And I just got an email from Hydro telling me the bill for July will be reconciliation time and that they have reduced the monthly payment for next year - I shall have to call to increase it as I always want a bit of a buffer especially with the heaters in the greenhouse starting end of Jan and going full tilt into Spring. So much usage and of course, the costs go up monthly as a result. I managed to clean up more of the flower pots yesterday - spent most of the day doing it but happy with results - actually I am sure no one would notice a difference, but I do! Now if my plan works, and I am able to implement it over the winter, it should make things easier for me come Spring when I am called upon to respond and bring forth the pots immediately!  So I shall plan the winter snow shoveling to accommodate my set up. I also plan to set up the roof with ladders ready to shovel off snow as it comes - hopefully then in Spring I shall not have the leaking and disaster I experienced this past Spring. It seems all too much for me to worry about especially at this time of year.  Lotto Max draw tonight so maybe I should just expect to win BIG and solve all my issues haha!
I have a craving for French Fries -  do not know where to get some close - there is a stand in South River - the next town - but not fussy about going there. A new fancy truck affair just set itself up at the corner Variety Store so I am thinking my dream may come true - the lady at the counter said it should be up and running soon - the Fire dept are coming tomorrow to inspect and if pass, the owner should be good to go. I shall let you know. I always think of the time we stopped at that Chip Stand on the way to the Lake Pati - close to the Lake turnoff if I remember right, and so delicious!!
Time for bed and reading _ I shall soon be finished this Hugo Marston book - so exciting to read- this author is really good.
Just heard on the news about the awful Carbon Monoxide disaster at a Motel in West End with over 50 people transported to various hospitals around Winnipeg - terrible to think about and some in critical condition. I expect there will be a real concern and lots of follow up with this situation.
Take care folks.... keep cool!

No need to water

Cathy, I hope you caught a piece of this.  It started with a deluge about 12:30, and turned into a steady soaking rain, that is still going strong now at 5:30.  I hope you see some of it tomorrow, Beth. Perhaps it is as some people are predicting--the conversion to a monsoon style  weather system in North America.

Despite the rain, I went out for a mani/pedi this afternoon.  I've been doing a lot of things in the studio that are very hard on my hands.  For one, I just can't get rid of the stains on under my finger nails from the rust dyeing I did late last week.  And cutting my toe nails is such a chore that I really don't mind having someone do it for me.

This morning, David headed for Urgent Care to have his ears looked at.  Evidently he did have a serious problem with the wax, and it took some effort to give him relief.  I can't help but feel that this may be related to our efforts to wear our hearing aids all day.  Certainly something to mention to the audiologist next week.

Looks like a humid, hot day today

The Mock Orange is finally blooming.  Not the usual full, show-y bloom but an overall, healthy looking bloom none-the-less.  the Nanking cherries are turning dark red.  David doesn't want any jelly this year, so we're leaving them to the birds and are thrilled that it's attracted up to four Blue Jays at a time, as well as Robins.

We both have been making sure we wear our hearing aids all day, ever since our visit to the audiologist last week.  So yesterday, David has such a wax problem that we tried using warm baby oil in his ear to soften it up.  Didn't work.  So this morning he's off to Urgent Care to get some help.  I didn't think he needed me to hold his hand, so I'm at home looking after laundry. have to think about supper, as I believe it will be too hot to cook.  We also need to visit Starbucks today,as it's "double star day', and a good chance to stock up on ground coffee.  I mentioned it to David and he volunteered tog and eat something, to hep build up the stars.  He's been quite willing to do that ever since he discovered their Oatmeal raisin cookies.  Otherwise, I plan to spend as much of the day as possible in the basement.

Storm

Winnipeg heard some thunder and got a wee sprinkle of rain, but  I was in Lorette which saw a deluge, and lots of thunder and lightening.  I was at my second Monday craft group that meets in the Chicken Chef there.  We were almost finished when the rain struck.  Watching how strongly the wind was driving the rain across the street, made all of us decided that we would rather stay in place than try to head out on the highway.   So we ordered dessert and coffee, and stayed for another 45 minutes.  We were the only people in the restaurant.  As people do in this sort of situation the two waitresses and the three of us gathered in front of the windows and watched and talked.  Once it died down I headed home and saw only sprinkles on the windshield.  We, too, plan to water tomorrow.

Once I got home, I found David's sister visiting.  She mentioned that it had been 6 months since we had seen each other.  We got caught up on family.  I sometimes see a Facebook post from her son, John, in New Zealand, or his wife, Emma.  They raise and train dogs for agility skill competitions.  I sometimes wonder how our small family ended up with two such diverse couples in the family, with the same sort of interest, when they have never met each other.

Weather

it appears that Winnipeg is getting the storm that we had the warning for.  We didn’t really want the thunder  and lightening but we sure could have used the rain. Supposedly we will get some rain tomorrow. Meanwhile I have watered the flowers and the garden. I didn’t do it this morning because of the rain in the forecast. Oh well. Jim continues to get a little bit better every day. I still want it to happen NOW!  He puttered in the rec room today and went to the colony for eggs and took 11 dozen to the legion for various people and he helped make supper. First time since May that he has had enough energy to help out. He did a darn good job bbqing the steak, too.  Only ate 1/2 a piece but now we have his breakfast ready to go.  Very hot in the house right now. Over 30c upstairs so I am sitting outside right now. It is very still and quiet. Nothing to hear but the birds. Kind of nice. It was almost 40c with the humidity so even the dogs are relaxing right now. I couldn't sleep last night cause of the heat so at 12:01 a.m. I posted a happy birthday to Kris. I was finally the first one to wish him happy birthday on Facebook. Now I am just waiting for the house to cool down a bit so I can crawl “onto” bed and get some sleep. Hope the storm wasn’t too bad in Winnipeg, Pati. 

Saturday

I have been trying to get get some work done around here. I washed the rec room floor and tried to clean the mats we use. They have turned the floor yellow and there is nothing we can do to clean them. The pressure washer did a really good job on the mats (I thought) until I went to move them and dust flew off everywhere. Oh well. Right now I am burning some scrub brush off. It is not windy for a change. The neighbours have continued to mow our grass for us. Easily a two to three hour job, even with their equipment. Jim has seen the surgeon and his own doctor and both have said that considering everything that went wrong he is doing really well. I just want him better NOW!!  Rodney stopped by again tonight. I asked Tim if he asked Rodney to check up on Jim but he said Rodney thinks of Jim as a second dad so he is just making sure we are okay. It is nice to have friends and neighbours who care. I am a bit sore today after cleaning off the patio and moving furniture around. I did move the sprinkler in the garden around and I think I have found a spot that will do the entire garden without having to move the sprinkler. Tomorrow will tell. Now it is 7:30 and all I want to do is have a shower and go to bed. I am missing summer☹️ Jim is inside watching Mama Mia (yet again). At least he is amused. We have so many ants this year. The fire pit was full and now they have escaped the fire and are attacking my feet. I can’t win

Still surving...

...in spite of this heat wave. Right now outside is cooler than inside - it will take a while for the house to air out and cool down so in meantime all the fans are going full out, and windows open to try to create a cross breeze. Not really working, though! Have to expect this same weather for next four or five days so it is "grin and bare it' I guess. It is the poor animals that are suffering more than we are so I try to position them in the coolest place and just let them 'chill out". And Bailey's walks are short and sweet. I have already finished one of the books I picked up at the Library - both Mark Pryor's  Hugo Marston series. I'll start the second tonight and then I guess I'll have to order more!
Time to tidy up, put the birds to bed, have a bath and then it's my time for the evening reading. Hope all is well with you folks - seems Jim is progressing nicely Cathy and good for that. Take care.

Strange Day

Wednesday was a little weird.  We had run into a problem with the garage door opener.  David called and arranged for servicing (K-a-a-aching!) with and appointment for 1:00 Wednesday.  His car keys had also stopped working, so he had gone in to arrange for them to be replaced.  You guessed it--appointment at 1:00 Wednesday.  Originally David decided that he would take the car in and I could be home for the serviceman for the garage door.  Then I pointed out that David would need to be available to discuss the problem with the garage door, but replacing the car keys was already arranged and was just a matter of taking the old ones in and waiting for the new ones.  Perhaps we should switch jobs?  Made sense.  

So the guy for the garage door turns up early.  The job turned out to be short and sweet.  He even cut the basic service call fee by 50%.  But that really cut short the time for me to get to the dealership and David suddenly needed to come with me.  Scramble. Scramble. Scramble. Run. Run Run.  Whew, made it in time.  Then it was sit and wait for an hour.  So I decided to go to the casino across the street to wait.  They agreed to phone when the car was ready.  Off we go, but wait--where's the phone?  No phone.  We decided to go anyway.  David kept track of the time, and made sure he was back to the dealership within the hour.  Then we put $20 in a machine, and that $20 didn't run out until 8:30.  Then home to bed.   Gotta play that machine again some time.

Yesterday we were out early, and then to coffee.  Since it was early, I had regular coffee, and got "buzzed" with caffeine.  Worked in a frenzy for the rest of the day, in the studio.  Got a lot done in terms of class work, but I know that I can't do that too often, or there is a price to pay.

Today I'm out for coffee with my friend Gail, and her friend Kim in the morning. ( they should be here within the hour)  But it's also laundry day, so the rest of the day will be busy.  Maybe I can get to the library.

Just checking...

Just spent two hours watering - so hot and humid and so dry - everything so dry.
Then I read your emails and thought I would try before closing up for the night. No problem for me, or else, whatever was causing you folks trouble, has already rectified itself????
Nice day with Mike today - good to see him after so long. He asked us to stop into the Vet in Sturgeon Falls on our way home to pick up those special tablets ( the ones I had to give to his cat while he was gone) because they called him to say they were there waiting for him  Two small packages and the total bill was $70.01 which I had to pay. Wow!  I enclosed the receipt in the bag for when we take them to him - think I'll get reimbursed? haha!
I am so tired and hot so must do the dishes and cover all the animals and take Bailey out to pee, and then take myself to bed.  
Take care. Hope you both get on to the blog as I love to see and read all your news.

Life choices!

My gosh!  Already choosing more choices for future education. Time goes way too fast. Today was a fantastic day. Jim walked to the garden, then to the Quonset, then way back to the apple tree and then back home..,all without a rest. A big accomplishment. We went to town to the legion and when we came home I slept until after eight. I think I might finally be relaxing. Jim saw the surgeon yesterday and he just looked at him and said   “After all that went wrong you are doing great” so I guess all is well.  I was so worried but if the doctor recognizes everything I should be glad at how he is doing. Like I said...I slept when we got home. I need some down time

Spontaneous adventures.....

We are going to Mike's tomorrow to finally celebrate his Birthday with him (June 15) but the decision was not made until late this afternoon so I shall call it "spontaneous"... haha! And with all spontaneous adventures I am not totally prepared but that is OK with me...I went quick to the Foodland to search out some grub to take. No Rhubarb Pie as I had looked forward to taking.....but instead, strawberry shortcake.  I have been looking forward to this visit - long time coming with him being away for so long. He is still finishing up this current course this week but is confident enough to say tomorrow is just great for us to get together. Plus he has chosen and registered for his first semester courses this Fall and wants to discuss this with us tomorrow. So on with the plans.... Take care folks.

Here we go for another month of summer?

I sure hope so as the weekend turned out not so bad after all. I did  a lot of work in the yard mostly organizing flowerpots. Once the plants are all planted then I have to round up all the empty little pots and try to store them somewhere for over winter and yet easily accessible for the Spring planting. I have some shelves set up on the other side of the yard and painstakingly sized and placed on the shelves - next will be tarps to cover for the winter. And I only have about half done yet but I was satisfied enough with the job so far.
Today we go to Huntsville. Surprisingly I shall drop into the Muskoka Hearing Centre to pick up my prize won at the Open House. I received a call last week - and I won a Google Play. I do not know what it is but I looked it up on the net and as I understand it, this is a lovely gift but of no interest or use for me. Perhaps one of the boys can use it? I also am looking for four of those  little plate holders to hang a plate onto the wall. Harry bought four little plates (7 3/4 inch diameter) with "coffee" theme pictures and since I have created a little coffee corner in my kitchen, with other coffee related items, I would like to mount them there. Just another silly thing just for me and whatever keeps me sane is good...right?
Here's to another week folks...hope all is well with everyone. Cathy, how is JJ? Take care