Halloween

The fuss over Halloween gets weirder and weirder every year.  I know you decorate Beth, and re-use your decorations every year.  There are two houses close to use that appear to be in some sort of competition, and they must be spending fortune.  David went a took pictures today, and said there were lots of people doing the same.  I have to wonder where the dragons came from.  I actually love the way their wings move in the wind.  Intentionally, of course.

There are three pictures of the first one, and panorama from left to right across the yard.  They've been doing it for years, and just add more and more to what was there the previous year.  
There are three dragons in total even if only 1 and a half showing visible here.

The next four are from the house across the street.  They may have had something before, but this is the first year I've noticed them.

Both were just putting the finishing touches on them mid-afternoon

Google Screen

Did everyone play with the graphics on the Google screen today?

A classic

It was all of that and more for me to sit and view and listen to this video. Of course, Gordon Lightfoot has always been a favourite regardless of what he sings. I have been able to save that video now so I shall be able to watch it again. The link also gave me a chance to view Margaret Blanks blog and see how she has created her landscape of this song. It must be wonderful to be so creative. Pati, you must draw great inspiration from the likes of her and others?
Thank you for sharing. I do not mind at all when you both share interesting items. It gives me a chance to sit and ponder the new and exciting. Oh, of course I have my usual blogs but sometimes even they start to wear on me. 
Heading into the end of the week now with Hallowe'en pending - will be glad to be done with that.I have most of the decorations erected but with rain and snow in the forecast - blah, blah!!! And then Harry wants to go shopping on Friday - to take advantage of all the sales of leftover loot haha! Oh boy!!!! Take care,

poignant and thought provoking

I looked at Margaret Blank's blog today.  She is talking about Gordon Lightfoot's Canadian Railroad Trilogy, an  has included a link to a video where he'es singing over a series of photos.

http://www.margaretblank.com/

Wow!

I think it is gorgeous on you and you look like a Lady - so where are going tonight to show off your new look?????
I just came in from being outside all day trying so desperately to get cleaned up for winter - there are snow flakes forecast for the end of the week!  I am exhausted so just poured my 'happy hour' goblet of white wine and decided to check for messages. And there you were in your new coat Pati. Well, Cathy what do you think...should we follow suit???  I heard something on the radio this morning about a sisters getaway. These sisters (I do not know how many?) meet every year at a location of choice, and spend some quality time together (with wine included apparently) and the old saying holds true "what happens at the reunion, stays at the reunion". Now, wouldn't that be lovely..........
I went to the Library this morning to return a book and enquire about the Louise Penny newest Gamache book just released 2019. The Library has it!! but it is out so my name is now on the reserved list.  Have either of you read it yet?
I also went to the storage unit and brought home the Hallowe'en decorations. Maybe tomorrow I'll see about those for outside but no promises related to the weather. Fortunately it was clear and sunny today so I did all i could before i am forced inside with rain.
Well, my little animals are looking for some supper so I'll do that, and relax a bit and then read before bed.
Take care "sisters" XX

Too Early!

Our day started with the alarm at 5:30, giving us an hour to get up, dressed and into the doctor's office.  Then for lab work.  Then to renew my handicap parking permit.  A quick breakfast at Tom's. ( I had oatmeal and it was go-o-d).  Then to Walmart to drop off prescriptions, but a quick detour to buy a new toaster oven.  

The doctor spoke to us about David's application to DVA.  All of the forms have been sent, and he wanted to be paid.  So David called DVA after we got home.  They said that the doctor should be paid within a few weeks, but no decision will be made on David's application for about 50 weeks.  Not a typo!

On the way home we stopped at Pennington's.  I have been looking for a coat, as opposed to a jacket for almost two years, and had received an e-mail saying that they had a one day sale on coats.  There were lots of coats, including a "winter white' one that looked wonderful but would be an absolutely stupid purchase for anyone.  The problem was that one size was to small and the next size too big. Finally David pointed out some coats that I had never considered.  I tried one on and it fit!  We bought it!  The price was certainly right.  So right that even if I only wear it for one season, I'll be happy.  I know that animal prints are"in" this year.  It feels so good  

I get so tired wearing the same parka year after year.  I know that living in "Winter-peg", parkas and Sorrells (sp) are a necessity, but sometimes I want to feel like a woman, even a "lady".

It was a very Happy Thanksgiving then.......

So glad to see your post Cathy and the picture and to know that finally (as you stated) the Dinner and visit was made. Too bad for not also having Rrain but the day would be delightful with Kris, Sandi, and of course, Chloe. (fart fart) with you and Jim.  Do you get to keep the playdo to play with??
You have always spoken about the need for work in the bathroom so I agree the money would be well spent if you proceed with that. Would it end your worry about all the "noises" you hear in there?
Our day with Mike was busy with visiting and working and conversing but very satisfying for him I am sure. Plus Harry made a wonderful lunch so all is well. We got caught up on chores that were hanging over his head. Harry helped him erect his snow fence along the side of the house, and also to hang his large army tent up in his shed to dry out completely. We had brought some of the heavy duty clamps that were required to complete that job.
I was also able to bring back the Amazon Fire HD5 Tablet that I had left last time for him to program for me. Harry had got this tablet at his famous dump store and surprisingly it was basically new and functioning well. Mike had to log onto the wifi account at his place and then input Harry's Amazon account username and password but after that he was able to download some games for me. I was asking for some mind stimulating activities because i wanted to do something. I had tried Tetris on our home computer but found that far too much for my poor old brain to keep up. So what I have now is: Wordscapes, Word Search Fun, 4Pics/one word, and now also Candy Crush!!!!  I tried a bit of Candy Crush already just because you two are experts at that game - got to Level 2 haha! When I have more time to play with it, I shall enjoy it I am certain, and maybe beat you for top spot Pati!!.
In meantime I will have to get ready for Hallowe'en this week - I still have not gone to the storage unit to bring home the decorations but somehow this year i am really not "into it" very much.  As well we plan to go on the Seniors bus trip to Casino Rama on Thursday not getting home until about 6;30 pm and then rush to hand out candy. A good number of visitors usually arrive well before that time so likely will miss them. I thought of putting a table at the sidewalk with a box of treat bags but with it raining and all - not a good idea.
The news is full of all the crime in Winnipeg lately, and it sounds totally out of control - what on earth has happened to our city? it comes on the CBC radio news and then I read about it in the WFP on line where I do not get details, but enough to make me shudder.
Yesterday we were supposed to have a planned power outage from 7 to noon but it never materialized. I was prepared and had chores I wanted to do but did not start for fear the power would actually go off. By noon I had had enough uncertainty so plowed ahead with my baking etc. and no interruptions occurred. But in the morning wait, I did get out my hexi quilt topper and made good headway. i can see the end now in the future and so anxious to finish this project - I love it and it is all my hand sewing and would be so proud to get it done. Maybe in a year or so and this dream will come true.
Well, another week, and time to get at it. Hope all is well with you folks, and take care.

Thanksgiving dinner

finally happened yesterday.  Kris, Sandi & Chloe made it here for supper finally.  Rrain was at a conference in Gimli and couldn't come.  I picked up a few things for Chloe to play with, even though she always brings her own stuff.   It seems the Slime was very popular. It "farts" when you put it back in the jar.  And it went back in the jar a number of times 😛

We also coloured multiple pictures.  Daddy had to colour too so we had contests to see who was the best colourer.  I think Chloe did better than Daddy!  We also had 2 meltdowns, but they didn't last too long.  I think going for about a 2 mile walk might have tired everyone out. Except Chace and Grampa Jim.  They were smart enough to stay home and watch curling. I now, once again, have a lot of leftover turkey.  I think this time I will go for turkey pot pies instead of soup.  Tomorrow we get our flu shots and prepare for another long winter. It isn't in the forecast but we are having light snow right now. It was bound to happen and at least it is very light and not like last time. Jim has had his hearing aids for a couple of weeks now and is liking them.  Veteran's affairs covered the whole cost including batteries and replacements every 4 years.  We had saved some money for the hearing aids so we are talking about fixing up the bathroom.  We need the plumbing repaired and are discussing the possibility of a new bathtub.  Sandi and Jim discussed the options for quite a while.  Chloe and I coloured and played with slime. I tried to download pictures from my phone to the computer but it seems the last time my phone updated it activated "the cloud" and all my picures since last Easter are on the cloud instead of my phone and I don't know how to get them loaded to my computer.  Time for the geek squad.  |

and Good Evening, from Winnipeg

Very busy with the paperwork from Selkirk, and David is being helpful picking up a bit of the slack on the home front.  Today, my friend Gail called and suggested coffee.  This is her busiest time of year, and, while she posts a bit on Facebook, she usually doesn't have a spare moment for socializing. So I really wanted to see her.  But her time was limited, so David went grocery shopping, while I was finishing the wash and trying to organize my paperwork.  By the time the dust settled, it was supper time, we had a counter full of meat, and really no time to cook it.  So supper was salmon sandwiches, and I spent the evening putting away 3 meals of Rouladen, a casserole for tomorrow, and the makings for a beef strip supper for Monday.  I have to say that it feels good to have that under control.  Planning meals is a daily chore around here, and chore is the correct word.  "Nuff said".

So, now David is watching his football game.  It sounds like a good one from where I'm sitting.  I played a couple of poker tournaments, and finished in the (play) money in one, so my stack is up for the day.  Now for a glass of wine, and a good book--"Willing to Die" by Lisa Jackson, the latest in  her Pescoli/ Alvarez series--one  I've followed for years.

Tomorrow it's more paperwork, and hopefully, a bit of sewing. Plus another trip to Starbucks, I hope.

Good early morning....

Hard time to get any sleep last night so I just got up early - why try to lay in bed fussing about not sleeping haha! Sometimes you just cannot fight it anymore.
Luncheon yesterday with the gals was very enjoyable - we had lots to talk about and before we knew it, the time had flown by. I do not think any of us actually wanted to leave. I can't say my meal was good but I picked at it while engaging in the conversations. Sue has sent some pictures of the five of us that the waitress took and I shall send that for you to see once I figure out how to forward the pictures from her email.
We are going to Mike's Saturday - a quickly arranged visit to help him with some home tasks he has - he was getting a bit behind with chores because of his course requirements this past week or two with assignments and midterm exams, so we decided to take the drive.  So I plan to bake an apple pie today and we will get a meat loaf and veg together - to give him a good nutritious meal which I fear he is lacking lately. He has classes into the evening to 10 pm and by time he gets out and home it is close to midnight - so not too much to eat except a quick burger or pizza on the fly apparently, and this is not always the best choice, but nonetheless,....
Weather is holding its own - coldish and damp mostly, but at least no snow yet. I arranged to get the winter tires installed for Nov 6 appointment and hope it will hold off until then. The winter tires perhaps give us a false assurance of safety but at least we know we will have better traction - without them we had trouble maneuvering the slightest incline ( two years ago we could not get up the steep dump road and it took about six tries to inch our way along - that was when I stated that we would be getting winter tires which up to then had not been considered haha)
So on with this day and then weekend. Hope all is well with you both. Thinking about you a lot lately....take care.

Strange day

Yesterday I woke up to no Google Chrome, and therefore no internet.  This meant that I couldn't wish Beth a Happy Anniversary.  But a quick phone call took care of that.  This morning, there it was on my computer.  I have no idea what might have happened.  I certainly tried everything I could think of to get it back to no avail. First thing on my "to do" list this morning was to call the Geek Squad for help, since we're paying for that service.  No excuse to do that now.

For the past few weeks I've been procrastinating in preparing a presentation I have to give in mid-December.  I need AV for the presentation and have been having no luck finding someone from the organization to guide me through what form my pictures will have to take, or what sort of equipment they can provide.  I have been told that there will be something, but that my contact with the organization hasn't sorted what that is yet.  She told me to just get the photos ready.  Well, I can't put it off any longer.  I will sort out the photos and put them on a USB stick in the order I need them.  

What has got me finally going is a task I've taken on out in Selkirk.  I hope to be able to do most of it at home using, my computer and e-mail.  We've had a couple of long Board Development sessions lately, with another one pending.  Now we have to put what we learned into action. I will have to prepare some sort of working documentation to support this process.  Cathy you were once on a arts centre board, and I know Keri is involved as well.  You will have an idea of what I'm facing.  But I have an involved Board, and hope to have the support, from that direction, that I will need.  Any suggestions, or helpful hints?

First step is to read the material we've been provided.  Then sort it into more specific topics, and finally prepare some sort of synopsis of the information.  Finally there will have to be an task list, which I hope to have by about March.

But first I need a shower, and to tidy up the kitchen.  I've got my priorities!

Mid week and all is well???

Guessing that by now we have all had time to reflect on the election results? The Conservative candidate won in our riding - a new fellow to the position, as the last incumbent did not run. Now we wait and see what will develop......
Shopping yesterday in the rain - it was not a nice day and later on in the evening we had thunder but nothing really came of that storm. There are suggestions of flurries over the coming weekend.. I could do without those, thank you. And I just received a message from our power Company that there will be a planned outage this coming Sunday from 7 am to noon. I better be sure to get my coffee early that morning haha!
Today I shall take stock of unfinished chores piling up, and then tomorrow I shall drive to Huntsville again on my own to meet up with the other four gals for our Luncheon. Mind you, I have already been asked by Harry to pick up a bale of straw while there - we need more to cover the garlic for over winter.
I have the third book in the Rockton Series now and started it last night. And the fourth is on order for me. I like the fact that these ordered books come with an extended due date - this one is not due until Nov 25 - this gives me the time required to read through them as I very slowly make my way by reading a few chapters each night before lights out. Otherwise I do not read at any other time during the day - just not something I can do.
I watched The Quilt Show latest current show offering last evening and I enjoyed it just for the sitting and enjoying time. It was light and fun and I guess allowed me enough 'down time" to settle me for the night?  I still have a The Last House latest show to watch but i am in no hurry to do that. She is all about the new baby these days which is exciting for her, I guess.
I bought some bagels yesterday for my breakfast treat so off I go to enjoy that now. I thought I had some cream cheese in the fridge but not seeing it, i'll use something else - maybe jam or peanut butter, or better still, some Bovril. Cathy did you ever buy yourself a jar of Bovril??   Take care

Another Quiet Day

But maybe just the calm in the eye of the hurricane.  Last week was H--- on Wheels.  We were both busy with a variety of things--meetings, medical appointments etc.  Tomorrow I have two back-to-back meetings in Selkirk that will last from 10:00 to 4:00.  Lunch, I suspect, will be taken on the run.  But after that, there will be time to relax before the following week, which is going to be frantic once more.

By saying that today is quiet, I mean the weather as well.  There is no wind.  Not even a little bit--as far as I can see looking at the trees.  We seem to have had strong winds for weeks now.  Today it's almost creepy!  The rose bush is still valiantly blooming.  The colours are wonderful, and, finally, the streets are dry.  There were some massive puddles, from the storm, that took days to drain.  The floodway is full, as is the river.  I've never seen the river so high this time of year.  I have to wonder what this bodes for spring run off next year.

With the meetings tomorrow, we'll have to vote in the evening.  We try to avoid this, especially in the after work slot, which is always so very busy.  I find myself just wishing that all of this nastiness was over.  I am quite dis-disillusioned about politics in general, and find myself trying to figure out which party appears to be the least offensive to my beliefs.  I hope that people don't choose to stay home and not vote just because of difficulty in finding anything positive in this mess.

Snow....

Here is an additional post to let you know that the first snow fall for us has just happened. Not much, but as I took the dog for his walk down it came - nice in a way all things being equal, but not really wanted haha!  The skies have cleared for now and just rain forecast so maybe I missed the bullet - you know, the one that hit you folks in the face!  Take care

nice picture..

and the fact that it is blossoming in such terrible weather - All the buds trying to prolong the summer and fall as long as they can...just for us, and just like us !
Nasty, wet, windy weather has prevented me from outside work - at least in my mind it has prevented me - i guess i could have bundled up and forced myself out...but I do take the dog and that is enough!
Today is the pickled beets and saurerkraut day (apparently) so after my coffee and breakfast i shall venture downstairs and round up some crocks and pots and jars etc.that will be used, and if i need ingredients that are not handy I shall have to slip over to Foodland.
I have ordered the next two books in the Rockton Series and in the meantime, i took out the Steve Berry book The Bishops Pawn. This was his 2018 novel and somehow i missed reading it at the time, And by now his 2019 novel must be published as well. Pati you mentioned reading his latest so was that the 2019 one?
Still watching the breeding budgies and with four eggs laid, no babies yet. I wonder if they will hatch as time is getting one when they should be. I will check soon after I take their night time covers off. Not that i am anxious for more birds, but I have to do what i have to do!
So have a fine weekend folks and just think about Monday and the election. Who can predict what the outcome will be ?? but I fear we may be in for a rough ride. Take care

A delicate surprise

Shortly after posting the last message, David came in from outside with a surprise--a tiny beautifully shaped rose bud.  The bush next door has been like a beacon all during the recent storms--the pink blossoms clearly visible from the house.  I've added my computer mouse to show the size of it.

A strangely lucrative day

Tuesday was a busy day with a lengthy meeting out in Selkirk.  I had been out of sorts over the weekend culminating  with spending most of most of Monday sleeping.  After having been in a fog for almost three days, my brain suddenly cleared Monday evening.  Thank Goodness, as I really wanted to be at the meeting Tuesday, but had been considering sending regrets.

This morning we received our monthly bank statement, and discovered how my debit card had been used while out of my hands.  Every purchase just under the limit for using the tap feature, with a small purchase first, just to check things out, and then multiple purchases at mainly second hand stores and 7-11.  I was reconciled to this, but David wondered if there was any sort of theft insurance feature, similar to the ones on credit cards.  So he went into check.  Sure enough, there is theft insurance on debit cards.  I had to go into the credit union, and sign a couple of forms, and am now expecting the money to appear in my checking account within a couple of weeks.

Otherwise we are just putting in time waiting for me to feel better and worrying about David, who starts preparation tomorrow, for a colonoscopy Friday.

Flash...Boom...

Sitting here early with my coffee and all I can hear is boom boom boom rattle - thunder and lightening storm rolling in. It has rained all night but I guess we now get the real "show" And as I hear it, I wonder how you folks are managing with the remains of that terrible blizzard?
Yesterday was shopping in Huntsville and again my hopes were dashed as the new Starbucks is NOT open yet. But there is progress as three big trucks were parked and delivering something so I imagined it was the furniture or maybe the kitchen equipment? More waiting I guess! There is that great feeling of anticipation playing games with me again haha!
I slipped over to the neighbours Ruth and Gerd when we got home as she had called to offer us some red and green cabbage from their garden. I sat and had a tea with them as they finished a tile game - do not know name but I have seen it often - I think we have a game as a matter of fact. Coloured tiles and you have to lay down same kind, or runs and can use jokers and play off the others hand as well.  I am sure one of you would know what I mean as I can not think of the name right now? But it was nice to have this break. I really must go over more often as she was in a mood and crying (when he went to pick the cabbage from the garden) and seemed to be thankful to have me there to listen.  
Now Harry has a large bag of beets he wants to pickle, and now this cabbage that he wants to make into saurerkraut. I better get the equipment up and ready for the process. In meantime, received a reminder message from friend Sue about my Luncheon with the ladies for next Thursday Oct 24 - I look forward to this!
Time for some breakfast and then on with it ...take care

Monday mornrng

And seeing both of your messages in the blog puts me a bit at ease about your situations. Cathy it is disappointing to not have had your guests at your table, but then maybe better to know all would be safe in not attempting the drive,  It will all work out. And Pati hoping your dinner was exceptional. My day at Mikes was most satisfying for me - as you say, it is always the anticipation isn't it. 
Today it is pouring rain here so I will attempt to put order to chaos here in the house - put coolers away, and clean the fridge etc and probably do a wash which I did not do over the weekend. And the kitchen floor - ugh.  I am even thinking of going to South River to vote in the advance polls but not certain yet about that.
Take care all.....

Sounds like all is well

Some inconvenience, but we're all safe, warm, and have food.  Lots of food.

David and I were just talking about phoning you, Cathy, just to make sure you were alright, when up popped your post.

Winnipeg appears to have survived, but the roads are still  a mess.  We haven't been out since Friday afternoon.  The tree on the boulevard has lot two major branches.  It's a Basswood, and was a very small tree when we moved in, but Oh My!  How it's grown.  But being a Basswood, there isn't a lot of spread to its shape, so the branches have just peeled partially off and lowered themselves to the ground.  My friend Andrea is describing the situation, in the city, as a "treemagedon".  I understand that there are hundreds of trucks stuck in Headingly, as #1 is, or has been, closed all the way to the Saskatchewan border.

We've made the decision to use a cab to the restaurant tonight, more so we can both have a glass of wine with dinner, than because of any fear of driving.

Hope your time with Mike is as wonderful as you hope, Beth, recognizing that the anticipation is as important as the event.

All’s well

lot’s of snow to dig out from but with the temperatures above zero we hope it melts this week. The highways were all closed (and I think every highway in Manitoba!) Kris says they were able to dig a path to do the chores for the animals but he is not sure if they will get to souris for supper with Sandi's Parents today. No one made it here yesterday so we have lots of food. Jim says I should have waited to cancel but i didn’t want anyone to chance driving even if it was Just a couple of miles.  And he suggested to wait until  today but I had had enough stress over this stupid supper. I was not going to fret another day. Our power only went out three times and for less than a minute each time. The internet went down but it is back today. I’ll see if Rrain wants leftovers today. We will probably have to pick her up though. Her car is not good with snow. 

My thoughts...

Very concerned about you folks. Last thing on news was that you are now in a state of emergency. The situation sounds grave and I am not sure whether either of you even have electricity. And whether you may have collateral damage with trees falling. Pati you mentioned a tree at the front of the house with broken branches and then wondering about the big tree at the back over your roof? 
I am about to go onto the WFP site to see if there is any further news about this storm.  Please take care. We are heading for Mikes this morning but I will check for any messages  (if you can send any that is) when we return later in the day.

Ugh is right!

What a thoroughly miserable day.  The only blessing is a mixed one--the temperature isn't -20.  But that can mean slippery roads and cars sliding around.

We discovered that there was no gas for the snowblower, and that meant a trip out.  I went along for a chance to get into the Credit Union, and David went to buy some milk.  We did a big shopping yesterday, in anticipation of being housebound for a few days, but forgot the milk.  So all's well now and we can stay in until our dinner out Sunday evening.

When I was up to bring the paper in very early this morning, I noticed a branch on the tree in our boulevard bowed down with the weight of the snow.  By the time we got up it was touching the ground, having torn part way off the trunk.  On our trip out we noticed fallen branches littering the boulevards--and not just smaller branches.  The trees are mainly Chinese Elms, and all still had their leaves, as did most of the bushes in our yard.  Anything that has shed it's leaves appears unscathed, including our American Elm.  Thank Goodness for that, as the anything major that falls from the Elm, falls onto the roof.  But we both recognized a very, very expensive clean-up job.  It's likely this will all melt, as higher temps are predicted for later in the week, so opening the floodway is sounding like it was a good plan.  When we got home and had chance to take a good look at the yard, it appears that we have lost the better of our two Nanking Cherry bushes, and that our very expensive miniature Juniper, in the front garden, is in trouble.  The weight of the snow has bent it to the ground and the top of the tree is frozen in.

I don't think you need worry Beth.  I don't think I've ever heard of a Colorado Low reaching your area.  With all of your preparations, I'm sure your feast will be better than ours.  Our reservation is at the Aalto's in the CanadInn, close to home.  We went to an Aalto's across the city, for Christmas Dinner for several years, until the food slowly evolved into Turkey and mainly South Asian food.  We usually don't mind South Asian food, but somehow it's just not right for Christmas.  Maybe we've turned into a couple of old fuddy-duddies.  At the same time it's just wasteful to cook a full turkey for the two of us.

So supper tonight will be left-overs from the Chinese food we had Tuesday night, and a nice Salmon pattie for me.  I really enjoy them, but haven't seen them in the store for months, but there they were yesterday.  I bought a dozen.

Oh ,no! Not snow...

Too early for snow and wind and blizzards. And I saw pictures of your latest weather events in the WFP. And I read your weather forecasts.....ugh.
Today is the last sunny day around here for awhile so I am focusing my attention to the great outdoors. Then tomorrow the push (or should i say panic) will be on for Sundays meal at Mikes. Last evening i drove up the highway by myself to pick up the turkey Mike ordered from his friends establishment. Oh my - it was huge at approx 25.93 lbs and it cost me a bundle. It is safely in my freezer ready to be transported to Mikes. In meantime our turkey is now thawing ready to be cooked off tomorrow and sliced and wrapped ready to steam warm at Mikes for our meal.  I also bought the gluten free products i ordered from the bakery in Sundridge called Happy Tummy. It specializes in gluten free products only. it is in a house in the rural area of Sundridge - the Bakery is really standalone because they constructed it in the house but separate with its own hydro etc. It gets regular inspections from health Unit so i think i can trust it. There were two ladies working madly and refridgerators full of baked goods. So I have a pumpkin pie and some lemon squares as well as the bread for stuffing. It cost a bundle as well!
So I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much, or rather I should say, enjoy your food haha!  I am thankful for you as my sisters and for you feeling so close with our communications even though I might feel so alone sometimes so far away over here haha!,  Take care. Please do not send the snow and blizzard my way.

Darn Weather!

Today my drive was out to St. Claude and a little further beyond.  Going out there were a few terrible traffic tie-ups to deal with.  It took me about an hour to get from Regent and Lagimodiere to Oak Bluff via Bishop Grandin and McGillvary.  Then another hour to get out to St Claude. Coming home it was raining.  Actually a cold persistent drizzle.  This meant poor vision on the highway and lots of water thrown up by big trucks.  To complicate things, there was a viscious North wind.  I could barely get out of the car because it kept blowing the door closed.  Talk about bare knuckle driving.  Once I hit the city coming home it was bumper to bumper at about 5km/hour.  Whenever you came to an intersection it was bumper to bumper in all directions. The roads I was on had speed limits of 60-80- km/hour, but I didn't get over 50 km until I was 3/4 of the way across the city, and that was only for about 2 km.

I'm not used to this and the first thing I asked for when I got home was a glass of wine, which I enjoyed with the Chinese food we got in for supper.  A good night to stay home.  It is truly miserable out there.

But over all the trip was worth while.  I got together with my fibre art support group The Fibre art Divas, for our regular monthly meeting.  These meetings are always wonderful, as each member speaks about what she has been doing over the month, and usually has some sort of sample to show us.  Since we are such a diverse  group one never knows what to expect.

Poor David held the fort while I was away and was able to spend the whole day watching old westerns.  He was quite willing to walk over for the Chinese food, just to stretch his legs after this day of binge watching.  But one of the reasons we got the Chinese food (which will likely feed us for three days) was that the fridge is bare, as I've been just too busy, or lazy, to organize a grocery shopping trip.  We'll certainly have to do it tomorrow, as some quite nasty, snowy weather is forecast for the next few days, and one never wants to be found short of food when this sort of thing is predicted.

Weather sucks

Thanksgiving is cancelled this weekend because of the blizzard Kris and family can make it the 26th, but Kik can’t. I guess we will have two days of thanksgiving. But since Kris can’t make it we can invite jim’s Sister. We can’t fit more than six in the kitchen, and Kik can’t handle the rec room because of the dogs. On Saturday Jean can drive to the west side of the house and only have two steps. And we can fit both her and Kik into the kitchen. Winners all around.  Maybe we can get all of us together closer to Chloe's birthday. Sometimes things just don’t work out. 

Man plans, God laughs

Beth, you don't have to order a pour-over unless you want de-caf.  There are usually at least two blends on brew all the time.   If you do want de-caf, they can make just about any blend they carry, including the espresso that I love.

The big meeting today was cancelled with an e-mail at 8:00.  The poor fellow who was in charge ( my friend Garth, whom you met Beth) was stuck with $50 worth of sandwiches that he had ordered for 9:00 pick up.  I was stuck with a big container or cookies.  I had left them in the car, overnight, to reduce temptation, but they're in the basement freezer now.

David and I ended up going for a drive.  We headed out to Lockport for lunch at A&W, taking our books along.  After a nice rest eating and then a few minutes reading while we tried to finish the root beer, David asked to go to the see the quilt store I had talked about.  I told him that I didn't feel right going in without buying anything.  She didn't have what I had suggested buying, but she had several types of thread, and I bought a spool of 4 of them to try out.  Then I found some Thermofax screens, which I love having and using.  While I was looking at those David saw a 36" quilter's ruler with a special gizmo on it to hold the ruler in place over a cutting mat or table edge.  Yep, had to have it.  Finally, on the way home we stopped at the wine store and bought another kit.  If we get it going this week, it should be ready for Christmas.  Pinot Grigio rather than Pinot Blanc, this time.  The older man was there this time.  He is the father of the fellows that operate it now, and used to run the place on his own with occasional help from his Mother, who had run the place for about 30 years before he took over.  Three generations operating the same store.  Very nice to see.

I dropped David off on the way to Starbucks, then came home to find him entertaining his sister.  She told us that her oldest step-daughter ( the one who had the liver transplant a few years ago)had surgery recently, coded on the table, and now has had what they think is a bad reaction to the pain meds she's been receiving, and is quite confused and disoriented.  Evidently this is a family issue, but that info hadn't been passed along.  That family hasn't had a fair shake, medically, ever.  For the past few years, the other daughter has been having severe problem after severe problem.

Loren is off in Europe.  The past three days in Barcelona, and heading now to San Sebastian for three days, and then off to Paris.  He is posting regularly on Facebook, but mainly pictures of food--not much info.  Very pretty young guide though.

Tomorrow I go out to St. Claude for the afternoon.  I think I'd said Holland, but I was wrong.  Taking my weird pieced top I mad last month to the machine quilter, and then a meeting at her house.  Sometimes I feel as though I was on a treadmill.  Going here and there, running from event to event.  The car is packed, and I hope for a good night's sleep.

Fooled myself ...great laugh

.....I imagined going to Huntsville today and being able to strut into the Starbucks Store and order myself a grande pour over cup of today's featured blend ...and pick up a card, and enjoy!  Well, the windows are covered over with an opaque plastic, and there were shadows of workers inside - and no obvious structure in place like seats and counters etc that I could detect either. Anyway, I had a chuckle to myself because I really did not think it would be open for awhile yet and then once ready I am sure they would have to train the new barisstos (?spelling) But you can see how I tend to amuse myself with these little fantasies haha!
Today was to Huntsville as I mentioned and a big shopping done and the turkey is now in the freezer. Next few days will be consumed with planning and prepping., and then the weekend feast at Mike's on Sunday. 
Listened to the federal leaders debate on the radio last evening - i am glad i could not see the people as i was quite annoyed at all the back and forth ugly talk, and felt the whole thing was one big mess. Tomorrow night the local Green party candidate is holding a Town Hall meeting at the legion here in Sundridge and I plan to attend to hear what he has to say. He was not able to attend the larger debate we had here in Sept with the other candidates so I think it was wise of him to make the effort to come here now.
Now it is time to close up shop, and do a bit of reading. i am well into the second book of the Rockton Series and just as enthused as i was in reading the first book.
So long for now.....hope all is well???

Worn out ?

Working in the yard yesterday most of day and today I feel worn out. But boy, I sure got a lot done and it is rewarding. Mind you still so much more to do...I need to choose my days as it is rainy and cold off and on, but even yesterday it was cool but the sun was shining and that makes such a lovely difference. 
Unfortunately, I bit the bullet and turned on some heat in the house. Always the worst feeling every Fall but it has to be done sometime. Not all heaters yet, but the bathroom, and sun room, I need to consider the animals and Birds need warmth. 
Ran into the neighbours (Ruth and Gerd) yesterday while I was walking Bailey and she again asked when I was going to come for coffee - she always is asking me and I always do not go. So I suggested I come Sunday (today) at 10 and she agreed. So this morning I will go over for a coffee break. I baked some cookies to take as well. One must never go to visit without an offering especially with German folks - an expected gesture?
I expect this coming week to be "full" as we will be getting ready to go to Mikes next Sunday for Thanksgiving. As much as I love to visit him, as I have mentioned before, the planning and arranging and getting everything ready and packing etc drives me crazy. Not really self imposed, but nevertheless required.
I tried to sign in to Starbucks but something is stopping me from getting the email and password right. I just tried again and requested to renew password ( you know that little message that says forget your password? and then directs you to receive an from them to reset it ) but again unsuccessful. Perhaps something is telling me to forget about it?  
Anyway - time to move on for the day. Thinking of you both......

Shoes

The meeting went well.  A couple of other old time members sat with me, and we chatted non-stop during breaks.  I got so involved that I didn't realize until later in bed that I had my back to my friend who drove for awhile.  Rude!

Today we went out for coffee, and stopped first at the show store in one of the little malls nearby.  This is a second location for the large downtown specialty store where I also get my custom elastic stockings and show insert orthotics.  I showed the clerk my shoes ans told him I wanted a new pair.  Then he told me that I had been using the first edition of that shoe and they were now up to edition #3.  I guess it's been awhile. But with a sole that is loose and catching on things while I walk, it was time.  We bought them--almost exactly the same shoe as I've been wearing for the last 15-20 years.  I need a deep "toe box" to accommodate my orthotics.  I have two pair exactly the same, one to wear indoors and one to wear out--winter and summer.  I move the orthotics every time I change locations, i.e. 2-3 times a day.  But--0h my--how much better the fit is in my new shoes.  The fellow told me the old pair were very stretched out.  I didn't want to tell him how often they had been wet.

Today we had a Merlin by the feeder.  I had never heard of a Merlin before, but found him in my bird book.  A type of Falcon, so I'm guessing he wasn't there for the sunflower seeds. Obviously a bird of prey, hooked beak and all.

No plans for Thanksgiving, but David has expressed an interest in going out, as there will just be two of us, and he doesn't want to cook a turkey.  ( we have one in the freezer that desperately needs cooking)  A hotel buffet near us is open, so I'm thinking of making a reservation.  Loren will be in Europe ( Spain I think).  Doubt he'll find a turkey dinner there.

How was your meeting Pati?

We often make more out of a situation than it deserves as you mentioned, but I also know how you feel because I am the same way. Gosh, sometimes I cringe when I have to pass someone else on the street haha!  Perhaps my social skills have been lost or, I just do not get out enough anymore???
Not nice outside at all so it has been inside work for last few days. Yesterday Harry decided he was going to make a batch of relish - just out of the blue - although to be honest he has been talking about it for a while. He went to the fresh veg stand on the highway and came home with all the ingredients but as is the way of things, i was then responsible for getting it all organized inspite of the fact that I already had started to do some tasks downstairs. So jars up, sterilized, ingredients piled on the counter, room made on the stove and counter and away we went. But we now have a dozen or so jars of colourful relish - he likes it but I am likely not to be eating much. 
I am trying to make room in the downstairs freezer for a big turkey that we have to pick up from an old army friend of Mike's and take to Mike when we go for Thanksgiving. This friend lives not too far up the highway and we have bought turkeys from him before - actually Harry has also bought veg from him at the market in South River over the summer as well. ( this friend has started a family farm raising fowl and growing veg etc) But Harry prefers for us to buy our own turkey and cook it off before going to Mikes on the Sunday of next weekend. Hence the need for room to store the turkey Mike ordered from his friend thinking we would use it for our dinner together. Boy life can get complicated can't it???
Reading again as I now have the first book in the Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong that you recommended Pati to be read in sequence. I have book one and two here at home so as soon as I am through them, I will have to order the next two if I choose to continue the series. I am so glad that we have the option again to order books - opens my world to new and recommended books that are not in our little local Library. And I am so glad that I am back to reading again before bed - I missed this time to settle down and enjoy the adventures.
Well, as with all my early mornings, and quiet, it is time for some grub, and then on with the day. Have a good weekend folks. 
ps In Huntsville they have built a new Canadian Tire gas station - across the street from the previous station that was small and next to the store. It has been under construction for some time now and I was noticing an adjacent building on the same lot being erected that resembled a coffee shop - Tin Hortons style. Sure enough on Tuesday when we went by there was a new sign Coming Soon with the iconic green picture of the Starbucks brand. i got all excited thinking maybe i could frequent this store - we go every week afterall. And i could get a 'card" and I could write about my experiences going in there. Who knows??? Maybe???

Bored!

The final item in the task of consolidating our finances happened yesterday, when the PIN for my new credit card arrived, and I was able to activate it.  The activation required that I use it to purchase something, and then have the card refused 3 times, before having it accepted.  Sound suspicious?  yeh.  And you should have seen the face on the clerk at the car dealership when I used it to pay for having the winter tires installed.  But it worked!  So I came home and cancelled the old card, after stopping at the Credit Union to do a Balance Transfer.

Now, you have to understand that the credit union nearest the house is being amalgamated with another branch in the area, and both branches will end up at the building we use.  This has meant a lot of renovation, the bulk of this being done while the place is open.  There is also no storage space in the building. so all of the extraneous chairs are in the middle of the lobby.  It's been quilt nice having a plush office chair on wheels to rest in while waiting our turn for a teller.  Well, part of the process for a balance transfer involves phoning the other card's customer services to request a current balance.  The tellers don't have phones, but some of the offices do, including the ones with no floor and only a desk being used as a bit of a storage space.  And, of course, I had trouble getting through.  I knew what went wrong, but the teller had to assist me, which may have made the problem a little worse, but ultimately we got through.

Tonight, I've been invited to a meeting of the Embroiderers' Guild where there will be a tribute for Founding members.  I'm not a founding member, but may be one of the oldest former or current members still alive.  However, I left that group with a bitter taste in my mouth and the person(s) responsible for that is still involved.  I didn't want to walk into that room alone!  So I called my friend Susanne and asked for a ride.  I hated to do that, as I know she takes two handicapped older members to all the meetings.  Well now there will be three of them riding with her.

I'm pretty sure every thing will go alright, as I know I tend to let these things grow to unmanageable size, in my mind.  But at the same time,  I would hate to think that the people I'm afraid of might not even remember me.  lol

Otherwise we're generally staying at home, other than a trip out almost every day for coffee.

The books I've been reading lately are either gritty shoot'em-ups or silly, half comedy mysteries such as those written by Annalise Ryan.  Some of the characters can be counted on to make poor decisions.  I'm not too fond of books where the reader, if the reader has a brain, can anticipate what's going to happen.

p.s. it's still raining!

Crazy weather can drive me crazy

It never seems the same even during the course of a day - rain, fog, humid, sun, cold, and warm and now threats of frost. At least no real snow such as we have seen in Alberta/Sask, thank goodness!
I have been so chilled for almost a week now and wear sweaters and coats and hats - but I shall not put on the heat in the house...yet! The house plants are in, and the flowers outside will have to face the frost as I am still trying to take them down from the hanging baskets and out of pots to get ready for winter. The amazing thing is my miniature roses in the garden. They are blooming again with one beautiful yellow rose open and four more buds on that one plant. I fear I shall not see them open, though. And I still have to winterize the plants (cover with hay etc)
I visit with Daisy and family this morning. They are up again for a week. I baked some pumpkin cookies ( Pati, this is your recipe) and bought some small colourful Fall decorated paper plates at Dollarama yesterday to put them one. 
Harry has made real changes in the yard this past week - we have taken down all the huge fences that once were used for the beans and pea vines etc and have replaced them with wooden raised box gardens. We are emptying the soil from all the large pots as we go around cleaning up to fill these boxes and get them ready for planting in the Spring. A huge job really and now I have pots laying all over that I have to try move and to organize for over winter. I have mentioned before that I must ensure that the entire space is suitable for shoveling of snow and I like to keep it clear around the house so i can access the roof for keeping it clear as well. My goal for this winter is to ensure the roof is cleared every time it snows so that we will not be faced with the accumulated ice and subsequent water leaking issues of last Spring. I hope I am able to fulfill this lofty goal haha!
Mike has asked us to his house for Thanksgiving (to go on the Saturday of next weekend) His current lady is gluten intolerant. There is a store/bakery here in Sundridge that makes gluten free food so I called them yesterday and ordered white bread to make the stuffing and a pumpkin pie to take for dessert. The cost is outrageous but I had to do something quickly. In our shopping rounds in Huntsville I have spotted gluten free foods mostly at Freshco   One can buy most anything for a price, and I have experimented with the gluten free "flour mix" I bought, and tried tea biscuits, and muffins etc - the texture is a bit different but still palatable. I still have much to learn about it. 
So I shall now go and have some breakfast for myself and get ready for another full day. Hope all is well with you folks. I have been trying to follow some of the election rhetoric but find it bothersome - I still can be considered an "undecided voter" at this point I guess!