Happy New Year

 New Year’s wishes to my family and their families. I hope to see you in person in 2021.  Love to all of you and Happy Birthday David!

 Thank you for your kind wishes ladies.  We spent the evening of our anniversary playing casino slot games on the computer.  We are using the site operated by Manitoba Lotteries, and I'm confident we are safe.  I would never touch those other casino sites.  We really enjoyed it and ended up $50 to the good.  We now plan to do the same thing on New Years Eve.  We got everything done today, bills paid and grocery shopping done.  Once we got home , I had a chance to go onto Facebook, and realized that I had missed my Zoom meeting this morning.  Going a bit further I came to realize that I had lost a day somewhere.  I was convinced that today was Tuesday.  My pills are even screwed up somehow, and I have been taking them one day late all week. This has never happened to be before but I've certainly heard of it in others.  So now it's almost bed time, and I'm sitting here over a glass of B&B.  I forget how very, very nice B&B is.  So smooth, with just a touch of sweetness.  

I had meant to take a picture but we bought a snack for New Year's Eve.  Not that taking a picture would do me any good, as I still haven't figured out how to load a picture onto my computer.  It is a huge plastic jar of caramel popcorn.  Of course, we had to try it out to be sure it was good.  So-o-o go-o-o-d

OMG!  David has just pointed out to me that today is actually Tuesday, and I've taken tomorrow's pills.  I am so totally screwed up, but then so are my Facebook friends who were saying that today was Wednesday.  I guess I'll have to set my alarm tonight, to make sure I actually do make the meeting.   I think it best that I go to bed now.

Special anniversary wishes

 Happy anniversary to Pati and Dave. I hope you have something special planned. I know a night at the casino is out, but ordering in a special meal is still on the list. No matter what, I’m sending you love on this special say

More snow..

 It seems inevitable that I must get out today to shovel. I did the driveway the other day but not much else. It is mild again though at 30 F early this morning,which apparently may last for awhile.

Today we have a prime rib roast delivered yesterday by Daisy's daughter in law Rhona. She came to the door adorned in a lovely blue mask with a bag of goodies for us as a Christmas gift/thank you for what we do to help Daisy. Some time ago and I think it was Thanksgiving I mentioned to them that we could not buy a prime rib roast around that was not a million dollars to which she said i can get them cheaper in Toronto and will bring you one. I had forgotten that until I opened the bag and found the roast. There was licorice allsorts for me and some scratch tickets for Harry also. I told her that i would not be visiting them in person for awhile as the Covid lockdown is in place and she concurred totally. They are staying here instead of Toronto as her Hair salon had to close so they decided just to live here for awhile. Daisy likes it here better anyway.

So now to make my coffee and get on with my day even though I am up rather early. Take care all. Have a nice Anniversary celebration Pati and Dave, Thinking of  you. 

What a terrible message to read.

 I shuttered reading your message Pati and thought all along that this could be me and what would I do, I have been calling Geek Squad on the telephone over past few weeks about my account and as I think back wonder if I was actually talking with Geek Squad? I am more cautious than Harry is and so I must be vigilant in looking at all the screens but anything could happen I guess. I am so sorry that your day went this way. But very glad you had your Toast. Cathy sent her picture with Rrain but i took no picture but did have a great Toast with many desires proclaimed for us to have a better year.

Unfortunately we too, had a less than good day. I am sorry to relate to you on this message that Harry's brother Ted in Kirkland Lake died at home yesterday. We had to make many telephone calls to inform other family etc. With the lockdown, and Covid restrictions there will be no visitation or funeral, but still in all a sad turn for this family. Harry's sister Donna called yesterday and although she had her two children and new grandson there with her, it was a sad reminder of losing her husband Oct 26..

On to better times. Thinking of you both....Take care XX

And a merry Christmas was had by all---Not!

This day has been a screwup from the beginning.  We found a new icon on my computer and clicked  on it.  In response, our Bitdefender virus program went mad with all sorts of notices and shut down the computer.  We weren't able to do anything, and ended up phoning Geek Squad for help.  After almost two hours, and him messing around in both our computers and showing us dire problems, to do with a lack of protection between the actual computers and our server, we caught on to the fact that we weren't talking to the Geek Squad and were, in fact, being hacked to get our personal information.  We very quickly shut down the whole system, even turning off the modem.  They evidently disguise themselves to troll in people calling the Geek Squad using Google to acquire phone numbers.  So-what to do?  What to do?  Well, I made an effort to find a more reliable number for Geek Squad, and called it.  I still used Google but didn't take the first nor the second or even third option but rather the 4th. It looked much more reliable than the others. This time I got a more familiar set-up and felt confident telling them what my problem was.  They then walked me through things very carefully. explaining everything they were doing.  I was able to recognize the prompts from previous encounters and felt confident working with them. The lady had to review our full system ( two computers), and did indeed find malware that had been left behind to further mine our data.  This process took another two hours, and I had to sit by and monitor things so as to respond to anything she required from me, such as plugging in David's computer when it started to run out of power.  At the same time, I was on the phone to the credit card company to advise them of the issue.

This all left David to prepare our supper vegetables, and get the meat out.  Then we changed places so I could get the meat ready to cook, and in the oven.  Supper, itself, ended up being put together quite quickly, and was somewhat of a disappointment.  The lamb was less than expected.  ( Of course, Gail telling me that the lamb, the meat had come from, was called "Freddie", didn't really help)The potatoes and Pip'n'squeek were great, and I just put together a daintie tray for dessert.  We had a bought a nice bottle of Merlot to go with the lamb.  I enjoyed it, but David less so.  Then, after supper, I opened my computer to post a picture of me saluting my two sisters at 6:00, and wasn't the damn thing wanting to do an update.  And didn't that, too, take two bloody hours!  Then, I sat down with my computer, my camera and attempted to post my picture.  No way in Hades could I get it downloaded from the camera card to the computer.  So, David's computer.  Nope, not even a card slot to fit the card.  So, off to the basement to use my old computer.  Microsoft won't accept my password.  

So ladies, it's now almost 10:00.  I have poured myself another glass of wine.  I had plenty before but now I will have some more.  So there!  Be assured that I did raise my glass at the appropriate time and be assured that David did take a lovely picture of it.  Maybe one day you'll see it.  Not today.  I shall enjoy my wine while reading a silly "Sisterhood" book by Fern Michaels.  Those women never have days like mine.  Be safe ladies.

Merry Christmas to all...

 The snow is falling lightly outside and creating a nice soft blanket on the trees and surrounds this morning. It is early here but sleep eluded me and both dogs were restless to go out. I think they had too much turkey yesterday haha! But for this one moment it is quiet and peaceful.

Wishing you a wonderful day. I shall have my glass held tightly to my heart as I toast you both - a Toast for Family, and for a wonderful year to come.

Love Beth XX

A moment of quiet...

 Today we prepare for our Christmas trip to visit with Mike tomorrow. We changed our day from Christmas Day to Christmas Eve as a result of the new Covid 19 lockdown coming into effect for all of Ontario at Midnight Christmas night. So as it turns out I shall be at home on Christmas Day and will be looking forward to sharing a toast with you at our appointed time of 7 pm for me, and 6 pm for you.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas for what it is this year. We will do our best to enjoy it isolated, but very much thinking about family and love for all.

Take care and be safe....Love Beth XX

And now we wait

 So Amber and Gail got their boxes on Saturday.  Gail had been nice enough to pick up my goods at the Gift Shop in Selkirk, along with her own, so got her box while dropping them off.  I phoned Amber to ask when we could drive out, and she said she was in town and would be by the house within 10 minutes!  I drove over to Loren's Sunday, and spoke to him through the door, while dropping his off.  Not a very satisfying chat with either of them.  But this meant that everything that absolutely needed to be done, is done.  I want to do a last  minute trip out today, and then stay home until next week.  The only thing I can see interfering with my plan would be if the library calls to say they are holding any books for us.  We are both desperate for reading material, and are number 1 on the list for 28 books right now. With my luck they will all arrive the same day! I do take a few  minutes every day in the studio, but not the hours I used to spend down there.  I've slowly been modifying the dye-painted pieces I made a few weeks ago.  (See other blog)  I've been getting a good response to what I've been doing from my fibre friends.  I've also signed up for another workshop that starts January 4th.  I have the supply list, and participants are signing into the Facebook group associated with the workshop, and meeting each other.

We have decided to have the leg of lamb for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure what might go with it other than potatoes.  We have lots of frozen vegetable for me, but I'll have to find out what David wants.  The only red wine I have is elderberry, and I'm not sure how that will go with lamb.  Probably not at all.  Since we head out about 10:00 this morning, I'll have to make my mind up by then.  Until then I think I'll just sit and drink my tea and enjoy  what blessings I have, given the world we live in.  Yes, I plan to toast my sisters at 6:00 Christmas Day. 

Sorry it did not turn out for you-

 But, what a tale to tell. The things we do when we have to....Do you think you might try again ...say with a KOBO this time? Or what other hand held e readers are on the market these days What is your e reader Cathy?

Sunday and counting. I am desperate to get some wash done so today is my second day at it. I made a loaf of bread in the machine yesterday that did not turn out. Did not rise, so today Harry is going to attempt a loaf. We will be taking all the fruit cakes out of wrapping and doing the Brandy wash again and then wrapping them up again, to store some more.  A few weeks ago I had made some refridge cookies and froze them uncooked in rolls for when i was in need and yesterday i was in need.... so out came one roll and sliced and baked and devoured. Glorious! While devouring my cookies I watched the VHS movie Surviving Christmas with Ben Affleck. It is always a good movie for me to watch over Christmas.

A quickie for today just to stay in touch. So better get back at my chores (haha!) I think we are going shopping tomorrow to get all that is needed for Christmas Dinner but it calls for freezing drizzle - not pleasant. Hope all goes well. Take care folks and be safe XX

ps I did not tell you that the other day i treated myself to a home made Brandy Alexander. Not bad, not bad at all. I think I'll do it again especially since i bought the coffee liquer and cream to go in it. Hope there will be some brandy left after Harry doses the cakes.

Darn Kindle!

 Wasted far too much time trying to get it operational.  Thursday evening I was over 2 hours working on it, and that included a very unpleasant phone call to The Geek Squad and two separate phone calls with Shaw.  I had thought the problems were resolved but yesterday morning, it wouldn't work at all.  So I arranged to return it, the adaptor, the cover and two books, to Amazon. Boxed everything up including the two separate return slips ( had to re-open the parcel to put the second one in), and took the box to the Post Office.  Now we've seen the line ups at the Post Office the past few days.  It is in Sobey's grocery store, and often the line is half way across the front of the store, and in the way of everyone trying to shop. I've been seeing this every time I've been there since mid-November. And the waits are long. I took my walker, so I would have something to sit on while in line.  This meant that David had to get it down from where it had been hanging in the garage, and then figure out how to get it in the car along with the basket that fits on it.  He didn't want to take a chance that it might harm the car, so used a big furniture moving quilt under it. It also meant that I would have to deal with it at the store. Parking was an issue and I was parked a little crooked, but got it out of the trunk.  The furniture moving quilt came along with it, but that was quickly returned to the trunk without getting into the sloppy wet dirty snow off the ground.  I had some trouble getting the basket on, but finally headed into the store. Sailed across the front of the store, and right up to the counter of the Post Office.  No-one in line.  I mentioned it to the clerk and she said that it was the first time that day that she wasn't being rushed off her feet.  Parcel mailed, I picked up a bag of potatoes and a 2lb bag of baby carrots and headed out.  So, now I've got my purse, the walker, the basket, and two large heavy bags.  The ground it filthy and wet, and somehow I need to juggle everything and get it in the back of the car.  And, in order to fit everything in, the walker has to go in first, and it's heavy enough to require two hands. It took a few minutes, but I found a small depression in the floor of the trunk to put the carrots.  I realized that the depression would between the handles of the walker, so added the potatoes.  Put the wire basket on the ground, between my feet, and put my purse in it.  Then lifted the walker into the car, without putting my purse in danger of theft, picked up the purse and put it over my arm, before putting the slightly dirty basket in, on top of the walker.  Then with a huge sense of accomplishment and relief, drove straight across the parking lot to McDonald's and treated myself with a cup of coffee. 

I got home just in time to receive Gail's daily phone call.  While I was talking with her, David was assembling two shepherd's pies from beef he had ground up and the potatoes I had brought home.  Good thing I bought potatoes, as, while he had been helping me load the walker, and then cleaning up some spilled bird seed, the ones that were cooking  had burned dry, and were unusable. He didn't have a good day. After supper, I made two batches of Melting Moments. This was a bit of a trial, as I had forgotten where I had stored the Kitchen Aid mixer and stand.  Finally found it under the bar the basement.  It had to be washed down, before it could be used.  I was wanting to make cookie boxes for the children, so things that had been previously baked had to be found and taken to the kitchen.  Everything was ready by 9:00, but we weren't.  So it all is sitting and staring at me while I'm typing this.  So, once the icing is made and the cookies frosted, I can assemble everything--hopefully before Gail gets here mid-afternoon, as one of the boxes is for her.

It would appear that Christmas can be a busy time, even under a Covid Lockdown.  Stay safe ladies.

Reality take 17

 I really wasn’t upset in my last blog, but I guess it may have come across that way. It was meant to be more an observation on life. All three of us are doing everything in our power to stay safe and keep our families safe; to obey all the rules and make it through to whatever world emerges at the end of this.  But where we live, and the norms in our lives, makes doing that so different for all of us. I find myself wanting things I never would have thought of a year ago. (Anyone else eyeballing a multi-function air fryer?) So, I love you guys and want you and your families safe. That is my only wish. 

Two different realities

 It was strange reading your post, Beth. (and even yours Pati.) When your world is one way you expect it to be the same everywhere. Beth speaks of loading her car with gifts and goodies and going to another town to visit family. Not allowed here. A much needed hair cut (tell me about it!!). Not allowed here. Buying a lottery ticket. Not allowed here, unless you are registered on line. And Pati speaks of the different stores they stop at. We can stop at stores, but the variety is limited in our town (our choice to live here I know) and quite a few are pre-order curb side pick up only. The grocery stores are one person per cart and only one person per household. Which is bad for us cause we both tend to be impulse buyers and depend on the other to hold us back. (Last time I went alone I came back with candies, chocolates, mixed nuts and cinnamon buns!). It is also our choice not to leave our home town to shop elsewhere. We could but it seems risky at this point in time. So yes.... we are becoming isolated and reclusive. And taking the garbage to the dump is a much anticipated outing. (Hot date!!) I did go to the pharmacy this morning. It was like the current alignment of planets. It doesn’t happen often but all my prescriptions run out this week. I left with four boxes and four pill bottles and vitamins. But now I am set until the new year. 

What an interesting message Pati.

Hoping you can get some advice about your new Kindle Pati because I know how excited you were to purchase and receive ( took a long time to come didn't it?) Why there were no instructions eludes me. I know you will have to download the site ( in my case it was KOBO) where you can purchase books etc but also the Library to see if you can get any through them. Good luck and keep us informed.

I just read your message again, and realize how much I can see and feel myself in your comments about being isolated and venturing out into the world on occasion. Even when I take the dogs for a walk I have come to resent anyone else daring to be on the road (most also with dogs in tow) and the cars that dare to travel down this main road to the highway and into the Village. I have come not to want to listen to the news or other radio shows as once i did, and would rather listen to my music which these days is mostly Christmas songs. Often times I have to remind myself that I am a human after all, and have a need for some social contact (other than the two of us inside the house haha) so have to adjust my thinking - what do they call it? - an attitude adjustment!

So today I shall judge myself. I go for a much needed hair cut at 9 am and then will pack the car with some gift bags and tray of goodies and drive up to North Bay to drop off at Willie's. I also have to get gas at Canadian Tire Gas bar so will have to interact there as well. And on way home drop into the local Lottery Store. Now this store is comfortable for me for some reason - probably because i frequent it two days a week to get my fix haha!

Just a few thoughts on this very cold morning while sipping my first coffee! Take care all...ps one week today is Christmas Day and that means only 7 more sleeps .. by the way I still plan to salute you folks at 7 pm (my time) on Christmas Day. I shall be hoping you will in turn at least think of me at the same time......

I thought Covid was scary!

 Library hours vary from day to day.  Thursdays they are open from 3:00-7:00.  Open is actually not the right word.  The staff is there, and they will get any books that are  on hold for you, at their branch.  Depending on the branch the method of actual delivery varies. Today we had to go to the Henderson branch to pick up a book, and then to the Transcona branch to pick up a second book.  We also had to return some books.  Returns go through a hole in the wall into a storage area where they are kept, untouched for 4 days. They are then registered as returned, sterilized, and put back in circulation.  The only way to get a book is to request it, online, and then wait until you get an e-mail telling you where it is available.  Sometimes the waiting list is so long that by the time you get the e-mail, you have forgotten that you ordered a book to be put on "hold" for you. Then you have to phone the branch where it is, and let them know when you will be coming.  They book it out in your name and have it ready at the appropriate time. Today, at Henderson, staff met me at the door, I gave them my name and they gave me the book.  Others were also waiting, but they hadn't phoned ahead, and I have no idea how long they were waiting for their book to be provided to them. Then we drove over to Transcona, through what was becoming rush hour traffic.  It has been quite awhile since we have been in traffic so dense and busy. Downright scary!  But we made it.  Then I had to go into the foyer, and put the books through the return slot, before going outside again, where there was a table set up, with my book waiting with my name on it. Again, there was a poor woman waiting for a book she hadn't called ahead about, outside in the cold. Then we drove home, taking a route we were quite unfamiliar with, as it had been built since we moved out of Transcona.  It ran along the other side of the railway tracks that had run behind our house.  I'm so glad we found this route.  Not only did it cut quite a bit of time off the trip, but was it relatively free of traffic, such as that we would have had to navigate, had we taken Regent.

This trip made me realize how small and insular we have made our life since retiring, not just since Covid. The traffic scared us both, and yet while it was busy, I don't think it was necessarily busier than what we used to get 5 days a week, when we were working.  This worries me, and yet, I don't know what to do about it.  Not much before the lockdown ends, but I'm going to have to come up with some sort of strategy to remedy this.

Our Kindle arrived to day. No instructions.  This evening, I plan to get onto The Geek Squad and see if they can help me.

It's very scary out there

 Between shopping after our early morning doctor's appointment yesterday, and a trip later this morning, we got the grocery shopping done for now.  I was appalled at the number of people we ran into in Superstore who had obviously never heard of social distancing. We had to go in there to get some whey protein and found several things with prices that were just too good to leave behind, as well as on our list in the first place.  I sure want to avoid going there again, any time soon.  Walmart was better when we went there to pick up a prescription, but only because there were fewer people there ( go figure!).  The Bulk Barn was rigidly limiting the number of people they were letting in at any one time, but David says the line up to pay was across the front of the store, down the full length of the last aisle and 5 people deep going across the back of the store. He was well over half an hour in there and only needed to buy one item.  I almost fell asleep in the nice warm car, and had trouble waking up for the rest of the afternoon( I had turned the car off early in my ordeal--no worries there).  I would still like to see if I can find some empty Christmas tins to make into cookie boxes for the family.  That way I could do my Christmas baking and not have to eat it myself.  Not going to try Nanaimo Bars though, the ingredients are just too expensive.

It's nice to have the libraries open again, but each has quite a process for getting one's books.  Tomorrow we have to go to two different libraries for pick ups and have to make one drop off as well.  Not much is going on in the studio, but there are ideas in my head, and that is what counts. One day of cold, and now back to warmer temps.  This means no snow shoveling for us--so far.  David has all of the tools ready when the time comes.  Lots of activity at the Gro-op next door though.  David was talking to them today.  There was so  much smoke damage from the fire that the entire first floor had to be gutted.  That has been done and now they're starting to put it back together--to suit themselves I'm sure, even if it can never go back to a residence again. So it would appear that we can foresee having them next door for quite awhile.

Slept well last night, after getting up at 5:45 and running most of the day, until enduring a 2 1/2 hour Zoom meeting last evening.  I was exhausted by bedtime, and almost missed my 9:00am Zoom today.  I can only hope that I'll sleep as well tonight.  And I wish the same to both of you.  Sleep well, and stay safe.

I say.... It is cold right now....

 Last few days it has been really cold and getting up in the morning early to take the dogs out just does not feel good! The forecast says it is to warm up a bit for the coming days and I shall look forward to that. Have you ever tried to 'dress' two little wiggling dogs to go outside with sweaters and harnesses and leashes and putting special wax on the bottoms of their paws for the cold? And then dress yourself and out the door for about two seconds before they want back in and then start the "undress" process again? I suppose I could be stuck doing other unpleasant sort of chores, so i guess i should not complain too loud. 

I finished all my baking up yesterday and decorated the Christmas cookies and so all I have to do now is tray them before taking a tray to Willie next week, and then a tray to Mikes on Christmas. I had so much fun decorating the Christmas cookies - just like we used to do in our younger days at home. I have always kept that tradition over the years expect for lately so this year i was determined to do it again. I pulled out all my old recipes and made most of them. I even made Mom's Rolled oat drops but they were not too good - sort of melted flat on the sheet in the oven, but i fixed them up a bit and they hardened so i will use them anyway.

Today i take the car to the Dealer for oil, brake inspection and a multi point inspection! They must be bored there as he started to rhyme off all that he could do for me haha! I'll take a book! And I thought this morning while in the bathroom that i should make a hair cut appointment realizing time was quickly approaching and I may be too late to get in. I'll try.

So hope all is still well  with you folks. Keep warm if you too, all in a bit of a cold spell. Take care

What to say, what to say

This being lockdown doesn't lend itself to many interesting thoughts or events, for the blog. On the other hand, maybe that should mean we can get less superficial in our exchanges.  Cathy, I wish you had said something when we were talking about the Zoom.  The lowest price I found was $14.95/month.  I wasn't willing to commit to that without some idea of how much we might use the thing.  It has turned out to be more useful than I had thought, but two of the sites I follow use have administrators that have many other uses for it, and the third has more money than I.  Still, if you've found a cheaper price, it might be worth your while to sign up yourself, and use it to communicate with your children and grandchild, as well as your sisters.  My only use would be with the three of us.  We all have a vote here, but any one of us has a veto.

We've not been out since our great tea buying adventure.  I'm very much wanting to delay any grocery shopping until Thursday.  I expect that the stores will be somewhat busy over next weekend.  Then, we can schedule our next shopping, a small one, for maybe the 23rd, so we're off the streets until the 20th.  but you know what people say about making plans, anything could happen.  I think I could be content to limit my outings to Starbucks drive-through, other than those I mentioned. We do have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I'm tempted to just tack a grocery trip onto the end of that.  For sure there will be a coffee run on the way home.

What worries me, is how very easily we've slipped into a very laid back, sedentary life style.  We read books, play on our computers, eat meals, and then watch tv, before reading some more.  And we appear quite content to do that for as long as the government says we have to.  Seeing as we are now into winter, this could well continue until spring, at which point someone would have to roll me out of the house naked, as I'll be too big to walk and have no clothes that fit.  Or maybe I will have clothes, as I can order off the internet.  Actually, I could order groceries that way too.  But I do get downstairs periodically.  Not much progress on my work.  I'm still waiting for more supplies.  But I am FMQ'g, and doing my EPP, while watching tv.

The latest show on The quilt Show, was interesting to me. Every year, the last show of the year, is a visit to someone who has been very influential in the quilting movement over the years--the quilting "legends".  I have seen and enjoyed many of them.  This year they created an amalgam of bits from most of these shows.  A trip down memory lane, so to speak.  I watched the whole thing and enjoyed it.

Look at the time!  I'm missing The View!  Gotta go.

The Sound of Music

 Last night I once again watched The Sound of Music. If that doesn’t bring back memories of Mom I don’t know what can!  How many weeks in a row did she go to see it?!   Rrain came over yesterday to do laundry. It was so nice to visit with her without doing work. It was fun.  We had snow last night. Not a lot, just enough to turn the ground white. I think it might have been easier to sweep the patio off instead of shovelling. Oh well. It was exercise. (Which I desperately need).  Other than that each day is like the last one, and the next one. 2021 has got to be better. 

Not so bad

 Anticipating a real bad storm as predicted but it came and went and not so bad. It did come with freezing rain though so it is hard and crusty on top which may make shoveling a challenge. The plough has yet to do our street and that too creates more difficulty at the end of the driveway but "we" shall prevail!

Around supper last evening in the storm i took the dogs out and down the street came a fire rescue truck with lights flashing and siren on and off followed by another truck pulling a big flatbed with a sleigh and reindeer and Santa sitting in his sleigh waving and ho ho hoing! This was followed with a van with truck open. It was then that i realized this was the usual annual Village Santa Parade curtailed by Covid but still attempting some seasonal joy going up and down streets picking up bags of food that people were donating. It was probably advertised but i did not know so did not have any food ready. But i was standing on the street with my two dogs waving and greeting Santa and talking to the passenger in the rescue truck who had her window down! So I guess you could say i was participating and doing my share???

Christmas Fruit cakes baked yesterday - it was a bit of an afterthought on Harry's part but it was triggered by me pulling out the two loaves from last year and freshing them up with Brandy so I guess it was all my initiative after all. Lots of ingredients bought and fuss in the kitchen but they are done and wrapped and stored to season nicely. But it did cause me to have to go into the local LCBO to purchase more Brandy and while there i treated myself to some Wisers, and also a bottle of Creme de Cacao with which I plan to make myself a Brandy Alexander (or four)- but I need some cream so must wait for a grocery run. I ran across a recipe I had saved long ago and realized that long ago I quite enjoyed this drink - so why not try it again I say!.

And so that is my life to date. Hope all is well with you folks. Take care.

I have to admit

 When we decided not to go with zoom, I disagreed. There is free zoom for people. Maybe businesses need more than free zoom , but I think we could have had really good conversations with the zoom available. And it is 7:30 and I am tired I really wish that when Jim decides to get up early he would be quiet about it. I am soooo tired now. But I had a really quiet, relaxing day. We were supposed to have days of freezing rain and snow but I guess they meant a different Neepawa 😜.  So, at 7:30 I am ready for bed. Getting old sucks. If only I didn’t have such a long list of things that I have to get done. 

The necessity for silliness

 I had opened your blog posting, Beth, immediately after doing some reflection within my Morning Pages.  I had been ruminating on the need for some sort of silliness in our lives, when society as a whole is so weighted down with pandemics and politics.  I miss the occasional silliness and even try to inject some into the interactions between David and myself.  But somehow, I think you might have been referring to other aspects of life as we know it, and that's okay too, as it is very much the way life is right now.

Two Zoom meetings yesterday lead me to wondering if we made a mistake deciding not to go with Zoom. It is just so good to see and talk with people outside our "bubble" of two.  One meeting was with my "Divas" group--my fibre art support group.  I talked to them about needing a "focal point" in the large yellow painting I did with thickened dye ( picture on the other blog).  I got a few good suggestions, and plan to play with the ideas, today, if I can get downstairs.  Didn't make it yesterday.  Other than my Zoom meetings, I think I more or less "checked out".  David, on the other hand, worked his butt off.  He made a batch of White Sourdough bread, which starts with the first step the evening before.  Now, one of my meetings was at 9:00, which meant that I wasn't able to get the kitchen sorted out for him, before he started the rest of the work.  We got up just in time for him to get all of his supplies out of the pantry before the meeting started, but that didn't give us time to do anything else, so he had to do all of the work to prepare the area for making bread. Immediately after the meeting, I went to watch The View, which is required, in this house.  So he ended up doing everything on his own.  Later, I had arranged to trade one of the loaves for a frozen leg of Lamb. So now I have to figure out how to cook it, as I've never done that.  Found a recipe on the Internet, which sound like I could manage it, so that is tucked away for when it's needed.  Both David and I think that we got the best of that deal.

The forecast for overnight was for rain, freezing rain and snow.  We had agreed that we wouldn't be venturing out today.  Lately, I've been going for a walk down the block, using my cane, and well dressed.  I don't get far but it gets me out of the house, even for a few minutes.  I'm thinking that may not be possible for a bit. Too bad, as I find it helps set me up for the day.  Otherwise, I don't think my brain gets into first gear.  Not going to happen today.  So maybe I just have to get to it.  Stay safe, ladies. 

Cataract surgery

 We are another step closer for Harry and his eye surgery after his appointment yesterday with the Specialist. The new Surgeon is a female which makes no difference to me as long as she can get it done haha! Harry goes Jan 9 for left eye, and Jan 22 for right eye. Of course i shall have to be doing all the eye drops for him. So here we go into the new year with another firm agenda. No idea when my first appointment will be with her but I guess i will be busy enough helping Harry for the short term. Nice to know things are moving along anyway. Hoping that the Covid will not interfere and delay surgery now.

A real nice storm is coming Sat dumping up to 25 more cm of snow here - that should be great and give me something to do to get out and shovel! In meantime time is drawing closer to Christmas. We have another Specialist trip for Harry next Friday down about two plus hours south to Orillia On. Hope the weather will cooperate for driving as that area is bad if a storm comes up. Then we should be good over Christmas and start again in new year. Lots of appts for Harry and more silliness for me but I guess that is what one has to do?

Take care folks. Be safe.

Not Fair

 Both the St. Remy and the fruit cake are forbidden to me right now, so I envy your pleasure.  But go for it! We've been sorting out libraries.  David very much wanted to get out of the house today, so he took our library books back.  But within my internet account with them, there has been some confusion about what libraries are open and where the books that are waiting for me are.  So, David decided to find out where the new Transcona library is.  Turned out to be not in downtown Transcona, but rather in a newly developed area right across the train tracks from our old house.  He had quite an adventure, evidently.  But he also found out that there is a Starbucks drive thru right by it.  Since we usually combine trips tot he Henderson Library with a trip to Starbucks, this is a good thing, and it appears as though we will be using the Transcona library until our local one opens--whenever that might be.

Thank you

 "Tis done. I very fortunately had some St Remy VSOP Brandy left in the bottle from last year so the two loaves were soaked and wrapped. They actually were not all that bad but this extra coating will be just fine! I have a little piece of cake set aside for me to nibble on now as well but will wait for some of the Brandy to soak in.  

Yesterday and this morning I cleared off the TV and set up the machines. I actually was able to watch a Christmas movie (VHS) last evening and will plan to be able to watch most of my box of special ones over course of next few weeks. The TV itself does not bring any channels in at all. I tried several antennas but nothing would bring in the one analog channel available in this area. or, maybe it is no longer available at all. That is not disastrous, but to be able to enjoy my movies has been on my mind for awhile. Small achievements haha!

I have to do some shoveling outside but keep putting it off - maybe I think it will actually melt! Not with these cold temperatures. It will still be there in a day or two so I can put it off as long  as i want - no one else will be doing it haha!

Better go for now -lots to do. Hope all is well there and you are keeping safe. Take care

Fruit Cake

 I think I might sprinkle it with a fair bit of brandy and wrap it in Saran, for a few days.  Then make a decision whether to eat it as is or under custard. David says go for the custard right off.  After discussion he favours the brandy or to do both.

A question of a culinary nature

 Please if you can help me.

I have leftover Christmas cake from last year ( thank goodness none was made for this year)

I would like to use it but not as is. It is a bit dry. I envision cake cut into pieces and done in a custard cream sauce of some sort.

What would you do???  Any ideas. This would be for my use only.

Thanks

A little bit of satisfaction

 I may be aching and exhausted but I worked outside today and got all but a few of the tree branches trimmed. I now have one small pile of trees to trim and two massive piles of branches to burn. There’s also a couple of piles of branches that were too big for my clippers. Tomorrow Jim’s sister, Jean, has asked us to help her get a giant tarp over the top of her garage (it’s one of those easy set tarp garages). Hopefully I can get the last of the trees trimmed tomorrow too. As for today, I am very sore and ready for bed, and it is only 6:30. I have everything cleaned up from supper so there is nothing left to keep me out of bed except for the time. That is really kind of sad 😔. One week is the same as the last. No wonder people are getting so depressed during this lockdown. I saw Brian Pallister’s Christmas plea was featured on CNN. Manitoba is now famous, but there will be no Christmas. I got a FaceTime call from Kris and Chloe. Her first lost tooth is already growing in and she has 3 more loose!  Jim’s doctor gave him an application for disability, but only since 2019 since COPD is a progressive disease and although he was diagnosed around 2011, it has just gotten severe in the last year. He also has an application for a parking pass. I am starting to feel very old. 

A bit of Chaos (long)

  Up early again today, and musing about yesterday. Somewhat of a chaotic day around here.  I wanted to work in the studio.  I got down there about noon, and somewhat quickly accomplished what I intended, only to decide that one thing didn't work out the way I wanted.  I just as quickly lost any ambition to do anything else.  The rest of the day was spent watching tv, and working on my EPP.  Meanwhile, David was making what we hope is Multigrain Rye sourdough bread.  He started about 10:00 am, using a recipe that the two of us devised by combining aspects of three different sourdough bread recipes that we've used successfully for years.  Well things did not go well.  The bread didn't rise quickly.  David relies on the written recipes thoroughly, so if it says let rise for about 1 1/2 hours that's what he does. Didn't work out that way. Now, he tidies up as best he can, while he's working (Thank you Lord!), but still leaves the area ready for the next step.  He also frets over his work, like a true artist.  Meanwhile I'm just putting in time on Facebook.  So the bread is rising starting about 1:30.  This stretches to supper time.  No, not ready to cook yet.  Meanwhile we have turned the heat up in the house, and I'm melting, but still just putting in time.  We watch the news.  David watches something else, while I fool around on Facebook a bit more, and face the knowledge that I'm somewhat addicted to it.  Then I ask if I can watch the interview with the American President Elect and the Vice-President elect.  Bread is still sitting there, rising, and we debate whether we should just give up and throw it in the bin. The we watch the analysis of the interview.  Now it's 9:00 pm.  I have been in my housecoat ready for my bath for two hours.  (Didn't happen).  David decides that it makes no difference whether we throw it out cooked or raw, and puts it in the oven. It has been rising for 7 hours. Then we watch the rest of the analysis of the interview.  Now it's 10:00 pm.  David realizes that if he wants to make white bread, he needs to make the overnight starter portion of the recipe. and does that.  Bread comes out of the oven, and the loaves are very small, but look and sound like bread. It has been in progress for about 12 hours. The kitchen is a mess, and we go to bed.  Now I face a day that starts with a messy kitchen, and will progress to more bread making.   It's laundry day, something that we both dread, but recognize as essential. But we're not bored!

Heard from Amber that Jessica has been diagnosed with ADHD.  The school has now worked out a special learning process for her, however that might work with remote learning.  Jess's problems with school have been long standing and I applaud Amber and Darren for pursuing the reason and a solution.  Beth, I think you had some negative experiences with special learning needs and a non-responsive school, that had a real impact on your life for awhile.  I marvel at how attitudes and responses have changed so quickly over the years. I also remember Loren and his wife agonizing over Jeremy's needs in school and the effort it took them to to make sure that the school followed the plans that were developed.  Not an easy road.  Yesterday David and I discussed how such things were never identified or accommodated when we were young, or even when my children were young. In  some of the reading I've done, I've heard the term "lost boys" used to describe the fate of boys (and it was usually boys) with such issues in school.  They were just left behind and usually quit school in grade 8 or 9. Today one can no longer make a living, or even find a job, without, at least, finishing high school.  I guess it has even affected my children, when we were forced to send Loren to St. John's, in response to a very non-responsive school.  In many ways that had a significant impact on our lives both socially and financially, especially after we took Amber from one  one school district to another , and had to pay non-resident fees.  It's not easy raising children-period.

Other than David's breadmaking and the laundry, I have little planned for today.  I know that I have to  solve the problem that came up in my studio work yesterday, and laundry day is often spent in the basement.  Since I'm following my diet book precisely, I already know what I'll be having for supper, and don't have to worry about that, but we'll have to find something for David--something that he can have with fresh white sourdough bread.  He has a freezer full of options.  I'll be thinking some more about families and children and grand children, still musing about how the future will turn out.  Have a good day ladies, and be safe.

It is mild..

 Right now it is 32 F and melting a bit but there is still snow and now it will be heavy with moisture to move. I want to clear the roof a bit to prevent freezing and ice buildup. Welcome to Winter i guess as now I can start to worry about different things haha!

I said in the last posting that I wanted to eat better but I should say I have not followed my plan already. Yesterday i pulled out some liver from the freezer. I love liver and i can cook it just for myself the way I like it. And I like it with bacon, and onions and the liver coated with flour and sizzled in butter until moist and tender. Perhaps not a good way to eat better but it sure satisfied my soul.

Last evening I scrolled through the Prime Video to see what Christmas Movies might be offered - none I really wanted to see until I came upon two with the world famous musician (he plays violin and has his own performing orchestra) Andre Rieu. I have three of his videos of my own but these were Christmas ones so I sat for about two hours on my own and thoroughly enjoyed one of the videos - filmed at his own home (a 1500 's castle like mansion) It moved me so much and lifted my spirits greatly. So it was a nice choice. Perhaps i shall be able to view the other one over the weekend.

So have a nice weekend all and heed your Health Care requests ( I should say their pleas) to stay home. It is unnerving to listen to the news anymore.

Too much snow...

 There is simply too much snow for a little girl like me but...I shall prevail and get out there and shovel up!! But first my coffee and a wee message. It blew about all evening - I prepared myself with a whisk broom at the inside of the front door because it always drifts in there and sure enough it was useful to get out early with Bailey. Bailey always gets up with me, but the little girl Lily always sleeps in which makes it better for me to take them out one at a time anyway. With cold and snow i now have to 'bundle" them up. Funny how everything I seem to be doing now in my life brings backs memories of what i had to do when the kids were young. For example "bundling" up the dogs it takes ages and they squirm about etc. And also watching all the new cats and making sure they do not kill all my birds is like running after the two year old kid and keeping them out of trouble. Deja vue??? Frankly I could use a break once in awhile haha!

I baked a pizza for myself yesterday - call it soul food or whatever, but in times of need..bake a pizza! So I have leftovers for my breakfast and maybe even lunch. I have been trying to watch what i eat as i was getting a little out of control with the snacking and not eating wisely. So this last shopping on Monday i bought 'good" food for myself. Back to the spinach and eggs. and the cottage cheese on toast with almonds and cinnamon etc. I still eat a lot of fruit fresh or fruit  in smoothies but I also like bread and always will eat the goodies that Harry so kindly brings home for me. I need to eat better!

So I shall now get myself in gear and get out there and do my thing. I like to get it done (or at least started) early. The plough should be down soon and then I can tackle the end of the driveway - it will be a really big pile this morning.

Take care all...hope you are all staying safe and healthy. 

Sometimes it’s the little things in life

 I hate putting fitted sheets on the bed. I always seem to pick the wrong corners and try to put it on the bed sideways. Today, as I was once again putting clean sheets on the bed, I noticed something. The pattern on the sheets is linear. All I have to do is look at the pattern and know which way the sheets go. And this is after how many years?  Of course it’s not that long ago that I would have been embarrassed to confess that but we all need some humour in our lives. Even if it is at my own expense. At least now I’ll giggle every time I crawl into bed. Keeps a person from going to bed angry I guess. Could be a good solution to problems. I could sell the idea!  Meanwhile I am once  again on the couch with a cat keeping my feet warm. We went for a walk earlier. It’s not cold out, but once again there is just enough wind to keep it chilly. I helped Rrain yesterday, but by the time I got home, Jim had been snacking all afternoon and wasn’t hungry, so I had a sandwich. But by lunch today we were both really looking forward to eating the pickeral and fries we didn’t have last night. And for desert a chocolate!  Yum. I am taking a friend to Brandon tomorrow for an eye appointment. I’m a bit nervous about going out of my comfort zone, but I promised her weeks ago, and you don’t let friends down. And beyond that I think my future holds more and more masks. The orders are really picking up again. I don’t want to wish her business bad luck, but I really want this all to be over. 

Good for you both!

 Very sharp and looks great in your driveway. How does it ride - are you comfortable -  a bit higher up than you were with the old car I expect. Have you both had a chance to drive it? And does it slip nicely into the garage, or more important does it slip nicely OUT of the garage haha! Happy for you and now you can relax and enjoy your new purchase after having spent more than a few moments of worry. Did it come with the winter tires installed - hope so.

And thanks for the picture and update. Take care 

Done!

 It's taken almost 4 days, but we just got home with our new car.  We finally settled on a Jeep Cherokee Sport.  there were a few tense moments, but David got his red car, probably the last one we'll ever own.

Grocery Shopping

 This morning we went grocery shopping.  Unlike our usual trips, this time, we took a good look through a special Black Friday flyer, marked the items we wanted to take a good look at the flyer, and took it with us to the store. Everything in the flyer was only on sale today, and some of the prices were unbelievable.  It was just like a scavenger hunt.  But, everyone, was unbelievably polite.  People were joking with one another, there were lots of conversations in the long lines waiting, and people were wishing stranger a happy holiday.  Everyone seemed to be relaxed and having a bit of fun.  I have to wonder if we were each seeking out a bit of companionship, even subconsciously.  Maybe there are some good things are coming out of the Covid crap after all.  However, for some reason two women (customers) in the meat department got into a fist fight, and it took two butchers to pull them apart and usher them out of the store.  Never seen that in a grocery store before, although I have seen nasty words at volume a couple of times. Regardless, it was a "feel good" day.

Going for it

 It looks like we're going for a Jeep Compass SUV.  They tried to find one in red for David, and it seems that there is only one available in Canada and it happens to be in The Pas.  He is going to let us know asap if it will be possible to get it.  Other than that, the only other colour available at the dealership is black, and neither of us want that.  I'll let you know how it goes.

A bit of a surprise

 Unexpectedly, I got the information about the "back pay', on my approval for the Disability Tax Credit.  I will only say that it was a bit more than I had expected.  If there is any chance either of you could consider going for it, I would say it might be well worth your while.  

For the last couple of days, David has been out looking for a new(to us) car.  Our old one is really on it's last legs. If you remember, Beth we bought it when you were here to visit, almost 10 years ago,  when we made our last trip to the States.  But we took a look at how we are using a car now, and realized that it was mainly for city driving, not the lengthy highway trips we used to enjoy, and maybe used would be the way to go. We even had a test drive scheduled for yesterday morning, until I read the Carfax sheet on it, and we decided that we wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.  Now, knowing that I would be getting some money, and expecting that David will also be getting about the same, we decided to wait and see what the bottom line is, when all is said and done, and maybe see if we could look at new cars instead of used.  We might still have to dip into the Line of Credit, but it wouldn't be nearly as much.

So that is what is consuming out time right now, although today is bill paying day.  Guess we'll have to look into doing that, if nothing else.

A new Kindle, you say?

 Pati I will be anxious to hear all about your Kindle. it prompted me to pull out my KOBO and charge it and have another go at using it. I have the instructions from my local Library to go online and use that method so when I get a chance i will check it out. let us know how you do. My KOBO came with instructions and yesterday i read through it again as a reminder for myself so I think you shall be OK although the Kindle may be slightly different, I think all these E readers function  basically the same way, and I like the ability to change the font size. My KOBO came with some free books, so maybe your Kindle will offer the same. Cathy, have you used your Ereader lately?

I went to Daisy's yesterday afternoon for a "Birthday Party" for her daughter in law Rhona. There was just Daisy, granddaughter Michelle , Rhona and I. The next door neighbour was to attend but could not at last minute. The son, Mike , had gone back to Toronto to do the accounts for Rhona's Hair Salon which she had to close again due to the Covid Lockdown in Toronto. He takes care of all the paper stuff and now they have to request funding for employee pay and rent subsidy from the government. Apparently they will get 95% rent paid which will allow her to keep the Salon and pay her one full time employee. Tough times for small business owners. I enjoyed the time there and it was good to get out for awhile. She served some hot Cranberry spiced drink (Cranberry juice, lemons, cloves heated in pot) which was good - I think I will make some here. Also some Swedish meat balls which i may also try. Presidents Choice frozen Swedish meatballs in a box, and mix with some plum sauce and heat in oven or slow cooker. She also had Carrot Cake as a treat. All good! Daisy had a "spell" while I was there so for a bit I helped them out, but the family are very well in tune with her episodes so manage very well in her care. I applaud their efforts in caring for her so diligently.

Today I am starting to clean up around the front room for Christmas. I put up my little laser tree and happy to see if flashing in the corner. Harry did some gift shopping on his own the other day , has wrapped gifts so now I must make some room for them under the tree. I plan to go down to the storage unit to bring back my box of Christmas movies and this year plan to watch them like I have done in past years but not the last two or three. I will have to set up the little TV and movie machine that has sat idle for a few years but I can do it! Yeah, I have a plan haha! One day I shall have to go out on my own and see about shopping for a few gifts for Harry so the tree isn't just there for the ones he bought. I am trying to put some joy into this Christmas and be damned, I will do it in spite of myself, and how I am feeling. haha! Let's all think the same way and so this together...OK? 

Well... on with the day. Take care. 

Arg-g-g-g-h!

 Well, it's 6:06 am, I've read the paper, and finished my first cup of tea, as well, as completing my Morning Pages for today.  I've been awaked since about 3:30, being just too uncomfortable to sleep, despite taking my regular dose of Tylenol about  4:00.  Not a good start to the day, but at the same time, I know I have the freedom to nap a little later.  Writing my Morning Pages, I realized that I have at least two major pieces planned, as well as a vague idea of two or three smaller ones, as well as the supplies to make them.  The order from Artists" Emporium arrived in my mail box about 7:30 last night, and Post Office tracking tells me that my order from G&S in Toronto should be here Thursday.  The other big news is that yesterday I ordered a Kindle off Amazon.ca.  Do you think my credit card might be smoking a bit? Life today requires a credit card, but at some point you really have to "pay the piper".  I have no idea how to use the Kindle, and hope it comes with some sort of instructions. Besides which, at this point, I have no books to read that way, but once the library opens, I should be able to get quite a few.  I'm hoping that David might be able to use it as well, as there is one book on Amazon.ca that he very much wants, but refuses to pay the price for ( I agree, highway robbery).

For reading, I just finished the Pulitzer Prize winning "Caste The Origins of our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson (from the library). This explores the relationships between racism in America, the Caste system in India, and the use of a developed caste system in Nazi Germany.  Are you turned off yet?  I almost couldn't put it down. Toward the end I got to the point that I knew I needed a bit of a break, so I started reading "Return" by Nicholas Sparks.  I had bought this just before lockdown, knowing that at some point I might need a bit of an uplifting break, as I had bought so many gritty books.  I read the introduction, and then went back to the other book, which I finished last night.  So, the first book was excellent and gave me many, many insights into how a "caste" system was created and imposed on America, just as it was created and imposed on Germany, and why it developed in India. You'll notice my very careful use of the words "imposed" and "developed".  Fascinating, and oh so, true!  But very, very gritty, and horrifying.  Hard to read at one go.  The Sparks book, however much we ridicule his writing, now has me very interested.  It was just what I needed for gentle, thoughtful relationship reading.  I may not read another one for years, but this was just what I needed now.

Well, talk about a "brain dump".  I think I may take a minute to read a bit of "The Artists Way", as I'm trying to get through that, a little bit every day, tracking everything in my BuJo.  Yes, that system is still keeping me in line, and helping me get things done.  It's now going up 7:00, so maybe I can get some breakfast without interfering with my meal schedule  too much.  Have a good day, ladies.

Fun read..

It was nice to log on and read notes from you both and have some fun..it seems from my perspective that your lives are a bit more exciting than mine. So I shall write a few words this morning while sitting here enjoying some toast with butter and bovril. Always a fall back for me when I want something I like.

The followup to my Amazon message came the next day while I was sitting on the front steps speaking with Daisy's son who dropped by unexpected ( Harry had gone to the dump) when that same van from the night before drove into the driveway and out popped the young man with another parcel ( the order actually had two parcels that should have come together and I wondered at the time why I only got one) He said he had the second box but no one told him it was the same order etc etc.etc  He picks up parcels in Bracebridge ( about 1 1/2 hours south) and drives all over our immediate area to deliver. He can only deliver up to 8 pm by the rules, but said he is as busy as ever. Nice that someone can get some work by virtue of Amazon being so busy and backlogged with deliveries.

On another note, Friday night just before closing at 9 pm the Walmart SuperStore in North Bay had a fire starting in the men's department and quickly spread up into the walls and roof. (my info about it is from the local North Bay net news) Three Fire units responded and the fire was contained. All people shopping in the store and staff were evacuated safely. Apparently millions of dollars damage. We saw pictures on the net news of water and burned goods and it was a real mess. The Fire Marshall's office and the police are investigating the cause. What a loss especially just before Christmas and especially in this time of restrictions with Covid 19.

We had to order another keyboard and it arrived yesterday ( yes, by delivery to the door from Amazon) Harry connected it and then asked me to check behind the tower. Something was wrong as i juggled cords and found out we had no speakers working. He left to go to the dump and left me to do some troubleshooting. I was near panic trying to sort it out but kept my cool and used my brain to think - how would the geek squad figure this out? So I went into programs, and control panels etc and got lost in "never never land" BUT, I got it fixed and our speakers worked again (just as Harry returned) Yeah!!

Well my toast is done, and I am satisfied for now so will get on with my day. Take care folks and stay safe please. There is a forecast of lots of snow coming so I shall prepare for the worst.

A bit of a giggle, when----

 I read about your experiences with Amazon, Beth.  David discovered how easy it is to order last night, and to even discover that my credit card is registered with them, and one just clicks on the right button to take care of everything.  We did have a discussion about taking care when one orders, and selecting an outlet that one trusts.  I've learned about that through experience. 

Today it was my turn to go grocery shopping, so as soon as David got up, I was out the door. (Didn't want to leave the house and take the car without letting him know)  I bought a couple of things not on the list, such as sweet'n'sour cut ribs and chicken thighs, both of which were at a very good price.  Then when David unpacked them, he asked what I expected to do with them.  Unfortunately, I had stopped at Starbucks drive-through on the way home, and was getting well caffeinated, so told him-- and started working.  We ended up with 3 good meals of a bastardized Coq-au-vin, and another 3 of Daddy's B-B-Q'd ribs.  Then I made a batch of Sourdough Blueberry Muffins. Then we had to clean-up. Great fun. Then a meal of ribs. It's now 6:00 and we just finished dividing everything up into meals for Zip Loc bags, and into the freezer.  It's times like this that I treasure my dishwasher. We tried the small Crock Pot that I bought ages ago off the clearance shelf at Walmart.  I had thought that it didn't work well, but it worked fine today.  Good to know when we are a household of 2.

I've been re-reading The Artists' Way, and trying to do my Morning Pages every day.  Over the last week, my musings have been very much related to my efforts to fight the ghoul of depression, something we  all know well.  This morning my horoscope told me that things would not necessarily go well for me.  So, my plan for today was to forget about the things I "need" to do, especially in the studio, and to find something silly and fun for a change, even if it has to be done at home, rather than out in society. This is also part of one of the recommendations in the book.  I had decided last night to spend the whole day in the studio today, playing with scrap fabric.  Haven't been down there yet today, and know I won't make it this evening. In terms of things not going well, I do remember a package of blueberries jumping out of my cart and smashing itself on the floor, to send blueberries rolling all over the whole floor of one aisle in the grocery store.  I got away with that one, but once home, another package of blueberries tried to jump out of my hands while I was putting it in the fridge.  I caught about half of the berries, awhile the rest rolled all over the kitchen floor, especially under the fridge.  David and I got them, even though neither of us is really comfortable bending down.  Then David surprised me when he brought one of the Christmas trees into the house.  We set it up, and made sure the lights worked, but decoration will wait for tomorrow.

Time to sit down with my regular Saturday evening tv shows.  Stay safe ladies.

Fluffy snow

 It started last night and is still coming down. Not heavy....just fluffy and light. I know I will shortly hate it, but right now it makes everything look so bright and clean. On the other hand I have already been out to shovel off the patio and decks and clear a path to the garage. When Manitoba announced its first “minor” shut down I only had a few hours to get to the library before it closed on Nov. 10. I grabbed 8 books, all sort of mystery/adventure. I took J.A. Jance, Iris Johansen, Tess Gerritsen, Linda Fairstein, James Patterson, Glenn Cooper(I’ve not read him, but the book looked interesting) and I finished off with a Stuart Woods (for when I didn’t really want to concentrate). The hard part is rationing them. The library is offering curb side pick up, but they have so many requests they are falling behind. I will worry about it when I run out of books to read. I am going to help Rrain again today. Since she lives alone she can designate one person who can come to her home, and in this case her studio. She is getting a lot of orders again. Meanwhile we can live out of our freezer and cupboard for a long time. I’ll just have to ration the paper products. At least neepawa is small enough that we don’t feel overwhelmed by people when we do have to go to town. 2020 can’t end soon enough. Take care and stay safe

Warm and pleasant

 What a treat to step out the door early this morning with the dog and be greeted with calm skies ( no wicked wind) and warmish temperatures. The snow is essentially gone but for how long? I'll enjoy it while I can.

With great worry I listen to the radio news and hear all about Manitoba and Winnipeg and the lockdowns and wish you all safety and security from this virus. Ontario is no better but I fear is slow in addressing the issues and also fear those people who rise above it all and do as they like without regard to others. And so much hope is being given to the new vaccines that are presenting themselves as the panacea to the pandemic.  I am still on the wait list at the Pharmacy to get a flu vaccine let alone any Covid 19 vaccines that are pending. The Government is issuing the flu vaccines to the Pharmacies slowly and in limited quantities and yet their ads are strongly encouraging everyone to get the flu shot. I usually get mine at my Drs every Fall but that office is not open right now. I can get Rx renewals only by having Pharmacy call the office. Life certainly has changed for all of us right now. I do not mind the stay at home aspect as I am perfectly happy to do so, but at some point actually "need" to go out to the store for essentials.

Well enough about that. Hope you folks are well and amusing yourselves appropriately. I tend to do clean up and fuss over things Harry wants eg fresh baked bread, pickled eggs haha! We have been ordering from Amazon and it really is too easy! The last two evenings I have watched a movie on the computer from Amazon prime.(decided I needed to do something for myself that might please me) Last evening at 7:30 pm there was a tap on the door to which Bailey responded with barking. I saw head lights out the window so went to the door , turned on the light, and said Hello through the closed door. No response so I opened it to see a box at the door and someone getting into their car in the driveway. I hollered Thank you but do not know if they heard me. Here was a box with something we ordered yesterday!! How do they do this so quickly?  At least it was not a drone hovering over my house haha! Any wonder stores are going under because of online shopping. I know you shop online Pati...do you Cathy?

Time to start my day. Thinking of you...have a nice, quiet weekend at home!

Miracle of modern dentistry

 I got a tooth pulled this morning. I have been really dreading it since the last time I had a tooth pulled it took over two hours.  This was supposed to only take about 40 minutes, but was going to cost $440.00. Well, I was in and out in 30 minutes. He reduced the cost to $248 since it was a simple extraction and they also processed a blue cross claim for me and I should be getting $198 back. All in all a much better day than anticipated. But now the freezing is coming out. I had intended to make a stew when I got home. I think that will wait until tomorrow cause I am currently curled up on the couch waiting for my next Tylenol☹️

Stupid Horoscope!

 My horoscope said I would be coming into money today.  Bring it on, says I.  Maybe we'll hear from the tax department.  We did and to our delight we have both been approved for the Disability Tax Credit.  What's more, it is back to 2009 for both of us- the maximum of 10 years that are ever allowed.  David's approval was primarily because of his Sleep Apnea, and I expect that mine was because of the Total Knee Replacements. The back payment may not be as much as one might expect as it is based on the amount of income tax one actually paid in each year.  It would still be nice if we could work things out toward  buying the new car we need. Still, I have to wonder if any of you might not be eligible.  It might be worth looking into.  We asked our doctor if we might be eligible and only when he agreed that it could well be possible, did we start the process.  When I think about it, it almost seems too easy.

Today when I picked up my prescription from the pharmacy in the little mall across the street, they gave me a calendar, and then when David picked up his bird food, they gave him one too. I had known that they had  a special on them last week, but thought the special was over on Saturday.  I have really been slack with my actual sketching lately, as I can't seem to find anything to actually sketch, but I think the  bird pictures in that calendar will be perfect.  Of course, the issue with the pharmacy calendar turned out to be getting it home.  I had my cane in one hand, my purse in the other and was trying to walk with the slippery calendar under my arm.  I dropped it a couple of times, and then had to pick it up. While I was doing that , David was off doing some grocery shopping and banking, so when I got home, the issue was trying to unlock the door.  One thing about being old is that your life becomes a slapstick  comedy act.

Terrible storm here...

 Started yesterday and lasted the entire day and night - very strong winds and rain blowing wide ways down the street. The lights kept flickering for an hour or two around supper time and sure enough out they went just before 7 pm. The hydro came back on about 3:30 this morning so thankfully it was not out for long. You can never tell in this area how long it may take for it to be fixed. I just had Bailey out and it is drizzling now but with the cold they say it may turn to snow flurries. The interesting part of this is how fast and drastic the barometer fell. I have one in the kitchen that I monitor on a regular basis and was shocked to see it fall quickly as this storm took hold. I actually watch weather patterns and changes by observing my barometer. Do you folks have one that you monitor regularly? I can remember Dad always had one in the hall and always checked it.

The little dog has been under the weather these last two days and I do not know the problem but has diarrhea and not eating and listless. So I watch and care for her carefully hoping whatever it is, will pass quickly. It is so hard with animals to diagnose.

I received a picture from my friend Sue with her table covered with 23 loaf pans of baked Christmas cake. It looks so delicious. This is an annual celebration with her and her two adult daughters. They have a weekend of baking and apparently drinking wine etc and the girls come from their homes and spend the weekend at Sues. Sounds nice. They all take a share of the spoils and give to friends. And Sue always decorates her home elaborately inside and out for the season. Although I have never attended her home, she has an old fashioned  Victorian Tea for all her women friends and old workmates. This year she has had to cancel r/t Covid and I think she will miss the preparations and event herself. Over the years I have been happy with our relationship of communicating by email and the yearly (sometimes semiyearly) luncheon in Huntsville with her. Of course that was also cancelled this year for us as well.

Well Harry thinks we should go shopping today rather than tomorrow with the pending snow call, so I guess it is off we go again. I just as soon get it over with as well. I only go into the grocery store and today that likely will be both WalMart, and then Freshco, as there are things in WalMart I like to buy that I do not get in the other store eg the animal foods etc. 

Take care folks and stay home and safe. Thinking of you. Just heard on the news that Sudbury has gone into the code orange state because of an increase in cases - that is a little too close to home. Of course Toronto remains very high with cases and restrictions.

Lazy, lazy days

David just came by and reminded me that I should be blogging instead of wasting time on Facebook.  Yes, he's right, but what have we done lately?  Not much.  We play on our computers, we read, and we watch silly tv.  Yep, sounds right to me.  About the only "have to" item on our schedule is to plan something for supper.  Somehow this just doesn't seem right, but we are fast slipping into this pattern, none-the-less.  Today we have to re-fill our dosettes, and put out the garbage, but otherwise there is absolutely nothing that demands our attention.  Well, maybe we both need to bathe, and I'm sure that will get done.

Yesterday, I broke the pattern and walked over to the little mall across the way.  I went to the pharmacy there to renew a prescription I had left there when our usual Pharmacy was closed because of  a fire.  It was a fairly warm day-too warm for the way I had dressed- and a pleasant walk.  I thought of trying it again today, but the wind is really howling this morning. We'll see what the afternoon brings.

So, am I happy with this lifestyle? I seem to be just accepting it as being the way things are.  Is this a symptom of depression?  I have to wonder, but that would mean finding a way to address the situation.

In any case, I have developed a plan for today.  First, I'm going to get dressed.  Then I will refill my dosette. Then I should wash the few dishes that are sitting on the counter.  One of the cuts on my finger is a little too serious to just forget and carry on.  I've been keeping it clean and dressed, and David has been washing dishes.  It appears to be healing quite nicely, but I still think there is a way to go before I can declare it fully healed.  This has been interfering with both housework and studio work, but maybe I can take a chance and try to do some work in the studio today.

Gail and I spoke by phone yesterday, as we always do, and we had a bit of a disagreement, that left me concerned enough to call her back, in the evening, to make sure things were still okay between us.  She says that we're "good", but I'm still uncomfortable at the way things were left.  She's working today, but we'll see how things go with this evening's regular phone call.

I've now been sitting in front of this computer, in my housecoat, for 4 hours.  Just this moment, David's large "torchiere" tri-light has packed it in.  Not a surprise as it is lit for about 10 hours/day.  This will create a "major' crisis in our house and will be impetus enough to get me up and moving.  Those things are no longer made, and have been condemned by Hydro.  Damn!

Wow!

 What a shelf full of books...I took a magnify glass to try to read the titles but really could not see except a few that were very clear and big and recognizable. That should give you both some good reading opportunities in these times of togetherness haha! The neighbour across the street Gerd (husband of my late friend Ruth) gave me a shopping bag of books yesterday on my walk with the dogs. he still reads a lot and is given books by other friends and then passes them onto me. There are some that i would not even open but others that might interest me. I think I will keep this bag handy just in case. I am now half way through Troubles in Paradise and will soon get through it. The Library is still open here but who knows what restrictions may be coming soon.

Today I have arranged to visit with Daisy and family (son and grandaughter) who are up from Toronto for a while. They feel more safe up here than in Toronto although the wife still is running her hair salon in Toronto and drives back and forth on the weekend. I baked a date square for a change - matrimonial cake recipe and it turned out OK - enough that i will cut up and take a plate over. Harry bought a big container of dates the other day and then found he could not eat them -so like so many other foods he tries and then cannot eat, i was left to do something with them. 

Yesterday I took advantage of a non rainy day to do more outside and I think I am finally getting a grip on things. But the nice mild temps dropped quickly and a vicious wind came up so it really was a bit miserable. I had hoped to get a tarp over the newer greenhouse that we set up this spring but with the wind I knew it would be a losing battle. My original plan was to remove the outer shell over the frame to store for the winter but since that never materialized i thought maybe a tarp over the top and sides might be the next best thing, but I really feel now that it may be left untouched and have to see in the spring what a winters worth of snow will do to its integrity. Too bad as it was expensive and it took me a long time struggling to get it up in the first place. Oh woe is me, haha!

Time for a coffee and get on with day. Be safe...stay in place... take care.

Not really a Surprise

 To be closed down for a minimum of four weeks.  That brings us right up to Christmas, so I expect that stores etc will be a zoo, if we even open up that early.  We are well stocked up on every thing except books.  Reading is such a part of life for both of us, and I worry  about our mental health if we're unable to read for awhile.  So after supper last night we headed for the book store.  Between us we bought 26 books, and spent a fair bit of money.  But with the libraries closing, without notice, a couple of weeks ago, we both felt it would be money well spent.  Here is the result.  We may have to ration them.  Several of them are the "dusters" that David loves, and are of little interest to me, although I know that I'll read anything if I'm desperate enough.  I bought the Louise Penny.  I'm not sure where I am on the library waiting list, but who knows when the libraries will open again?

Of course, after the library we stopped at the grocery store for a package of spinach for me, and spent over $100.00.  Gotta stay away from that grocery store.  While we were there David hit the liquor mart, so when I say we're all stocked up on everything, I mean it.

When the lockdown hit England. The art blog I follow there announced a short term, quick and dirty sketchbook course featuring the younger woman, and I've signed up ( it was quite inexpensive)as I knew that her approach would be quite different from her Mother's approach. I'm struggling along with that for four weeks.  Last night I saw an announcement on Facebook that another fibre artist, that I follow, was hosting a one hour live interview with the instructor from the course.  I was too late to see the live interview but it was filmed and posted, so I watched it before I went to bed. They talked  about their lives, which was interesting, and we had a short tour of the actual studio the lady in England works in.  Just the thing to help me slowly relax and get ready to sleep.  The glass of wine I had while watching didn't hurt.

And so we now settle in, to wait for sanity, both relative to the virus and as well as relative to American politics.

I knew the blog was just being moody

 Jim and I ran around town yesterday picking up some things we needed. I usually check the flyers for things on my list but yesterday I just gritted my teeth and paid full price. I am getting so tired of cooking that I even have a couple of store bought pizzas in the freezer and Jim has some hungry man dinners. Code red doesn’t change our lives much. ArtsForward is closed to the public, but Kik has enough office work to carry her for a while. But with no income, how long can they carry her? More time for mask making I guess. Her Etsy sales are going all over the world!  Tomorrow is our flu shot. The time was originally picked so we could stop at the legion after and listen to the music for a while. Not now I guess. I’m not sure what will happen with my appointment with the oral surgeon in Brandon. Just wait and see I guess. I went to the library yesterday and stocked up on books. They are offering curb side pickup starting next week so I am covered if I finish my 8 books before the province opens up a bit. They said this would be for 28 days and they would re-access then. Maybe we can just cancel the rest of this year and start fresh

Customer service

What a strange thing to have happened Beth.  I have to say that for almost any appointment I have these days, we get a phone call the day before to remind us, and that includes the dealer that services our car.  Usually it sounds like a fairly minor employee on the phone, such as a receptionist, and the call can come any time, which makes me believe that it is something the person does during slow times at work.  Maybe you could suggest this to your dealership. 

ps

 Just received a telephone call from the Service Manager at the dealership. He was upset at what happened yesterday and was sort of calling to apologize? We had a good frank talk about the state of the world and in particular the state of the work world these days and I had to laugh at his comments about "work ethic" and his own early introduction to same. He echoed Daddy's words exactly ...if you start at 8 am you get to work early and you are at your desk at 8 am ready to start work.... 

Anyway all is well from my perspective and I shall make another appt for the oil but as I told him, I shall call a day or two ahead to confirm. I had a few other suggestions and he wanted me to speak to the owners but i choose not to. He concurred with my observations but he is in an awkward position to do much about it. I thanked him for his concern.

Onward with my day here...too bad no one will be calling me to apologize about the state of affairs here.....haha!

A quickie note for Tuesday morning

 Enjoyed your message about your BoHo Beads day Pati as I was wondering how you made out. So a day relaxing and socializing would not be too bad a day after all. Glad you and Gail could team up.

I was just browsing my usual morning Bookmarks and happy to see new postings from Margaret Blank and also Pickled Gizzards. I enjoy those two...and wanted something interesting to read this early in my day. This is my time on the computer so I really enjoy sipping my coffee and browsing around.

Yesterday I took the car to local GM dealer for my scheduled 2:30 pm appt for winter tires. Again, I was greeted with "we had you in for tomorrow at 3 pm" This is the second time my appt was NOT as I had written it down here at home after telephoning and making it. I became very annoyed but kept my cool saying I would come back tomorrow but they insisted i be "fit in". The implication for them is that I am the one confused! But I can tell you with a doubt that is NOT the case. I have to organize our lives so specifically that I take great care to write down, repeat to confirm and then fill my fridge calendar and also my day book wit said dates and times. I have always been like this and KNOW it is not me. And up until recently, it has never been a concern as the days and times were always congruent. So what can I do???The next appt I make, I have planned to call the Dealer the day or two before to confirm what they have written in. This will be an extra step for me but will satisfy my concern about others thinking I am losing it! What do you two think about this. Am I fussing about nothing.

Time to get on with it. A busy day ahead with lots of assigned chores on my list! Hope all is well there. Take care and be safe. 

Boho Bead Workshop

 Well, as expected, there were no students. Gail and I sat and made two beads each.  One of the volunteers from the Gallery came ( we were in a smaller classroom downstairs to comply with Covid restrictions) down about 10 minutes before we were finished, but there just wasn't enough time to show her, besides which we were all packed up ready to leave. We then spent about half an hour talking with the volunteers in the Gallery, and as a result, I've ended up with a bit of a job, which will take some time at the computer, but has a short deadline.  Oh well, I won't be bored over the next week.  But neither will I be spending much time in the studio, unless I choose to work down there. It wouldn't be the first time.  Then, after me anticipating being able to watch my regular Saturday night shows, often the highlight of my week, everything was pre-empted with more American politics. 

For today, I have a list  of household chores that I'm not looking forward to, but then, there things must get done somehow and I think David has been carrying a bit more than his share of the burden over the past little while.

We're weird

 For some reason, since 7:00 last evening, David and I have been glued to the tv watching American election results. There is no explanation. It just is what it is, and we are even eating in front of the tv.  I won't be doing so tomorrow though, as I still plan to teach my Boho Bead workshop to anyone who will listen, out at the Gallery in Selkirk.  Gail is going with me, and if now-one shows up we will gladly amuse ourselves by making beads to keep.  I have arranged to use a room separate from the actual gallery, so that there will be no chance of us having more than 5 people in the room, even by accident.  The Gallery will be open, as, given that there is a Gift Shop attached, it can be classed as "retail", and therefore can stay open, provided all guidelines are followed.

Today I accidently broke my French Press coffee maker. David, that wonderful man, got his keys and headed out to buy a new one.  He ended up having to go to Superstore and walk the length of the store to find one, but he did, and bought it home to me.  During rush hour on a Friday. The other thing I did was go for a massage.  Recently, I think I must have been under a fair bit of stress, as the muscles in my neck have been very, very tight, to the extent that I've even had trouble moving my head.  She even found time to do a bit of work on my right forearm.  With sitting in front  of the tv for so many hours, I've been dong far more hand stitching than usual and my hand has been quite painful. It worked beautifully, and I'm back to stitching again this evening.

Just a short note to let you know that we're still here and what we've been doing, which, I guess really doesn't amount to much.

Snow all gone...

 ..but I know it will be short lived. How nice it is to walk outside again and feel the freshness. It almost had that smell of Spring early in the morning when I took the dogs for their first outing but I deceive myself haha! 

I have been mostly "puttering" about the house these last few days and in spite of wanting to tidy things up, i do not seem to have made a difference. The one contributing factor is the new cats we have and when we take them out of their smaller confined room to roam about in the greater population i have to keep an eagle eye on them. They still try to jump onto the bird cages in the front room and although I have now tied them down so they cannot tip over, i still have to protect them.  I think that if they were allowed more free space that they will settle down. Time will tell.

I made an appointment for winter tires and will go on Monday at 2:30 pm  it is time as I am sure the snows will appear again but I guess that last snow fall last week made everyone call for an appt as they are really booked up.

Harry finally heard from the new Eye Surgeon in North Bay and has an appointment Dec 9 for his first consultation before hopefully getting cataract Surgery. Of course, I have not heard anything for me yet but expect I am way down the wait list.

So another weekend folks. And i guess it is still "stay at home" mode still. Not great news on the radio about all the Covid 19 second wave numbers nor the new restrictions being put in place. Just hope people will comply.  Take care