First let me express my sorrow to hear that Kelly lost her home, and precious animals. I am sure that you Cathy, and her "Uncle Jim" will be a great support for her as she works through these issues. When I met her those many years ago when I visited, even if I kicked her out of her bed into a tent (that was your idea wasn't it Cathy?) I enjoyed the few days we had while I was visiting and I found her to be a level headed young woman and my hopes and concerns will be with her.
I ended up covering plants AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON. ACTUALLY i MOVED MANY OF THEM INTO THE GREENHOUSES - AS MANY AS i COULD MANAGE TO SQUEEZE IN THAT IS, AND THEN COVERED THE OTHERS. i FOUND THAT EVEN WITH MY DILIGENT COVERING LAST NIGHT, THAT WE GOT SOME FREEEZING damage. (Damn, upper case error - I did it again - sorry)
Now I am going to have a very relaxing bath, with a goblet of wine, and then do some reading. Today i cleaned all the bird cages and also the rabbits cages, so all I have to do is put their coverings on for the night.
Tomorrow is a new day,and a new month so we can all regroup, and start anew whatever -we decide to do or create for our immediate goals. Oh, and pay the bills haha!
Take care my dear sisters....be good to yourself this month - enjoy some pleasures - have some fun.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Tragedy
If anyone can empathize with her, it would be you, having gone through the same thing. This should happen to no-one. It sounds as though she is lucky it wasn't worse. Not easy for anyone to start over.
And life goes on
I covered all the tomatoes and peppers last night, but when I got up this morning and saw that the birdbath was frozen solid I figured it was much colder than they forecast. Even though covered I lost all the jalapeños and some of the Amish Paste tomatoes. I also lost all the beans but have already replanted. It looks like the baby cucumbers died too, but I have more seeds. Today Al was over and helped Jim again with the garden pump. I think they have it working now. Yesterday I finished trimming all the branches down to fit in the fire pit. If the burning ban ends and the wind dies down I am ready to go. Last night Jim’s god-daughter lost her home in a fire. All of her pets perished, including her brand new puppy. She is pretty shook up. The fire inspector told her with the age of the home it went up fast. If she had been home he doubts she would have gotten out, let alone rescue her pets. Still a horrible thing to happen. And life goes on
Still in the garden
David is still working too hard in the garden. Still, now the grass has all been covered with lawn dressing, grass seed has been spread and everything watered. Both the tomatoes and the Lady Slippers were covered last night. The Lady Slippers are the best that we've had for the past couple of years, but one clump is coming on a little slower than the other. I managed to take a pictures today, that I'm hoping may provide an image to use in my sketchbook.
David has now transplanted two more Peony plants to the South Garden in the back, and filled in the area between the compost bin and the house, with several Hostas. This area is almost always in shade, but I'm still hoping they do well. We have too many Hostas, but when I remember how expensive it was to buy the first of them, I become reluctant to do away with any of them. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow. We also discovered some Lily-of-the-Valley clustered around the base of the Mock Orange. A couple of years ago I had thought that we'd lost them all in the drought, but there they were. Not seeing any flowers yet, but it's still early. These all came from the house on Maplewood, and we've moved them from house to house over the years.
The garden is looking very good, certainly better than it has in years. all the credit goes to David, with a bit of help from the neighbour across the back. Not only has he lent David some equipment, ( and vice-versa) but also a bit of labour. He decided that the damage in our tall Cedar, from the terrible storm last fall, just had to be remedied. So his two adult sons were over today, and stabilized the bent and slightly broken branches. They had both been over to help Dad out a bit in his garden.
We were up early today, and I was off to the bank to deposit the three cheques we had from the Province. Nothing to show for it though, as it all went to the credit card. We also know that we're going to have to put some aside to pay the water bill at the end of June, as David has been watering like a fiend. Very necessary, but the result will be a much higher bill. The bank had a line-up at least a hundred feet long, and moving slowly, when I got there, just a few minutes after opening. So I left and drove over to Starbucks, which is also open now, but with many, many precautions in place. I had to stand and wait there, while they made my pour-over (worth it!) Then back to the bank where there were only 5 people in line outside the building, and as many inside. But I lined up anyway, and ultimately got in and completed my business.
Unfortunately, I may have been standing a little bit too long, for my knees and back. Early this afternoon, I realized that I needed to lay down. Don't stop at Go, and don't collect $200, but lay down right now! Immediately fell asleep, and David woke me up an hour and a half later. This lead to an early supper,and the decision to make this a lazy evening, and probably early to bed. Hopefully, I'l sleep well tonight, but, after having a nap, not likely. Good thing I have a couple of books left to read.
garden
Overkill...?
...I do not think so...I just came in from covering everything and/or putting plants inside the greenhouses and closing the doors. What a procedure - wind blowing of course, to make it easier to put blankets and sheets over things - I could have used a few more hands but c'est la vie. And just took Bailey for his long walk - wearing yet again, my winter jacket and knit hat. The sky is black but the sun started to shine - go figure? But I observed another home up the street whose owner is also a gardener and her things were also covered so I think I am on the right track for tonight. Tomorrow we will reassess.
But I am totally done.. So it is clean up, put the animals to bed and then crawl in myself to do some more reading in my new Monkeewrench novel. Mike called today to see if I had started to read yet because I had told him that I was off reading lately. Happy to inform him that I was half way through the book already and really enjoying the bedtime reading again. He has provided me with these latest books as gifts so it was nice to tell him of my newly renewed reading interest.
I visited with Daisy and family this morning - had tea and cookies in the living room but sitting apart. I need not worry about making conversation as this family is non stop talking although poor Daisy just sits and at times eyes closed and dozing off.
Take care ... hope your days will be getting warmer now that this silly "frost warning" has already hit you, and is now upon me and will soon disappear. Here's to happier days......
But I am totally done.. So it is clean up, put the animals to bed and then crawl in myself to do some more reading in my new Monkeewrench novel. Mike called today to see if I had started to read yet because I had told him that I was off reading lately. Happy to inform him that I was half way through the book already and really enjoying the bedtime reading again. He has provided me with these latest books as gifts so it was nice to tell him of my newly renewed reading interest.
I visited with Daisy and family this morning - had tea and cookies in the living room but sitting apart. I need not worry about making conversation as this family is non stop talking although poor Daisy just sits and at times eyes closed and dozing off.
Take care ... hope your days will be getting warmer now that this silly "frost warning" has already hit you, and is now upon me and will soon disappear. Here's to happier days......
Friday, May 29, 2020
Preparing for a frosty weekend
Cannot believe that for last few days we have been suffering with heat having to retrieve the fans from the sheds and setting up inside and struggling to work outside and all....then this weekend there is danger of frost with night temps at 2 degrees C Sat and Sun. Yesterday we emptied the small greenhouse of plants which are laying all over the back yard on boards and tables and shelves. We tilled the greenhouse and then planted peppers in the ground there - not all done yet but I guess that will be on the agenda for today. So now I am doing my usual "thinking" about how I shall cover up to protect the exposed plants. All the hanging tomatoes can go back into the greenhouses and close them up ( without heat because I removed all the cords and heaters) But all the others outside will need to be covered and this is always a PINTA for me. Oh well, keeps me busy and off the streets ..so they say haha! Maybe "they" will come and help me?
And I have to make time to go over to visit with dear old Daisy since she and her son and daughter in law are up from Toronto to the house this week and next. My plan is to go over on Sat. Since it will be a "social distance" kind of visit maybe it can be cut short. And I will have to take some goodies as i always do - maybe choc chip cookies? And walking Bailey yesterday I passed Ruth from across the street out in her yard and she made some rumblings about me coming over for a coffee as we could sit on her back patio and be separated enough to meet standards. Maybe all this staying at home has been playing tricks on me, but frankly I would rather just stay home !
So take care my sisters. Thinking about you both...
And I have to make time to go over to visit with dear old Daisy since she and her son and daughter in law are up from Toronto to the house this week and next. My plan is to go over on Sat. Since it will be a "social distance" kind of visit maybe it can be cut short. And I will have to take some goodies as i always do - maybe choc chip cookies? And walking Bailey yesterday I passed Ruth from across the street out in her yard and she made some rumblings about me coming over for a coffee as we could sit on her back patio and be separated enough to meet standards. Maybe all this staying at home has been playing tricks on me, but frankly I would rather just stay home !
So take care my sisters. Thinking about you both...
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Money and the wind howls
Both David and I received a $200 cheque from the Provincial government today. I refused to read the accompanying letter, just on principle. We are told that the autopac cheques will be in the mail by the end of the month. Nothing heard from Trudeau though.
I have been very lazy this week. I suppose a better word might be lethargic. Quite content to sit and read or play on my computer. David has been taking a larger role in things, as a result. Over several days he has negotiated, with the help of a neighbour, for a bit of help in spreading the lawn dressing that was delivered this morning. Just before noon a woman showed up with 3 young boys, and the job was done, front and back within about an hour. David and I had discussed how much they should be paid, and I had the money ready, but she would only accept a little more than half what we offered her.
I bought the next module in my sketchbook workshop, yesterday. In taking a look at it, I realized that there were 2 pages of videos, not the one that had appeared at first glance. That made me wonder if I might have missed something in module 2. Sure enough, I had missed three videos. After viewing them, I knew I had found the missing pieces from the days I spent trying to figure out what was expected of me, and the hours I had spent painting paper and not being happy with the result. What a relief! Then this morning, I got an e-mail newsletter from the same place, one that they send out every Thursday. This time, amongst other things, they mentioned a blog associated with the workshop that could be found attached to Module 2. I searched it out, and was overjoyed again at finding information etc that will be very, very useful as I proceed through the last two modules. I also now know that I'm going to be buying some better quality oil pastels. I had bought a small box of them from a very small local art supply/stationary/ store/print shop. They just aren't good enough quality. but then, I didn't pay a lot for them.
While watching tv, I've been basting the lozenges I have mentioned before(somewhere?) I think I've finished the long ones, and only have left the very short end pieces that will be needed. I certainly didn't think that the job would be done this quickly. But they will now need to be stitched together, by hand, and that could well take the rest of the year.
I have been very lazy this week. I suppose a better word might be lethargic. Quite content to sit and read or play on my computer. David has been taking a larger role in things, as a result. Over several days he has negotiated, with the help of a neighbour, for a bit of help in spreading the lawn dressing that was delivered this morning. Just before noon a woman showed up with 3 young boys, and the job was done, front and back within about an hour. David and I had discussed how much they should be paid, and I had the money ready, but she would only accept a little more than half what we offered her.
I bought the next module in my sketchbook workshop, yesterday. In taking a look at it, I realized that there were 2 pages of videos, not the one that had appeared at first glance. That made me wonder if I might have missed something in module 2. Sure enough, I had missed three videos. After viewing them, I knew I had found the missing pieces from the days I spent trying to figure out what was expected of me, and the hours I had spent painting paper and not being happy with the result. What a relief! Then this morning, I got an e-mail newsletter from the same place, one that they send out every Thursday. This time, amongst other things, they mentioned a blog associated with the workshop that could be found attached to Module 2. I searched it out, and was overjoyed again at finding information etc that will be very, very useful as I proceed through the last two modules. I also now know that I'm going to be buying some better quality oil pastels. I had bought a small box of them from a very small local art supply/stationary/ store/print shop. They just aren't good enough quality. but then, I didn't pay a lot for them.
While watching tv, I've been basting the lozenges I have mentioned before(somewhere?) I think I've finished the long ones, and only have left the very short end pieces that will be needed. I certainly didn't think that the job would be done this quickly. But they will now need to be stitched together, by hand, and that could well take the rest of the year.
Psychic?
It's a good thing that we worked so hard earlier this week. Monday we trimmed and burned some branches from trees that we cut down and then Monday night we actually had a fire that we could sit around. And we did......for about 4 hours. Tuesday we really overdid it cutting and burning brush, but we got about 3/4 of it burned off. It was the first two days that the wind has been calm enough to light a fire. Yesterday the wind started really howling again. I cut some of the branches down to firepit size, but I was pretty sore from the day before and didn't cut a lot. Today the wind is howling again and a fire ban has been issued for our area. (We really need rain here. ) So I can trim the branches down to size, but they will sit until ?????? At least we had one fire we could enjoy. On top of no rain, the lows tonight and tomorrow are issued at 4C and 2C. I guess we will be covering as much as we can. It is usually about 1 1/2 degrees cooler down in the garden 😞.All in all things are a lot better than a year ago this time. Jim went in the hospital then and didn't get out for over 3 weeks. It is much nicer having him here. The house may be falling apart around me but at least he isn't. In fact he is doing much more than he could only a couple of months ago. And I don't know about Pati, but we are still waiting to hear anything about the seniors money from the Federal Government or the Provincial government. It sounds like the $200 from the province might take the form of a rebate when we get our 2020 taxes done next year. Not really going to help right now. As for the federal, who knows. And we are still waiting for the rebate on our autopac payments. But then they have applied to increase the basic deductable to $1000 next year. Into one hand and out the other. I know we could really use a little extra cash right now since we seem to have multiple plumbing issues that have to be dealt with soon. I always get excited when I see my bank balance when the pension cheques come in, but then I subtract the mortgage and the car payments and all the other regular monthly bills and I see how little is really left for the month. Oh well. I certainly am not starving (as my rapidly "shrinking" clothes will attest to). And it is cool enough today that I can turn on the oven and roast a chicken for supper. A real meal for a change. I would still like to go out for an A&W bacon mozza burger. Too bad the closest A&W is in Brandon. Or maybe that is a good thing 😈
A win again over technology...
Don't you just feel great when you tackle technology and come out on top! Now you have a new printer that will handle your demands and you even made it so you can access the other ones. Good on you Pati. Now I guess you have some printing to do??? or do you have to wait for the newly ordered workshop?
My technology wins right now has been to pay the bills on line again. I always face this task with some inherent fears, but usually it goes OK. By the way, did either of you receive the promised $300.00 from the Federal Government for Seniors. I really thought it would be attached to the OAS pension and was somewhat disappointed not to see it reflected there.
Hoping the weather will break soon so that I can cut the grass - it is looking shamefully shabby against the neighbours. I did go to the local gas station to fill up my little container with gas, and I did uncover the mower from winter storage but that is as far as I got.
Recent "doctoring" related to Harry's needs has me driving him to Burk's Falls this week and this morning again to the Lab for blood work and ECG, However, I am relieved that some more aggressive action is being taken by this new Physician he has so I am hopeful.
Yesterday doing some wash I somehow hurt my shoulder - flinging wet cloths from the washer into the dryer. How many years have I been doing this same task without incident so why yesterday did this happen. It is similar to a rotator cuff injury but not as severe as I have range of motion except moving the arm behind me so dressing in a bra may cause me some trouble this morning since it hurt to put my arm into my housecoat. Last evening it was bothersome trying to water as I pull the hose around and usually do it hand over hand ( similar to a boatswan pulling the ropes) which was not working very well haha!
So on to the day folks...take care both of you.
My technology wins right now has been to pay the bills on line again. I always face this task with some inherent fears, but usually it goes OK. By the way, did either of you receive the promised $300.00 from the Federal Government for Seniors. I really thought it would be attached to the OAS pension and was somewhat disappointed not to see it reflected there.
Hoping the weather will break soon so that I can cut the grass - it is looking shamefully shabby against the neighbours. I did go to the local gas station to fill up my little container with gas, and I did uncover the mower from winter storage but that is as far as I got.
Recent "doctoring" related to Harry's needs has me driving him to Burk's Falls this week and this morning again to the Lab for blood work and ECG, However, I am relieved that some more aggressive action is being taken by this new Physician he has so I am hopeful.
Yesterday doing some wash I somehow hurt my shoulder - flinging wet cloths from the washer into the dryer. How many years have I been doing this same task without incident so why yesterday did this happen. It is similar to a rotator cuff injury but not as severe as I have range of motion except moving the arm behind me so dressing in a bra may cause me some trouble this morning since it hurt to put my arm into my housecoat. Last evening it was bothersome trying to water as I pull the hose around and usually do it hand over hand ( similar to a boatswan pulling the ropes) which was not working very well haha!
So on to the day folks...take care both of you.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Today--reprise
David bought a new Epson printer for us, and a package of extra ink as well. One package promises 7000 pages of printing. Then it was several hours on the phone with The Geek Squad getting the darn thing set up. I'm exhausted. The zinger came when he told me that we would have to go through the same process with the other two computers. I decided to leave that to another day, but I wondered about it. I had a memory of just going into the control panel other computer and changing the default printer. So I went onto my computer and set a piece to print. When I hit print the new printer came up, and printed the page beautifully, no control panel adjustments necessary. Job done! By that time, I was ready for a drink, but considering I'm supposed to be on phase one, and had retired another two pair of pants as too small today, opted for diet cola.
David has been slaving away in the garden and it's looking so much better. Half of the Hosta is moved to the shady area in the back yard, and the South half of the front garden all weeded. Even the lovely pink peony was split and half moved to the back yard where it is starting to show buds. There is also a hint of yellow in the Lady Slippers. We've had a second small picking of Rhubarb, which is being frozen for making wine. Wine making will be delayed a bit, pending finances.
But now to relax a bit before bed.
David has been slaving away in the garden and it's looking so much better. Half of the Hosta is moved to the shady area in the back yard, and the South half of the front garden all weeded. Even the lovely pink peony was split and half moved to the back yard where it is starting to show buds. There is also a hint of yellow in the Lady Slippers. We've had a second small picking of Rhubarb, which is being frozen for making wine. Wine making will be delayed a bit, pending finances.
But now to relax a bit before bed.
today--so far
it's now just before 11:00. we were up early, and off grocery shopping. We only needed a few things but came away having spend over $262.00. That was enough to get me a special gift from the store ( usually this is about a $25.00 value--i.e. 10% off) This time I had a choice from several different things but came away with a nice plastic tray and bowl.
David in now off to pay our bills and check in at Best Buy for a new printer. We have decided to purchase Module 3 of my sketchbook workshop, and know what sort of problems printing that off can cause with the old one. It's really going through ink quickly. so we're looking for one with larger ink cartridges. I know what a PINTA getting a new one onto the computers, so not looking forward to that, but am very much looking forward to getting a new one.
Yesterday, on a 2 hours Zoom meeting, I noticed that the second dark mark on my face is now quite noticeable. My previous doctor told me that there was nothing that could be done about them, but I think I'll mention it to the new doctor anyway. While we were out, I picked up a new face cream that is specially for Aging skin, and a new hand cream that promised harder nails in two weeks. Neither of them will work, I'm sure, but I'll give it a try, and maybe feel as though I'm doing something about it. I tried both, and they both smell, so I'll have to be careful when I use them.
I also found out today that my Covid19 test was negative, so I can relax about that. There was no problem getting the test, but I did mention that I volunteer in an art gallery. Don't know if that helped. regardless, I still plan to spend my time at home for awhile longer.
Now to relax a bit, as I know there will be lots to do when David gets home.
Yesterday, on a 2 hours Zoom meeting, I noticed that the second dark mark on my face is now quite noticeable. My previous doctor told me that there was nothing that could be done about them, but I think I'll mention it to the new doctor anyway. While we were out, I picked up a new face cream that is specially for Aging skin, and a new hand cream that promised harder nails in two weeks. Neither of them will work, I'm sure, but I'll give it a try, and maybe feel as though I'm doing something about it. I tried both, and they both smell, so I'll have to be careful when I use them.
I also found out today that my Covid19 test was negative, so I can relax about that. There was no problem getting the test, but I did mention that I volunteer in an art gallery. Don't know if that helped. regardless, I still plan to spend my time at home for awhile longer.
Now to relax a bit, as I know there will be lots to do when David gets home.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
About to go outside...
....it is only 31 C feeling like 36 C right now. But i have to go out to see how things are. A bit ago I heard the rumbling of thunder but it quickly disappeared although expected to return for this evening and night. I will wait until around supper and the temps cool down a bit to do the big watering of everything as long as it is not raining, but some of the hanging baskets will need some water now. I made a Lemon Iced Tea with a KCup in the Keurig and will sip at it outside. This will suffice as my "happy hour" for today - too hot for even a goblet of wine haha! This morning I went to the Hardware, Post office and Pharmacy with my new self sewed fact mask on - first time to wear it. I found it hot and encroached on my eyes a bit too much so probably was sewn too wide? But it will do just fine.
Tomorrow we go to the Doctors office in Burks Falls for a face to face appointment for Harry. We did a telephone appt this morning and with all the questions and concerns we had, she felt she needed to see him herself. He will have to go through all the Covid 19 questions at the door before he can enter and I shall wait in the car with my cell phone handy in case my input is needed. here's hoping we may be on the right track now with close oversight.
Take care, stay cool, and stay safe.
Tomorrow we go to the Doctors office in Burks Falls for a face to face appointment for Harry. We did a telephone appt this morning and with all the questions and concerns we had, she felt she needed to see him herself. He will have to go through all the Covid 19 questions at the door before he can enter and I shall wait in the car with my cell phone handy in case my input is needed. here's hoping we may be on the right track now with close oversight.
Take care, stay cool, and stay safe.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Sunday
Yesterday I built my day around a meeting out in Selkirk, but when I got there the building was locked up and no-one in sight. It turned out that I had gone for a 2:00 meeting that was actually at 10:30. This meant that the rest of the afternoon was spent worrying about the possibility of some sort of dementing process. OMG! What a way to ruin a perfectly good day. There's no way I can do anything but worry about it, so I may as well sit back and enjoy the ride. But, I just have to make sure I take a little notebook along with me to write down things along the way. Hey! Maybe I can use one of those sketchbooks that are making me crazy. Ar-g-g-g-g-g-h! 'Nuff said.
David spent most of the day puttering in the garden. He uses some of that time to talk with the neighbours, --notice the plural there. Not the squirrel hating Jamaican, but the fellow living in the Grow-op, has joined the little group talking over the fence. I think they have someone living in the house for security reasons, and there have been several different people there over the years, but this fellow appears to be quite a go get-'er. He is attempting to tame the back yard a bit. It has a been allowed to go wild since the old couple sold the house several years ago. This new chap is trying to create a vegetable garden, but we're not talking peas and carrots here, but rather Vietnamese vegetables. It will be interesting to follow the process along.
The man associated with the grass care company we hire has strongly recommended that we add some lawn dressing and grass seed to the front lawn. Neither of us would be capable of spreading the lawn dressing, but in conversation with the fellow across the back we have a lead on a young man who has been laid off and may be interested in a little pocket money. We have since found out that he has just been called back to work, but his father is going to speak to him anyway. We'll see how that works out.
Last evening I watched the special documentary on Robbie Robertson and The Band. What memories! And what a treat. Even David, who was playing on his computer in the other room, commented on how he enjoyed the concert! This more than made up for the fact that my usual Saturday evening shows are not on for the next month.
And what about today? Well, I have no plans for today, other than going back to phase one on my eating regime. This has become critical, as last night we enjoyed cheeseburgers and chips from Zax Drive-in, as a sort of last hurrah. Planned that way in expectation of me not getting home from my meeting until too late to cook anything. I have just enjoyed my Breakfast Salad, and know that I will be having Wild Caught Cod for my dinner. Something to look forward to. ( That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL)
No progress in the sketchbook saga for three days now. I'm still waiting for paint to dry on my last effort. If it isn't dry this morning, I may just tear the pages out, and carry on. Unfortunately I'm now at a stage where I need to buy another module in the course, and that means $$$. Maybe wait until payday, or longer. We still haven't seen all that money that the government has promised us.
Well, now to face Monday, the start of the work week, in case anyone has lost track of what day it is.
David spent most of the day puttering in the garden. He uses some of that time to talk with the neighbours, --notice the plural there. Not the squirrel hating Jamaican, but the fellow living in the Grow-op, has joined the little group talking over the fence. I think they have someone living in the house for security reasons, and there have been several different people there over the years, but this fellow appears to be quite a go get-'er. He is attempting to tame the back yard a bit. It has a been allowed to go wild since the old couple sold the house several years ago. This new chap is trying to create a vegetable garden, but we're not talking peas and carrots here, but rather Vietnamese vegetables. It will be interesting to follow the process along.
The man associated with the grass care company we hire has strongly recommended that we add some lawn dressing and grass seed to the front lawn. Neither of us would be capable of spreading the lawn dressing, but in conversation with the fellow across the back we have a lead on a young man who has been laid off and may be interested in a little pocket money. We have since found out that he has just been called back to work, but his father is going to speak to him anyway. We'll see how that works out.
Last evening I watched the special documentary on Robbie Robertson and The Band. What memories! And what a treat. Even David, who was playing on his computer in the other room, commented on how he enjoyed the concert! This more than made up for the fact that my usual Saturday evening shows are not on for the next month.
And what about today? Well, I have no plans for today, other than going back to phase one on my eating regime. This has become critical, as last night we enjoyed cheeseburgers and chips from Zax Drive-in, as a sort of last hurrah. Planned that way in expectation of me not getting home from my meeting until too late to cook anything. I have just enjoyed my Breakfast Salad, and know that I will be having Wild Caught Cod for my dinner. Something to look forward to. ( That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL)
No progress in the sketchbook saga for three days now. I'm still waiting for paint to dry on my last effort. If it isn't dry this morning, I may just tear the pages out, and carry on. Unfortunately I'm now at a stage where I need to buy another module in the course, and that means $$$. Maybe wait until payday, or longer. We still haven't seen all that money that the government has promised us.
Well, now to face Monday, the start of the work week, in case anyone has lost track of what day it is.
The Rain came...
We all must be asking for a bit of rain and fortunately it came last evening in a wild downpour after sprinkles most of the afternoon. It was damp overnight and then early this morning moist air with fog. Almost a nice feeling after some very hot days.
More planting done yesterday so gradually the garden is being filled in nicely. I cannot seem to do any cleanup around the place or setting up favourite ornaments etc but mostly concentrating on the greenhouses and planting. In the height of the downpour Harry casually asked if I had brought in the hanging Tumblers to protect from the heavy rain - so you guessed it ....out I went in my pjs and winter coat to protect me and hauled all the hanging baskets into the three greenhouses and closed their doors. So I guess this morning I shall have to reverse that and bring them all back out. Great fun.
I had to go the Foodland yesterday morning to buy some bags of soil..We had driven to Burk's Falls early for 8 am to buy some at the ValuMart but it was closed, and driving back to Sundridge saw that both Foodland and the Hardware were also closed. I guess new hours are in place and we early birds cannot seem to adjust haha! So at 10:30 I slipped over by myself to get the soil. Since I had to actually go into the store to pay because the garden centre does not have a cashier, I ventured further into the store to check out coffee. I was surprised to see the Nabob K cups in 30 count boxes on sale so quickly grabbed two boxes. I had been lamenting the fact that I was running out of K cups ( although have ground coffee enough to do me by using the little adapters for the Keurig machine) But I like the convenience of throwing in a K cup and pressing the button. It is a splurge only for me, and I decided i deserved to splurge only for me haha!
So another day and I expect more garden work - now is the time to get everything in the ground and I am assisting Harry with every little thing garden wise. Take care my sisters. Thinking of you all the time....
More planting done yesterday so gradually the garden is being filled in nicely. I cannot seem to do any cleanup around the place or setting up favourite ornaments etc but mostly concentrating on the greenhouses and planting. In the height of the downpour Harry casually asked if I had brought in the hanging Tumblers to protect from the heavy rain - so you guessed it ....out I went in my pjs and winter coat to protect me and hauled all the hanging baskets into the three greenhouses and closed their doors. So I guess this morning I shall have to reverse that and bring them all back out. Great fun.
I had to go the Foodland yesterday morning to buy some bags of soil..We had driven to Burk's Falls early for 8 am to buy some at the ValuMart but it was closed, and driving back to Sundridge saw that both Foodland and the Hardware were also closed. I guess new hours are in place and we early birds cannot seem to adjust haha! So at 10:30 I slipped over by myself to get the soil. Since I had to actually go into the store to pay because the garden centre does not have a cashier, I ventured further into the store to check out coffee. I was surprised to see the Nabob K cups in 30 count boxes on sale so quickly grabbed two boxes. I had been lamenting the fact that I was running out of K cups ( although have ground coffee enough to do me by using the little adapters for the Keurig machine) But I like the convenience of throwing in a K cup and pressing the button. It is a splurge only for me, and I decided i deserved to splurge only for me haha!
So another day and I expect more garden work - now is the time to get everything in the ground and I am assisting Harry with every little thing garden wise. Take care my sisters. Thinking of you all the time....
Saturday, May 23, 2020
A good day
Today was a good day. I set myself three tasks to complete and if I did more it was a bonus. I got all three done and another two besides. But I did not feel compelled to overwork and as a result I do not hurt tonight! I even sat outside and read for a couple of hours. As usual the weather report lied to us and instead of 25-35 mm of rain we got none. I really hope we get some soon. My garden is starting to come up. I saw some beans and onions and when I squint I can see the carrot and beet rows. Jim says he say three straight eight cucumbers starting, but haven’t seen a sign of the pickling cucumbers. This year has to be better than last year (and not just the garden...). I checked out the Quonset today and I think I can start doing some cleaning in it tomorrow. We’ve already done a bunch without really realizing how much it was cleaning out some of the junk. We spent the entire day outside and I have just come back in. All in all a good, relaxing day.
Quiet time
All that walking and standing on Wednesday did me in. Thursday and Friday involved both walking and stair climbing, with doing laundry and making beds etc. Today my Horoscope says that I'm going to be full energy, and ready for anything, but my body is telling me that today will be a quiet day with as little physical energy expended as possible.
David has been baking bread this morning, while I read the newspaper and cruised Facebook, but I guess it's time to look around and figure out how I can survive the day, while not doing much. He will need a bit of a shopping list for grocery shopping, I guess, and we'll need to find something for supper. Maybe I'll have to spend a little time downstairs, getting some hand sewing ready for tv watching this evening. Maybe I can even spend a little time outside, if it downs't rain.
Read the obituaries this morning and found that an acquaintance has died. Gail knew him and his wife better as they had very close tables at the Kenora Farmers' Market for the last few years ( no market this year!). I knew his wife better as I had taken several workshops with her in Polymer clay, and we had occasionally spent a little time together on neighboring slot machines. Evidently he had suffered a stroke recently and never really recovered. He was David's age.
I hope you time with Mike today is pleasurable, Beth, and that the drive doesn't do you in. Worth it in any case. It sounds like we're all going to have a relaxing weekend.
David has been baking bread this morning, while I read the newspaper and cruised Facebook, but I guess it's time to look around and figure out how I can survive the day, while not doing much. He will need a bit of a shopping list for grocery shopping, I guess, and we'll need to find something for supper. Maybe I'll have to spend a little time downstairs, getting some hand sewing ready for tv watching this evening. Maybe I can even spend a little time outside, if it downs't rain.
Read the obituaries this morning and found that an acquaintance has died. Gail knew him and his wife better as they had very close tables at the Kenora Farmers' Market for the last few years ( no market this year!). I knew his wife better as I had taken several workshops with her in Polymer clay, and we had occasionally spent a little time together on neighboring slot machines. Evidently he had suffered a stroke recently and never really recovered. He was David's age.
I hope you time with Mike today is pleasurable, Beth, and that the drive doesn't do you in. Worth it in any case. It sounds like we're all going to have a relaxing weekend.
Friday, May 22, 2020
Outside day and very full and productive
My body is screaming at me to stop and take a rest! I have just sat to check the blog and have a goblet of wine by my side to keep me hydrated haha! I stopped by the LCBO this afternoon - stood in line (fifth in the queue) and when allowed to enter, bought some Jackson Triggs Chardonnay for the weekend. I love my "happy hours" (self directed) and the only thing to make it better would be to be sitting outside at a table and relaxing instead of carrying it around while continuing my chores. Maybe that will be my next thing to make better.
Tomorrow we are driving to Mike's for lunch. Mike and I are making the meal and we decided on hamburgers and salad. Nice and simple. I'll pack things up first thing in the morning and I will be driving with Harry in the passenger seat with Bailey. Harry is still not himself being tired and weak so I have been driving and doing the chores here at home.
Today i delivered promised plants to one couple ( actually he came to the house to pick them up) and then to the Vets which i delivered in person. So our commitments have been met. But i was given compliments on my hair by two separate people today. Perhaps I am on to something good (isn't that the name of a song?) It certainly can boost one's spirit to be complimented on a hairdo that I think is dreadful. Perhaps I am not being objective enough?
Anyway, must run to finish up and then hit the bed. I often just lay and listen to the radio station or listen to a music CD to wind down and try to settle for a bit of sleep. Not working very well though so far . haha! I take Bailey out for the night around 11 pm so until that time I really cannot get any sleep.
Take care please, enjoy the weekend, and keep in touch.
Tomorrow we are driving to Mike's for lunch. Mike and I are making the meal and we decided on hamburgers and salad. Nice and simple. I'll pack things up first thing in the morning and I will be driving with Harry in the passenger seat with Bailey. Harry is still not himself being tired and weak so I have been driving and doing the chores here at home.
Today i delivered promised plants to one couple ( actually he came to the house to pick them up) and then to the Vets which i delivered in person. So our commitments have been met. But i was given compliments on my hair by two separate people today. Perhaps I am on to something good (isn't that the name of a song?) It certainly can boost one's spirit to be complimented on a hairdo that I think is dreadful. Perhaps I am not being objective enough?
Anyway, must run to finish up and then hit the bed. I often just lay and listen to the radio station or listen to a music CD to wind down and try to settle for a bit of sleep. Not working very well though so far . haha! I take Bailey out for the night around 11 pm so until that time I really cannot get any sleep.
Take care please, enjoy the weekend, and keep in touch.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
I ask for no more..
It is all those random thoughts from life that gives our blog the feel that it has, and what I love so much. It is as if we are together when we write about what we think, what we do, what bugs us, what thrills us, and pictures when we can. I love it all and it keeps me going day by day....
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
I wish I could reach through and wander your garden
I would post a picture of my garden but since nothing is growing yet it would not be very impressive. We spent another day outside but I am not sure what we did. The garden is all planted now. I put the last of the bedding plants in this morning so all we can do now is water and wait (and weed I suppose). The neighbour was over yesterday and we were telling how our garden well pump had died. He showed up today with one he had in his shed. He plugged it in and it ran, so I think he and Jim are going to install it as soon as Al has some more free time. We are watering from the house, but in order to fix the outside tap and stop the leaking we will have to cut a hole in the ceiling of the rec room to reach the pipe (sigh) We intended to go shopping today but somehow the day got away from us and now it is after 7pm. I poured myself a glass of wine last night but just didn't feel like drinking it, so I have taken it out of the fridge and will give it another try. JJ still lies around a lot, but she is moving better when she moves so we will keep going. Today Jim said I could take the heavy winter blanket off the bed. Say no more! It is washed, dried and put away. It is so big and heavy that I think is is actually too big for our washer. The last week or so I have just folded the blanket over onto Jim's side and slept with just the light cover. I guess the double layer was too much for him. I re-read this post. I really do just write down the random thoughts as they occur to me!
Picture
A picture of one of our Tumbler Tomatoes flourishing in our greenhouses / garden. If this works I may be able to share other garden pictures again.
A picture has appeared after trying several times so I do not know how it happened. But apparently I am able to do it. I shall have to think about this some more and try again soon before i forget the steps I took to produce this masterpiece haha!
I have eaten two ripe tomatoes from this plant today and it is covered with blossoms and more green tomatoes in clusters like grapes. Worked all day in the garden and to say the least I am exhausted but totally invigorated. I just poured a goblet of white wine to enjoy while I do the dishes and put the birds and rabbits to bed, and then me to bed !
Take care and stay safe.
I have eaten two ripe tomatoes from this plant today and it is covered with blossoms and more green tomatoes in clusters like grapes. Worked all day in the garden and to say the least I am exhausted but totally invigorated. I just poured a goblet of white wine to enjoy while I do the dishes and put the birds and rabbits to bed, and then me to bed !
Take care and stay safe.
What a horrible thing to happen...
Bad enough having to quick march back to another shop but worse getting separated without a means to communicate. Makes that old advice "Prepare a contingency plan" even more important. Remember having to plan with the children about fleeing the house if there were a fire etc and planning a central "meeting place" for all to gather so as to count heads and regroup? But also a means to communicate ie having cell phones in this day and age. But in your case both of you heading home seemed the right move albeit a long road home by your standing for so long in anticipation of seeing the little car pull up beside you. I am so sorry this happened but I guess you are even more sorry Pati. Maybe this 'staying at home" or "sheltering in place" is the answer??? How are you feeling today? And the haircut - was it worth it? I think I am going to try to let mine grow a bit - i am getting used to the bangs and clipping the stray hairs back with a berret or berett or berrett (sp?) Cathy are you growing your hair again or are you going to make an appt. The hairdresser I go to is NOT open yet and probably will not be for awhile.
I see the sun shining this early in the morning so I am anxious to be able to work outside if all goes well. First I must fill all the water bottles which take a fair bit of time standing at the kitchen sink. By then the dog and Harry should be getting up and that means a long walk for Bailey. Around 4:30 am this morning he started to whine, so I took him out and he immediately started to 'track" all around the yard. Sure enough my flashlight shone on a pair of eyes and then the body ran off - I think it might have been a raccoon but i turned tail and headed for the front door quickly to avoid a meeting.
So have a fair day folks, and maybe Pati you might consider staying at home today ?? Just kidding. Take care
I see the sun shining this early in the morning so I am anxious to be able to work outside if all goes well. First I must fill all the water bottles which take a fair bit of time standing at the kitchen sink. By then the dog and Harry should be getting up and that means a long walk for Bailey. Around 4:30 am this morning he started to whine, so I took him out and he immediately started to 'track" all around the yard. Sure enough my flashlight shone on a pair of eyes and then the body ran off - I think it might have been a raccoon but i turned tail and headed for the front door quickly to avoid a meeting.
So have a fair day folks, and maybe Pati you might consider staying at home today ?? Just kidding. Take care
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
What can I say! A day like no other
I managed to get an appointment at the hair salon near Walmart. I say near Walmart, as the store I normally go to is in the Walmart store, and I thought that was the one I had phoned. Not so. David dropped me off, and I walked in 5 minutes before my appointment only to be told that they had no appointment for me, and they are only operating on an appointment basis, no walk-ins. When I mentioned the name of the stylist with whom I had the appointment, they quickly told me that I was in the wrong salon, and the one I wanted was across the big Walmart parking lot. I asked them to let David know if he showed up looking for me. Then I took off and made it at exactly my appointment time. It was probably the longest distance I've walked in ages. My hair was cut in about 15 minutes and I left. This left me standing in the parking lot, with some of the strongest winds I've experienced in years. Add glaring sun, and the overwhelming stench of the asphalt they were laying in the drive thru of the fast food store next door, my 45 minute wait seemed endless. I was worried sick, and had no way of contacting David. After half an hour, I went into the fast food place to find out the time, and use the washroom, then outside and waited another 15 minutes, by which time I started to figure that there was a serious problem. I knew that I couldn't continue standing there waiting, so started off back to the Walmart, but sticking to the sidewalk and not walking through the parking lot, just in case David was driving around looking for me. Believe me when I say that this trip back was much slower than the one earlier. When I got to Walmart, I gave up and tried to phone home. The pay phone took my credit card, as I had no change, but didn't put the call through--twice. I went into Walmart to see if there might be a different payphone inside, and there was. Not getting an answer at home, I noticed an direct line to a taxi, and called it. He arrived fairly quickly and we headed off toward home. Within two blocks, I noticed the car ahead looked very much like David, and it was. We followed him home and I paid off the cab, while watching him get out of the car and into the house.
I can't tell you how relieved we both were to finally get together. after a quick trip to the washroom, and a quick conversation about what had happened, (he never went into the first salon and never got my message), off we went back to finish the shopping we had planned. This involved a lot more walking, and I don't think my knees will ever the the same.
This evening will involve as little standing and walking as possible.
p.s. did I mention that it's the worst haircut I've had in over 20 years. I won't be going back there.
I can't tell you how relieved we both were to finally get together. after a quick trip to the washroom, and a quick conversation about what had happened, (he never went into the first salon and never got my message), off we went back to finish the shopping we had planned. This involved a lot more walking, and I don't think my knees will ever the the same.
This evening will involve as little standing and walking as possible.
p.s. did I mention that it's the worst haircut I've had in over 20 years. I won't be going back there.
Long time since we started
When Pati first introduced the concept i was a bit wary perhaps because it was all new to me and maybe I felt I would not be able to manage it. Boy was I glad i followed through. The blog means everything to me now and after 11 plus years I think we should congratulate ourselves for persevering and still going strong, and in my opinion are in fact, stronger for it. Congrats my sisters and may we keep at it!!.
I really do hate the wind!
It has been blowing for a few days and Friday is the earliest day I can see a drop in it. I got half my garden seeds in on Sunday and I was pretty sore, but then Sam came over and wanted to do some work so he chopped down 5 trees we wanted out. That meant hauling the branches out of the garden and unloading in the yard. Everytime I tossed a branch off I thought of how proud I was last year when I finally burned off the last of the brush pile in the yard. It is even bigger now. We loaded the logs on the trailer yesterday, but we have to unload them still. I got the last of the seeds in yesterday with the dust blowing in my mouth the whole time. I just have bedding plants left to put in. It is so dry I hesitate to plant them. We figure we will be under another burning ban if we don't get any rain. Some is forecast for the weekend, but we have had rain forecast before with nothing resulting. JJ is still whining and spends most of her time lying down, but she is more willing to stand up now and move a bit. It has only been a couple of days and I know I should be patient but I want her better. Today is haircut day!!! Yippee!!!
Monday, May 18, 2020
studio work
Yesterday and today, and probably tomorrow, have been devoted to studio work ( see other blog).
This morning David used the new sourdough starter to make bread, and very nice bread it was. Unfortunately, the bread doesn't keep well in the freezer, so we're obligated to eat it quickly. This morning I went grocery shopping for milk and yogurt, and found some Chicken Souvlaki skewers. It's been quite awhile since these appeared at our Sobey's, so I had to grab them. We'll be having them for supper tomorrow. I'll have to find something healthy to have with them, and forget about the fresh bread.
Otherwise, it's "same old, same old". But more and more, I find that doesn't bother me. I almost feel resentful when something happens to interfere with the routine. Wednesday we have to pick up the dry cleaning, and Thursday I have a meeting out in Selkirk, so I'll have more than one interruption to the routine this week. I suppose that I'll slowly have to get used to life moving back to "normal".
This morning David used the new sourdough starter to make bread, and very nice bread it was. Unfortunately, the bread doesn't keep well in the freezer, so we're obligated to eat it quickly. This morning I went grocery shopping for milk and yogurt, and found some Chicken Souvlaki skewers. It's been quite awhile since these appeared at our Sobey's, so I had to grab them. We'll be having them for supper tomorrow. I'll have to find something healthy to have with them, and forget about the fresh bread.
Otherwise, it's "same old, same old". But more and more, I find that doesn't bother me. I almost feel resentful when something happens to interfere with the routine. Wednesday we have to pick up the dry cleaning, and Thursday I have a meeting out in Selkirk, so I'll have more than one interruption to the routine this week. I suppose that I'll slowly have to get used to life moving back to "normal".
Potato chip bark
Saw it yesterday. What did I think? Incredulous describes my first impression. But I did watch it to the end, and wondered if she was going to have any left, the way John was munching on the pieces. I think I was maybe a little "grossed out" by the way they were made, but she was wearing gloves, so it wasn't really that bad. When all was said and done, I would really rather have had the chocolate, by itself.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Laugh for the day
Just came in from outside and decided to sit for a minute and check messages and blogs. I turned on The Last Homely House and there was a new posting about Hercules Candy Tribute Videos.
Kate was making Chocolate Chip Bark. What a laugh! I had great fun watching and really did not want to turn it off until it was done (only 24 minutes long I think ) Not only was the demonstration a hoot but she was dressed up differently in a bright t shirt, and she was introducing humourous comments and antics into her presentation. Her son John dropped in at the end to add his own personable self. Thought I would mention it in case you guys have not seen it yet. If you have watched it already, what did you think of it????
Kate was making Chocolate Chip Bark. What a laugh! I had great fun watching and really did not want to turn it off until it was done (only 24 minutes long I think ) Not only was the demonstration a hoot but she was dressed up differently in a bright t shirt, and she was introducing humourous comments and antics into her presentation. Her son John dropped in at the end to add his own personable self. Thought I would mention it in case you guys have not seen it yet. If you have watched it already, what did you think of it????
Neighbours
Oh Cathy, not more dog problems?! At first I thought you might have a more serious problem, but it sounds like things might be working out okay? An expensive okay, none-the-less, but please let us know how the dog makes out.
We had interaction with our neighbours yesterday, too. They are avid gardeners, and their vegetable garden backs onto our property. This is the fellow who put the rabbit traps in our back yard ( they've caught 7 rabbits!) It seems that they are getting Prairie Lilies (not the nice ones) growing in their garden, as off-shoots of the ones around our large cedar tree. David has tried a few times to dig them out, but they're almost like a noxious weed, the way they propagate. That was one of the jobs that Andrea left behind when she was working in the yard last fall. There were also some remnants of the Virginia Creeper left on that fence. But--I realized yesterday, that its their fence! I had thought it was ours. Anyway, the fellow spent most of yesterday in our yard, digging up those lilies, and his wife spent a fair bit of time working over the fence with long handled clippers, cutting away the creeper.
At the same time, David tried to empty one of the composters, so he could give it to them,by way of barter for their labour. We got the best of that deal! Well, he opened the bottom of the composter and found a huge ant nest, probably two feet by 2 feet by about a foot, or more, deep. Been there for years, by my guess. David keeps telling me that he stirs the things up, as one is supposed to do with composters, but I have my doubts. Anyway, we now have one less. I asked David what happened to the ants, and he told me that they marched in single file into the yard on the South side of us--the Grow-Op.
Earlier in the day, David went to the garden center to get more soil, and some tomato cages, so that the tomatoes could be planted. I scrubbed the bathtub. That is a dangerous, filthy job, and having done it, I figured that I got a pass for the rest of the day. But I'm also started to realize that the tub itself will have to be replaced before we could ever think of selling the house--tomorrow wouldn't be too soon for me, but I'm also realistic regarding cost. I'm hoping that we might be able to get one of those companies that just fit a new tub over the old. My worry is that I think they install a tub surround, and I'm not willing to give up the bathroom window. I also figured out that I can tolerate the fumes from Drano crystals, if I wear my respirator while using them. One problem solved.
Today will be much more relaxed around here. I want to do some studio work. My on-line workshop is now wanting me to paint some papers to use in making collages, so I've selected painting clothes for today. My membership in the website expires shortly, and can't be renewed ( they are doing away with memberships, in favour of having viewers simply buy any videos they want, individually). I spent some time yesterday going over all of the videos they have, to see if there were any that I might want to purchase. I bought one, but was also surprised to find out how many I actually do own, at this point. I then changed my mind and decided to wait until I've finished the course, as there are many videos within the course, that are, or will be, mine, and it would be silly to by them as individual videos, as well.
Sounds like I have quite a day ahead of me. Best get to it.
We had interaction with our neighbours yesterday, too. They are avid gardeners, and their vegetable garden backs onto our property. This is the fellow who put the rabbit traps in our back yard ( they've caught 7 rabbits!) It seems that they are getting Prairie Lilies (not the nice ones) growing in their garden, as off-shoots of the ones around our large cedar tree. David has tried a few times to dig them out, but they're almost like a noxious weed, the way they propagate. That was one of the jobs that Andrea left behind when she was working in the yard last fall. There were also some remnants of the Virginia Creeper left on that fence. But--I realized yesterday, that its their fence! I had thought it was ours. Anyway, the fellow spent most of yesterday in our yard, digging up those lilies, and his wife spent a fair bit of time working over the fence with long handled clippers, cutting away the creeper.
At the same time, David tried to empty one of the composters, so he could give it to them,by way of barter for their labour. We got the best of that deal! Well, he opened the bottom of the composter and found a huge ant nest, probably two feet by 2 feet by about a foot, or more, deep. Been there for years, by my guess. David keeps telling me that he stirs the things up, as one is supposed to do with composters, but I have my doubts. Anyway, we now have one less. I asked David what happened to the ants, and he told me that they marched in single file into the yard on the South side of us--the Grow-Op.
Earlier in the day, David went to the garden center to get more soil, and some tomato cages, so that the tomatoes could be planted. I scrubbed the bathtub. That is a dangerous, filthy job, and having done it, I figured that I got a pass for the rest of the day. But I'm also started to realize that the tub itself will have to be replaced before we could ever think of selling the house--tomorrow wouldn't be too soon for me, but I'm also realistic regarding cost. I'm hoping that we might be able to get one of those companies that just fit a new tub over the old. My worry is that I think they install a tub surround, and I'm not willing to give up the bathroom window. I also figured out that I can tolerate the fumes from Drano crystals, if I wear my respirator while using them. One problem solved.
Today will be much more relaxed around here. I want to do some studio work. My on-line workshop is now wanting me to paint some papers to use in making collages, so I've selected painting clothes for today. My membership in the website expires shortly, and can't be renewed ( they are doing away with memberships, in favour of having viewers simply buy any videos they want, individually). I spent some time yesterday going over all of the videos they have, to see if there were any that I might want to purchase. I bought one, but was also surprised to find out how many I actually do own, at this point. I then changed my mind and decided to wait until I've finished the course, as there are many videos within the course, that are, or will be, mine, and it would be silly to by them as individual videos, as well.
Sounds like I have quite a day ahead of me. Best get to it.
One thing after another...
It seems sometimes that our worries compound and we need to work double duty to try to manage the situation, and to control our emotions. Now Cathy you have an issue with JJ and my hopes and wishes are with you and Jim as JJ responds to the meds and improves. I often wonder what it would be like for those poor folk who have no worries in the world - they have no chance to build their courage, to build their character, and to be able feel the joy of resolution, of "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel" so to speak. As it stands, we three have character, we have courage to carry on, and by golly, I sure like the kind of people that we have become.
I did a lot of work outside yesterday afternoon.. and I feel refreshed /good/satisfied or whatever emotion goes along with it haha . Not a dint in what is needed but nevertheless something was done. Hoping that today may bring me the same satisfaction of a job well done - if the weather will cooperate. I did not turn the heaters on in the greenhouses and they were just fine early this morning hovering around 40 F. It does them no harm to cool off a bit - helps them to grow. I found some really beautiful tomato plants amongst many scrawny ones. The Tiny Tims are flourishing and happy I am, as I love that kind. I have lots of Basil as well - I have even brought one plant into the house to use the leaves fresh. The aroma of fresh Basil plants is delightful.
So off I go for another day. I shall have another coffee and then make my TO DO list. How did your Morning Papers go Pati. I was thinking about the effect of writing down "stuff'. as I think I actually do this every day. For years I have written daily in my Daily Calendar book about what happened that day. I order the same book every year from a printer in BC, and I have boxes of these past years stored. If one were to go thru them they would get an exact picture of what my life is /was like and often I have referred to them to remind me of events/dates when it was necessary to do so. Having just said that, I realize perhaps that I may be a bit of a hoarder - do you think? Oh no...say it is not so....
I did a lot of work outside yesterday afternoon.. and I feel refreshed /good/satisfied or whatever emotion goes along with it haha . Not a dint in what is needed but nevertheless something was done. Hoping that today may bring me the same satisfaction of a job well done - if the weather will cooperate. I did not turn the heaters on in the greenhouses and they were just fine early this morning hovering around 40 F. It does them no harm to cool off a bit - helps them to grow. I found some really beautiful tomato plants amongst many scrawny ones. The Tiny Tims are flourishing and happy I am, as I love that kind. I have lots of Basil as well - I have even brought one plant into the house to use the leaves fresh. The aroma of fresh Basil plants is delightful.
So off I go for another day. I shall have another coffee and then make my TO DO list. How did your Morning Papers go Pati. I was thinking about the effect of writing down "stuff'. as I think I actually do this every day. For years I have written daily in my Daily Calendar book about what happened that day. I order the same book every year from a printer in BC, and I have boxes of these past years stored. If one were to go thru them they would get an exact picture of what my life is /was like and often I have referred to them to remind me of events/dates when it was necessary to do so. Having just said that, I realize perhaps that I may be a bit of a hoarder - do you think? Oh no...say it is not so....
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Another vet bill .....
Good thing we increased the limit on our credit card. We had to take JJ in. She has had trouble getting around and yesterday her hind end just collapsed on her. I thought it was her hips, but she has a lump on what would be just above her "ankle". We have some pain killers for her and the vet measured the lump and we are to make sure it doesn't get bigger. It is most likely arthritis but there is a chance of bone cancer. We also picked up Chase's remains and have buried him with the other animals. It was a comedy of errors getting JJ to the vets. She is not very mobile right now but we got her to the retaining wall and were able to walk her into the back of the car. (we had the seats down ) She howled and whined the whole trip and ended up right behind the driver's seat. Jim opened the back door and she fell out of the car. He was able to support her as she landed. The vet tried to get her to lie down but she refused to budge. So she tried to get her to stand up and she immediately lay down. She even got onto the scale and is down to 100 pounds. On the way home she again tried to get right behind the driver and her front half fell in the gap between the front seat and the back and the folded down head rest got stuck under her stomach. It took us a while to get her out when we got home, but at least we got her home. Both of us were afraid we would be losing her too. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend here and we are looking forward to being outside.
Morning Papers in the morning then...
Simple solution....do the Morning Papers in the morning to set your day off with energy and excitement. But Pati, seeing your Mouse Factory Blog picture, I sensed that you did gain some momentum with your writing because you "did" something and I like that piece you posted, I see great potential and it has your 'feel" about it. Looking forward to seeing what you will do.
Thank goodness it is warmer now - a very pleasant feeling but I have not managed to adjust the heaters to the rising overnight temps and I see that they are a bit too hot early this morning which I shall have to rectify. I was out early (around 3:30 am) and checked them but did not want to fool around then so I shall have to go out shortly. But I was amazed to see the neighbour across the street had his truck and boat attached sitting in the driveway ready to take off. Here in Ontario they lifted that restriction effective at 12;01 this morning and apparently he could not wait!! Since i stayed up then as i could not sleep, I heard him drive off about 4;30 to who knows where to set sail. (The Lake boat ramp here in Sundridge was still barracated as of last evening when i took Bailey for a walk) He is a fisherman type person and goes out summer and winter He is also the Fire Chief in the area.
This morning Harry wants to drive to the Nursery in North Bay to buy celery plants and other plants (The Nurserys also were lifted from restrictions.) He has agreed to allow me to drive so hopefully that will work out for the time being.
Otherwise, it is day by day here with chores, and watching that Harry behaves. Hope you folks enjoy a nice May 24 Victoria Day weekend inspite of restrictions. I expect there will be no fireworks anywhere.I don't mind as I'm really not fond of fireworks. Take care
Thank goodness it is warmer now - a very pleasant feeling but I have not managed to adjust the heaters to the rising overnight temps and I see that they are a bit too hot early this morning which I shall have to rectify. I was out early (around 3:30 am) and checked them but did not want to fool around then so I shall have to go out shortly. But I was amazed to see the neighbour across the street had his truck and boat attached sitting in the driveway ready to take off. Here in Ontario they lifted that restriction effective at 12;01 this morning and apparently he could not wait!! Since i stayed up then as i could not sleep, I heard him drive off about 4;30 to who knows where to set sail. (The Lake boat ramp here in Sundridge was still barracated as of last evening when i took Bailey for a walk) He is a fisherman type person and goes out summer and winter He is also the Fire Chief in the area.
This morning Harry wants to drive to the Nursery in North Bay to buy celery plants and other plants (The Nurserys also were lifted from restrictions.) He has agreed to allow me to drive so hopefully that will work out for the time being.
Otherwise, it is day by day here with chores, and watching that Harry behaves. Hope you folks enjoy a nice May 24 Victoria Day weekend inspite of restrictions. I expect there will be no fireworks anywhere.I don't mind as I'm really not fond of fireworks. Take care
Friday, May 15, 2020
Tea Bags
I'm not desperate enough to try sewing the tulle ones--yet. The store where I buy my specialty teas sells tea bags, but at a much higher price than David's Tea. My David's tea store is in a major mall, so I imagine the rent is high, and I hear that the mall itself is deserted, despite being open. I still have about a half package of tea bags, and will start using the unicorn soon, just to see how well she works. ( I wonder why I think the beast is female?)
We got our municipal tax bill this morning. Since our monthly payments to the city, only started in January, I've been putting money away every month, knowing that we would have to make up the difference between what they collected , and what was actually due before the end of June. The difference was more than I anticipated and we started checking things to figure out where we would find the money. The bill itself was somewhat confusing. There was small line a the bottom saying that people who were enrolled in the monthly payment system, didn't have to pay. I figured it was those that had been enrolled for a whole year, but we decided to check. David called the city ( a lengthy time on hold) but ultimately found out that no, the system included everyone, no matter when they started. So we have small nest egg that we had no idea about. Not sure how small, but David will check with the bank today and find out, while he's out buying the eggs I forgot yesterday.
The "morning pages" didn't work. I wrote three full pages and when I finished I felt energized, relaxed, and fully alert. I couldn't settle down for almost two hours, and even then, ended up taking a sleep aid. Won't try that again!
We got our municipal tax bill this morning. Since our monthly payments to the city, only started in January, I've been putting money away every month, knowing that we would have to make up the difference between what they collected , and what was actually due before the end of June. The difference was more than I anticipated and we started checking things to figure out where we would find the money. The bill itself was somewhat confusing. There was small line a the bottom saying that people who were enrolled in the monthly payment system, didn't have to pay. I figured it was those that had been enrolled for a whole year, but we decided to check. David called the city ( a lengthy time on hold) but ultimately found out that no, the system included everyone, no matter when they started. So we have small nest egg that we had no idea about. Not sure how small, but David will check with the bank today and find out, while he's out buying the eggs I forgot yesterday.
The "morning pages" didn't work. I wrote three full pages and when I finished I felt energized, relaxed, and fully alert. I couldn't settle down for almost two hours, and even then, ended up taking a sleep aid. Won't try that again!
Unicorn
He is so cute it would almost be a shame to use him .Pati, you spoke of sewing some tea bags with voile..Did that not work out, or not seem reasonable after the fact? I have a few here at home and if I could throw them that far, they would be yours. But your comment about DavidTea being closed still, may be a worry from my perspective as well. Not that I went into that store often, but I have many of their products and the special mugs and tea pots so really like the idea of using them when I can.
I have been making some of the newer flavours of Stash tea bags and really enjoying them such as Dirty Chai, and Ginger Fire Chai. Cathy what teas do you like to drink?
It is rainy out his morning so I may not go outside to work just yet, but yesterday afternoon I really put a push on and accomplished a great deal. It is satisfying to work away on your own and feel gratified for what you did. probably did not even put a dint in what work is there waiting, but c'est la vie!
Take care please - keep your distance, and wash your hands etc etc.etc. I finished sewing my face mask but have not worn it out yet. It is really not necessary when i go out with the dog. When do folks you where your masks? Bye for now.....
I have been making some of the newer flavours of Stash tea bags and really enjoying them such as Dirty Chai, and Ginger Fire Chai. Cathy what teas do you like to drink?
It is rainy out his morning so I may not go outside to work just yet, but yesterday afternoon I really put a push on and accomplished a great deal. It is satisfying to work away on your own and feel gratified for what you did. probably did not even put a dint in what work is there waiting, but c'est la vie!
Take care please - keep your distance, and wash your hands etc etc.etc. I finished sewing my face mask but have not worn it out yet. It is really not necessary when i go out with the dog. When do folks you where your masks? Bye for now.....
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Shopping today
First at Walmart, where we picked up some more books. They cut the cover price by 40%, so it's pretty well the best deal in town. I usually hate shopping at Walmart, and it seems especially bad right now when we're being encouraged to shop at small local businesses. I've been worried about running out of empty tea bags. I checked the mall store, David's Tea, where I usually buy them and they aren't open at all. A bit worrying. I hope they eventually do open. Just in case, I checked in Walmart for a ball tea infuser. They aren't usually too expensive and it might be good to have on hand. Well, there was only one such infuser in the store, and it was so cute, that I had to buy it. It had a little Unicorn instead of a hook. The little beast sits on the edge of your cup, or in my case, on the edge of my slightly bigger tea infuser--the one I put the tea bags in.
After our trip to Walmart, David dropped me off, and headed for the greenhouse, for tomatoes and flowers for his sink planter. He came home with tomatoes that are called "slicers". We'll see how big they get. And he bought pretty deep yellow Petunias. This was a strange coincidence. I have just finished re-reading book three of the In Death series by J.D. Robb. If you're not familiar, this is a futuristic police procedural, with a female detective. She has cause to interview a florist, who discusses Petunias, explaining that they are a traditional, old fashioned flower. At the end of the book, this detective is getting married, and surprises everyone by carrying a bouquet of Petunias. Very touching within the context of the book. David knew nothing about this, but I did, and was touched by his bringing them home.
I didn't get to the "Morning Pages" last night, as I was just too exhausted. I slept quite well, and long, perhaps as a result of the small glass of brandy I had before bed. Tonight I'll try the "Morning pages" instead.
After our trip to Walmart, David dropped me off, and headed for the greenhouse, for tomatoes and flowers for his sink planter. He came home with tomatoes that are called "slicers". We'll see how big they get. And he bought pretty deep yellow Petunias. This was a strange coincidence. I have just finished re-reading book three of the In Death series by J.D. Robb. If you're not familiar, this is a futuristic police procedural, with a female detective. She has cause to interview a florist, who discusses Petunias, explaining that they are a traditional, old fashioned flower. At the end of the book, this detective is getting married, and surprises everyone by carrying a bouquet of Petunias. Very touching within the context of the book. David knew nothing about this, but I did, and was touched by his bringing them home.
I didn't get to the "Morning Pages" last night, as I was just too exhausted. I slept quite well, and long, perhaps as a result of the small glass of brandy I had before bed. Tonight I'll try the "Morning pages" instead.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Starbucks
They know when it's your birthday. The first time I got that, I didn't know about it, and when I went to pay with my card, they put it through the machine and wished me a happy birthday. The cash register told them it was!
My Starbucks Birthday Coffee
This afternoon I was filling the car with gas at the Canadian Tire pumps in Huntsville which is beside that new Starbucks location. I looked over and observed that people were going in the door so after I finished with the car i drove over and sure enough I was let into the foyer where a table was set up and a worker asked what i wished to order. We are not actually allowed to go in the store, but asked to step back behind the tape on the floor. All the workers were wearing face masks which appeared to be specially made as all were of different coloured an patterned fabrics. I asked if my Birthday free gift coffee would be honoured and off he went and my order was then being prepared. He handed a clear glass tray to me to drop my Starbucks card into and off he went and then came back and dumped the card on the table for me to retrieve. Then every one wished me a Happy Birthday saying that it was a lovely sun shiny day for me to celebrate my Birthday. How could I say that my actual Birthday was a month ago??? Then I was given my coffee onto the table and i had to retrieve it, and finally exited with him still wishing me a Happy Birthday.
What a nice thing for me to experience especially on this day and this time. It was a Chai Tea Latte which has become a favourite for me. I have not logged onto Starbucks yet to see how it was recorded as a gift, or if i will get points for its "purchase".
Take care my sisters.
What a nice thing for me to experience especially on this day and this time. It was a Chai Tea Latte which has become a favourite for me. I have not logged onto Starbucks yet to see how it was recorded as a gift, or if i will get points for its "purchase".
Take care my sisters.
Thank you, Cathy
The pizza recipe is carefully printed out, given a plastic sleeve and put in the book with our Sourdough and wine recipes.
Yesterday was one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. The last being when David was replacing the outdoor water tap, and the corroded pipe inside, fell apart. No way we could deal with that, so a plumber was called. He came shortly after and we now have a very nice new system, and no more water leaking all over the patio. Later I got into a different type of poker tournament by accident, but won some money anyway. Thank Goodness. On a better topic, we did accomplish two things yesterday. We got our dry cleaning into Perth's, and I found yeast at a Natural Food store. As soon as I got home, I started a new starter, and it's working well.
I hadn't slept well Monday night and was functioning on one cylinder all day, as was David. Not good. Last night was no better and everything I do today is like trying to function through some sort of weird fog. Good thing we're staying home and social isolating. I wonder if my brain is just running so fast that sleep is a problem. I've decided to try doing wheat I would call "Morning Pages", but writing them in the evening, instead. they're supposed to function as a type of "brain dump", and maybe that's just what I need.
Time to get busy cooking supper, and then I have 2 hour Zoom meeting, at &:00. Best get busy. Thinking of both of you. Keep safe.
Yesterday was one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. The last being when David was replacing the outdoor water tap, and the corroded pipe inside, fell apart. No way we could deal with that, so a plumber was called. He came shortly after and we now have a very nice new system, and no more water leaking all over the patio. Later I got into a different type of poker tournament by accident, but won some money anyway. Thank Goodness. On a better topic, we did accomplish two things yesterday. We got our dry cleaning into Perth's, and I found yeast at a Natural Food store. As soon as I got home, I started a new starter, and it's working well.
I hadn't slept well Monday night and was functioning on one cylinder all day, as was David. Not good. Last night was no better and everything I do today is like trying to function through some sort of weird fog. Good thing we're staying home and social isolating. I wonder if my brain is just running so fast that sleep is a problem. I've decided to try doing wheat I would call "Morning Pages", but writing them in the evening, instead. they're supposed to function as a type of "brain dump", and maybe that's just what I need.
Time to get busy cooking supper, and then I have 2 hour Zoom meeting, at &:00. Best get busy. Thinking of both of you. Keep safe.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Pizza
If I have the right recipe, it is actually Don's recipe from many many years ago.
Pizza...... makes 2 pizzas
425F .... 16 to 18 minutes
2 c flour
1Tbsp Baking Powder
2/3c warm water
1/4 c oil
pinch salt
1/4 c parmesan (optional)
Mix well and roll thin. Cover with pizza sauce (I use spagetti sauce) and grated mozzarella
Pizza may have added toppings.....
bacon, onion, beef, mushrooms etc.
VARIATIONS:
Decrease oil and water fractionally to make a crisper crust
Add some oregano or Italian seasoning and grated cheese into the crust
Prebake crust just until it starts to harden. (5-7 min???) Continue with toppings as above
COOK slightly longer if using multiple toppings and not prebaking crust.
_______________________________________________________________________________
I haven't made this in a while since it seems that Jim does not like it. 😞 Rrain makes it all the time. Today I made quiche for breakfast and it was really good. I don't know if it was really good or if I really wanted quiche but I had a piece for lunch too. It is finally supposed to start warming up by the end of the week and we are actually considering a BBQ on Sunday. I am not doing any yard work today since I pulled a muscle in my neck again yesterday. I am going to give myself some time to heal. If it does rain tomorrow I will have a good excuse to relax.
Pizza...... makes 2 pizzas
425F .... 16 to 18 minutes
2 c flour
1Tbsp Baking Powder
2/3c warm water
1/4 c oil
pinch salt
1/4 c parmesan (optional)
Mix well and roll thin. Cover with pizza sauce (I use spagetti sauce) and grated mozzarella
Pizza may have added toppings.....
bacon, onion, beef, mushrooms etc.
VARIATIONS:
Decrease oil and water fractionally to make a crisper crust
Add some oregano or Italian seasoning and grated cheese into the crust
Prebake crust just until it starts to harden. (5-7 min???) Continue with toppings as above
COOK slightly longer if using multiple toppings and not prebaking crust.
_______________________________________________________________________________
I haven't made this in a while since it seems that Jim does not like it. 😞 Rrain makes it all the time. Today I made quiche for breakfast and it was really good. I don't know if it was really good or if I really wanted quiche but I had a piece for lunch too. It is finally supposed to start warming up by the end of the week and we are actually considering a BBQ on Sunday. I am not doing any yard work today since I pulled a muscle in my neck again yesterday. I am going to give myself some time to heal. If it does rain tomorrow I will have a good excuse to relax.
Home made Pizza
I don't think I have Cathy's recipe for home made pizza. How about sharing, Cathy? I've been thinking of it for awhile now.
Outings....
It is fun to hear about your adventures folks from fur coats to cleaning out quonsets to dump runs - it is all good. For me yesterday it was to return beer bottles to the The Beer Store in South River ( 10 km north of us) The Store is accepting returns on Mon and Wed at 11am but by golly, what a process to get in line and go thru the procedures. Never mind, I did it and that is off my mind. Then i took some boxes to our storage shed because I had ventured to clean up a bit around the front hall. Then it was greenhouse time - I did all the watering and even got some arranging done in the little greenhouse. If today proves to be warmer I hope to get more arranging and sorting done but first thing this morning it is Rabbit cage cleaning on the agenda. First time for me to do this so I am not really looking forward to it but it is totally necessary. What a life... eh?
Now to heat some leftover homemade pizza for my breakfast that I made for supper last night. This is a comfort meal for me, and I never tire of the homemade ones (Cathy's recipe) Thinking of you both, take care in your outings even if they are lifting restrictions, look out for yourself very carefully!
Now to heat some leftover homemade pizza for my breakfast that I made for supper last night. This is a comfort meal for me, and I never tire of the homemade ones (Cathy's recipe) Thinking of you both, take care in your outings even if they are lifting restrictions, look out for yourself very carefully!
Monday, May 11, 2020
An outing/adventure
For some reason, today I decided to look into getting my fur coat cleaned. I checked the Perth's website and found that the store at 765 Wellington was open, although the one up on Henderson wasn't. Off we went, and after a few challenges in finding the address got there, but only after taking a tour of the West end. What we found was the corporate offices and the plant, but no retail outlet. Since we were out anyway, we headed for the Starbucks on Henderson, which happens to be in the same mall as our regular Perth's, which we knew was closed. But we checked and there was a sign on the door directing us to the Perth's in a mall further North. We had no idea it was there even though we go to that mall periodically. Leaving Starbucks we decided to head for Tim's, as David had yet to get a treat, and pursue the dry cleaning tomorrow.
Once we were home, David took the car to have the wheel nuts torqued, and on an off chance, I phoned the store in the other mall. They are open and I asked about the prices for the duvets. OMG! So cheap. So tomorrow we're off again with the coat, and both duvets. I am s-o-o-o glad to be able to get those duvets cleaned!
That was pretty well our excitement for the day, although I did finally get my ground coffee from Starbucks.
Once we were home, David took the car to have the wheel nuts torqued, and on an off chance, I phoned the store in the other mall. They are open and I asked about the prices for the duvets. OMG! So cheap. So tomorrow we're off again with the coat, and both duvets. I am s-o-o-o glad to be able to get those duvets cleaned!
That was pretty well our excitement for the day, although I did finally get my ground coffee from Starbucks.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Another day done
Today was quiet, but nice. I got a phone call from my daughter and step-son, and Kris sent me a text before I was even out of bed this morning. It was very cool and windy today so I just did a bit of yard work and went for a walk with JJ. I made a batch of cookies (out of boredom) and I’ll probably eat all of them for the same reason. It’s supposed to start warming a bit by Thursday, maybe even double digits! I am anxious to start puttering outside. We are only a month from summer and have only about three nice days! Soon. Hope you guys are doing good. Love ya!!
Surprise!
Yesterday went fairly well, until it was time for my evening snack. I had been looking forward to my favourite Roasted Garlic Hummus, served with baby carrots. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the Roasted Garlic Hummus I bought--both packages--was actually Brushetta topping! Don't know how that happened, and I don't want to know how expensive it probably was. Later, I found that I couldn't sleep and after tossing and turning for an hour, got up and read for 2 hours until I felt that I was actually tired.
Today was fairly quiet as well. I heard from both my children, and had a long chat with Loren. His kitchen renovations are on hold until the extra tiles he needs come in. Otherwise everyone is well and staying safely at home. I'm getting a lot done relative to my sketchbook course, experimenting with different techniques. But my sketchbook will never look anything like the samples, I'm just not that good. Did a fair job today painting a red pepper with water colours, though. Tomorrow for supper, I'll eat the pepper.
Garbage is out for pick up tomorrow morning, we've agreed that the dishes can wait until morning, and time for my shower. Have a good night ladies, and everyone keep safe.
Today was fairly quiet as well. I heard from both my children, and had a long chat with Loren. His kitchen renovations are on hold until the extra tiles he needs come in. Otherwise everyone is well and staying safely at home. I'm getting a lot done relative to my sketchbook course, experimenting with different techniques. But my sketchbook will never look anything like the samples, I'm just not that good. Did a fair job today painting a red pepper with water colours, though. Tomorrow for supper, I'll eat the pepper.
Garbage is out for pick up tomorrow morning, we've agreed that the dishes can wait until morning, and time for my shower. Have a good night ladies, and everyone keep safe.
Snow memories
Lots of snow over last few days here and this morning in reading the WFP with pictures of WestMan (Brandon) and the amount of snow that fell and I assume Cathy, you got a taste of that snow storm??? reminded me of my trip many years ago in May and we were stuck at Cathy's for a few days with the Highways closed even though we had planned to drive to Winnipeg to continue our family visit. We made it out eventually and slugged it out along #5 to the Trans Canada #1 where the trucks had been waiting at Headingly. I have pictures of my little car at Cathy's completely snowed in and Cathy out with a shovel trying to dig it out while Jim, I think, had the snowblower going to clear their garage entrance. Lots of happy memories in reliving that time. The snow will likely melt here in next day or so but it certainly did not need to grace us with it's presence at this time of year.
I have made my TO DO list for today - very ambitious - but hoping it will keep me busy and productive. Again, Happy Mother's Day to you both. Take care
I have made my TO DO list for today - very ambitious - but hoping it will keep me busy and productive. Again, Happy Mother's Day to you both. Take care
Friday, May 8, 2020
So, we got snow.
Started last evening and snowed all night and most of morning, but now it seems to have stopped and the ground is starting to melt some of it away. Cold again tonight and next few nights so no work done outside today. As long as the snow will disappear I will feel OK with the little bit of cold that has consumed us. And when it starts to heat up again next week, then I shall rejoice. You both sound as if your days have been filled with some excitement. I can just picture you Pati running around picking up all your printed copies but I also can anguish with you about the cost of the colour ink cartridges being eaten up all at once. But did you get a nice package for yourself for your next sketching workshop. Nice that you folks are getting some $$from the government. We still hear that "something" may be coming here in Ontario for Seniors but time will tell.
So have a wonderful weekend celebrating Mother's Day. I shall have a Duchess cup of specialty tea and toast to us all pretending we are together - Happy Mother's Day... Take care ....
So have a wonderful weekend celebrating Mother's Day. I shall have a Duchess cup of specialty tea and toast to us all pretending we are together - Happy Mother's Day... Take care ....
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Club beer
The liquor store gets a delivery on Monday and Thursday. Today Jim went at 11am when they opened. Out of the order they had sent in they got four cases of club beer. He was tempted to buy all of them but he held himself to two. He held off until he had done some yard work and then treated himself to a club. I have a very happy husband. He is going to limit himself to when he has done work and earned one. The sacrifices one makes.
yesterday
Interesting day. Since the Government is sending each of us $200 (surprise!) I chose to sign up for the second module of my sketchbook course. By return e-mail, I got a 66 page workbook full of colour. Every page had a significant amount of colour on it. We discussed it, and decided that it would be okay if I printed it. Having a hard copy makes it much easier to follow the course, and access the associated videos, as they come up. The small colour cartridge ran out on page 4. David, with a sigh, agreed to go to Staples and get more ink. He brought home two large colour cartridges and a large black one. We re-started the printing, and the printer did a few pages, and then got cranky. This cancelling and re-starting process went on for quite awhile. Even when I had a copy of the workbook, the printer kept printing. We would think we had solved the problem and then we would hear the printer going again, or even worse, not hear it and find it merrily printing away and sheets and sheets of paper all over the floor. This went on all day, with me running between the computer in the kitchen to the computer room many, many times. Several times we unplugged the damn thing and tried to re-boot, without success. We figure that the whole 66 pages were printed about 3 and half times, in fits and starts, with many multiple copies of certain pages. Then I went into the control panel (scary!), and tried to delete the print cue, but only manged to disable the print cue, and the beast kept going. We were pretty sure that our membership in The Geek Squad was over, but decided that we needed help and would just have to pay for it. I dug out the receipt for the telephone number, and found that the membership goes to the end of this month. What a relief! So I called and he had everything fixed within 1-2 minutes after taking control. I was exhausted, and took the "indulgence", that I had been denying myself all week, in the form of a glass of wine. But--the final cost--three large ink cartridges. Damn! I had hoped that the three he bought would last for the next few months.
Today started at 6:30 when we got up to go grocery shopping. I wanted to eat first, as I know how dangerous it is to go on an empty stomach. In some ways it's nice to go so that early when the store is reserved for seniors, and fairly empty. Got home, a few minutes to check the e-mail, and then it was off to Selkirk for a meeting regarding opening the Gallery, but it was decided that won't happen until July. Got home from there and found e-mail from Amber asking for a couple of more masks, so spent the afternoon doing that.
I did take time to phone the local art supply store, to inquire about the two items that had been back ordered, when the rest of the stuff was delivered late in April. I had the nicest conversation with the lady on their order desk. Since it turned out that I hadn't paid for the items,( I had thought I did), we decided not to worry about it, and if they ever come in, I can just cancel the order when they call me. She doesn't think that they've even been ordered, and doesn't expect any orders to be received from the States any time soon, in any case.
Heading upstairs with the masks, I discovered that David had taken control of supper. What a nice surprise! Now to relax and enjoy the evening with Poker.
Today started at 6:30 when we got up to go grocery shopping. I wanted to eat first, as I know how dangerous it is to go on an empty stomach. In some ways it's nice to go so that early when the store is reserved for seniors, and fairly empty. Got home, a few minutes to check the e-mail, and then it was off to Selkirk for a meeting regarding opening the Gallery, but it was decided that won't happen until July. Got home from there and found e-mail from Amber asking for a couple of more masks, so spent the afternoon doing that.
I did take time to phone the local art supply store, to inquire about the two items that had been back ordered, when the rest of the stuff was delivered late in April. I had the nicest conversation with the lady on their order desk. Since it turned out that I hadn't paid for the items,( I had thought I did), we decided not to worry about it, and if they ever come in, I can just cancel the order when they call me. She doesn't think that they've even been ordered, and doesn't expect any orders to be received from the States any time soon, in any case.
Heading upstairs with the masks, I discovered that David had taken control of supper. What a nice surprise! Now to relax and enjoy the evening with Poker.
Heh, slow down Cathy....
I was tired out just reading your message haha! .....only kidding though. It was good to hear you are out and about and by the sounds of it really making headway in that quonset. You have mentioned frequently that it was at the top of your to do list for awhile. What do you think you have in mind for it's use once all cleaned?
And that same weather seems to have hit us here as well. Although working out in the yard all afternoon, it was still a bit chilly. The heaters are going full all night because the night temps a re so low. But I did see that magnificent huge, brilliant moon last night. It is supposed to be the last "super" moon for the year. I had Bailey out around midnight and the sky was beautiful with light from the moon - it looked as if it were just hanging gently above the earth's surface.
Today shall be busy. The Accountant called me at 7:45 am yesterday to say Mike's taxes were done ( did she stay up all night doing taxes???) so shall pick the paperwork up at 1 pm (she opens the office for pickup on Tues and Thurs from 1 to 3 pm only.) I also have to get to the Vets for more pills but not sure when or if they are open - the hours have changed so much due to the restrictions.
I have been negotiating with Mastercard for a "dispute" on our card - an order that was never delivered. Yesterday one hour on the phone with a man whose first language was not English started my day off wonderfully well. Then having to fill in forms and get to a place where I could fax them ( difficult here now with the usual places to fax all closed eg Library) anyway I did it and now wait for resolution ( could be up to 2-3 months before we hear). In meantime the man cautioned me that I must still keep the card ( now blocked) in good standing by paying the entire bill on time. Do you think?
Enough babbling and onto my coffee and breakfast before the day begins. Take care all.
And that same weather seems to have hit us here as well. Although working out in the yard all afternoon, it was still a bit chilly. The heaters are going full all night because the night temps a re so low. But I did see that magnificent huge, brilliant moon last night. It is supposed to be the last "super" moon for the year. I had Bailey out around midnight and the sky was beautiful with light from the moon - it looked as if it were just hanging gently above the earth's surface.
Today shall be busy. The Accountant called me at 7:45 am yesterday to say Mike's taxes were done ( did she stay up all night doing taxes???) so shall pick the paperwork up at 1 pm (she opens the office for pickup on Tues and Thurs from 1 to 3 pm only.) I also have to get to the Vets for more pills but not sure when or if they are open - the hours have changed so much due to the restrictions.
I have been negotiating with Mastercard for a "dispute" on our card - an order that was never delivered. Yesterday one hour on the phone with a man whose first language was not English started my day off wonderfully well. Then having to fill in forms and get to a place where I could fax them ( difficult here now with the usual places to fax all closed eg Library) anyway I did it and now wait for resolution ( could be up to 2-3 months before we hear). In meantime the man cautioned me that I must still keep the card ( now blocked) in good standing by paying the entire bill on time. Do you think?
Enough babbling and onto my coffee and breakfast before the day begins. Take care all.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
A nice day
Okay, I just posted a very long message and when I hit the wrong key it all disappeared! I was very busy justifying all the work (😊) I did today. I cleaned all the canning jars out of the quonset (11 milk crates). I cleaned out the fire pit (3 loads to the bush). I raked out the leaves from the bushes around the garden and the needles from under the pine trees near the fire pit.... which Jim then put into the fire pit and burned (yes, the fire pit I cleaned out). He also burned a number of boxes from the garage. He burned 13 wine boxes!!!! He says it was a years worth, but how many were from the last 2 months?! While I was in the quonset I noticed how the bushes had grown up near the quonset so I went in with my clippers and cut out a bunch of trees and bushes ( more to go, but I was getting tired) Around 2:30 my friend Barb texted and asked it we would be interested in "social distancing" on her deck. Duh!! We were there in less than 15 minutes. Jim had ordered Chinese for supper ( our first restaurant meal in more than two months! We just don't order out) and he picked it up and brought it to Barb's. She was embarassed since her house wasn't clean (she should see my house). She had to take forks out of the dishwasher to use.......it was so nice to see someone else lives like me. We had a great visit. Earlier in the day Rrain asked it I could pick up some Kitty Litter for her since she was working, and when I dropped it off we hugged. We turned our faces away from each other but we both needed the touch so much. Tomorrow I will clean some more out from around the quonset and ?????. JJ and I went for a walk around the trail, too. We might need to mow it soon. The weather forecast is pretty grim...... daily highs of 5 or so, but the last two days have been way warmer than they forecast so we can only hope. And how is every else doing? Love you guys!!!
Funny strange you say...
I would like to change all the "funny strange" to "funny haha" in my life so I think I shall start to concentrate on doing just that. Great idea Pati.....as I mutter haha! I'll let you know how I am doing along the way.
Cold weather for the entire week into next Tuesday. This means some efforts will be required to maintain the greenhouses. C'est la vie as we have come too far now over winter to lose our produce now. I am going to make a toasted bacon and tomato sandwich for my breakfast using ripe tomatoes from one of the tumblers in the greenhouse - they hang like grapes from the vines and have a nice juicy sweet taste.
I have a persistent stye in my eye and have resorted to Mom's old cure of eating a teaspoon of nutmeg. Mike looked it up on the net and it suggested warm compresses which I knew, but especially to use a black tea tea bag steeped for about a minute and then cooled enough to sit on the affected eye for 5 to 10 min. I tried that last night and will try again today as the stye is really starting to annoy me. Any other ideas from either of you?
So another day ahead and hope you both can do something for yourself today. Pati you like to get down onto the studio ( if NOT procrastinating too much) and Cathy I expect you like to get out into the yard or maybe you should just get as far as the patio and sit and enjoy.... Whatever,.... I shall be thinking of you both...Take care my sisters.
Cold weather for the entire week into next Tuesday. This means some efforts will be required to maintain the greenhouses. C'est la vie as we have come too far now over winter to lose our produce now. I am going to make a toasted bacon and tomato sandwich for my breakfast using ripe tomatoes from one of the tumblers in the greenhouse - they hang like grapes from the vines and have a nice juicy sweet taste.
I have a persistent stye in my eye and have resorted to Mom's old cure of eating a teaspoon of nutmeg. Mike looked it up on the net and it suggested warm compresses which I knew, but especially to use a black tea tea bag steeped for about a minute and then cooled enough to sit on the affected eye for 5 to 10 min. I tried that last night and will try again today as the stye is really starting to annoy me. Any other ideas from either of you?
So another day ahead and hope you both can do something for yourself today. Pati you like to get down onto the studio ( if NOT procrastinating too much) and Cathy I expect you like to get out into the yard or maybe you should just get as far as the patio and sit and enjoy.... Whatever,.... I shall be thinking of you both...Take care my sisters.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Funny (funny strange-as Mom used to say) Day
Today my only accomplishment was to hone my skill at procrastinating. I spent time on Facebook, read a book, watched a little tv, all the time telling myself that I should be down in the studio. i finally got down to the studio, and rather than working on my sketchbook, I cut out card stock for some elongated hexies. I actually did spent a few minutes on the sketchbook, but pasted down a picture, and then covered the whole page with more paste, just to make sure it was attached, but of course, then had to put the sketchbook aside to dry. There was time spent out on the patio both morning and afternoon. I actually sat outside this afternoon, long enough to assure that it was too late to worry about getting something out for supper, and we had to order from Subway. But I was good and ordered a salad.
When David got to Subway, she had to put everything together for him, so there was no advantage to having ordered ahead of time. It seems that every thing is wide open and business as usual except for the closed dining rooms. We have a fair shopping list but we decided that we would continue to be careful. Once a week in the early morning, when the store is closed to all but seniors. Every source is predicting a second wave of the virus and we just don't feel it's worth risking our lives to shop for one or two things every day, as was our habit "before".
Got my Visa bill today, and was pleased at how low the total was, until I looked closer. It was by bill from January. Go figure? I sort of thought that the total was higher, so called and got current information.
In the garden this morning we found 7 separate Lady Slippers coming up. We had thought that we had lost them after the drought a couple of years back, as they have declined in number every year since. There were only 2 sickly looking ones last year. David will look after them this year, and hope for the future. At the feeder the Juncos are gone again, and won't be back until fall. So we see Sparrows, although this evening, when I looked out in the area under the feeder, there were just a rabbit and Crow, not really what we want.
Well, supper over, maybe I should try to get out for a walk, before settling down to poker.
When David got to Subway, she had to put everything together for him, so there was no advantage to having ordered ahead of time. It seems that every thing is wide open and business as usual except for the closed dining rooms. We have a fair shopping list but we decided that we would continue to be careful. Once a week in the early morning, when the store is closed to all but seniors. Every source is predicting a second wave of the virus and we just don't feel it's worth risking our lives to shop for one or two things every day, as was our habit "before".
Got my Visa bill today, and was pleased at how low the total was, until I looked closer. It was by bill from January. Go figure? I sort of thought that the total was higher, so called and got current information.
In the garden this morning we found 7 separate Lady Slippers coming up. We had thought that we had lost them after the drought a couple of years back, as they have declined in number every year since. There were only 2 sickly looking ones last year. David will look after them this year, and hope for the future. At the feeder the Juncos are gone again, and won't be back until fall. So we see Sparrows, although this evening, when I looked out in the area under the feeder, there were just a rabbit and Crow, not really what we want.
Well, supper over, maybe I should try to get out for a walk, before settling down to poker.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Vacation over and back to home....
Bailey and I had a nice vacation are now back home this afternoon and into the routine again.
Hope all is well with you folks - no new messages while I was away so I have to wonder...?
Mike gave me two new books for Birthday/ Mother's Day gift and both were recommended by you Pati: The Chilbury Ladies Choir, and Winter in Paradise ( the first of a trilogy). He ordered two more but they have not come in yet but the one is the second in the trilogy of the Winter one.
I hear on the news that some restrictions have been lifted in Manitoba today - anything new for either of you to enjoy again such as a haircut? I am desperate and using berets now to hold it off my face. And the report from Winnipeg interviewed someone from The Pony Corral which apparently opened...maybe you should rush over???
All for now and lots of work to complete before bed, and much more for tomorrow by the looks of things haha! Take care
Hope all is well with you folks - no new messages while I was away so I have to wonder...?
Mike gave me two new books for Birthday/ Mother's Day gift and both were recommended by you Pati: The Chilbury Ladies Choir, and Winter in Paradise ( the first of a trilogy). He ordered two more but they have not come in yet but the one is the second in the trilogy of the Winter one.
I hear on the news that some restrictions have been lifted in Manitoba today - anything new for either of you to enjoy again such as a haircut? I am desperate and using berets now to hold it off my face. And the report from Winnipeg interviewed someone from The Pony Corral which apparently opened...maybe you should rush over???
All for now and lots of work to complete before bed, and much more for tomorrow by the looks of things haha! Take care
Friday, May 1, 2020
have I gone to the Dark Side?
Starting to think so. I'm doing housework--a lot of housework. things are being cleaned that have never been cleaned before. ( no exaggeration and "nuff said about that) Housework has always had a low priority for me but I starting to feel disgusted if I see dirt. OMG! What's happening to me? But--I'm finding new ways of cleaning, given my deteriorating physical condition. Finding those challenges me. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I accomplish something, despite the bizarre means I use to get there. Today, I attached a wet rag to my long handled reacher, and used that to wash the bottom of the tall skinny cupboard to the right of my stove. I used my wet floor washing Swiffer to wash the cupboard under the sink. It works on the floor of the cupboard, the walls, and inside the door.
I understand the subconscious mechanisms at work , such as a need for control in whatever small ways that are available to me. The house is cleaner and looking better than ever before. The down side is that this is becoming so important, that studio time is diminished.
David saw the doctor this morning and came home with a prescription, which he took into the pharmacy. He came home, with the plan of going out later to pick up the pills, and taking me along for a coffee. I sat down to watch the noon news, and saw that rain is on the way, should get here in the early afternoon, and will be staying until much later tonight. Since David says that the was a line up to get into Walmart, half way down the outside of the store, that trip may wait for tomorrow. Certainly not looking forward to standing in the rain for a half hour or more.
We do have the patio furniture out. David found a spot where the table is level and stable, which means that it can't be moved until October. We're fortunate in that there there only two of us as the table is just at the edge of the patio, with just enough room for three chairs around the table. Since no-one can visit, we're set for summer, unless that happened yesterday and now we're looking at fall. Sure feels like it.
Enjoy your vacation Beth, even if it does include housework and cooking. I'm finding that I am strangely content to stay home and safe in my house, these days. Maybe something has taken over my body. This is not me, but since I like whatever it is, it can stay --for awhile.
I understand the subconscious mechanisms at work , such as a need for control in whatever small ways that are available to me. The house is cleaner and looking better than ever before. The down side is that this is becoming so important, that studio time is diminished.
David saw the doctor this morning and came home with a prescription, which he took into the pharmacy. He came home, with the plan of going out later to pick up the pills, and taking me along for a coffee. I sat down to watch the noon news, and saw that rain is on the way, should get here in the early afternoon, and will be staying until much later tonight. Since David says that the was a line up to get into Walmart, half way down the outside of the store, that trip may wait for tomorrow. Certainly not looking forward to standing in the rain for a half hour or more.
We do have the patio furniture out. David found a spot where the table is level and stable, which means that it can't be moved until October. We're fortunate in that there there only two of us as the table is just at the edge of the patio, with just enough room for three chairs around the table. Since no-one can visit, we're set for summer, unless that happened yesterday and now we're looking at fall. Sure feels like it.
Enjoy your vacation Beth, even if it does include housework and cooking. I'm finding that I am strangely content to stay home and safe in my house, these days. Maybe something has taken over my body. This is not me, but since I like whatever it is, it can stay --for awhile.
Know what you mean Cathy...
We tend to overdo it when we can finally get out and putter. But the sitting on the patio idea sounds like a great way to relax. Pati did you get your patio table etc out ....you mentioned once that you sat outside? We will have to virtually sit with each other and enjoy the sun and socializing ( and sustenance) OK?
Bailey and I are going on vacation tomorrow (Sat) to Markstay, Ontario to a little resort called Mike's Place! We will likely stay two days and come back on Monday. While there I shall partake in the options offered such as housework, and cooking and yard work but will really enjoy the extra activities such as good company and happy hour haha!
Anyway just a wee note to let you know I shall be off line during this time but will have my cell phone if at all needed.
In meantime, take care both of you and try to enjoy some of this sunshine if you can. Thinking of you ...
Bailey and I are going on vacation tomorrow (Sat) to Markstay, Ontario to a little resort called Mike's Place! We will likely stay two days and come back on Monday. While there I shall partake in the options offered such as housework, and cooking and yard work but will really enjoy the extra activities such as good company and happy hour haha!
Anyway just a wee note to let you know I shall be off line during this time but will have my cell phone if at all needed.
In meantime, take care both of you and try to enjoy some of this sunshine if you can. Thinking of you ...
Every year I say the same thing...............
"Don't overdo it when the warm weather comes" and every year I get too much sun and use too many muscles right at the start. The first warm day we puttered but I still got too much sun. Yesterday I used too many muscles and got too much sun. Last night I was in bed by 9:30, but thanks to the cat it was much later by the time I slept. (she is helping me type right now) I did get two big squirrel nests cleaned out of the garden shed. I love watching them, but they are way too destructive to have around. Our neighbour came over with his PTO tiller and had our entire garden deep-tilled in less than 10 minutes. Definitely a treat since our tiller is about 1/6 the size. Jim was so happy that he put in a row of potatoes right away (yes, snow is forecast for Monday) (Is there NOTHING that cat will leave alone?!? ) We also brought up some of our patio furniture so that we could sit outside. We were using some old fold up chairs that you carry in a bag over your shoulder, but now we have some comfortable ones out. I even took 2 chairs and an old table around to the front deck. I got most of the leaves out of the Saskatoons and the rhubarb all cleaned off. To our dismay our basement ceiling started leaking when it rained a couple of days ago. It looks like it is leaking in the valley between the house and the entrance way and running down the inside of the wall to the basement. Jim wants to go on the roof and fix it. I have called him an F---ing idiot!. We compromised that he could look, from the ladder, not the roof, but not touch. If he sees the problem we ask for help. We don't think our lives are going to change much when things ease up next week (Star Wars Day.........May the fourth be with you!) Except I intend to get a haircut as soon as I can. Though we have already sat outside in the yard and had a drink with the neighbour and Rodney. 6 feet apart though. That is still not allowed even though we can go and sit on a outdoor patio with 10 strangers at one table. I am looking forward to the greenhouse opening. I wasn't happy with phoning in my request and picking it up at the curbside. I like to choose my own plants. I told Jim that since we had saved money the last 7 weeks by not going anywhere (except maybe an increase in trips to the Liquor Store) that I wanted to spend it on frivolous things like a new umbrella stand for the patio table and maybe some solar lights for the yard. And today we might have to go to the garbage drop off again. We used to wait until we had a car full. Now as soon as I get a bag I am ready for the road trip.
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