Happy New Year

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

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

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

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

Special anniversary wishes

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

More snow..

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

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

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

What a terrible message to read.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas to all...

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

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

Love Beth XX

A moment of quiet...

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

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

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

And now we wait

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

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

Sorry it did not turn out for you-

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

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

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

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

Darn Kindle!

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

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

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

Reality take 17

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

Two different realities

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

What an interesting message Pati.

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

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

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

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

I thought Covid was scary!

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

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

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

It's very scary out there

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to say, what to say

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

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

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

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

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

The Sound of Music

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

Not so bad

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

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

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

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

I have to admit

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

The necessity for silliness

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

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

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

Cataract surgery

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

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

Take care folks. Be safe.

Not Fair

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

Thank you

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

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

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

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

Fruit Cake

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

A question of a culinary nature

 Please if you can help me.

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

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

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

Thanks

A little bit of satisfaction

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

A bit of Chaos (long)

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

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

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

It is mild..

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

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

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

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

Too much snow...

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

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

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

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