We tried

 Things have been weird.  We did have plans, and tried to follow them.  We wanted to go to the bank.  For some reason the on-line banking has refused my password, and has told me that I need to go into the bank itself to speak to someone.  We went Tuesday, but , of course the bank was closed.  We went yesterday, but there were only two tellers, both new and barely trained, and a line out the door (really).  As it appeared that there was no-one who could help me, I went across the parking lot to Starbucks and bought myself some breakfast. Meanwhile David waited patiently to pay the bills, and found an assistant manager who was helping customers who didn't want cash.

Earlier, the boots I had ordered from The Bay arrived via Canada Post.  I was very excited but found that the laces, held by one of those special thingies that are often on waist ties of jackets.  They only expand so far when you push the end in, and these didn't open wide enough to get ones foot in.  This meant that we could mail them back, or we could go out to St. Vital Center and return them today to a spot where I might get other, better boots.  This did happen, and then there was the waiting line for a cashier.  While standing in line, across the aisle was a rack of "Vintage Sweaters".  They all looked as though they had been stored in a big bundle for about 10 years.  All sorts of "ugly" Christmas sweaters, for $32 each.  Yes, I bought one.  Came home and immediately put on a load of wash, so that I could wear my new "ugly" sweater when we went out.  I confess that I had chosen one of the least "ugly" ones--black with a string of two dimensional light made out of sequins.  I could have had big furry kittens on red, but chose one more appropriate for my age-snort!

Supper was at the Mongolian Buffet near by.  A very nice meal including a shared dessert.  Then we went gambling, and ended up staying too long. David did well.  I didn't.

Lately, I've been having trouble with my right shoulder. At times the pain interferes with my sleeping.  As well, getting ready for bed, I stubbed my toe and broke it ( yeah, the bruising and pains tells me it's broken.  Not the first broken toe on that foot.)  It was late and I was tired, so took two T3's, instead of my usual Tylenol 650's.  Neither worked well, and sleep wasn't going to happen easily.  By about 2;00 I was desperate, so got up and made myself some hot chocolate, which sometimes works.  By 4:00 I figured I should be okay with  ZZZ-Quil, and drifted off around 4:30.  Needless to say, I wasn't up until around noon.

David's sister was to left for New Zealand on Christmas Day.  Her flight was cancelled, and her travel agent was trying to get a new one, when Gail, who wasn't feeling well, tested herself and came up positive for Covid.  As well, her daughter, who has been in hospital lately, has also tested positive and has been moved into isolation.  No word yet on how all that is going to work out, but Gail still hopes to get to New Zealand at some point.

It's now 1:30, and earlier, I had decided to let today work out any way it wants to.  So, I feel like I need a nap.

Stay safe

A day for memories

 Today December 28, always brings back happy and fond memories of family and today I think especially of you Pati and Dave. I send my love. Many times we have been together for this day and that was an extra reason to celebrate. You both have a fun day! ❤ 

Cathy's Christmas Picture 2022

 

Alas

 No pictures here, although I will try to get a couple tomorrow.  I had planned to ask Gail to take a couple while we played games this evening, but she was not feeling all that well, and chose to go home directly after dinner.  She was in a car accident earlier this week, and is in a lot of pain, but is refusing to see a doctor.  Her discomfort is obvious.  I hope she feels better soon.

Our dinner was wonderful, and since the price meant that we were paying for a whole bunch of "wonderful", I can say we weren't disappointed.  I would easily agree to go back next year.  We had been a little uncertain given the disappointing take-out meal we had from the same place last year, but they pulled out all of the stops this year.  Three types of large shrimp offered in one meal.  And quite an array of desserts, including fresh fruit with a chocolate fountain.

Now, since we are at home without company, we can both relax with our chosen beverage, and have slow baths later in the evening ( we hadn't been sure that might happen.)  Just as satisfying as the game night we had originally planned.

Christmas Day

 Jim and I made it to Killarney. We have vowed to never travel in winter again. White knuckle driving all the way there. The visit was worth it. It was too bad that rrain was too sick to come. She will miss tomorrow with Nancy’s family too. I am going to try to post a picture. Sandi and Kris showed me how to use the timer on my cell phone camera!!who knew!?

Day is done...gone the sun...

 Greetings to all,

Our Christmas Day has come to a very happy conclusion as we are safely home after a wonderful visit and meal and celebration and family time. What more does one need? My hope is that all of us will return home from your outings happy and full, and content as well.

Pictures were requested and I will send the two we took but the quality is poor and on the darkish side, and probably do not do justice to the participants or else, the participants really are as old and awful looking as they appear to be in the pictures haha!

Harry and I in front of the 80 inch screen TV where there was a roaring fire and Christmas music for our entertainment while we sat and enjoyed our visit.

Mike and I standing beside his Christmas Tree.

Sorry for the darkness of both of these pictures. It was a fun day and so glad the weather and roads allowed us to travel as planned. Many were not so fortunate. Our power keeps going off and it was off again today while we were away. But for now the snow has stopped. This weeks forecast is not so great.

Take care and Merry Christmas to you. XX

Merry Christmas

From those not travelling, a wish for your safety and better weather, during your trip.  As well I wish you the joy of being with family, as I anticipate a visit with both my children the 2nd of January.

Christmas Eve and all is quiet ...now...

 We have weathered the worst of the storm and have come out the other end with lots of snow, no hydro for awhile, and yet happy to see Christmas Eve and looking forward to greeting Christmas Day tomorrow. 

Best wishes to all for a safe and happy / healthy celebration.

Merry Christmas to all....and to all a good night. XX

🎄 🎀

Red Fox

 Strange title?  That's the colour of thread that I ordered that didn't come today, when the rest of the order arrived.  This is my gift to myself that will be paid for with the money I haven't yet received for the quilt that sold in the display in Morden in October or November.  I did get refunded for it, and she has promised to order it with her next order from the American manufacturer.  Knowing myself, I'll probably order it and half a dozen other brown shades, even if I rarely use brown.  Addiction is terrible.

Yesterday I went out to Lorette for our regular meeting, and I understand there will be one next week as well, although that's our anniversary and I'll have to think twice about going.  That trip out is a "big deal", as I have never before attended during  the winter, and I was going out there for a couple of years before Covid.  The roads were fine and the only hazard was the extreme cold, but I've found my new cape/serape is much warmer than expected, and I'm now convinced that I'll be able to wear it all winter.

When I arrived there were only two people there, Gail and my friend Liesje.  Liesje had crocheted me a 36" worry worm to use as a draft guard at my front door.  We named him "Peter", and he started on duty as soon as I got him home. 

Peter says "Hello"  and Peter on duty.  

This whole silliness is an example of the juvenile and sometimes risque humour these ladies sometime enjoy, but we have also discussed quite a few deeper subjects.  Death, especially of people we know, and the lifestyle and morality changes we've lived through, (at least one of the ladies went through a teenage pregnancy, and a couple of them have lived through divorce and/or widowhood.)  Since Lorette is in the Manitoba bible Belt, religion comes into discussions but not in any offensive way--it's just part of life and living in the area.

I was surprised to see Gail, as she and her friend "Laurie-from-Lorette" had been in an accident while in Winnipeg on Tuesday which totaled Laurie's car and left Gail in a lot of pain  (She refuses to see a Doctor.  I wouldn't be surprised if she has several cracked ribs)  By the end of the day there were six of us, including two ladies who haven't attended in quite awhile.

But now we head into two weeks of no outside commitments, other than Christmas dinner.  I have two ideas in mind for new pieces.  The "Divas", my fibreart support group, are planning another show, and this has put all sorts of creative ideas in my mind.  It's a good feeling.

So--on to Christmas, and anniversaries, and birthdays.  I wish my sisters were with me for each event, but know how important your families are to you, and how precious the events are to both of you.  Can we plan for pictures, if possible?  All my love to both of you and to the people in your life whom you love.

Was the week before Christmas...

 ....and all through the blog not a creature was stirring, not even a frog. Just kidding ...but it is soon Christmas and I cannot help but be thinking of all of you. And you all must be quietly waiting...snuggled warm in your home ...and hopefully content with your world.  Hope all is well with everyone. 💗

There is a threat of stormy weather ahead this week which includes rain and all of a sudden I shutter at the thought of that. All this snow so far is quite enough thank you. We plan to go to Mike's on Christmas day for a lovely Turkey meal.We have shopped for all we need and now just have the prep to think about, The bird is big and outside in my home made freezer ( a cooler on the stairs) but it will have to come in probably on Thursday. And if it is going to rain, then my homemade freezer would not work so well, would it?

I continue to do my leg exercises every day once or twice as suggested and can only hope that eventually things will come around for me again and I shall be cured haha! But there are some encouraging signs already so perhaps it will work out.

Take care all and raise a glass or two during this before Christmas lull .......to us three gals 👪   Brings back good memories around this time... XX

So the snow has finally arrived....

 Sorry to read Pati, that your ladies get together on Wed was postponed by the snow storm but safety is really the priority. I think of the many times when I was working that I was out on the roads when I should not have been. A few close calls that I remember with some dread still  at how crazy we were to think we had to keep going.  I headed to North Bay today after shoveling myself out of the driveway and it was heavy wet snow at that. The kind they call "heart attach snow". But I had planned this trip for myself for some weeks and since time is closing in before Christmas arrives, I wanted to get it done. Plus the forecast for the days to come is no better with snow squalls etc to look forward to. I had no problems with the drive and so the day went smoothly for me. I treated myself to a Dr Pepper for the drive home and realized yet again how much I enjoy that drink but never seem to buy any on regular shopping trips to have on hand at home.

So I just finished my leg exercises as laid out by the Physiotherapist and plan to get into bed soon. When i get out of bed each morning lately I find I cannot walk the leg is so weak but as the Physio told me it is just the muscles "waking up" from been dead for so long. I have a cane handy to help me if i need it and so in the mornings i am using it until the leg shakes out and I can walk better. Oh woe is me....

Take care all - not only for this weather but also all the sickness that is all around us.  Only nine more sleeps until Christmas...but who's counting. 😇 

A tempest in a teapot

 The snow came and the ladies didn't.  They offered to come next month, but David has a medical appointment that day and I have to drive him.  This has meant that I've had plenty of time to play in my studio the last couple of days, and have finished one donation quilt and started another.  With tomorrow being laundry day I may get that one put together but probably not finished.

Lull before the storm

 Now we're hitting "just waiting" time.  There is no more to do before Christmas.  We have our reservation for our Christmas dinner, and will probably take one day at a time the following week.  But, as of Wednesday evening, we have no firm plans before Christmas day.

Wednesday, my Fibre Art Support group, The Fibre Art Divas, will be meeting here in the afternoon.  The studio is ready, although I still have to wash the bathroom floor, and that will be done today.  I did attend one meeting last summer, but with travel time, it took the whole day, and David drove me. They have met  face-to-face a few other times, but it was often out of town, or in the evening.  The meetings have been changed to afternoon, both to facilitate my attending, as well as making things much easier for the ladies who travel from out of town.

We usually have a sort of "show-n-tell" during the meetings but discuss things in more depth than the term might suggest, as they are all "Art quilters", but work in a variety of mediums and styles.  I have very little to show them, but believe that a couple of pieces that are currently on the wall, could represent "new" work.  Maybe I can just bask in the knowledge that my piece "Tall Grass Prairie" sold at the final stop for our two year travelling show entitled "Home".  Haven't seen a cheque yet, though.

Sunday was the "Volunteer Appreciation Dinner" for the Gallery in Selkirk.  It was held at the Golf Club, as such events usually are, but in the afternoon rather than the evening.  Many of the volunteers are quite elderly and no longer venture out in the evening--including the two of us.  A pleasant event, including a full turkey dinner, and one we both enjoyed.  Made me think of the Christmas dinners we had when we were young, usually at Auntie Lorrain's house.  Those were often in the early afternoon, as well.

Still moving slowly, after my fall last week, and now have quite a variety of colourful bruises.  Today, I plan to get started on the suggestions we got from the Social Worker on Thursday.  I know what has to be done, and I just need to get to it.  I'll let you know how things work out.

Have a good week ladies, and stay safe.

Maybe "best forgotten" but...

 ....still very much on my mind and close to my heart as I read about both of your unexpected adverse events of this week. Best to focus on the weeks to come with some "Merry and Bright" as I have read coming from the media as the most recent things to say these days. I have seen pillows, and banners and mugs all adorned with this saying.  I sort of always liked "...have a Merry Christmas" but perhaps that is no longer politically correct? And with the ground still green and the sun shining maybe even Christmas will be a little different this year as well? 

I have been trying to bake chocolate covered peanut butter balls with some obvious problems and some messy results. I had left over peanut butter mixture from my attempt last evening, so today I made a quasi New York Slice ( Mom's recipe) or Nanaimo Bars as they are more commonly called but substituting the Birds Eye custard filling with the peanut butter mixture. I know, don't choke with laughter....

They are outside in a cooler now to harden. I also have the balls from last evening in the fridge which I will eat but with less enthusiasm as I had going into this the other day. Why didn't I just make our good old Christmas cookies - they always turn out haha!

Take care all.... be careful...👀❤....thinking of you. 

A day best forgotten.

 Sorry to hear about Jim's problems, Cathy.  Atrial Fibrillation is at the root of all of David's issues the past few years, so we're well acquainted with it, and the issues that go with it. Both of you take more care from now on.

Today was to have been David's last day at DH (actually last week was supposed to be the last, but he was asked for one more week for re-assessments by Physio and OT.)   However, every person there asked him if he was going to come back next week for the Christmas Party.  He agreed pretty quickly. I went to all his groups and was expected to participate.  We also had a chat with the Social Worker who encouraged us to be looking for a placement now, and get our names on waiting lists, as the current wait is about 3 years, and they are only seeing the beginning of the baby boomers coming of age.

However, I was also to observe the re-assessments.  It turned out to be only with the physio.  After she re-assessed David, she was showing me a walker that had impressed David last week.  (I now need one occasionally) Wouldn't you know it, I had a fall trying to turn with the walker. Hurt my left knee, hip and elbow, as well as a few other places.  Considering where we were, they insisted on taking me through to Urgent care where we waited for almost 3 hours before I was seen.  Actually that was a short wait these days, and only because I didn't need a treatment bed, only x-rays.  Quite a few of the people who were waiting when we got there were still waiting when we left.  They had a small alcove with a smaller attached space just large enough for a stretcher.  There were 5 chairs in the alcove, all numbered, and a doctor in the tiny space whose job was to see the ambulatory people who arrived and sat in the chairs.  Nothing broken, but I'm going to have bruises in interesting places. I'm not very active this evening, just sitting and using the computer.  Everything hurts and I'm sure it will be "early to bed" for me.  If "early to rise" follows that's okay too.  David's energy level appears to be about the same.

So, here's hoping tomorrow will be a better day, and that I can move well enough to do the wash.

What a day!

At 8:30 Jim asked me to go with him to his 9:00am test at the hospital. OMG!  It is good I went. He says no one told him he’d need a driver but…. First he was admitted as an out patient; off with the clothes (all!) and on with a gown. He was then hooked up to a monitor for all his vitals. Then they tried to put in an IV!  No success after three tries. The doctor tried and ended up using an ultrasound to guide his way. Success. Then!  The story. His heart beat was too high so they were going to give him a drug to slow his heart rate drastically.  “You’ll feel like your are dying, but only for a few seconds” (to quote). They hooked him up to the machine, turned on print and injected him. He let out a loud gasp as his heart rate dropped from over 135 to 40 and then only seconds later they got their reading and his heart rate rose again. The slow down in heart let the print out slow down and they could see what was happening. Good news they said…… it is A-Fib (?). We can deal with that now. It can be medication or a shock. Hydro is cheaper so….  So, they told him they would sedate him (knock him out) for a few minutes and shock him. If he weren’t knocked out it would “hurt like hell”. They had a “ fill in” anesthesiologist from Winnipeg who had a different method. Hence, Jim had 4 doctors and 2 nurses in the room to watch. The only word I understood was ketamine. (Oh goodie!  Special K… a street drug). Anyway, it was some sort of metered injection that would only knock him out for a few minutes. The doctors were laughing, saying they wanted to rate his “flop” when he got shocked, and were disappointed they didn’t think of numbered cards to rate the anesthesiologist!!  Kept the tension light since Jim’s BP had risen to 199/123 (or so). So, Jim was unconscious and they were ready. There was a pharmacy student shadowing the doctor and he let her give Jim the shock. (“Don’t be gentle.. push the button firmly”). She pushed it, Jim “flopped” and she said “I did it!”  Jim did flop, and his legs got stiff and kept jerking!  It was scary, and yet fascinating!  His heart rate dropped to between 90 and 100 and then minutes later he was awake!  Because of his blood thinners all the failed IVs were still bleeding lightly so he had bandages everywhere. Then it was get dressed and let us know when you leave. But, they turned to me and “ you are driving of course”.   So, my plans for the day were obviously not completed. Plus we had meat delivered today and since Jim was still a bit “off” I got to load all the meat myself. Fortunately not a lot, but heavy. And the order was screwed up. Instead of 4 kg of pork chops they sent over 20kg (in 6 bags). Fortunately the guy that ordered it bought his order and then another 4 bags as Christmas presents for his 4 kids. And then Brent took the other bag, so we weren’t stuck. But, what a day!!!♥️

Books to read...

 Hi to both,

It seems that you both have beat me to reading Louise Penny's newest book and so I am not only jealous...but also now a bit "curious" about it. I am holding off though until after Christmas because I feel I may be given said book as a gift. Also Pati, the next Rockton book will be on my wish list. Cathy did you ever get reading all the Rockton series books? I have quite enjoyed them all but Pati you went a step further I think and now own them...do you have them all now Pati?

I will feel good to get back to reading as it has not been on my activity list for some time now. I think shoveling will be today though as we have lots more snow to deal with after two days of the stuff coming down.

Take care...😉

For the moment---

 I am in my happy place.  I'm reading, and am just about finished the latest Louise Penny book, "A World of Curiosities" .  this morning I got an e-mail from Amazon.ca telling me that the latest Rockton book,   "The Deepest of Secrets" will be delivered Tuesday.

What day did you say it was?

Yeah, it's been that sort of week. The last straw was when I tried to sign in here, and Google wouldn't recognize me.  All sorted out now though.  Had issues with Playnow.com earlier in the week, but those are not yet fully sorted out.  For some reason, they had me living in Winnipeg California. I'll maybe have to get on the phone to them again.  They've given me a "case number", so I shouldn't have to wait while they try out all of the strategies the previous techs have tried to use.

The two quilts now have their backings and battings cut to size, and both are ready to go to the long armer.  And let me tell you that was quite a chore, as I had to cut from a new package of batting--90" by 9 yds. and had been given very specific sizes for both the backing and the batting.  Today I spent a lot of time trying to get all of the left over scraps under control, all the while dealing with the laundry.

Earlier in the week, we did a lot of "power cooking".  Our big freezer was just about empty, and we made the decision to fill it.  We had a little bit more money in the bank this week, what with paying off the credit cards and LOC, so went out shopping, on Tuesday, for the purpose of buying meat, plus whatever add-ons might be needed to turn the meat into meals.  We sought out bargains in two different stores, and feel good about what we spent. 

Then we started cooking.

Didn't get finished cooking on Tuesday, so, on Wednesday, I stayed home from Lorette.  Even with two of us hustling, we didn't actually get the job finished until about 3:00.  Even then, we had two slow cookers going, and spent time in the evening portioning out meals and getting them in the freezer.

Yesterday, it was up early and get David across the city to DH.  I picked him up early, right after lunch, and we headed to Selkirk for the opening reception of the current show.  Not many people there, and most of them were Board members, so we had a good discussion about what we see in the future for the board, and what physical changes are needed in an effort to continuing to up-grade the building, and make things more readily available to the daily volunteers, many of whom are elderly.  Some of these suggestions will be taken to the Board meeting on Sunday, and will, hopefully dealt with in a more timely manner than we've been able to in the past.

And--of course--today was laundry, although I, too, got my Christmas dishes out.  We moved them to a lower shelf than last year and I was able to manage it mostly on my own..  But everything was finished by supper.  So, even with getting my days confused all day today, we've made some good progress this week, and have a feeling of accomplishment.  And I get to spend the evening knowing that I have one more day than I thought I had this weekend.  I see that Amazon Prime is advertising the new series "Three Pines'.  I so very much want to see this and will, even if I have to pay a one time premium to get it.

December 1 and Christmas dishes are out!

 Welcome to December ladies, and as a treat I have officially taken out my Christmas dishes, washed them up, and placed them into the kitchen cupboard for daily use. This is the first time for me to do this so it is a bit of a celebration. I bought these dishes years ago with the intention of doing the switch in December just like you Pati - you were my inspiration to purchase some and then use them. The "use" part never materialized until today! So time to celebrate.

Raise a glass to my Christmas dishes..... Cheers.....XX

 

Almost December !!!

 Where has the time gone?  We went to the big craft sale on Saturday.  I was intending to get Sandi new mittens but there was not a single pair of mitts in the entire sale.  I drowned my disappointment by buying a tray of fudge😊. I also walked past Rrain twice without seeing her!  She had to call to me before I noticed her sitting in a booth. A new store opened in town. A toy store. I am going to check it out this week. It sounds like they intend to expand as they renovate the building, but they have stock in for Christmas. We had a skiff of snow today. Yesterday’s forecast called for up to 10cm. Today they reduced it to less than 1cm. How can they be so wrong. It’s like crying wolf. They will predict a storm and no one  will believe them…. Then boom!  This is the week I cat sit for Rrain while she flies east for a conference. Two days of travel for a two day meeting. At least she doesn’t have to pay, but her flight leaves early Tuesday morning so she will have to be on the way to Winnipeg by about 4am, and she is definitely not a morning person. Barb has also asked me to cat sit for her when she goes home at Christmas. Her cats are pretty independent so it might be nothing more than topping up their food and water. So, basically nothing is happening in my life. No adventures for me.  

Weather

 You may have more heat coming Beth.  We've been basking in above zero temps all week, although it's cooling down now.

At DH on Thursday, David was told that he'll have an extra week, to facilitate a Physio and OT re-assessment, probably as a measure of progress.  He asked if I could be there to observe, so I've been invited to attend that day as well.

Today, Saturday, we were out in the gallery in Selkirk, all day.  It was a long day, and we both came home exhausted.  David helped out at an event called Easel Wars.  I may have mentioned it in the past. Basically 5 people (all ages, and some were quite small) are assigned easels out of the sight of each others.  They are supplied with paint, brushes, a blank canvas, and an apron. When all are ready, they are given a silly topic, (a giraffe on ice skates or a fish with a cane etc) and a closely timed 20 minutes to complete a picture.  Then the observers or assigned judges, pick the best of the group.  Ability to paint is never a consideration, rather active participation, or a twist on the topic, or even the ability to cover the whole canvas are considered.  There is kibitzing allowed from the audience, and everyone has fun. The participants are told these criteria ahead of time.  There are usually several shifts, followed by a grand championship round when a prize is awarded.  Participants may pay to join, or the audience may vote with loonies, making it into a fund raiser, but this time it was just for fun, with the prize being a $25 gift certificate to the gallery.  So David helped set up all of the rounds, making sure each easel had enough paint, a brush, a canvas, and an apron.  He was really kept quite busy, while I helped look after all of the visitors--and there were a lot.  We also had a camera crew filming the event, so you may soon be able to view it on the website.

I was tired and struggling fairly soon, but sat when I could, did what I could, and made it through the day.  David was tired, but made it through the day, and then drove us home--at twilight--dark by the time we got back to the city.  A quick supper at a sit-down restaurant, and then home.  Both of us have just zoned out in front of our computers since we arrived home.

I thank Goodness for the nice weather--dry highways and good visibility.  But now it's time for bed.

Crazy weather

 Hi,

Is this going to be the changes in weather that they predict? Our snow is basically gone and the temp is above freezing and we have green grass., and the next week or so is calling for mildness and rain. I can remember only one Christmas here in Sundridge that was "green" and that was I think in 1983. I would like a bit of snow on the ground just to make it delightful, but not stressful for shoveling. Do you think I will get my wish??

Talking about stressful.. I just completed today's exercise program for the strenghthening of my left leg as programmed by the Physiotherapist at my first appt on Monday. So this is the sixth day and I am happy to think that I see some positive results. The first few days were torture but I am getting used to it now and although some of the specific exercises really hurt eg the hip abduction laying on my side and raising the leftleg up and holding is still stressful but I endure. I am dedicated to my improved health so give me some hugs and kisses please.👏💋

Today is the annual local Christmas Sale at the Legion and although I am not going, Harry has already left to browse around. I used to like to go to these events but lately with all the stay at home rules and also now with my mobility issues, i choose to remain at home. I am attached to my home now and Pati you have mentioned this feeling a few times in your blogs so i think you both may understand as I know Cathy you also like to be home and relax... 😆😆..am I right?

So with house work on the go right now, I am also thinking about sewing a tree skirt for Michael's tree. He is all into Christmas this year and i like to encourage him if i can. It is nice to see him enthused.  I have that large bolt of red fabric which I just pulled out and cut out a few trial pieces of felt in Christmas shapes to attach as decorations, and think i can sew one that will fit the bill nicely. That will be one of my projects for this weekend if I can manage it between other called upon duties haha!

I was a bad girl yesterday and bought myself an Egg Nog at the Lottery Store when i went to get my tickets. I have always tried not to give in to this urge as I love it so much...but hey...why not! It was $4.98 and gulp..gasp... I bought it anyway just for me. I had a drink last evening and plan to do this same this evening. Cheers....

Well the housework beckons me..Have a nice weekend both.. thinking of you... XX Take care

it just so happens----

David tried the socks on.  They fit quite nicely and are now part of his sock wardrobe. Fortunately, they can't be seen when he wears his boots.

Quiet times now.  Out Thursday to take David to DH.  He only has two more weeks, and then they send a report to our doctor, but offer nothing to us.  Spent my "respite" time catching up with housework, and then it was laundry on Friday.  I had a few minutes to play with the stencils I bought, but so far have been a little disappointed with the result.

Given how very busy the days were leading up to the craft sale, yesterday and the pending weekend, appear to be casual relaxing times. Of course David has a football game on Sunday, and that may allow me a stretch of quiet time in the studio, or reading.  After the way we managed during Covid, I now treasure quiet time at home, even if I just drink tea and read a book.  Although there is always the option of drinking whiskey.  I've never liked whiskey, but I've probably never had whiskey, after determining that I did not like Rye. (Don't ask.  That's another mis-spent youth story for my memoirs)

So, time to put the kettle on and get back to my newspaper.  Definitely a Saturday morning tradition around here, and one I look forward to all week. Staying at home is one way to stay safe, even if it can't be maintained for the long run--or maybe it can?

Perhaps so....

 But fortunately for you , there is a full bottle of Crown Royal to ease the pain of "all that weirdness" around us these days!  Or maybe, you have to wear those hockey socks, and put your feet up....and sip away???  Enjoy XX

H'mmm

 Today we went to the liquor store, and David bought himself a bottle of Crown Royal.  There was a tiny box attached to the bottle, which contained a pair of socks--ugly.  Is it just me, or is it getting awful weird out there?

Am I awake yet?

 Since Saturday I seem to spend most of my time sleeping.  Get up, have breakfast, have a nap.  Lunch and a few minutes in the studio, and then a nap.  Supper and early to bed. Repeat.  I tried to work on Long Time Gone, but ran into a series of problems, mainly with the various checkerboards not matching when they were to be sewn together.  This is not easy to fix, but it was finally done.  Giving it a final iron before putting it away, I discovered another tiny area of checkerboards not matching.  Said "S---w it.  It will just stay that way.  Maybe if people notice it they won't notice the other areas that are a tiny bit wonky"

So now I have two quilt tops that need quilting, and I'm going to have someone else do them.  It will cost a bit, but I'm in no hurry and can slowly put the money away.  I'll have to buy backing for both, in any case.

But most of my time has been spent with David.  Yesterday we got a call that the forms for MPI were ready to be picked up.  They were very expensive, but we "bit the bullet" and paid it.  While at the clinic, we looked to see if the cape I had been looking at was still there but not so.  Eventually we bought a different one.  So I can't complain about having no money if we are spending it foolishly.  Still, I'm wanting to start looking a little more my age and less "raggety".  This cape is very lady-like and David says I look good in it.  So did the sales lady but I'm less inclined to believe her.

So David's papers are in, and we wait to see what the future holds.  We have copies, and access to all of the info.  So we're somewhat apprehensive, although we must always hope for the best.  I'll let you know what happens.

My fibre art support group will be coming to my house next month.  After agreeing to this ( I invited them) I was asked if it would be alright if they came in the afternoon instead of the evening.  The group leader said that, during the last meeting, everyone had agreed to afternoon meetings.  Today I was speaking with my friend Geesje, and she let slip that it was to accommodate me, but all of the ladies who live in the country are very much in favour of the change.  They travel long distances and would much prefer not to be driving at night.  So I have decided to be grateful and not upset at being the focus of the change.

All of the above has occurred over yesterday and today.  As well, David had a massage this afternoon, and I went along to the Timmy's across the parking lot of the Physio office.  I took a book, but most of my half hour alone was spent sipping coffee and looking out the window.  Tomorrow is out to Lorette again, but then there are two or three days with not much on the schedule.  Thursday I drive David to DH, and may just check out a sale at the local quilt shop (the one I rarely visit) to check out extra wide backings for the two quilts mentioned above, on my way home. Given our pace over the past few weeks, a couple of slow days will be a pleasant interlude.

But regardless, it looks like we need to consider wearing our masks again.  Please be safe ladies.

Never too much to eat...

 Enjoyed your story about the Show in Lorette, Pati, and never too much to eat... as long as you try something and by sounds of it you had plenty from which to choose haha! I was especially taken with your comments about the social aspects of your group and how you feel welcome and a part of it all. That made me feel good as well and I often think about both you, and also you Cathy, and your group involvements. I think I miss that. I had my work associations which is not like a social group at all although I have been able to perpetuate relationships with a few such as my friend Sue with whom I have a luncheon on occasion. But my world is very narrow and perhaps this is why I look forward to hearing from you both about what you are up to. So keep it up and make me happy...haha!

The weather is teasing us right now with a few flurries and cold temps but no real pounding yet...I should not say that as you know what will happen now. It's just around the corner though so lets all get ready.

I have been feeling a little more in the Christmas mood with seeing a few homes with lights up already. I have my laser light with green trees and red stars that covers the front of the house so think i will maybe get that up soon. Otherwise no other decorations. And I will eventually bring up my little 3 ft laser tree and set it up. It always brings me pleasure. Gone are the days of the big tree in the corner all covered with lights and balls and all sorts of other little bobbles. Not sure if i will bring up the movies this year but in the past have always had a select few of favourites to watch just before Christmas. But of course my CD music will be good to start to listen to. I have alittle player in the Kitchen that i have playing most days as I putter around so a bit of Christmas might suit me to a tee.

Well, Winnipeg is about to make history with their third Grey Cup win (I hope)  I have no means to watch it on the computer as I did a few Years ago, but I expect both your households will have it on. Have fun watching.

Time for another day to begin.  Take care and wear your masks. It sounds terrific in the world of health care these days. 😍

Too much to eat

 Yesterday was the sale in Lorette. Slow but steady, with a bit of a lull around noon.  But the fellow in the kitchen was selling homemade beef soup and a very small loaf of bread for $5, and most of the vendors enjoyed a hot lunch.  He was also selling the same type of cinnamon knot as last year.  Perfect for dessert.  Did I mention that I was sharing a table?  She (Barb was her name) was selling home baking.  I brought home cinnamon buns, home made whole wheat bread, butter tarts and matrimonial cake. Today we out out the garbage and whatever is still around the house will go too--except maybe the bread.

My stuff didn't sell well, nor did I expect it to.  But for some reason I sold coffee cuffs.  It was the cheapest thing on my table, except the book marks, and I sold 3 of those at 3/$10.

But the main benefit of the day?  The support and fellowship that was obvious amongst the women of the group--most from the Wednesday craft group.  Most of these women have lead a simple life, and they have experienced physical work--moreso than I.  Several of them have been school teachers, so they aren't uneducated, but rather, have perhaps chosen a life partner who had chosen to live on the family farm.  Several are widows.  But I feel comfortable around them.  I don't have to carefully choose every word and comment--although sometimes I choose to keep my mouth shut.  
When I was first there, it was as "Gail's friend", but over the summer Gail has not been attending, and now they know me as a person, and I felt, yesterday, that they like and accept me.  They even accept my weird sense of humour, and I understand their somewhat "earthy" humour.  This was a good day.  And to top it off, it was Saturday, and my shows were on PBS from Detroit.

From Mouse Factory Blog...

 Must write a few words on your latest post and the wonderful pictures Pati, of your quilt Long Time Gone. I marvel at your workmanship and dedication to keep going on with each of the many different blocks. When i see this quilt i think...."who would ever try this" ....but here you are  proof of it being done so beautifully. I know there are many others who have also done this quilt but you are very special in my minds eye.❤👀  

Thank you for sharing and anxious to see what develops with the execution to completion. Also very interested in your next endeavour - I have so many stencils here I wish I could share somehow. But I guess they are destined to be hidden away with all the rest of my "treasures" haha!

Take care everyone... and please keep your snow there for awhile. I am not ready for snow yet 😎

I’m back😊

 I’ve been reading the posts but procrastinating in posting myself. I’ve been taking things slow since I fell. Tylenol and voltaran, and repeat. I try to get some sort of walk in with Lucky every day but I am not up to our usual walks. Besides the fact that there are hunters out and we are avoiding our usual bush wanders. Nothing exciting is happening here. Looking out the window depresses me, but when I remember how deep it was by this date last year I feel a bit better. We have had all our COVID shots and our flu shot so, hopefully we will survive the winter. It is hard to remember what life was like pre-COVID. I feel sorry for kids that don’t remember any other life.  We had a suicide in Neepawa this week. A happy, outgoing, friendly, helpful teacher and community member. You never know what is happening in a person’s mind. We have had other suicides, but there has always been outward signs. This has hit the community hard.  I wish I had concerts and trips to tell you about but it seems I only leave Neepawa for doctors appointments. Tomorrow is haircut day😊. Then a 7pm board meeting☹️  Ups and downs.  Rrain is weighing the ups and downs of going to Ottawa for two days. No time to sight see…. Just seminars. She had a zoom meeting today to talk with all the other potential participants. (She had the entire meeting while sitting in the doctor’s waiting room). I have yet to hear of her decision. Friday we will be going to the Remembrance Day banquet. I am not sure if we are going to the service and luncheon. We are still discussing it. Other than that my week is empty. If the pain in my hip doesn’t ease up by next week I will go back to the doctor. Hopefully I won’t have too. And now for supper. We will have “meat and potatoes” tonight but tomorrow will be hamburger soup, as I have to go out again. Such is life. Love you guys

Happy to see your review...

 Glad to read your synopsis of the Concert with Randy Bachman. I so enjoyed listening to his show on CBC for years before they cancelled it. I loved his stories and it always brought me back to our early days in Winnipeg. And in the Free Press today they have a picture of him with what I presume is his long lost guitar which he must have shown at the Concert. One of my favourite songs is Prairie Town which he sings along with Neil Young all about Winnipeg ..."Portage and Main 50 below" in the lyrics remembering the sign atop the streets at the corner of said streets which gave the time and temperatures. I was never much into his time with BTO but some of those songs are nice as well.  So what will you do for an encore Pati - any future Concerts to think about?

It appears that your areas are seeing the snow now - Cathy your weather indicates same and yet Wpg suggests "not quite yet? Is that true?  The end of this week indicates some wet snow or flurries for here but that always changes and I am hopeful it will. Although I have done just about all I can do for outside to prepare for the winters snow. I have the shovels out and the sand bags ready and the driveway and a few paths clear although I have some leaves to move yet. The winds have been very strong these past few days and I see where my neatly arranged piles of leaves out of the way have now blown in all directions so there is some work left to rectify that.

I had to do some sewing yesterday to shorten a pair of Harry's slacks. Actually i made a mistake the previous day in making them too short with hand sewing so to cover up and make them a bit longer I had to use the sewing machine to do a very small tight seam at the bottom. It has been sometime since I enjoyed using my machine and once again that old feeling of "...i wish I could sew more.." came back to me. I had great difficulty with this project and made mistakes that required some seam ripping and then the needle broke and had to get the book out to figure that out. All is all a real disaster but ..eh. live with it.. haha!

We get our flu vaccines on Wed at the PHU clinic and hoping the line up will not be too long - runs from 3 to 6 pm at the arena but usually these PHU clinics are very well organized so I anticipate no issues.

Love hearing about your days and adventures Cathy and Pati. Keeps me connected with you. Take care all... be safe. XX

Evening out

 Yesterday was our evening out, attending the Randy Bachman concert at Club Regent.  As we were both intending to have a drink, we took a cab, getting there a little early, but not much. As expected, the audience was full of people our age.  Unfortunately, David was sitting behind a tall guy who like to wave his arms in the air. I was next to a large woman and with the very small seats, we were literally "jammed" in.  I had been worried that the stories would just be a repeat of the ones we had heard the last time we had seen the show, but while he did repeat about 4 of them, he put a different  twist on them.  The new stories were about growing up in Winnipeg, and back stories behind albums such as "Wheatfield Soul". An emotional moment came when we found out that the song "She's Come Undone", was based on an actual person who took something strange at an after show party, had a seizure, was taken by ambulance immediately, and died a week later. It was interesting to see that, when talking about his time with The Guess Who, when there was singing of songs that had originally been sung by Burton Cummings, other band members did the vocals.  Probably a good idea.  I have to say that he looked a little "frail".  While he sat for  most of the concert, if he did get up and move, there was someone, from the band or out from off stage, quickly beside him. But, he is 79-the same age as David, as well as probably half the audience.

Today, David is off to buy a hand-held vacuum for the basement stairs, and probably a lot of more chores that we haven't identified yet.  I get to scrub out the bathroom.  I wonder if this is penance for enjoying ourselves a little too much last night?

Be safe and do something unusual this week.  H'mm, I wonder if  I could call cleaning the bathroom "something unusual"?

very busy week?

 It seems as though we've been running all week trying to catch up with ourselves, but darned if I can figure out what was so important!  We did volunteer in the Selkirk Gallery on Wednesday.  It was one of the most interesting days I've had out there.  Another woman from the Board was with us, and her husband, also a Board member, was in and out all day.  She did a demonstration at 1:00 on painting on wine glasses, and there was a second, very interesting, demonstration a little later on wet felting. This was given by a fellow, a professional felter, who was at the last Board meeting and will likely become a member as soon as there is an opening.  Since David is no longer required to make up numbers ( a legal point in the Articles of Incorporation), he will likely resign at the next meeting.  The very best part of the day was in the quieter moments when this woman and I had several in depth conversations about art and artists.  Two more members of the Board showed up for the felting demonstration, and everyone stayed until closing for a good general getting to know one another.  It was very tiring, and we had to be up early Thursday to take David to Day Hospital. Then I spent the rest of the day in the studio, other than picking him up.

Friday, was an emotional day.  Amber and I arranged to meet at Starbucks for a face-to-face conversation, the first since the beginning of Covid.  David was there at the beginning, then went off to do errands, including grocery shopping, coming back later.  Amber and I took up a table there, with and without David, for 2 1/2 hours. It was a emotional conversation, but congenial, and we discussed several tricky issues.  We also agreed to meet again.

Since Friday is also laundry day, and the groceries had to be dealt with once we were home, by about 7:00 I was exhausted, more than I have been in months.  So a quiet evening, and early shower, and early to bed.  Tonight we will be going to the Randy Bachman concert at Club Regent.  We've decided to travel by cab, so we can both have a drink while we're there, since they conveniently have several bars inside the theater.

Next week should be quieter, but next Saturday is the craft sale out in Lorette, and I have reserved 1/2 a table.  I'll be sharing with a lady who sells fruitcake.  I bought one from her a couple of weeks ago and have been carefully brushing it with brandy and wrapping it up in cheesecloth, so it will be ready by Christmas--if it lasts that long.  I have a hunch it might be an idea to buy another one from her nest weekend.

The Covid numbers are still climbing quickly.  It's even more important that we keep safe-a snarky remark since I'm going to a concert this evening. But I'll be able to isolate until Wednesday, and, if worse comes to worst, nothing in my life is so important that I can't back out.

Bad me....

 The best thing about Hallowe'en is to be eating the leftovers the night after.. that would be tonight, and sure enough I have a pile of little choc bars sitting on the table top as I type my message. 😃 But it will be my problem in a hour or two as I go to bed and wonder why I have heartburn haha! Then it will have been a stupid idea, but now, it is just fine by me. Head count for last evening was 61 (total bags prepared, minus the number of leftover bags equals total number of bags handed out one to each customer) It is a science after all....

Today we went shopping to Huntsville in hopes of capturing leftover goodies on sale. Where do they all go overnight - back to the factory? The only thing Harry could find were boxes and boxes of Old Dutch potato chips in little bags 45 to a big box and the box was on sale for $5.47 at Walmart. Beggars can't be choosers or so they say... I would have left the box on the shelf, and been happy with my little leftover choc bars.

Still trying to clean up outside and if lucky I may just beat the snow, or maybe if it does snow soon, I would be happy that i cannot do anymore outside. Catch 22 I guess. But I must say that these wonderful warm sunny days are glorious and the dogs and I love to take advantage and go for long walks and sniff all along the way ( the dogs, not me) They love to get out. I fear for when it gets colder and snowy and their poor feet and bodies will be chilled in spite of a sweater put on before leaving the house.

So now it is November and as I look at the calendar I have several appt to keep such as Dentist for two fillings, and Flu Vaccination Clinic for that shot.

Well, time to close up for the night - just a few bills to pay on line before I do that though. This will be the last of the bills and if lucky I just may have some money left to get us through the rest of the month. 

Hope all is well with your folks...take care and be safe. Pati you are right - it is a jungle out there. Do not take any chances. Wear a mask!!! Thinking of you ...👀👌

Adventures and housework

Just finished this post and accidently deleted it, so here we go again.

The title just about says it all.  Tuesday David wanted to buy some "rooting hormone" for the slips he took off our magnificent Tulip Geranium.  We were told about it by the lady who provided us with the original slip a year ago.  As well she has promised him a couple more slips this year, when we see her next Sunday.  So he found a place that had it and was open-not easy this time of year.  So off we went to Shelmerdine in Headingly.

For a change we took the South Perimeter to Roblin Blvd and then West, along the South side of the river.  Oh My!  The McMansions we saw! As well, a few older, smaller homes interspersed between, perfectly livable, but one just knows that they will probably be bought, and then torn down to make room for one more McMansion.  The other thing I noticed was the number of new housing developments everywhere, most still under construction or obviously very new.  A big issue during our recent civic election was the apparent lack of control the city has over the timing and placing of these developments.  This is probably linked to the city having no apparent long range plan for dealing with growth.  So we end up having to pay for all of the amenities these developments need while our roads turn to s--t. 

Yesterday was our very early Doctor's appointment.  In the past, he has managed to control the list of patients, and which exam rooms he wanted everyone in, but this time there was not one, but two, women behind the reception desk.  Much smoother, as we could arrange our next appointment without hanging around until the previous receptionist came in at 7:00.  She still did, while the women just moved down the row of desks, and tended to other things.

Since we were in the same part of town as David's Day Hospital appointment, and we usually go out for breakfast after these early appointments anyway, I had looked up Smitty's in the area.  I really didn't want fast food.  There was one somewhere around Garden City Mall.  It took quite awhile to find.  David finally spotted the sign, but there was no entrance from outside the mall.  So into the mall, at 7:25 in the morning, while David waited in the car.  But I found it, although I wasn't sure it was open, until I heard a tiny voice say "they're all in the kitchen".  So off to tell David and then a lovely cooked breakfast.  I asked if we could stick around for a bit, since there was only us and the two who had been here when we arrived.  She couldn't really say "no" with an almost empty room, so we sat a read our books until it was time to head to the hospital.  Then I went home, prepared our bills to pay later, and went to bed for two hours.

We have decided that, with the rise in the basic interest rate, we don't want to be paying the higher interests that may result, so decimated our savings account and paid off our Line of Credit ( still paying for the kitchen and bathroom) as well as both credit cards.   This will give us more discretionary income, and hopefully, end the need for plastic money.  Well, we can hope anyway.

Time to get back to the laundry.  Got the flu shot yesterday, so when I say "stay safe ladies" you can know I'm talking about more than Covid.

Here I am....

 .....with a ham sandwich and a cup of Celestial Seasonings Tea Fruit Sampler - and this sample is called Country Peach Passion. Don't laugh..I'll take it where I can haha!

And i just pulled out my bottle of St Remy Brandy...not to drink..but to brush on some Fruit Cake to freshen it up for a taste later. I still have two more cakes from our baking in 2021. And I hope none is on the agenda for this year, but that I do not know. 

We went shopping this morning early and did not have much to buy thank goodness but also had to fill up with gas. I had the vehicle in for  Service yesterday and go the four new winter tires, a new muffler, and the chip from the manufacturer to heat the front seats that was missing when we go the car last Feb, and the multi point inspection which was due. All came to too much $. It seems everything is happening at this very time when the pocket is bare. Sunday we had to take our Bailey to the Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic located in Barrie ( three hours down the highway towards Toronto) The entire day there in the parking lot while they looked after him ( we are NOT allowed to enter the building) and again, it all came to too much $.

Today I hope to get out side before the rain comes to continue with cleanup - leaves and leaves and more leaves all over. I plan to decorate for Hallowe'en over the weekend but disappointed that the weather to date calls for showers on Mon Oct 31.

Time to get back at at. Hope all is well there. Take care of yourselves and be safe please. 💗💕

If I thought Thursday was stressful, welcome to Friday!

 Thursday was cooking a stew, and running errands, while trying to find a few minutes to spend in the studio.  By evening, I was too exhausted to even shower, a rare occurrence.  Friday was also spent power cooking, this time the 2 lbs of ground turkey I had bought, thinking it was a bargain. I had spent time Thursday looking for recipes on the Internet for ground turkey, but not really fining any that would work for us.  So, I thought about it for awhile, and ended up making up my own recipe.  While I had originally been looking for two different approaches, I settled on meatballs.  Usually we make beef meatballs  all a certain weight (2 oz.) with the use of our scale.  This time I wanted smaller meatballs, as I thought they might be more versatile.  David finely minced onion, while I mixed in spices and a few breadcrumbs.  Along with the "usual suspects"--garlic, salt and pepper- I added Italian seasoning and cumin--both a common thread in the recipes I had read.  Then I used my 1 tbsp. coffee spoon to measure out the meatballs, but instead of rolling them in flour, I used pancake mix, also a suggestion from the internet. After browning off, they  were divided between two casserole dishes, one with Kikkoman Stir fry sauce added, (it had been in the pantry forever) and the other with Turkey gravy, and popped both in the even for about an hour.  We ended up with 9 good sized meals from $10 of turkey-pretty good, by my standards.

While I was doing this, David was preparing carrots for the largest pot of "pip and squeak" I've ever made.  We'll be eating it for days.  And-- while all this was going on, we were also doing the laundry.  It was about 3:00 when the cooking was finished, we had missed lunch, so put the veggies on to cook, too, and ate supper at 4:00.  

Neither of us did another constructive thing for the rest of the day--except having showers.  I'm still exhausted, and have no plans for doing anything more today.  There are some advantages to being old, although actual cobwebs still show up.  Deal with them tomorrow.

Challenging Day

 The title says it all.  'Nuff said.

There have been a lot of accomplishments and acquisitions over the past couple of days.  Yesterday I went to the group meeting in Lorette.  One of the ladies crochets winter hats, and I had said I might like one if it was a dark colour. Well, she turned up with one of those helmet like things with ear flaps, and braids to tie under my chin.  She also crocheted it in two layers so it's super warm.  It is in deep navy, plain in the inside and with a silver thread stitched in on the out side.  And, yes, I will wear it when I need to. But she didn't have change for a $20, so I have to pay her next week.

As well, the lady from whom I ordered a home baked fruit cake, also showed up with something for me.  Again, no change for a $20, so someone else I have to pay next week. It is a lighter cake, with lots of fruit, and about the size of a regular loaf pan, but maybe not as high.  I have now started to brush brandy on it and wrap it in cheesecloth (amazing what can be found in my studio).  However, we tried a tiny piece tonight, and it is very nice, but will probably benefit from the moisture of the brandy.

This week I bought the makings for beef stew, as well as two 1lb packages of ground turkey.  The stew got made today, without benefit of beef stew seasoning, and lots of flavourings from my spices on hand, and my imagination.  Not too bad, if I do say so myself.  I've been on the internet for ground turkey recipes, and was dismayed to find that most of these sites now expect to be paid for their recipes.  So David went out and bought some turkey gravy mix, and I did find a few recipes that I didn't have to pay for, so tomorrow hope to deal with the turkey--as well as the wash!

Today, the last of the 16-5 1/2" square Pineapple quilt blocks was finished.  I have been working full out on this and am very glad to see the last of the construction.  They all have to be sewn together in three different configurations, but that should be a breeze after actually having to make them.  Plus, I now have a large bag of 1" strips to use in my next charity quilt, leftovers from the hundreds I cut for those darn pineapple blocks.

My next job now is to get David's computer up and running after having a major clean out.   It was in the shop for a week. Thank Goodness for the left over brandy.  Again, 'nuff said, and good night ladies.

The snow doth cometh...

 One might say that we had our first real snow fall to welcome us to the coming winter season, and get us in the mood. Enough to have to clean off the car and shovel a little off the sidewalk, but as usual with the first fall snows, the sun came out mid day and all that glorious white stuff is all but gone now. As a matter of fact, i was able to go outside this afternoon and dig the last of the potatoes and clean up more tomato plants at the back. Not much of a potato crop this year but it will be enough for several feeds and tomorrow I will be making a nice big casserole of scalloped potatoes. Yummy....

Harry has been busy making dehydrated fruit as a treat to nibble on. The first batch was made a few days ago and turned out to be excellent so today we shopped for more fruit and now it is all cut up fine, marinated in a fruit juice and lemon mixture, and loaded onto 12 trays and in the machine.....it will take well into tomorrow to dry.

Tomorrow I am going to try making some raisin scones. I have wanted to try it and found a fairly simple recipe so wish me luck. i would like to eat them as a morning snack or breakfast perhaps. The recipe makes eight so i can't go wrong in having too much of a less than satisfactory result if that is to happen. 

All is quiet now as the animals have all been put to bed, so having my "nighty night" tea and then off to bed to see if I can sleep. Lately sleep has eluded me. And my body is starting to rebel haha!

Take care and be safe... watch out for that nasty Covid . The PHU is having a Flu vaccination clinic here in Sundridge at the Arena on Nov 9 and we plan to attend - otherwise the Pharmacy will also be providing them.  So many needles in the last few years..what are we to do?   😓

Gorgeous

 Hello,

I just read the Mouse Factory blog and I must say i am so impressed Pati with your work so far. As i said previously I followed on The Quilt Show when Dee Christopher did this Long Gone pattern as a learn live weekly show. I could not believe it then, and seeing yours to date, i still cannot believe that you have sewn this so beautifully - so many small pieces. I applaud your work and your patience.

Have a lovely weekend folks and be safe. Take care.

I guess you are the winner....

 Hi all,  👏

I guess you win Pati as I just checked you Cathy, and you are supposed to get flurries later. But we are getting rain so far and this week to come does not look like any snow yet.

I just came in for a break as I am working out in the yard with a nice winter coat and hat on and trying to get the little greenhouse fixed up for winter and ready for the Spring when we put a heater in. And since it is coldish and wettish, I have had to bundle up.

The first thing I did was clean up all the bear excrement around the yard.  I kept slipping on it haha! I should rake some leaves off the sidewalk and driveway but I may have to leave that as well as I am getting tired and cold. A nice cup of tea sounds delicious right about now. And I have no Tim's near me to splurge like you Pati (oh woe is me)

Hope all is well with you there... and be sure to take care on those roads as you drive - both of you!  Thinking of you....☺

And we have snow---

 I knew it was inevitable, but why did it have to start on the morning I had to drive across town during morning rush hour. David is safely dropped off at Seven oaks, and I made it home okay, but, I look outside and see it getting whiter and heavier, and wonder what I'll be dealing with come 2:00.

However, I treated myself to a "cuppa Tim's" on the way home, so it will be okay--one way or another.

The rest of the weekend

 We did go pie shopping and found excellent pumpkin pies.  Yes, plural-we bought two of them.  After all, we had to use up that litre of whipping cream. We celebrated, food wise, Sunday.  Then Monday, we visited David's sister, Gail.  We've never done this before, unless there was a family gathering at her house.  A very pleasant visit.  We talked quite a bit about her garden.  She knows every inch of it, the name of every tree or bush, and how the birds act during the various seasons.  I know this comes from her living alone and being able to hire help when its needed. The conversation involved a lot of reminiscing and a mental sorting out of extended family, and where and when everyone fits in.  Tuesday, the discussion carried on a bit between David and Loren.  We also found out that Loren is going to the Grey Cup in Regina with a buddy. 

Then, this morning I weighed myself for the first time since last week.  I was down just over a pound, despite having my share of three different pies, and lots of whipped cream.  I think that knowing I would be eating pie, and then eating it, I did little snacking.  As well, we were both much more active than usual.  

Today is my group in Lorette.  There is also my Divas group, in the evening, out in Charleswood, near where the Overwaters used to live.  This means a lot of night driving, getting home quite late, as well as being a little "jazzed up".  Since we have to be up early tomorrow for David to go to DH, I've sent regrets for the Divas meeting.  I never thought that I would ever choose a group of irreverent older ladies over the Divas fibre art group, but I did.

As well, I've been active in the studio.  I moved things around and can now watch tv while sewing and have the ironing board just to the right of the sewing machine, so I don't have to get up to iron.  I hope to get a picture of what I'm doing for the other blog.

Time to move, I guess.  Best get on with the day.  Stay safe.  There was an article in today's newspaper about how the new premier of Alberta, considers the unvaccinated in the province as the most prejudiced against group in her province and wants to make special efforts to make it up to them.  Please don't consider moving to Alberta.

Thanksgiving

 I hope all of you had a good thanksgiving in one way or another. We had a huge!! Turkey. There were only 6 of us but we did our best. Rrain was here for her birthday pumpkin pie, we invited Barb, and Kellie and Markus. Markus helped Jim with some jobs that he just couldn’t do on his own anymore. We played crib, taught Markus and Kellie frustration rummy, and Barb laughed at the competitiveness between Markus and Kellie.  But I guess I used the last of my energy on the day cause today is one of the last nice days we have and I am already burnt out. I got a couple of chores done, and Lucky got a walk but that was it.  Good thing we have leftovers for supper cause I am not up to cooking. Tomorrow I have a board meeting and Thursday I am volunteering at the legion. I am not sure what is happening. I have to show up by 8:30, with a dozen muffins then she said something about getting the coffee and muffins out and then coming back later to put on more coffee and put out dainties!!!  I guess I will find out when I show up. Once again the wind has come up, spoiling what was a nice day. I am going to put on my jacket and sit outside anyway. ♥️♥️♥️

Catching my breath

 Several things on the calendar towards the end of the week, but I ended up backing out of several of them. Just not up to it. David had his first time at Day Hospital ( DH) Friday.  He was to be there and 9:00 and be picked up at 2:30.  But Friday is laundry day, you say.  So, a problem, but not really.  We showered Thursday evening, and then took all of the laundry baskets downstairs.  The sheets were also washed Thursday.  This actually made Friday, on my own, much less of a problem. But it was a bit of an unusual fuss and bother, so David asked if his day at DH could be changed, and next time he goes on Thursday.  He also asked if they would please call him Dave, rather than James.  I wasn't sure he would do that, as he doesn't usually bother when dealing with Health Care.  

After getting home, David declared that the pork shoulder steak I had found at the bottom of the freezer was inedible, as is.  So we went out for supper.  Then yesterday we took whatever meat he could get off the shoulder, and added the meat from a pork chop, and cooked both of them together in the slow cooker, again with the Diane BBQ sauce.  Not too bad!  I had spent most of the afternoon working on an agenda for the upcoming Board meeting out in Selkirk, and was glad not to have to fuss too  much about supper, as David was glued to the Bomber game on tv.

We'll be celebrating thanksgiving today.  Couldn't find a pumpkin pie at the grocery store, so bought an Apple Crumble pie instead, along with a litre of Whipping Cream. Still have the Whipping Cream, but will have to go out today to see if I can find another pie of some sort, or some other dessert that needs Whipped Cream.  There will just be the two of us, and another cheaply bought chicken, but it's the concept rather than the stress of a large family gathering.

Enjoy the Holiday ladies, along with whatever company you are privileged to find.

So much for which to be thankful

 Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Whatever we have planned to celebrate this weekend of thanksgiving, may we all be happy and healthy.

I have included two pictures I just took from the plants I brought in for the winter -my houseplants. I am amazed at how beautiful and healthy looking they all are and flowering - even the cacti are covered with buds. But it is this azalea tree that is brilliant with buds all over and some already flowering. I took a chance to take a picture hoping you would get the idea of how gorgeous and inspiring it is to look out my kitchen window while at the sink and gaze upon this beauty in the room below.

And a closeup to see the blossoms:

Do you know the name of the plant just in front with the spears of white lily like flowers? It seems to bloom all the time but I do not know the name only love the look of it.

Happy Thanksgiving.....thinking of you all.  

Be safe and take care 😚❤

Lots of leaves to rake up

 Here we are in the Fall with so many beautiful coloured leaves on the trees it is glorious this year. And they are also falling on the ground here at home which means a bit more cleanup is necessary. The neighbour next door brought out his big machine yesterday with the huge device on the back and vacuumed his lawn nice and clean. Mine is not! But then the leaves keep falling so what is the point...right?

I am doing what i can outside and right now cleaning the leaves from the ground is not priority for me. But I am making some progress and with a few days of rain forecast this week I might rest a bit from outside work, but then get right back at it by the weekend. The rest may do me some good as i can feel the strain on my poor old body haha!

Pati you mentioned that quilt you started called Long Time Gone, and i was compelled to look it up again on The Quilt Show because I had watched several episodes of Dee Christopher Live making that very quilt. Was it this series that prompted you to start the quilt or, had you already started it before on your own? It is very detailed and intensive from my perspective, so I wish you luck at rejuvenating it from your stash and look forward to some reports ( no pressure of course haha!) I am still looking closely at a more recent show where the guest made one called A Maze Zing which caught my eye. I have printed a picture of it, marked the actual show to watch again, and plotted a drawing of its structure on graph paper. Idle time I guess.....

This morning I plan to bake some muffins to take with us to Mike's tomorrow as we celebrate Thanksgiving with him..an early celebration but then we do not have to adhere to the actual day since we do not work and can choose a day with maybe less traffic? Harry will prepare the fixings for the meal today as well and then we will head out early tomorrow,

Speaking of early, I am a bit cautious these days taking the dogs out in the dark in the early morning when I get up. First a few weeks ago it was a warning of coyotes in the area of our street and the next, and then a warning of a bear in the next street. The day before I was in the yard and came across a certain indication that a bear had visited us. Several huge piles of excrement in different places in our yard!!!! And then the next day an indication of another visit in seeing the bark from a tree stump in our front yard where all the bark had been clawed away and left on the ground. But no actual sighting or encounter, thank goodness. Its scary out there haha!

Well on with my day folks. Hope you are having some nice "sit out side" weather. We must enjoy it now before the snow flies. We are all ready with our Hallowe'en candy bagged and in a laundry basket, and all I have to do is go to the storage unit and bring the decorations home and decorate closer to the actual date.  But we always seem to get a touch of the white stuff before that date.

Take care and be safe...Thinking of you ..👵❤

Hand coming around

 Of course that makes me want to use it.  The box is finished, and a not posted about it on the other blog.  My husband appears to be a new man since coming off the CPAP machine.  Much more energy, and shorter nights, only 9-10 hours.  We are both more energetic, and are wondering if this is a caused by being more active in general, or the end of Long Covid, or a bit of both.

The yard is ready for winter.  We had our last grass cutting last week.  His machine even chewed up all of the small twigs that came down from the tress with the last heavy windy day.  He also takes all of the refuse with him, which suits us just fine.  All of the furniture is in the garage, and even poor old lion is put away for the winter.  If you remember, our fall "lion ceremony" was usually on Thanksgiving, but since there are just the two of us, it was a little earlier this year.  And, instead of the youngest male present carrying him into the garage, David used the wheelbarrow.  But the leaves still fall and blow around, so David is using his yard vacuum to pick them up and we still put out a yard waste bag every two weeks, and will be able to for an other month.

While shopping this week, we found a bargain on boneless chicken breasts.  I use so much boneless chicken, that I keep an eye open for bargains like this.  So that section of the freezer is full again, including two meals of filet--always a treat.  We also found the Golden Dragon thick Honey-Garlic B-B-Q Sauce that we both enjoy so much.  We have been looking and asking for this for several months.  Today I get to add up what we have spent on food over the past month.  I'm not picky about the details-if it's an expenditure in a grocery store or restaurant it counts.  I've been doing this for about 6 months, and know, in my mind, that this month was particularly bad, but 6 months gives me enough to do comparisons.  Not sure what I'll do with the results, but have a hunch that we'll choose to live out of the freezer for awhile.  I think everyone has a few "mistakes" that sit in the freezer until they get thrown out.  Well, we're starting to eat those now.  Yesterday we had two small "tenderized" steaks.  Yeah, with the first meal, they needed so much tenderizing that they almost fell apart, and were still barely edible.  This time I browned them off, and put them in a casserole with some canned gravy and put them in a slow oven for about 90 minutes.  They were fine.  A treat even.  Today will be bone-in chicken legs, cooked the same way with Diana Sauce.  The sauce has been sitting in the cupboard for far too long, and needed using.  David has one potato that needs using, and I may use a bit of brown rice.

There's one problem with this type of cooking--I get to do the cooking.  But David gets to watch the football games that he loves, so maybe not so much of a sacrifice, after all.

Again I urge you to stay safe ladies.  I know I carry a mask with me -always.

Cooking Squash

 Today I'm off to my group in Lorette.  There are usually 4-5  of us, certainly that's been so over the summer.  Just my luck that today a couple more will  show up.  After belonging to the group for 5 years, despite us not meeting during Covid, I figured it was about time I took goodies.  So last week I bought 6 Smile cookies from Tim Horton's.  These are purely a charity purchase, with all proceeds going to local charities.  I put them in the freezer for the meeting today, and here they are thawing on the counter.  I have to  wonder if all six of them will make it to the meeting.

I had also spoken of the strange squash the neighbour had given us.  Here it is just before David started to cut it up for cooking.  It was cooked in two batches.  The first were wrapped in tinfoil, each quarter with a dab of margarine and a pinch of brown sugar.  The result was so dry that we had to add a lot of margarine and boiling water, and it was still like paste.  The next day David cut it into chunks and we boiled it with the skin on for about 13 minutes, by which time the water was very orange and cloudy, so I figured it was time to take them off the burner.  Then I had to take each chunk and take off the skin.  Fortunately it came easily--just very messy. Again I mixed the chunks, some of which were very, very soft, with some margarine, salt and pepper, using a fork.  It wasn't too bad, but still paste-y.  I don't think we'll ever try that again.  

In the studio, I'm back on the Frigid Sanctuary box, and would have had it finished yesterday, if my right wrist hadn't started to object.  Some of it was tough stitching, so I stopped right away, and used the Diclofenac ointment on the wrist, as well as my brace, over night.  The wrist feels much better this morning, but I think the best strategy is to let it rest today.  I won't even take my hand stitching to the group today--just the cookies.  Now I just have to  figure out how to type with one hand on my computer.

It appears to be a beautiful day out today.  Perfect for a drive in the country.  David is just getting home from paying the bills and he says it is too warm for him to be wearing his light jacket. And, I just looked at the time, and realized that I best be on my way as well.

Spend some time outside if you can.  It appears to be one of those very special fall days that make us happy to be living where we do.