Sometimes you just gotta do it

 I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and appreciate what you have done for me in my life. (Barring the wooden spoon incident that seems to plague you, Pati, but I have no memory of. And I long ago forgave you for wiping your bum with my bunny rabbit teddy bear, Beth, ) but  I do so enjoy making both of you feel guilty 😜  

One of those days

 Tonight I poured a  glass of wine. My daughter texted me and as I replied, and reached for my wine I spilled it all over my couch☹️  at least the weather is better by today. Yesterday was Lucky’s second birthday. But today was nicer so we gave him a bone outside. He was there for at least three hours!  We went shopping but after $60 I still had only three items in my list😤.  Rrain and I are going to get together and make some freezer meals. I know summer is coming but there is still time for hot meals. She went shopping for basics today too. We took our taxes into the account last week. We have an appointment next week to finalize them. I always figure that if we get enough back to pay the accountant we win. I used to do my own but with pension splitting, and Jim’s disability and medical discounts I don’t need the stress. So a break even is a win. But I do hate sitting at the legion hearing about everyone’s RIFs and stuff. I really wish I knew about finances when I was young. I think it should be a compulsory course in school! And now, since I spelled my wine, I will go to bed very unhappy, but content😊o

Here is another post of "not much news"

It does not matter that there is no news but just the day to day happenings of life. And to listen to the radio anymore, so much around us is collapsing into mounds of disbelief and horror. So I just keep to myself and my home and my family and my animals and hope things close to me will be OK.

The changeable weather patterns are driving me crazy with cold spells one day and then freezing rain the next. The other day after our freezing rain storm, it took me close to 2-3 hours to clean off the vehicle of solid ice - the doors and door handles were frozen shut so i could not even get into the drivers seat to start the engine (that took 30 min to accomplish) Our shopping has been close to home lately with picking up particular needed items at the local Foodland, and Pharmacy. But Monday I have my mammo appt in Huntsville ( at 7:40 am at the Hospital) so plan to go into WalMart and a Pet Store and get gas etc while there. I ordered some baby budgie formula from Global Pets that I hope has arrived for my Monday quest - there are three eggs just about to hatch and I needed some new formula on hand in case I need to step in as I have frequently in the past to feed the babies if the parents are not doing what they should. Not to my liking at all, but feel compelled to pick up and take over.

And surprise I have rescued my sewing machine from under stuff and set it up and have completed the repairs on an old tattered quilt that Mike had for years and my offer to try to fix it up. It needed a new backing, and some sewing of holes on the front, and then a binding around it all. I think it turned out quite nice inspite of its age and well used appearance when I hauled it home many months ago.

But this little bit of sewing has really stirred my desires to continue and try more of the projects I have had hanging around in my mind. Time will tell. In meantime i look after the greenhouse that is suffering with the cold nights even with two heaters running full day and night. The ice storm created a challenge for me to even clean the entrance of chunks of ice and clear the ground to get the door open to get in. 

And i still bake cookies...terrible habit I have started. Yesterday I made more choc chip ( Edna's Cookies) and a batch of Peanut Butter cookies because i bought a jar of Planter Peanut Butter on sale and it is not nice tasting (compared to my usual Kraft) so wanted to use some up. I'll eat the cookies but they too, were not to tasty.

Well, time to get on with the day - more wash to do and I really should vacuum but need to convince myself to do that haha!

Take care and think Spring ✌

no new news

 What can I say?  I'm still recovering from the very nasty cold I had last week.  I seem to have my energy back, but am still wandering around carrying a box of tissue.  Filling the time working on a very silly project that comes from a short workshop I took on line.  I sit in front of the tv watching the Olympics and folding little tiny bits of coloured paper.  I certainly don't want to leave the house, especially when every time I blow my nose, I need to head for the bathroom.

But I do have good news.  Wonderful news.  My poor computer is back from its trip to Brampton, ($$$) with a new motherboard, but not a new hard drive.  When I picked it up at Best Buy, I asked the fellow to make an appointment for in home assistance to set it up.  He didn't think I should need assistance and asked me for more specific info.  I told him about not having my e-mail set up like I wanted it, and not being able to either print or transfer photos from my camera.

He played around and then showed me that he had set up the e-mail.  I didn't have my camera card with me, so he suggested that I call the Geek Squad on line later, assuring me that they would be able to help.  I didn't even open it until the next day, and then tried my camera card.  It worked perfectly, so I tried to make it print.  It offered me a selection of printers, I clicked on the right one, and away we went.  I guess that all of my original info was on the hard drive, and when the motherboard was changed, it was that original info that popped up.  So all the problems with Windows 11 appear to be behind me.

There was supposed to be a meeting out in Selkirk this morning.  Last evening, David and I took a look at the weather forecast, and listened while Gail recounted her problems on the highway yesterday, and decided that I would send regrets.  I typed up an e-mail, and hit send, and up popped an e-mail postponing the meeting.  The two e-mail must have bumped into each other on the way to their destinations.  Early this afternoon, they came to shovel out the driveway and patio, but didn't shovel the path the to bird feeder and composter.  So this evening, David is out in his big boots and heavily wrapped up, to take the compost pail out.  He didn't make it, which left me with the chore of getting rid of the contents of the compost pail.  Since I had a new bag in the kitchen garbage, I drained the pail as best I could and then tried to dump it into the bag.  Nope, dumped it beside the bag in the garbage pail.  I used my hands to push the crap into the bag, tied it up and asked David, who was still dressed for the cold, to take it out to the garbage bin at the end of the driveway.  Then I had to clean up the two pails.  'Nuff said.

Not much more to say.  I can look forward to a shower this evening, and then relax in my nightie.  Maybe-just maybe- the bar will be open.

Life in general

 We have been living day to day. We dodged a bullet with the last blizzard. The highway may have been closed but we live in a hollow so the wind blew over us. I don’t know how we can ever repay Rodney for digging us out so many times this year.  I got my first seed catalogue this week. I was beginning to think no one believed spring would come since I usually get it inNovember!! We have “critters” in our attic so every night I lie in bed praying they won’t come into the bedroom. I think we will have to ask the exterminator to come over. Good thing he belongs to the Legion so a couple of beer might be enough payment. Meanwhile life goes on. I dream of the day we can get together again. I get such pleasure out of picking up a conversation half an hour later and driving our husbands crazy cause they just can’t follow 😜

Hi from here

 Just about to make another banana cake as there are bananas going ripe too fast. Besides, I feel like indulging. I spent a good part of the morning doing outside preparations for the day to come. It promises a temp of 6 C and 25 to 30 mm of rain. Yesterday it was minus 37C. What is going on???  I tried to clear the house roof a bit but found the snow too hard packed so managed only to break a few channels down to the eaves. Hope the rain will follow them haha! And of course, then all the walks and doors had to be cleaned up from the roof fallout and then the outbuildings had to be cleaned off. And the greenhouse had to be watered. Now I feel like sitting with a good stiff drink, but oh...I am making a banana cake so better not until all is done.

I have started another big jigsaw puzzle and it is a real gorgeous picture but a bit difficult. Hopefully I can sit a bit this afternoon and putter away. I found a You tube station that plays Oldies from the 60s and will often put that on while I do the puzzle.

Surprise downtown...we are going to have a Cannabis Store to open soon. Called BudSmokes so I think it may be a franchise but I do not know as I really am not into that. Or, maybe I should try it!

I had some bleeding in my left eye the other day - second time to happen since the surgery so I am getting a bit concerned. My appt with Specialist is not until March 24 which seem a long way off, but I have an appt with Eye Optometrist on March 8 so maybe have him check things out. My vision is still good from the implants though.

Oh my oven is ready so in goes the cake and out comes the icing sugar to make icing for it - of course maple butter icing.

Hope all is well there and that you are getting out more now that restrictions seem to be lifted - will you still be wearing your masks?

Take care...be safe. Want a piece of cake??? 

More problems

 Yesterday, while eating breakfast, I spilt my tea on my computer.  It immediately went black.   So a trip to Best Buy, and talk with Neil from the Geek Squad.   Not very encouraging news.  It MAY be possible to fix it, but such a fix MAY require total replacement of the Mother Board inside.  So, while we pay $80 to cover the diagnostic, which must be done in Brampton, the total cost of repair MAY be more than replacement cost for a similar, but not the same model computer.  Evidently water damage could have been covered under our service agreement for an extra$5/month, but we don't have it. The replacement would probably be similar to David's computer--a large screen with all computer functions inside, with remote keyboard and mouse.  Not great to have in the kitchen where it couldn't be closed down to protect it when kitchen functions are active.  We won't know anything until after the diagnostic, which will likely take place Tuesday or Wednesday.

We were gone most of the day yesterday running several errands, and ended up at the casino in time for supper.  This morning I was not well with very severe stomach cramps and multiple bathroom trips.  The pain was so severe that I wondered if I might be passing a kidney stone, but with a final rushed successful trip to the bathroom, everything settled down.  I now suspect a bit of food poisoning.  I've slept a good part of the day, (two naps!), have now had my bath and am writing this on David's computer before bed.

Gail's brother died late Tuesday. It was neither sudden nor a surprise, but, I think, has hit her more than she realizes.  They were not on good terms and his death left a lot of unfinished business--in my opinion.  But now that the funeral has been planned, she is communicating again on Facebook.  She has an article on her crafting being published tomorrow, in the Free Press, but it was released on Facebook today. She tells me that she received many, many good comments on the piece, and it raised her spirits after the negative experience of funeral planning with her very  nasty family.  One brother has not spoken to her since they were children, and the other two are Holdemann through and through, so only speak to her when there is business to attend to, as she and her nephew, who used to live with her, have been "shunned". I would like to share it with you, but have only done this once before.  Beth, I guess I will have to share it with you through Harry.  Please keep an eye out for it.

Good night, and please keep safe.

I got outside

Monday.  I had written a long post talking about what we did, and where we went.  It took me about 45 minutes, and at the last minute, trying to publish it, it disappeared. The gist of it was that we had gone grocery shopping, to Walmart to pick up pills, and the library.  It was so wonderful to get out, after almost two weeks of being in the house, that I developed verbal diarrhea talking about my feelings.  I wonder if there is a censor somewhere who eliminates drivel?

We had been seduced by the prices in the meat section of the grocery store.  We bought pork "chops".  Neither David nor I have any idea what part of the animal these come from, but, they are not "chops". We had bought them before and found that we really enjoy them.  At that time they were $1 a piece, and one fed both of us.  They were a little more expensive this time, but, even at few cents more, they still make a good, inexpensive meal.  We also bought stewing beef at a relatively good price price.  That sort of thing fools you, as we then had to buy all the veggies for the stew, and make it-which took about 2 2/2 hours with both of us working. But then we discovered that we had to buy some sort of storage containers to freeze it in. 

Gail and I had planned a coffee date for later yesterday afternoon, so after coffee, during rush hour, I had to tackle Walmart.  Grocery section seems a reasonable place to look for Zip Loc containers.  Not so.  Finally asked an employee, who sent me to the pharmacy (?)  Certainly not there.  Also not in housewares.  This meant a trek up and down all the aisles.  Finally in a "catch-all" type of section, at the very back of the store, near "Auto" and "Electronics", there they were.  In two sizes-too big, and too small. Grabbed the "too big", and got out of there. 

After supper, and clean-up, we both had showers and then played on his computer until well after mid-night.  Had great fun, but we will pay for this, probably for a couple of days.

In conclusion--it certainly seems that I'm much better.  My nose is still running like a tap, but I have much more energy, and my thinking is better.  So I am grateful. 

cookies just out of the oven...

 Shame on me...craving choc chip cookies and actually making a batch.

Seems the colds are making their rounds..I have had stuffy nose and dribbling nose lately but attributed it to being too dry in the house - so set up the humidifier yesterday and notice a better sleep last night for it. Maybe will work. I walked up to the Lottery Store and then Bank earlier this morning in a bitter wind even though I bundled up I was very cold. I left my face mask on to help with the cold breathing and had to wash it when I got home because of all the excess moisture. Gee I will be glad when this Winter starts to turn into Spring.

Keeping an eye on the big greenhouse as I set up the cords and two heaters this past week and Harry actually did some planting of seeds the other day. It dips down at night but as long as it does not turn terribly cold outside the two heaters should be enough. That is until Harry wants the small greenhouse to be heated in which case I will have to move that second cord and heater into there. I only have two plugs from the house that I can use with any reassurance that I will not blow a fuse. Worst case scenario is that I could set up a third but it would mean a lot of fuss on my part to rig it up which I would rather not do. Don't you just love it haha!

I am making some progress in clearing up in my "studio" room. Finding all sorts of forgotten treasures,  partially completed pieces, bags of saved potential works of art and that box of 2 1/2  cut pieces of fabric you gave me Pati. It always makes an appearance any time I clean up so I know it wants my attention. I have made so many quilts etc with that box of pieces, and it never seems to empty. Its magical!

I have been able to watch a few of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts from the connection that Jim gave me from Shaw to my computer which is a great treat. But my mainstay right now is still Time Team. The other evening I watched that one episode of them digging in a cave full of mus and sludge - Pati you warned me so I was prepared to see it through. last evening I watched one of them digging in a field where two American bombers crashed during WW2 on their last excursion over Europe - they haD SURVIVED ALL THEIR BOMBING AND WERE SET TO GO HOME AND CRASHED OVER britISH TERRITORY ALMOSt BEFORE LANDING. wHAT A SHAME BUT THE HIStory AND INFO THE tIME tEAM PROVIDED WAS FASCINATING TO WATCH. 

Sorry folks but i did not look but to see what I was frantically typing and will not correct it.  I always seem to touch that Caps Lock key in my enthusiasm. 

Best go and have a cookie - they should have cooled by now. Anyone want a cookie???  Take care ,,,be safe. Stay off the roads where you might encounter some trucks or maybe 100 trucks blocking your way.  😒

Gotta love a good debilitating winter cold

 Yep, that's how I've spent this week.  I eat, sleep, and sit around feeling miserable, while fooling around on the computer.  However, last night, lying awake in bed, I started to design fibre art in my head.  Then I suddenly realized that maybe, just maybe, some of my creativity was back.  It seems like it's been in hibernation forever!  I've been spending time this week fooling around on a creative website that I signed up for, and actually paid money, and will be paying money every month for awhile.  I think some of those classes, might have actually spurred some creative thinking.  One in particular, was on using sequins along with beads in hand stitching.  Yesterday I had been joking with Gail about having to find somewhere to buy sequins, but suddenly during the night I remembered that I had a jar of sequins on top of my bead cupboard.  Had forgotten all about them!  So today I dug them out and started sorting out various shapes and sizes (while stuck in the basement monitoring the laundry)  Boy!  Do I ever have a lot of sequins!  

The laundry got done, and then I made the bed, and slept for over an hour.  But now I'm done for today, and am starting to worry about getting any sleep tonight the way my nose is running.  But tomorrow, I can sort more sequins!