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