McGrathPaBeCat

Enough is enough...

2012-02-15T15:54:00.001-08:00

and so I have made an appointment to get my hair cut off for tomorrow at 0930. I have been struggling to keep it longer but washing and then putting up in curlers has finally got the better of me – I called this afternoon immediately after putting curlers in, yet again, and fortunately the hairdresser is easily accommodating!

Harry was to doctor this morning and things are not looking any better for his shoulder and pain – hence, much of the daily activities are mine alone. He bought a bread maker the other day in North Bay and yesterday I made whole wheat loaf, and today I made a raisin bread loaf. Monday it was 10 pounds of sausages. Tomorrow will be replanting seedlings after my hair is done. So you can see how excited I am to be going for a hair appointment – something for me. Surprise for me to go to Lottery store today and won $20.00 on Lotto Max so that was quickly turned into more tickets and hope the winning streak will take us all the way !!!!

So nice to hear all about your visit together on Monday – I went onto a Viscount web site and hope that I found the right one – is there a site address that you would suggest other than the search I made for Viscount Cultural Council? It gave very generic information and I guess I was looking for specifics eg the FAN gallery display that Patty set up, but maybe I am mistaken? But a nice surprise to go onto the Manitoba Artisans site and to see our very own Patricia Findlay as the featured artist – well done!!

Take care

An adventure

2012-02-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Today was an adventure. Our lives are so boring that we have to create our own adventures, so today we went to Neepawa. We wanted lots of time, just in case the car gave us trouble. We stopped at Tim's in Winnipeg, Headingly Huskie, and Tim's in Portage--All in an attempt to deal with my diuretics. I ration myself to one Tim's French Vanilla Cappucino every second day, but now I'm up to next Saturday already.

Despite our well laid plans we found ourselves a half hour out of Neepawa and over an hour ahead of schedule, so we went off to find Plumas MB. Found it. And made it to Viscount right on time.

I hadn't even opened the box that contained the show, but as promised everything was there. The show went together fairly quickly, even with an hour off for lunch with Cathy. Lunch was a little disappointing, and Cathy, Rrain and David all had words with the waitress, who argued quite strongly that there was nothing wrong with the lunch and that hamburgers and quesadillas were supposed to be cooked black and crispy.
But the company was great. David and I talked about how long it had been since we had seen Rrain, and figured out that it must have been as she was leaving Winnipeg to live in Toronto. I was so taken by how energetic and cheerful she was today, probably because when I did see her last, she was sick as a dog and not looking all that good. Well done, Rrain! You seem happy--a blessing.

So we got home in good time, just at the end of rush hour, which has a new meaning when you're driving at 110 on the North Perimeter. And the house was cold--not unexpected when we had left the thermostat at 63 this morning. However, the inside temperature is now 57, and the furnace is not coming on! So a call to the gas company, and a very nice service lady replaced a hose and got us back in business. Turned out to be the same hose that was replaced in the fall. They don't carry the right size for our furnace, so we have to find a solution to the problem asap, but can't really do anything during winter.

But now we have had supper, and the house is warm. I'm grateful for family, and service ladies.

Well done, Cathy!

2012-02-12T15:20:00.001-08:00

You are going to The Pas because you were the best single player representing your branch and now your region, and so you deserve the recognition. Well done, as you can hold your head high while chanting ......fifteen two, fifteen four and eight is twelve, and the Jack is thirteen....How does one express good luck to a crib player – how about .....and twenty-nines to you........? I am very happy for you, and also very proud of you.

Hope you all get to have lunch together tomorrow as planned, and have "one" for me – I guess I mean a coffee?????

Take care

Cribbage

2012-02-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

Our team is the alternate team (by 4 points!), but I am one of the singles headed to The Pas. I didn't really want to move on in singles, cause you are by yourself, but Jim will come with me, and one of our friends (Lives near Brandon, belongs to Gladstone) is also going to singles, so we may travel with them. Marilyn phoned yesterday to say she had called to book their room and was told that they are just about full so she booked a room for us too!!! Isn't that nice. I don't want bad things to happen to people, but I really hope that the Brandon team forfeits so that our team can go. Not much else happening. Took the puppy to the vets for shots and a check up. The Vet noticed that her gums were bruised. Since she had eaten the remote for the star choice just that morning it was understandable. (vet $69, remote, $62) Jim is watching curling right now. We get the Manitoba Semi final, the Manitoba final, the Alberta Final and the BC final, all back to back today. I like curling, but enough is enough.Back to work tomorrow, but I am looking forward to lunch with Pati. I've already told them at work that I will be taking a long lunch, so I am covered. I know I should be cleaning or something else domestic, but I just don't feel like it. I think I will make another cup of tea and find a book to read. No wonder my house is covered in dust. As least the dust holds it together!

Here's the deal

2012-02-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

David wasn't able to get anything done on the car yesterday, but we took it on a good long run on the highway yesterday and it seemed to be starting okay by the time we went to bed. It's plugged in, and today is supposed to be much warmer. David is confident that we should be okay on the highway on Monday, and we still have the roadside assistance, if needed. So we are heading up to Neepawa as planned, and will try to get the battery replaced later in the week.

Caution!

2012-02-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

A caution is not as strong as a warning. Yes, I tried another of the cake mixes we bought when we were in Minnesota. Betty Crocker Supreme Bars--cookie brownie. In this case we made a brownie base and then some chocolate chip cookie dough, which was dropped, by spoonfuls, on top of the uncooked brownie, and then both put in the oven to bake. This was not unpleasant, just a little weird and very sweet. Reminded me of when Mom developed a craving for sweet things and used to make chocolate chip cookies and then flatten them with a fork dipped in sugar. I seem to remember her not wanting to bother with making cookies out of the dough and just flattening it in a pizza pan and sprinkling it with sugar before cooking it. If I'm right we used to just break pieces off the huge cookie to eat. A few years later people were making big money selling such a cookie as a special treat (without the sugar on top, of course)

I hope your greenhouse survives, Beth. We're really in a deep freeze here. But the forecast is for more normal temperatures by Sunday. I figured it out, that with the milder temperatures generally, and the fact that we are in the middle of February, we can afford to have the house one or two degrees warmer. We both wear sweat jackets most of the time, and I sometimes wear an undershirt and vest as well, when I'm working in the basement. Now we'll probably get used to the warmer house and start to feel the cold again.

David has asked me to ask you, Beth, how your cactus is doing?

Long week, and now bitter cold

2012-02-10T15:42:00.001-08:00

Preparing for a real cold snap here and in spite of my best efforts to keep greenhouse warm, I fear tonight may do me in? I will keep my fingers crossed and hope for some relief. I have it covered with blankets but the thermometer inside keeps going lower and lower. The heater we have is supposed to heat a larger space, but that does not take into consideration it is outdoors, and the snow, wind chill, blowing and really low temps. Harry is still suffering with his shoulder and the effects the pills have had on his stomach. I have been, for the most part, the "gofer" which included a trip to get my lottery ticket today . Maybe good things will come to those who are most deserving. Spent a long time today sorting through boxes of pictures because the real estate lady called and requested a picture of Mothers house from the summer to show off the house better – the picture she has now shows a white sided house in the snow with the roof covered with snow and isn't too flattering. But as it always happens when you look through old pictures, you start to enjoy seeing all the pictures and reminisce and then the time goes by really fast and you feel like you haven't done anything. I did not, by the way , find a suitable picture of Mothers house. Mike is off to Ottawa tonight for the weekend, and apparently they are being put up in a Hotel so he is sort of having a nice "vacation like" work trip!! I received a copy of the annual Alumni Journal from my Nursing school and for the first time this year I started to feel saddened because there are more deaths from classmates of mine. One was a closer classmate as she was in my "unit" – she was the one I sat with for over two hours the one time when I visited you Patty and we went to the Regent Casino – I ran into her at one of the slot machines and ended up just sitting and catching up with her. It is a reality check to oneself to realize we are not immortal and that we are going to start to see our comparably aged acquaintances die. Time to check out the greenhouse again before going to bed. Have a good weekend everyone. Take care

There's always something

2012-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

isn't there? I hope Harry recovers quickly. Again, as we age recovery takes a little longer--but it will come. Neither of us was out today, but just looking out the street appears slippery. I like your attitude Cathy. You're right, we are now looking towards spring, and winter doesn't seem to have happened at all!
Loren called today, just to catch up. He's very happy with his Bi-pap machine ( or was it a C-pap machine? i can never remember) He is feeling much better, and even says that people at work are noticing that he appears healthier. He's also working with a personal trainer, and has been investigating a better approach to nutrition. If I remember, he said that he was already down about 20 pounds.

I'm still in a creative frenzy--housework can wait--but not much longer! Gotta start to clean up now--Beth is coming!

Slip sliding away......

2012-02-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

We have a lot of ice here now, too. I usually slow down as I pull into the garage, but there is so much ice that I can't get the truck to move forward when I go slow. I have to put it into 4 wheel drive and give it a boot!!! The sidewalks and street in town are all ice too. Temps are back to normal this week, but that is okay... it is already February and spring is on the way. I hope Harry feels better soon, Beth. It really sucks to fall like that. I'm sure that not only his arm hurts, but most of his body too. the new person started at work yesterday. She seems very nice and is looking for work to do. It is hard to find things when she has no ID for the computer system. She is willing to file, though, so I have someone to help me there. I have 3 plans to do right now, but I got 3 done last week. Sometimes you get a break and then they all arrive at once. Work has been steady, but it is the Mines and Mineral searches that are driving us nuts. It is now economically feasible to search for minerals in our area, so people are scrambling ot find out if they own any. We don't have any green houses to start up, but Rrain and I have been planning some garden plants. She wants to have eggplant and I want to grow spagetti squash again. I am not going to bother with corn this year. We never get much and the Hutterites have such sweet corn. I am trying to get some time off work between the 21 & 28th of July. Let me know what would be the best days to try for. Patty is taking the week before and after her wedding off, but I explained to Elizabeth why I wanted time off and she said to pencil in a couple of days and we could see what we can do. Shirley (the new one) seems quite intelligent and wants to learn as much as she can. (What a change) I quess I better do some committee work now. I really don't feel on top of things, so I need to pick up my socks. Have a great week

The fun just keeps coming.....

2012-02-07T10:19:00.001-08:00

Harry fell down the front stairs this morning on our way out to go to North Bay, so the trip quickly changed direction south to Huntsville Hospital where he was tended to - dislocated right shoulder was manipulated back into place under anaesthesia (Versed injection) – a blessing no fractures but severe pain and discomfort and a sling to be worn. He is in bed now as we just got back and I fed him and got him settled. I'll go up later to Pharmacy to pick up his pain medications prescribed. I mentioned to you that the stairs and walkways were treacherous in spite of my digging at them, and sanding them etc. I take extreme caution when walking outside, but this morning, in a flash, he was down. A little set back, but I hope he will mend OK as long as he takes it easy, and keeps his shoulder immobilized for a few days as told to do. Anyway, life will go on, and with a few additional chores added to my list for now ( ie greenhouse) I'm sure we'll back to normal soon. Take care all – watch that ice and snow!!

Walking

2012-02-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

I am ever so happy that I have a dog with whom I can walk – or make the excuse to go out because the dog needs a walk! Today was a great walking day in spite of mild temperatures making the roadways slick in some places. I wear my big white snow boots and take every step with caution. There is a long trail at the top of our street accessed mostly by snow machines in winter which makes for a nice walking trail so this afternoon I took the dog purposely down that trail. She seemed almost spooked because she has not been that way before and because she was jumpy, so was I a little bit. But no unexpected events occurred and no snow machines came by so we had the trail to ourselves and it was a glorious sun filled walk – somewhat tiring though. It seems my exercise shall have to be walking which is OK by me. In the summer I was able to puddle around the yard which gave me exercise, but in winter there are few options. I tried to do the ice skating thing but have only gone once so far – the schedule for public skating just isn't congruent with life as I know it. Harry's brother had surgery today but we are still not too sure what – his wife is a poor communicator and not to be believed most times – she was telling everyone that Ted was having his leg cut off??? until Harry told her that he was not. Harry called his room a few minutes ago and he answered to say he just got back from the recovery room but was still groggy and asked Harry to call back later. Maybe we'll get things straightened out once Harry can speak with him. Don't know if we will be visiting him again this week or not. Tomorrow is our weekly trek to North Bay for shopping – maybe I can look at more cloths for my trip!!! NOT! Take care

the "game" is about to begin

2012-02-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Super Bowl is just starting on the TV which signals my departure to bed. I really do not like NFL and especially the hype around this game. I'm actually surprised that CTV is showing it but I somehow think that the super priced half time commercials may not be shown on the Canadian stations, but I may be wrong. The greenhouse is in major production now and busy weekend getting it all organized and heaters functioning, and breaking thermometers and running to hardware to buy more etc etc. And throw in a trip to Sudbury to visit Harry's brother and all in all a busy time. I spent some hours today sorting through old paperwork and shredding same. I could not remember if the time period for saving income tax was 7 years or ten years so I erred on the side of precaution and got rid of all the tons of paper I had been saving from years previous to 2002. The shredded paper goes into the compost so its all used, and is a good use of time, albeit, very time consuming! We went to Sprucedale to check on the house Saturday and slipped into the Flea Market the Seniors hold every Sat – there I bought a VHS of White Christmas and a DVD of True Lies. (cost me a total of $1.25) I think I mentioned that I am trying to accumulate a collection of some old Christmas Classics thus White Christmas with Bing Crosby, and the True Lies is because I like that movie even if it is with Arnold Schwartzenagger (?spelling) And I found a copy of South Pacific in our cabinet a while ago, so last night was my movie night and I watched White Christmas, and then South Pacific. Lots of singing and dancing to keep me amused. I guess I shall have to wait before I see Arnold. Not much luck with the Lotteries lately, but I shall not give up – you never know when our numbers will come in haha Harry has been having luck selling some of our "stuff" on Kijiji. I told you I started to clean up in the basement and try to rid ourselves of all the extra ie kettles, coffee machines, deep fryers etc Three boxes have been sold and delivered to buyers in North Bay and another going on Tuesday. Not money makers at $5.00 and $10.00 but a little bit to add to the coffers anyway. Two other boxes have been given to the Thrift Store, and I have given two bags of books to Value Village. No, there is no evidence yet of it making a difference, but in my head, I know that I am starting to try, and that is the main thing, right? Onwards to another week for all of you – take care

Life on the pension or the joys of retirement

2012-02-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

We haven't been out since Monday, but, after spending the morning making sourdough bread, and since trying to sit in my sewing chair and almost killing himself, David decided that I needed a new chair. I needed yet more containers from Lee Valley, so it was time for an excursion. I refused to leave the house until I had put a curling iron to my hair, which should have been washed yesterday, and David tried to shave, but it had been so long that his electric razor wouldn't do the trick and he had to resort to the safety razor. We were going to do a lot of comparison shopping, but bought a chair in the first store we tried. The last one was bought at a garage sale for $25, before we left Woodside, so really didn't owe us anything. The store we found was a used furniture store and the newer chair cost a lot more than $25. ( but it is really an improvement on the old one!) Then I got my containers ( Empress and Ellice)and then decided to buy more beads, so we hit Michaels over on St James St.and I bought two smaller packages of beads. I had been surprized to find what I wanted there, and figured we were on a roll by this time, so with the large armchair on wheels in the back seat, headed over to our side of town where we went into the fabric store and after a lengthy discussion about colour, bought two spools of thread, of a colour to match the beads. Then off to the grocery store and bought 3 cans of beans. This gave me a chance to try out the "check your own groceries" aisle, and we emerged from that unscathed. Hot Damn! Checked 5-6 lottery tickets and won $5.00, which we immediately spent on more lottery tickets. Then off to Tim Horton's and picked up a can of french vanilla capucino mix. By the time we got home it was too late to make the casserole I had planned for supper, so put a frozen pizza in the oven. These pizzas were $2.00 each, and are well worth the money. Usually one is a meal for the two of us, but David was really hungry, so we cooked a second one. By the time we had eaten, it was going up 7:00 and we were both beat, so left the kitchen as it stood, and settled down to either watch tv or play poker.

Tommorrow, not only do I have to make up the casserole with the well thawed meat, but I also have to cook the pot roast we had planned for tomorrow, as that is thawed as well. And since it looks like I'll be in the kitchen all day anyway, why not make the chili that we bought the beans for? We've been so lazy lately, that most of the casseroles I had frozen have been consumed, and the freezer needs re-filling. But, Boy! have I ever been productive in the studio!

This excursion was obviously the highlight of our week, and I am grateful for not having to clean up the kitchen tonight.

Sorry to hear about Harry's brother, Beth. Sounds scarey, and is maybe a hint that none of us is getting any younger. Another elderly (88years old) lady was attacked and robbed here this week--after cashing in her pension cheque and taking the money to the drugstore to pay bills. It makes me very aware of how at risk older people are, not only from the physical effects of age, but also from the dangers of our modern society.

You can find anything on the Internet

2012-02-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Just for fun I logged in Pigs in Blankets onto google search and found more than I really wanted although I didn't actually have time to read any of them,, or to watch the step by step video that was also offered. I'm sure I can learn all about Pigs in Blankets – in general that is – but nothing specific about 180 Maplewood and the freezer in the rafters haha

Harry's brother was air lifted to Sudbury during the night – info limited although Harry spoke with him this afternoon and we may be driving to visit him tomorrow. Sounds like arterial occlusion – his leg was numb and turning blue apparently. Always seems to be something unsettling going on. Take care

Have to think about that one.

2012-02-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

I know she made them with pastry and sausage meat-not sasuages. Was it Mom that made them or Dad? And I think they were baked. Were they made in big rolls and then sliced like cinnamon buns? You're probably right that they were made for company and not the family. Were they not part of Christmas dinner? That would explain them being made ahead of time and frozen. This whole paragraph sounds like "flight of ideas", and probably most of them are wrong. I only have the vaguest memory of them.

Sausages - more talk.....

2012-02-01T16:25:00.001-08:00

....perhaps we are getting tired of all this "sausage talk" but here's yet another sausage enquiry. Driving around in the van today on errands, my mind began to wander from one of our conversation topics to another and yet another, until it ended somehow years ago at home where Dad was retrieving frozen Pigs in Blankets from the rafters outside and above the back door for Mom. Now, I ask you both, what did we do with them once in the house to be eaten? How did she/he make them and how were they served. I believe for guests visiting at Christmas time but sure hope you can fill in the details for me!

It sounds by Patty's last message that you two shall be seeing each other soon? Hope you actually have time to spend together but it sounds as if it may be quick trips with buying fabric etc? Talk of Plumas reminds me of going to Plumas to a baseball tournament when I came with the boys when they were young – am I right Cathy? It serves to firm my resolve even more to make the trek this summer so that I , too, can see you both. You are really close in distance between Winnipeg and Neepawa – so different from me living to hell and gone....haha. I have bought two new outfits so far for the trip (at my usual cheap store) and must really go through what clothes I have already before starting to spend so far ahead of the date of departure. Mind you the two outfits cost in total less than $20.00 so I really should not worry.

It is February the first, and the heater went on in the little greenhouse this morning! There are already boxes of seeds planted and in the porch windows but as soon as the temp in the green house stabilizes, I expect they will be moved. And so it begins again..... We lost a window in the glass greenhouse this winter in the roof and unfortunately we will not be able to use it until it can be fixed which will be in late spring or summer so likely no heaters and plants in there for awhile. The snow was a bit too heavy before we could clean it off and during the shovelling procedure the glass cracked and then fell in shards into the greenhouse. We were able to get a piece of plywood over the broken part but only to keep the rest of the glass and snow from falling in. Take care for now

Creativity

2012-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

Who was your teacher, Cathy? I have an acquaintance, Linda Glowacki, who teaches this, but I know there are others. My wrists just won't allow me to do needle felting by hand, so I stick to my little machine. Your report spurred my creativity and I've produced three backgrounds to do some surface work on. I wish I could do the dimensional work. The little animals are so cute, and such a hit as gifts.

I have never made sausages, and never want to. The one time I was tempted was after eating a "Mealy Jimmie" at the Scottish Pavilion at Folklorama. It is basically our Scottish Oatmeal Dressing put into a large sausage caseing and baked. But I have a fantastic recipe for a caserole using sausage meat, wild and white rice and French's deep fried onions. It has always been a family favourite, but one I haven't made in awhile.

Yesterday we went to Lee Valley to buy another package of four stacking containers for beads. I knew that I would need a few for the beads I had in the box so ended up buying 12 of them. Yep, you guessed it--all gone. Then late this afternoon, I discovered yet another shoe box full of beads! I've ordered some fabric from the store in Plumas, and David didn't want to pay shipping, so we've arranged for him to go and pick it up when we come up on March 3rd. So it looks like he'll be coming with me.that day as well as on Feb 13th.

Weekends

2012-01-30T05:59:00.001-08:00

I had a great time with Rrain at the needle felting class. The things we made were so easy. We all made snowmen (Mine turned out way bigger than the others) and then we made anything we wanted. I made a mouse. It is hard to believe that there is not a single drop of glue or stitch in either of them. Rrain bought a big bag of wool and two needles. I didn't realize that she would have wool for sale and had no money on me. But we stuffed Rrain's bag really full, so I can make something else. Yesterday I made my turkey dinner. It turned out really well, but we will be having left overs for a while. I made turkey stock, but I had to store it outside because the fridge was so full. Unfortunately the dogs found it this morning (my bad) They got into the bones and meat, but not the stock itself. They didn't get many bones or I would be really worried.I have today and tomorrow off work and I have no plans at all. Okay, the fridge and freezer need cleaning, but that is it. I want to put all the frozen "leftovers" into the fridge freezer so that people will find them when they are looking for a quick meal. I know Rrain wanted the cabbage rolls the other day and couldn't find them. She had canned soup instead, poor thing. Both Jim and Rrain have developed a real loving of the store made sausages from Shop Easy. I will admit they are good. They were better when Kris made them, but he seems to have a knack for creating things. I am going to have to get some instruction from Kris and make some of my own, because they can really go through those things! Our Puppy is really growing now. You can see the change in her. At three months she is still a baby, though, and does baby things. We can tire her out by going for a walk around the trail.... yes, we can still get around the trail.... there is so little snow this year. She has started to try and follow the other dogs when they leave the trail but on her the snow we have seems deep and she bounds through it. By the time she reaches where the dogs were, they are long gone, so she bounds back to us. No wonder we tire her out. I am going to try to post a picture of them. (once I take one) A beginner's work, but I am very proud of them. I finally did something artistic!!

Generations

2012-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Bill Connolly that Dad knew had a son, also named Bill. David met him years ago through the Dept.of Highways. I have no idea whether he, himself, might have also had a son. When David met him, he was still living in that part of the country. Darren might know, but I haven't been able to touch base with them all weekend. I don't know what they might be up to.

Sausages and snowblowers

2012-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

The sausages are made and in the freezer – I just couldn't bring myself to cooking some tonight – too close to the actual making of them to suit me which I could not explain to Harry. But he bought a snow blower off Kijiji today and we drove to Sturgeon Falls to pick it up and then stopped into the Reserve on the way back and bought some frozen pickerel fillets – that's what we had for supper. It has snowed all day and piling up quickly but I have to admit my previous, present and ongoing reticence to using a snow blower which apparently, must change immediately! I guess I will have to see how I shall get by with using a snow blower instead of the exercise intensive shovelling that I so loved?

I must tell you of a weird coincidence that caught me off guard on Friday – I was listening to a CBC radio show called "Living Out Loud" and the title of this show was The Ice, Snow and Hockey Show. During the segment on The Ice and Snow they interviewed Bill Connolly of Wallace Lake who talked about trapping and the wilderness and the snow around his cabin and Lake and suddenly I stopped what I was doing and wondered how on earth did they have Bill Connolly of Wallace Lake talking to them?? Was I in another dimension or could this be THE Bill Connolly of Wallace Lake – friend to Daddy, and familiar to me as I had visited him at this very cabin???? What do you think? I know for a fact that he could not be living still and if so, still living at his cabin on Wallace Lake! I even went into CBC.ca/livingoutloud just now for Jan 27 show and relistened to the broadcast again. I am sure I am losing it! Anyway, it has been a very busy, and long weekend, and maybe I should just go to bed and sleep it off haha! Take care everyone

Turkey, too

2012-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Turkey is a regular part of out diet. But we are very dependant on Cathy for our lovely Hutterite turkeys. Sure don't ever want to have to get one from a grocery store again! We usually freeze it in gravy in meal size portions, and have it it every couple of weeks or so. Tonight we had a special meal--steak, home fried potatoes and fried mushrooms. This was a real treat.  I can't remember the last time we had it. I've been under the weather the last couple of days and not eating, so by supper time I was really hungry.

I completely re-organized my beads. Instead of having every different bead in it'sown container, I put them into bags by colour. I came to realize that I usually work with several different types of bead, although within one colour family. Hopefully, this will make the whole collection easier to manage.Unfortunately, when I was about finished, I found a whole shoe box full of more beads. Ah well, another day.  I promised myself a "fun" day, when the job was done, so I have plans for tomorrow.  I have a small pile to share with my Ravenesque group, and a couple of small bags that I plan to offer to Amber in hopes that Samantha's nursery school might be able to use them. I'm pretty sure that Amber won't want them for her children to throw all over their bedroom floors. Amber called this morning to cancel their visit tomorrow, so we haven't had a chance to talk about any plans for summer.

Thursday we were off to the library. Puddles everywhere. Just about the same thing yesterday when we were shopping. I imagine it will be your way tomorrow, Beth. Almost scarey isn't it? While David was in the library, I stepped into Giant Tiger. There was an older, somewhat dishevelled man who was talking loudly about the prices he was finding, and comparing them to prices in other local stores. Unfortunately, his loud talk was obscenity laden, " Holy F-- will you look at that! F--king 87 cents!"   He and I had quite a chat about the price of rice. But everyone was quietly giggling, as they listened to him. Then I spoke to the checker who told me that she had been forced to retire early, but that her former company was so happy to see her go they fully funded her pension, and she was dancing all the way to the bank. Then we had a chat about how older workers are treated in the workplace. Are your shopping trips ever like this, or is it just me?

Turkey

2012-01-28T16:05:00.001-08:00

Funny you mention a turkey as I have one outside on the front stairs – I use the front stairs as a freezer in the winter and this year came in really handy as I moved food from Mothers freezers to here – a lot I threw out but there was still some stuff OK like all the vegetables from the garden that I froze this summer. But we bought some turkeys on sale before Christmas and since we had no room here I put them into Mothers refrigerator freezer to store and there was one left which is now on my front stairs. But with the mild weather lately I have had my eye on it and wondering if we will have to have a turkey dinner sometime soon. So far it is solid frozen in spite of the rain last week, but I don't want to take any chances. In my cleaning up and trying to make order out of chaos ( will never happen haha) I have been bringing extra small appliances upstairs to clean and see if they work. We must have about five of everything! anyway, one real find for me was the electric meat grinder – I have had a real desire to make a real shepherds pie with ground up roast beef such as we had at home. My pies have usually been ground beef (hamburger meat) based of late. So as I cleaned it up and feeling happy to find it again Harry got interested and decided to make some sausages with it as it has that attachment. This morning we went to Sprucedale to check on the house, and then directly to North Bay to check on Mikes place and his cat. While there we went into No Frills and Harry bought ground pork and beef and then we went to a Butcher store and I bought some intestines for casing – tomorrow we make sausages!! Mike is in Gogama up North, on an outdoors Course, so we had to check on his cat. He is really loving having a little cat and it makes good company for him – that is when he is home! There was a big notice taped to his door from the Financial Institution that has taken over the mortgage from the previous owners, and it states "notice" that they are selling it under a power of sale, and Mike must comply with all requests to show the apt to prospective buyers on 24 hours notice. The other two units on the second and third floors are empty. I sure hope it goes Ok for him as he doesn't deserve all this mess due to others problems. I loved to see all your beads on the tables Patty but it took me a few hard looks to orient myself to the direction of the photo but I finally did. Hope you got the table cleared so you can get back to your wonderful work. And Cathy I was thrilled to hear of you taking a course in needle felting – good for you. Please keep us informed of your progress, and it is a good mix to have McGrath and Hughes "likes" in your life. Remember how involved I was in Theatre in my teens – much to the chagrin of Mom I think especially when I think of them driving me and picking me up so often. When we went to Rainbow stage on my last visit, I was taken back in time and had so many good thoughts of the past. Even though I'm not doing much with my "McGrath" side lately, it's nice to know its there! Have fun.

Learning new things that everyone else knows

2012-01-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Today I am taking a class in needle felting. It's a beginners class for people with two left hands. They also have knitting and crocheting. Maybe it is time for me to explore the McGrath side of my heritage. (Though I still love acting !!!) Rrain is taking it too. She's the one that talked me into it. It could be a fun thing for the two of us to do together. Beats going to the Legion all the time. I have also taken a turkey out for supper tomorrow, and the next day and the next day and..........I am going to make some casseroles and pies to freeze. I have Monday and Tuesday off work I saved some holidays for snow days but it doesn't seem that I will need them anytime soon. I think they said we have had less than 1/4 of our usual snowfall and this has been the warmest January in history It kind of makes you wonder what is happening. Being a typical Manitoban I keep saying that we are going to pay for it someday. Our puppy is growing. You don't notice it when you see her everyday but when I take a good look I can tell. There is no way she would fit into the box that she came home in. I took a bunch of clothes to the Salvation Army yesterday. I still kept some things that "shrank" while hanging in my closet, but I don't think I will ever fit into them again. I have good intentions but food gets in the way. Our next cribbage game isn't until February 11. If we move on from there we go to The Pas. That will be a long drive. The only Command tournaments I have been to have been in Winnipeg and Dauphin. We'll see what happens. I am going to make my grocery list so that I will have lots of good food to go with my turkey. Have a great week

Finished

2012-01-26T16:41:00.000-08:00

Today I finished the beading on a major piece. This is always a mixed blessing, emotionally. It's finished!! Hurray!! Tempered with creeping doubt about anyone liking it. Oh well, it is what it is. And isn't that the stupidist statement anyone ever made? Ran into a woman last fall who used it all the time. It irritated me then, and still does.

Had to cancel my dentist's appointment for next Monday. When my approval didn't arrive fromSun Life by yesterday, David phoned to find out what the delay was. They told him that they had mailed a form to the dentist requesting further information, but had not yet received it back. This sent us to the dentist's office where they denied ever receiving the form. Now they aren't allowed to contact SunLife directly, so they asked us to call Sun Life again and ask if the form could be faxed, then it would be filled out and faxed back immediately. So we did and were told that Sun Life procedures required about 4 days to receive permission to send a fax. So we asked what could be done, and were told just to have the dentist fill out the form and mail it back. So David got mad and asked when the form was mailed--answer--two days ago--Monday.

This all makes me notice how things don't bother me the way they used to. I'm not suffering, so the dentist will wait. My beaded piece will go to the exhibit whether it's the best thing I ever did or not. and I'll move onto the next project.

Beth, David says that when the cactus has a bud, it seems to work best if the soil is kept barely damp, rather than letting it dry completley out between waterings. Our didn't bloom for years, until one summer we put it out into the garden. Been fine ever since.

I guess for today, I'm grateful the $%*&(^ beading is finished.

Flowering cactus

2012-01-26T16:28:00.001-08:00

My "Maplewood Ave" cactus has another bud on it. This is only the second time in the many years that I've been nursing it, that it has produced a flower. So long ago (years ago but I cannot remember how many?) Dave gave me a slip from the original – it never flourished, but then it never died either – just sort of stayed stagnant. We put all the flowers outside in the summer and it seemed to like this and actually seemed to grow a few more leaves. But to glance at it today I was overjoyed to see the bud. Now I shall enjoy each day to see how it matures and blossoms! I am really overdoing my work lately and my body is feeling it – decided I must do something to try to tidy up and since I was the only one to do it, I have gone at it full force. In the midst of the tidying yesterday I found my sewing ( at the bottom of the pile!) and had some fun looking at the quilt I had being doing and all the yoyos that I was making to be embellished onto the front of the quilt. And my prayer shawl that I had been knitting- sitting in the same box where I left it so long ago. I don't really think that my hands would allow me to do much knitting now, or for that matter make yoyos either, as I am finding it difficult to do even little chores that require manual dexterity without trouble managing or without pain /discomfort. Oh, poor me!! What I can do though, is hold a book and read which I shall go off and do now before bed. That should make me feel better, right! BTW Cathy when is your next crib match – I have lost track and want to be sure to be thinking of you as you play. Will I have to book a trip to the Nationals – where are they being held this year? Take care

Finally..

2012-01-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

the Blog let me sign in this morning. I was going to send you emails if it didn't. Just to say I still loved you and wasn't ignoring you. Of course everything I was going to say was from last week so there is nothing new right now. My passport expired a while ago and Jim has never had one in his life. Maybe it is on his bucket list. Things are quiet right now. I have not yet killed Jim or the dogs, but the temptation is there. Especially in the morning when I clean up the mess. This morning besides the usually pee and poo the couch cushions had been dragged onto the floor and a collection of "stuff" on them. Stuff like Jim's weather station monitor. Destroying my ebook wasn't enough. They are going for all the electronics they can find. I am still not sure why Lyala gets the lake all summer. Don't the families own it jointly? It seems you only get to go when there is work to be done. (bitchy I know) Kris and Sandi dropped in on Sunday. We all had a nice visit. Sandi wanted to take Chace home. I was all for it, but Kris said n0. I am pretty sure Jim wouldn't let it happen either. Sorry this is so short, but I have to go to work this morning, unlike other people. (bitchy number 2) Jim always like to point this fact out to me. Another 7 years and he will be stuck with me all day long. Then maybe he will regret some of his comments.

Passports

2012-01-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

We will need to renew our passports this year. I think they expire in October. Yes, a lot of fuss and $$, but a necessity, if you want to travel at all. I expect that we'll have to pin down some dates fairly quickly, as Lyala has already expressed the need to negotiate lake time. She wants to spend the entire summer down there, and doesn't see why we would object to her being around. I have decided not to apply for the Sioux Narrows Festival of the Arts this year. So there will be nothing pinning us down to a specific time. But, I may be forced to apply for the Pinawa show in mid-July ( don't ask!) but I think I'm prepared for that, and that weekend is usually fun. When we go to the States we usually get rooms (usually free, or almost free)at the Shooting Star Casino, then drive into Fargo for shopping. We have also spent time driving all around the back roads of Manitoba and Minnesota looking at trees. (???) We usually don't travel further west, but we have been up through Boisevein, and the trip through the Turtle Mountains is nice. Amber is planning a holiday this summer, but, as far as I know, doesn't have any tentative dates. We haven't been able to get anything at the Duty Free on our last three trips. It would be nice to do that.

Just putting in time right now. I'm working in the studio, but it's going slowly, as I have to take frequent breaks. We've been watching the theatre listings in the paper carefully, as we got a couple of theatre passes for Christmas, but there hasn't been anything that we can agree on, so far. I try to read the reviews whenever I can--most of them are for movies locally made and with no recognizable names, but then there are no recognizable names in any of the supermarket magazines either. Maybe all of my favourite actors have died.

David was able to get out and move snow today. It's been so cold that he has put it off, but the temperature was up a bit today. )(Our new neighbour was out shovelling on concrete at 7:30 this morning. It could be heard in our bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Breakfast was early today) Otherwise we aren't leaving the house. So I sit and eat chocolate chip cookies and then curse at the scale. Life is normal.

Plans and Passports

2012-01-22T15:32:00.001-08:00

Enjoyed all your notes over past week or two and sorry I could not get into it, as much as I had hoped I could anyway.

It is said that one must have a plan for an adventure for the future – a vacation, or an extra special event, or a purchase etc. By having such a plan, one can focus on that event and make plans, and by doing so, can enjoy the "anticipation" or the "journey". I really missed not having my usual drive west to visit with my family last year. So, to rectify the situation, I am beginning to make my travel plans. Hope you are all OK with my presumption of visiting. I mailed off my passport renewal form and application, and money and of course the new picture. Went to Walmart and had my picture taken and I was shocked, to say the least, to realize what an old hag I am. They may not accept such a picture and my renewal may be denied – do you think they can do that? I am thinking of a three day drive this time (two nights on the road) It is really too long a drive to try to make 12 to 13 hours a day and the last time I came I admit I had "hit the wall" by the time I phoned Patty and Dave in sheer panic mode. Mind you, I also hit some really horrendous weather and the driving was terrible but nevertheless, it was too much. It is hard to believe that the time to travel will take 6 days – almost a week just to get there and back leaving not much time for the visit. But this time as well, I shall lengthen the planned visit to accommodate the travel. Also, I am saving all the American change I get, and watching the dollar rate closely so I can capitalize on the exchange to purchase American money. This is all assuming, again, that there may be an opportunity for us to take a quick trip to the USA to see what all the fun is (your trips sound great!) Also hoping for the usual wonderful time at the Lake but I shall only be bringing my blow up mattress and bedding – NO tenting this time around so I shall have to find a spot on the porch or the floor haha So you see, I am making some plans and I am already feeling some satisfaction and anticipation! What do you think??

Expecting temperatures of 8 degrees tomorrow and next day accompanied by rain or freezing rain. The roof is feet deep with snow and I heard someone talk about going on the roof tomorrow to shovel which means I stay on the ground and shovel it all away while trying to hold the ladder! Sounds like fun! There is a snow plough sitting in front of our house from Tuesdays storm when it apparently broke down – we heard them trying to work on it in the middle of the night and then one day a tire disappeared and the next day it reappeared again. Perhaps they are waiting for the next storm before they move it?

I love too hear about books you are reading as it gives me a few ideas although I still have a box of books that Harry bought at the auction to fall back on. I tend to find an author I like and then read all I can get of him/her. But I find now that I am tiring of this and want to experience different styles and types although the historical fiction still excites me. I liked the Stuart Woods novel Patty, and will likely find another soon – perhaps at the library. I bought the fourth Christopher Paolini novel of his series but haven't been able to get at it either.

Take care for now everyone.

Good Read

2012-01-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you about a book that I just finished, "Believing the Lie" by Elizabeth George. It is the most recent in her Inpsector Lynley series of British police procedurals, but unlike anything I've read of her's before. He is asked, as a favour, to investigate an accidental death, on the "q.t.". The book then explores the ripple effect that is started by peoples' reactions to the investigation. But someone very much had her "tongue in cheek" when writing the book. Every conceivable twist of a standard mystery novel character appears, from a druggie heir to an evil twin. And every conceivable sexual twist shows up, as well. And at every turn there is a tabloid writer who wouldn't recognize a story if it bit him. It's quite long ( amost 700 pages) but worth every minute. Little work has been done in this house for three days!

Very quiet

2012-01-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

It's just been one of those "nothing" weeks. We sit at home, eat out of the freezer, and are very thankful that we don't have to get up and go to work in the mornings. I had to go out Wednesday evening to a quilters' guild meeting ( sn-o-o-o-o-ze) and the driving was very, very scarey. Everywhere was a sheet of ice. That was the day that a car was in an accident on the Disraeli Bridge and drove through the guardrail and onto the river ( fatal fall). I only had to drive south on Lagimodiere and traffic was quite comfortable driving between 50 and 60 km instead of the usual 85-100km. By yesterday the driving was a little better when David took me to an embroidery store and I bought four little packages of beads ( Highlight of the week!!)

Now, cabin fever doesn't usually kick in until mid-February. It just shows how spoiled we are this year with the warm December---we don't know what to do with ourseves when it gets cold! We even drove across the street to the library Thursday. We came out with a huge shopping bag full of books--hoping it will last the week. A new one by Elizabeth George--about 2 inches thick and I'm half way through already. I do like her books, but they are few and far between. Then yesterday we ( the Royal "We") baked sourdough bread. "We" haven't done that in over a year, although we made some fruitbread for Christmas morning. I'm sure I'll see the results at the scale.

Today I plan to work in the studio. I have to keep two or three projects going so that I can pace the hand work. My horoscope says that I will have a restless day. " All dressed up and no place to go" is how it was phrased. I hate days like that! I get really cranky.

Your turn

2012-01-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

You're having some nice things happen to you, Cathy. It must be your "turn". Enjoy it while you can. good luck on you cribbage playing. And remind me notto play with you--ever. We were out to dinner with Amber last night. A nice treat.

I had been to a meeting out in Landmark in the afternoon and it was especially nice not to have to hurry home to cook dinner. But by the time the meeting had broken up, we were in the middle of quite a snow storm. One of the ladies had driven in from Pinawa, but, luckily, was planning to spend the night in Winnipeg. I had driven out on hwy 206, having been told that it was a shorter more direct route than driving through Lorette, but figured in the snow, I would be better heading home on the familiar and busier, hwy. I managed to get up to 70k between Landmark and Lorette, but driving through Lorettte was a challenge with heavy snowfall and very poor visability. This was between 4:30 and 5:00--a time for poor visibility in good weather! But just north of Lorette, the falling snow tapered off and I only had to contend with blowing snow. Scary, none the less. But I made it safely.

So a quiet day today. My small stitchery group tomorrow, and a quilters' guild meeting Wednesday evening. I'm not taking a painting class this session, as I need to get some of my own work done, so my Wednesday afternoons are free for the next little while. Thursday night is a small design study group I've joined. I don't have all of my homework done, but it's a pretty relaxed group and I'm not concerned. I don't know how much I'm learning, but I'm finding the exercises very inspiring, so it's time well spent.

So far, this is shaping up to a good year for all of us. We should all be grateful, we've had some difficult times lately. But for today, I'm grateful that I didn't have ot go out in the cold. Today, we watched a couple of fellows trying to start a car that has been parked in front of our house for at least two months. They got it going with a boost,but boy, did they ever look cold working out there!

I forgot to mention...

2012-01-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

I was excited about the crib and forgot to mention that when I bought dog food at Safeway yesterday they gave me a game card and I won!!! I will be gettiing a JVC HD Camcorder. I have never had any sort of video recorder so it will be a new experience for me. Rrain says that she will take it off my hands for me :) I then bought a lottery ticket and won nothing. I thought things came in threes, but I guess not. Rrain fell down the outside stairs yesterday. She is pretty sore today. She is lucky she didn't break her neck. I have never liked those railway tie stairs. I realized this week that I still have holidays to use up. I am trying to decide if I want a bunch of short weeks or if I should just take a week. Both sound appealing to me. I will see if I move on to provincials in Crib. If I do I will need a couple of days to get to The Pas and back. If I do make it I sure hope it is as a team. Then all four of us would go. It's all in the cards

Congrats Cathy

2012-01-15T11:39:00.001-08:00

Best wishes on your next round and good for you. I have played with you and know how you can play expertly. I bet you weren't helping your opponents like you used to help me out haha

Well, my estimate was slightly off and we have two more days of it at Mothers. Yesterday we had a setback as the van decided to act up just as we were about to Mothers – the engine light came on and said "engine power reduced" and it sure was – no power at all. I phone the garage and spoke with the man there and he said it would still get us from point A to point B but with little power and best not to drive it. So I was the one chosen to try to drive it back home and switch to my car. We needed a reliable way home after the day of cleaning at Mothers. So I got into it immediately while it was warm and it started and I made it back to Sundridge OK (but slowly) It gets into the service tomorrow at 8 am and as a matter of fact we have just delivered it and left key in the night box. We have done miracles at Mothers and the real estate lady came in this afternoon and was very impressed with how good it looks. But my car does not accommodate bringing the stuff left to bring so that has extended our work plan a bit. Also, have to do a bit more cleaning. Harry's sister worked on the kitchen yesterday and today. we ended up having to paint the kitchen and diming room walls as they were just too marked up. The real estate lady called yesterday and suggested it would be wise so Donna bought the paint last night and Harry painted this morning. It was well worth the extra effort as now looks good. So I better go for now and will keep you updated.

Well done!

2012-01-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

Now he has to be the one showing support while he cheers you on. Role reversal is sometimes fun.

Cribbage

2012-01-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

Well, Jim & I surrounded all the other players.... he came last and I came first. I would be really excited except it was in singles and neither one of us wanted to move on because you are by yourself..... of course, I won so YIPPEE!!! Our team and I will now move on to Gladstone for the next time on the road to fame

mmmmmmm Good

2012-01-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

You almost made me hungry, but not really. The beet part really struck home. I love beets but the initial shock the next day is always there. Even though you are expecting it. Good thing I am not really crazy about red velvet cake. Tomorrow is crib again. It gets us out of the house and doing something. I enjoy it. Lotto Max tonight. One day one of us will win

Don't laugh

2012-01-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

You almost got it in a trifle for Sunday supper!!! No, it was rather tasteless. It's not often I throw cake out.

LOL

2012-01-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

That's too funny!

Did it at least taste good?

Warning!!

2012-01-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

Don't ever buy Duncan Hines Red Velvet cake mix! We picked some up as a treat when we were in the States and made it up yesterday. The raw batter was bright scarlet, although the cake itself was a little darker. It stained my utensils and my hands. We ate the cake with whipped cream and it stained the whipped cream red. Dish washing water also turned red. Today, we have found that it has the same effect as beets do in the bathroom. Never again!

Toad-in-the Hole revisited

2012-01-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

I remember Toad-in-the-Hole. The little circle of bread was fried up and used as a hat on the egg. I haven't thought of that in ages. JJ is stlll a puppy.... go figure. I have learned a few tricks. When she tries to chew on me I go "OWWW" in a very high pitched voice. Dogs do that when they are hurt so it stops her!! We congratulate when she does "puppy pee" outside. (My life is so sad) It has been hard at work. Mallorie had a very bad week last week and I just wanted to cry by Friday. Elizabeth has now included me in the Senior Staff Meetings. She told everyone that I wanted to learn examination. My first meeting in tomorrow. I still want to win the lottery and retire. I will keep hoping. Tomorrow is haircut day. I think that will make me feel better about myself. The weather has been insane. It was 14 on our patio today. 5 on the north side of the office. We will be back to normal later this week, but normal is only about -15. I really don't miss the -30. We do need snow, thought. The wet sprig was followed by a drought here, so moisture levels are not high. Spring is coming. I got my first seed catalogue today. Today I am grateful for everyday of life. There is so much to anticipate in the days to come.

Quickie note

2012-01-09T16:27:00.001-08:00

Hi – just a quick but good message to say we rented a 10' X 20' storage unit here in Sundridge and just this action has allayed some anxiety for me – we had so much to move from Mothers in such a short time that it was necessary to do something quick. Now we can take our time to organize, but at the same time clear out Mothers in time for the Friday opening to the for sale market. Next week the agent will be bringing the real estate agents to "tour" the house because it goes onto MLS listings. Bye for now

Re-thinking my musings/ Toad-in-the-Hole

2012-01-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

I guess I should be happy that my Grandchildren are becoming familiar with Toad-in-the-Hole, something I remember from my childhood, even if the knowledge is coming from an entirely different direction. Winnipeg is a very incestuous town--no more than 2 degrees of separation around here!

Research about Egg in the Hole

2012-01-08T15:42:00.001-08:00

Not really great or earth shattering information that I share with you now, but you struck a cord when you spoke about "eggs in the hole" By the way I made some for breakfast this morning just because the thought was there haha. Sometime ago I got a recipe book – I think in a box of books Harry got at a garage sale? But for some reason I really enjoyed reading it and have many times taken it up to reread or just browse. I tried the yeast pizza from this book that I told you folks about long ago. Anyway as I lay in bed thinking about your message Patty – quite profound in my opinion and started to get me thinking about life in general but also about eggs in the hole. We did have them at home because I can remember having the bread hole piece also fried and then put on top of the egg to serve and it was this piece that I liked to eat. But I digress. In this recipe book the author explains everything about the dish she is sharing and so it becomes a story as well as real recipes with step by step instructions. here is what she says about "eggs in the hole" – while I insist the proper, official name is egg-in-the –hole, here are the different incarnations that have cropped up since: egg in a basket; chicken in a basket; frog in a hole; toad in a hole; egg basket; bird's nest egg; toad hole; egg hole; pop eyes; egg toast; private eyes. She ends with the following thrown in for comic relief: or bird's Nest egg in a hole Basket Toad Chicken Frog. You both may actually enjoy reading this book if you could find a copy : The Pioneer Woman Cooks – Recipes from as Accidental Country Girl. by Ree Drummond 2009 Harper Collins Books. ISBN 978-0-06-165819-8 (also www.ThePioneerWoman.com)

At Sprucedale all day – Real estate came and took pictures and measurements and the house will go on the market on Friday Jan 13 – that's this Friday - so I can tell you without doubt the rest of my week is filled – no room for anymore social engagements, I'm sorry! But there are a few plumbing problems that Harry and I discovered while trying to disconnect the washing machine so to make a long story short ( you don't really want to hear the details!) a handyman that we had called upon before to go to Mothers was called and he will come tomorrow at 10 to help Harry fix – we bought some parts to day at Canadian Tire in Huntsville. We had to go there to drop off a van full of boxes at his sisters place. There are still about two more vans full of boxes waiting at the house to be transported so likely make another trip to her house again tomorrow and then on Thursday Harry and her husband (also called Harry) will move the washer and dryer. She does not want the freezer now so it will come here – likely be stored beside the three china cabinets and the organ sitting in the front room - ha (only one "ha" this time because its not really that funny anymore)

So have yourselves a merry little week this week and keep writing- I hope to be able to log on to check but maybe lack the energy to do much more! Take care.

No Lotto Max here--again

2012-01-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago we had a fellow in to look at our stuff. He wasn't interested in the china or silver but gave us over $700.00 for the wooden, glass-doored cabinet the stuff was in. Older furniture may be worth more than you think--if you can bear to part with it. Last year (? or more) I tried to sell some of my china through "Things"--the consignment shop of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. There just isn't a market for it right now, as it isn't dishwasher/microwave safe, and younger women don't want to have to wash the dishes by hand. So my Royal Doulton dishes ended up at the lake. We still have a full service of Royal Albert in the garage. Good luck to you in all of this, and I'm grateful it isn't me dealing with it.

Finally put the Christmas dishes away, and the tree too. Some of the dishes are getting chipped--it was a cheap set. But the process, as well as conversation with David's sister, made me thnk about traditions and what we pass on to our children. We had Salmon loaf for supper last night and that lead me to thinking about all of the recipes we've talked about and exchanged on this blog. Most of them came to us through Mom, or one or two, David's Mother, and how many of them will pass along to another genration? Even Christmas breakfast has changed. The old cinnamon buns are still around, but in different forms ( yeast dough vs sourdough vs baking powder biscuit). Amber's children love Toad-in-the-hole for Christmas breakfast, although they call it something else. This has come to them through Darren's Mom, and will probably become their Christmas tradition. I remember having it as a child, but I don't remember it being one of Mom's recipes. Grannie?? or, for some reason, I'm thinking of the Harlands. Either way speaks to a strongly English tradition, but Darren's background is Eastern European. Already Amber has shared one or two of his Mother's recipes with me--and I can see the Shipp family traditonal recipes passing along, but maybe not the McGrath's. Loren is more likely to use recipes from his childhood, but less likely to pass them along to his children.

Anyway, it sounds as though I'm babbling today. Must get back to the studio.

How could you resist with a face like that...

2012-01-06T16:21:00.001-08:00

...don't those little critters just touch you the right way and always tend to make you fall in "love at first sight". Hope you have fun with your menagerie Cathy but then I think I understood you to say that Jim was taking full responsibility for JJ's training??????

Another fun day at the farm ie Mothers place! Down to the crunch now as Harry is to sign the real estate papers tomorrow, and she told him something like "... then we can start to tidy up and make it presentable for viewing..." Oh boy, here we go again - it never seems to end. Not much assistance yet from his siblings either so after some pointed e-mails and phone calls, Harry will be picking up his sisters husband next Thursday early and they will haul boxes and freezer and washer and dryer and a bed to her house. Probably take several trips as they are using our van to transport. More stuff was brought home here today and there is more coming tomorrow so it is looking quite crowded in here. An auction company is coming next Wednesday to look at the excess furniture and old antique dressers etc with the hope that they will take it away for an auction at end of Feb – may not get much money for it if they take it at all. The other day I went through a china cabinet I have full of tea pots and cream and sugars which I had been collecting a while ago and have decided I can't bear to keep any longer. I thought the auction people may take them, but Harry has said he'll take them to his friend here in Sundridge at the auction barn. They may never leave this house in the end, but I needed that space to put another wooden glass doored cabinet that he is bringing back from his Mothers. I still seem to be three china cabinets over space available though, and they are lined up here in the front room (beside the electric organ Harry decided to get before Christmas. Don't you just love it – would make for a great new "reality show". Well it's Friday night and I have my fingers crossed for the Lotto Max win tonight. Anyone willing to join me in the winnings??? It is very mild out again and melting snow is dripping off the roof and they are calling for rain tonight. I think about the ice shacks that just appeared on the Lake during the cold blast we just had – I would be scrambling to get them off real quick! Have a good weekend everyone – take care.

Guess What Jim Did!?

2012-01-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

Allow me to introduce JJ She is 2 months old and I think she is going to be very big (check out the feet!) I din't really need 3 dogs. Especially 3 big dogs that live in the house. Oh well. It will give Jim something to do over the winter. Not that we have had much of a winter yet. Highs of 7 in January!! Of course JJ is teething right now. We have one dog that eats anything he can and one that wants to chew on whatever she can. It is going to be a long winter around here. Rrain and I have a play practice tonight. She is stage manager. I have no jobs (yippee) Anyway, think of me and my menagerie. Today I am grateful that he only brought one dog home. There were 2 sisters in the ad.

Year books??

2012-01-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

Mine are long gone. Can't remember what happened to them. Beth, you'll always have the memories, the "stuff" is just a reminder. My emotional conundrum comes when I come across something and think "I should keep this,but don't really want to/have space etc" We have taken to offering it to the children, and if neither of them want it--out it goes. I think I mentioned that Amber told us that if there was a lot left, she would probably have a huge garage sale, so we have been taking a good look at what we have and a lot of it is going. This is what has been behind my book clean-out over the past couple of years. I'm making sure things go where I think they should go--NOW--not leaving it to chance later. My Ravenesque ladies have agreed to be responsible for each others' "stash", and David and Amber are fine with that. I can't really expect them to know what has value to another agency or person and what is really junk,or even junque.

But what a great time you seem to be having with the memories that your sorting has released! No-one can ever take those away from you.

A smile and chuckle for myself

2012-01-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

A coincidence for sure – I have been sorting through a few things, initially from sorting out Mike's game cards in his cupboard which extended to another shelf and lead me to some softcover books stored away for a rainy day. Long story short there was a book by Stuart Woods titled White Cargo and as I held it in my hands gave a nice little chuckle and thought of you Patty and your recommendation to read his work. So since I am currently reading another Steve Berry novel, I shall finish it, and then jump into this one. What have you both done with your old yearbooks etc. I am at the stage where I want to throw them out, but then again, have this need to hang onto them! What is the point?, or is there a point?

Trouble with sorting through stuff is that you spend too much time looking and remembering. Found all the old picture albums from Willie and his Christening, and his dress, and sweater set etc etc and sometimes it becomes too much to fathom, if that makes any sense. When can one actually let go of memories, or is there no time that you can? Perhaps I am in this mood because I am touching all this stuff that has been hidden away and really don't know what to do with it, short of boxing it up and putting it back on the shelf haha

I have decided to switch from buying Ontario 49 lottery tickets to buying 649 tickets – the difference being the cost and thus the number of lines you can buy. The Ontario 49 are only 50 cents each, where the 649 cost 2.00 each. So for my self imposed maximum expenditure of 5.00, it cuts my chances. Do you think I will actually be better off – time will tell when I check the numbers this Sat night. Back to my sorting – wonder what other surprises I will find?

Renewal time--Ha!

2012-01-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Lasted until about 11:00. Then it was off to the bank, to buy groceries, and renew most of my prescriptions. While I was out, I made the impulsive decision to have my hair cut, so took David home and then went off to have it done. Over the past couple of months my hair has become much more gray, and it was very obvious in the mirror there. Instead of scattered grey hairs, I now have grey streaks. I remember Dad and Auntie Lorraine being in their 70"s before they were noticeably grey, so I guess Mom's genes strike again. I am growing it a little longer than it's been in over 40 years. Without my glasses, I felt my "old woman face" needed a different focus or balance. Now I'm being teased for growing a "mullet", but the hairdresser told me today that, while the mullet is coming back to a certain extent, the sides are shaved, and I have no intention of doing that! After the hairdresser, it was off to the dentist. Whoopee!

During my shopping we also went to a local bead store with a gift certificate from Christmas.
She was very nice and gave me the same discount as I would have had during their boxing day sale. So I ended up with almost twice the value of the certificate, after the descount. So this evening will be spent playing with, and sorting beads--probably in front of the tv.

Train Travel

2012-01-03T16:26:00.001-08:00

Yes, I'm still enamoured with the thought of train travel and coincidently this afternoon while I was cleaning up in the front room, I opened a video cupboard – you know those little cupboards that hold VHS and DVD movies and tend to be totally useless! I found an old VHS movie called The Great Canadian Train Ride and described as "a breathtaking transcontinental journey aboard the newly restored Canadian with stops in Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, The Canadian Rockies, Kamloops Vancouver and Victoria" It is dated 1993 so a bit out dated but yet I enjoyed watching it in the past and plan to view it again- likely not tonight but within a few days for sure. We have to get up and leave early for Harry's Mothers place so that we can tidy up a bit before the Real estate lady comes at 11 am so I'll go to bed early, read a bit and then try to get some sleep. It has been difficult lately to sleep well, and I cannot attribute it to anything particular other than the usual demons that tend to make me anxious and annoyed and stressed all the time haha

A quick trip to North Bay this morning in minus 30 degree weather to do a bit of shopping and take the boxes of game cards over to Mike's. He is working so it was just a drop off and no visits but I just spoke with him a few minutes ago, and as I called he was going through all the cards. I find it very interesting that what was a forgotten joy in his life for many years when he was younger, has now made a comeback and the cards and the thrill of the game are reborn so to speak! That's alright with me because I have just gained about four big boxes of space in my house although you would never know it. haha I have discovered a new wonderful drink – Presidents Choice Chai Black tea bags but I mix it with hot milk instead of boiling water and it tastes very much like a hot Chai Latte which would cost me usually about $3.75 at the specialty store. The good part is that not only does it taste great, but I'm getting my daily amount of milk/calcium that I require. So that's it for now – take care.

Opportunity Knocks

2012-01-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

You speak of resuming the pattern of your life, but I see this time as a opportunity to develop new patterns. Caring for Harry's mother took so much of your time and energy that, once you spend a little time renewing your inner resources, you can create any new pattern you choose.

This morning is my renewal time. I have been so immersed in "to Do" lists etc over the past while that I told David that this morning I just want to "drift". Because of all of the activty lately, I now sit in a fairly tidy house, with food in the fridge. There are pending activities, but I have control over the "when" of them--a trip to the library, spending a gift certificate I received for Christmas. "Drifting" ends this afternoon when I have a dental appointment, but it can resume immediately after.

Ravenesque was both a treat and exhausting. Only three of us ended up enjoying supper and spending the evening, but my exhaustion must have shown because the other two packed up and left around 8:00. I had been in "hostess" mode since 9:30, after having had a tiring day Sunday. We all worked on projects, during the day, but knowing that I could be called upon to fetch and carry, I chose something that could be picked up and put down easily--a series of business cards.

But back to the pattern of life. Now I must concentrate on my Milky Way piece and the beading that involves. I showed the ladies yesterday and they seemed to think it was going well. After that there is another exhibition coming up, and the piece exists only in my head. I anticipate that project will take me into the summer. And I refuse to plan beyond that.

Today, with no apologies, I'm grateful that the holiday season is over.(although I still have to take the tree down and put the dishes away--maybe tomorrow)

Waiting for the hockey game

2012-01-02T12:03:00.001-08:00

As I write this note, Patty will be entertaining her Ravenesque ladies, and I will assume you others will be at work???

I am waiting for the start of the Winter Classic Hockey game that is due to begin at 3 pm – another 15 minutes or so. I have some potato chips in a bowl at the ready, and plan to pour myself a drink ( a real drink that is haha) I actually thought it was to commence at 1230 so was ready then but after not finding it on the CBC TV I realized I had misread the time and the 1230 slot was Pacific time – hence the 3 pm start is eastern time. You can see how exciting my life is when an event of this nature captures my undivided attention!

We were to Sprucedale this morning and brought home a big rain barrel and large outdoors flower pot full of soil. Harry has arranged to meet a real estate agent at the house there at 11 am on Wednesday. We haven't cleared out the inside yet as we are waiting on his sister to get mobile and remove the articles she wanted – so far no movement on her part although to be fair Christmas and New years did occur. Harry has told her that he will pack up stuff and if her husband can help, then the both of them could make a day of hauling stuff to her house. Don't know if that will happen?

It's pretty sad and lonely with the tree all gone and the other Christmas stuff boxed up. I really enjoyed sitting early in the morning with a coffee and hearing the "quiet" I shall have to create another distraction for myself I guess.

Anyway, as we get back to our usual patterns in life, whatever they may be, here's to a new year full of promise. Take care

Adult conversation

2012-01-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight Amber, Samantha and Gail arrived for supper. We were expecting Loren as well, but he never arrived and we haven't heard from him. With only one little girl there was no fighting, and a quiet pleaseant evening. Rather than play a game after eating we sat around the table and talked--very unusual behaviour from this group. A bit anti-climatic after spending three days cleaning house and preparing food, but with Ravenesque coming tomorrow the effort was still worth it. We bought a good beef roast and cooked vegetables around the roast for a real treat. The best roast beef I've had in a very long time--and lots of leftovers.
So, I guess today I'm grateful for family--near and far.

Love to check for messages

2011-12-30T15:49:00.001-08:00

and see news from you both! Glad you had a successful trip Patty and also happy that you are so close to the US shops and casinos that it really is a nice break to be taken whenever you so desire (or can afford haha) Sounds as if you also had a great shopping day Cathy so good on you both. Harry suggested dinner out tonight at the restaurant here in Sundridge that we like. He went out to check the mail and came back to say it was closed. I had set my hair in curlers and was feeling good about going out so was a little disappointed. I believe Harry saw this so went to the store and bought some food and cooked it up for supper – I wasn't to enter the kitchen so did not know what he was making! It turned out to be a nice supper after all in spite of the dishes that needed to be done by me – apparently this particular cook does not clean up after himself haha We don't have plans for NYE and never really bother about it – I usually start to take the decorations down while watching TV – may chose a funny movie to watch. I spent a good part of the afternoon sorting through gaming cards for Mike. I spoke with him today and he actually now wants all the cards – apparently the boys are going "retro" with their games night and turning to these games again – Star Trek, Star Wars, and Magic. I already have two big boxes of cards to take to him next week. The plus of all of this is that I will have a bit of space once I empty the cupboard and the fact that I actually saved all of this stuff after Mike moved out and wanted none of it at the time. Also, there are a lot of memories in that cupboard – some of his early art work, pictures, etc and the shelf also contains all of my old CHS yearbooks. I went to the dump yesterday and got rid of all my old Nursing textbooks – they are so old and out dated that were of no use to me or anyone else, but I shuttered to think of the cost of texts and just throwing them away bothered me.

I send best wishes to you for a Happy New Year – don't make any resolutions you know you cannot keep, but for sure resolve to keep up with this blog as it means so much to me to keep in touch. Take care

Frying Pans

2011-12-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

Home Hardware had all their Paderno cookwear on for 60% to 70% off. We bought a 12 inch fry pan, and 8 inch frypan and a stir fry pan. They were still expensive but we could afford them at the sale price. I really hate cheap pans. I have my eye on their stock pots, but they are $90.00 on sale. I would still like one. Maybe the sale will end before I make up my mind and I won't have to decide. As usual, I didn't get all my cleaning done while I was on holidays. I sorted through the office and have a big box of garbage to burn. I also cleaned & sorted the "pantry" downstairs. I will always wish for more cupboard space in the kitchen, but then where would I put them? I would have kitchen left. This warm weather, (sorry Beth!) has been nice, but the flies keep waking up and crawling around. My floor seems to be constantly covered in dead flies. The cat likes to play with them, but they only amuse him for so long. Once they stop moving he loses interest. I was trying to budget a bit today and figure out how much money I have for this month. The bank still hasn't fixed the screw up with my mortgage. I phoned on Dec 17 and yesterday they put some money back, but it was $200.00 less than they took out. I phoned again and they said it was really complicated so they were turning it over to the mortgage specialist & I would hear within 24 hours. Later that day I got a call from the Royal bank. It was automated and had "personal banking information for Catherine I. McGrath" I followed all their instructions and the information turned out to be them telling me I was overdrawn and must correct the situation immediately. Of course I am overdrawn..... You took $450.00 out of the account! I sure hope they fix this soon. We went through the last 2 weeks $450.00 short and I couldn't access any money because my account was overdrawn and I don't have overdraft on it. There, now I have vented. At least we both got paid this week. Rrain is supposed to go to Winnipeg & Beasejour for New Years, but she has had a bit of the flu all week. (of course she got sick... she is on holidays too.) I hope she feels better today. Jim & I are staying home tomorrow night. Steak dinner, glass of wine and in bed asleep by 10:00 pm. How exciting. The Levy is at the Legion on New Years Day. Jim's friend Stef is coming for the Levy and spending the night with us. I think the two of them are planning on drinking beer and talking. Stef was one of Jim's best friends until we met, and I always tell him he should go to Minnedosa for some "Stef" time. Instead Stef will come for some "Jim" time. today for excitement we are going to town to buy a shut off valve for the kitchen sink. Last time we had to fix it we had to shut the water off to the whole house. Hope everyones Christmas and New Years (and anniversary) brings all the joy you deserve!

A very nice trip

2011-12-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun Wednesday evening, after getting to Mahnomen about 5:00. We opted for a less formal dinner, and I had a club sandwich, on a wild rice/cranberry bread that was a real treat. And as our special anniversay treat we each had a drink--Chivas Regal for David and B&B for me. The two of them cost almost $25.00--so one each was enough. We had a little more fun this morning, and I left Mahnomen up about $75. This is very unusual, but has happened before--which is why we like going there--but it meant that I didn't have to restrain myself too much buying thread and beads in Fargo. Bonus--David found not only the sweat jackets he was looking for--and at a very good price, but also some tee-shirts. Amber got what she wanted and we were on the road home by about 3:00. We had enough cash to pay the tax due on our purchases, but we were just waved through--another bonus! The weather was fairly nice for traveling, and we did over 800 km in 36 hours, so we are grateful for dry roads and warm temperatures, with enough of a cold North wind to remind us to be grateful.

In the deep freeze

2011-12-28T14:26:00.001-08:00

Wow! almost 30 below with wind chill and I was outside shovelling snow after the storm of yesterday. The ploughs this morning really dumped it in the driveway and it was heavy snow which gave me a real good workout. I needed some exercise, and just in case that wasn't enough, I took a long walk today to check the mail, and buy lottery tickets. And all afternoon I was sorting through game cards from boxes and boxes in Mike's cupboard. But I had time to make an apple crisp with some apples that were badly in need of some attention (there goes all that exercise haha). We will likely go to Sprucedale tomorrow to check on the mail, and other things and bring a bit of garbage back. The garage is too cold to do any work right now and we really need Harry's sister to come and pick up some of her stuff before we can do much more in the house. I was able to watch Zorro last night and had a very nice evening of it. I forgot how funny it was, and so had a few good laughs, and anything with Anthony Hopkins and for that matter also Antonio Banderas is worth the watch, right? Hope you had a good trip Patty and that the roads and weather were OK – not to mention the shopping! Take care for now.

Family

2011-12-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our annual visit to David's sister, Gail, and her family. I thought we had been told that the open house was between 11 and 2, so arranged with Loren to show up around 12:00. Well, we got there --no cars, just a van a little way down the street. What the H--l? We slowly drove by and I saw a male figure inside, so David dropped me off and went down the street to park. Well, I was standing in front of the garage doors waiting for David when Gail came running out of the house waving her arms in the "c'mon in" sign--they thought we were driving away. I seems that the affair was from 10:00 to 2:00, and almost everyone else had left! Anyway, Gail's daughter Lyala was there with her two children and Loren with his two--an unexpected pleasure. We hadn't expected Loren's children to be there as they were to have been at a gathering with their step-father's family. Turned out that just about everyone in the other family were sick and gathering had been postponed.

So it was more of a quiet Findlay afternoon than the chaotic Doucette gathering we normally attend. And it was a pleasure. We talked about the children, reminisced about time at the lake, and most surprising of all, Jeremy and Gail's grandson Harry appeared to hit it off. They had a remote control helicopter that they flew around the house and basement for most of the afternoon. Lyala's other child, Belle, has just turned 18 and received her small inheritance from her Grandfather. She is looking into using a portion of it to fund a trip to China, during which she would spend time volunteering at an orphanage! I think Gail may be trying to encourage her to take a "gap year" before considering university. Belle is somewhat dyslexic, and there is concern about her ability to cope with the university atmosphere and expectations.

Tomorrow we head down south for two days ( one night). Amber is going with us. I sometimes refer to this as the Findlay women's annual brassiere buying trip, but Amber tells me that isn't what she is looking for this time, and I don't need any. Actually, I'm hoping that David can find some new clothes while we're there. He hasn't had much luck up here, and needs clothes more than he admits. Amber had hoped that Darren could come, as well, but they weren't able to get anyone to care for the children, as Judy is working this week, and their usual "go-to" friend found herself a job just before Christmas.

Then home Thursday, and jump into a whole bunch of housework, as--surprise--the family is coming for supper on Sunday--including Gail. Then my Ravenesque ladies for the afternoon and supper on Monday.
So I'm grateful for the pleasure of hearing from both of you today.

Licorice allsorts

2011-12-27T11:07:00.001-08:00

What a shame everyone knows I like licorice allsorts as I now have enough to last for a while although I have already done justice to one box!! Two days past the big day and I am still thinking about it all with great fondness. I loved the picture you sent Patty – I always think that pictures of family sitting at the dinner table speaks volumes and this one did not disappoint me even if I had to look sideways with a magnifying glass haha And I was thinking about you Cathy at Chicken Delight again – I hear on the radio and read in the newspapers about all the "charity" dinners being served on Christmas day and have often thought this would be nice to do if my situation were different.

While at Mike's I noticed a new box of "Magic, The Gathering" playing cards – he used to play this game when he was young and I thought of all the boxes of cards I had in his closet which he abandoned when he moved out. He mentioned that his group of friends who get together weekly to play games have started to move towards some of the older favourites and one of the guys brought Magic cards to encourage the others. Mike said he went up to the gaming store and bought a box so he could play along since the others seemed to have their own still. So guess what I did – rummaged through his closet which has gained a considerable amount of other stuff in the meantime, and gathered two large cardboard boxes full of smaller game boxes full of cards. They are now at his house since we went to North Bay this morning for a bit of shopping. There are still boxes of other game cards eg Pokemon, and Star Trek, and Star Wars left to sort over but I'll give him a bit of space until I dump them on his doorstep haha

We bought some wrapping paper, and some ribbons on sale today, so I shall organize all the wrapping materials this afternoon and take them downstairs to store for another year. I also bought a VHS copy of the first Zorro movie which I hope to view tonight if all goes well. I have the second movie but not the first and have always wanted to see it again – maybe some day I can get a DVD copy but for now this will do. I was given the trilogy of Back to the Future last year by Mike and if time allows this week I plan to tackle those back to back to back. A marathon of sorts!

Flash freezing warning is in effect for this area tonight and it hasn't stopped snowing all day but the temps are still mild – calling for a drop of 14 degrees in a very short time period – hence the warning for flash freezing. But a walk to the lake this morning with the dog still indicates open water so I am afraid that the outdoor enthusiasts may not have a very good year – at least it will be a short year to be sure if it happens to freeze over soon – need at least a foot of ice to sled or fish. I'm ever so glad my ice fishing days are over – how many years did I have to pretend I was having a good time for the kids sake while all along so desperately afraid to go on the ice! With that happy note, I shall jump into Mike's cupboard for awhile and then walk the dog. Have a good day!!

Merry Christmas to All and to all a goodnight

2011-12-26T19:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it is boxing day, but the christmas sentiment survives. Chicken Delight was once again a success. We had a slow start but things picked up. At about 4 pm about 25 Phillipinos showed up for supper. We needed to heat more vegies and Turkey but to pass the time they sang Chrismas Carols. It was great. They had gone to Church and arrived after church. They did not mind waiting while we heated more food. We had the food, but we hdn't heated in case we didn't need it. Next year we hope that they will let us know that they are coming so that we can have hot food for them.. On the other hand the carols were great. Jean had new volunteers this year and I almost felt redundant. Two other people took over dishes and there was a new person on serving. It was great to have new people but you start to become possesive of your job. Jim says that with new people trained we can maybe take a year off. It was a success as usual. I may get tired each year, but I will be back again next year

Sorry about the picture.

2011-12-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

We took it with Darren's camera and I tried to up load it with Amber's computer. We had a heck of a time, and it was up right until it hit the blog. At that time bad words were spoken and we abandoned the project. Starting at the left we have Samantha, Judy, Gillian, Jessica, Darren, David ( the blue shirt), Loren, Amber and Jeremy. After dinner we played Ninety-nine, Thirty-one and Oh shit!, while Judy and Samantha watched the new video's the girls got. Then we all made our way home. It was the first time I had seen Amber's new deck and hot tub. The hot tub is insulated and will be used all winter.
It was a busy day, and everyone was pretty tired by bedtime.

Merry Christmas from the Findlay/Shipp family

2011-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

Of course, David is hiding behind Darren --intentionally. Every time. 'Nuff said.

Santa is coming...

2011-12-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

he has been spotted over Manitoba. It is already Christmas Eve and I am missing my family. I am so grateful to have Rrain here this year. We will be going to Chicken Delight tomorrow. The potatoes have been peeled (they were really small this year.... lots of peeling) the jellied salad is made. Tomorrow we cook and mash the potatoes and then we are off. The dinner is only 3 to 5 this year. It has been to six before and we usually run low on food by then but there is always someone coming in at 5:45 for supper. We don't seem tohave as many potaotes as before, but I know that Jean has Potatoe flakes that she can make into mashed potatoes if she has too. We watched Elf tonight and tomorrow night will be National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Traditions change but the spirit remains. I hape that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that all your wishes come true

the quiet wait

2011-12-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

We, too, are packed and ready to move over to Amber's tomorrow. Now it's just a quiet evening, a peaceful wait. David has brought me a glass of wine and a couple of slices of homemade fruit bread--a real treat that both of us enjoy. I have Galaxie Spa radio on while I play with my computer. We purposely baked the bread this morning so that we could have it tonight--and very fine bread it is! I'm thinking of both of you, because Beth is right. This time of year is about family-no matter how your belief system may have changed over the years. And this year we have our families closer than ever.
Have the holiday you need, whatever form it takes.

'Tis the night before Christmas

2011-12-24T16:21:00.001-08:00

...and all through the house, everything is ready for the next days rush!

We have boxes and boxes packed to take up to Mikes – everything from gifts to food to pots to dishes set to load up the van in the morning to spend the day at Mikes.

Here I am on the eve of Christmas sending my family my best wishes for a happy time no matter what you may be doing – it is all about Christmas and family, so with those thoughts I send my love to all. XXX

I'm not for hire -sorry

2011-12-22T16:30:00.001-08:00

but I did manage to put in a full day at Mike's and enjoyed the time if you can believe one gets enjoyment from housecleaning! I stopped at Walmart before going over to his place and bought a bath set for him as a surprise – you know rug, toilet seat etc . I also got a new shower curtain so that when I cleaned I could replace his others and bring them home to wash. I just got into the grunge work in the bathroom having taken down the old and was cleaning the tub when he came in from work. He had come home to shower and change into his uniform after having gone for his annual fit test first thing this morning. I guess I really surprised him! I quickly started to put up the new but by then he had filled a bag with his stuff and was headed back to the Armouries where he said he could shower. But he did comment on the nice brown colour, and the pattern of the new curtain and how much he liked it so I was happy with my little rouse. The little cat was shy at first but then came around and started to pay attention to me – I think because I was ignoring it and going about my work, and he became curious about me and why I wasn't trying to to pick him up. And of course of all days, the weather decided to produce freezing rain and snow showers which made the trip home a bit dicey but nevertheless safely ended. And I had a Tim's to drink on the way because I purposely stopped before leaving North Bay to purchase one – the line up must have taken 10 minutes, at least it felt that long and I was thinking the whole time how I didn't really mind sitting in line waiting for a coffee – I guess it is because it really is a treat for me and not an everyday occurrence. So back to home again satisfied that I did a good turn and it was appreciated by Mike. Now two days at home before we go up again for Christmas Day. Today is supposed to be the shortest day of the year being Winter Solstice although it felt just as long to me. I guess we can be happy that starting tomorrow the days will be getting longer and bringing us closer to spring! Somehow I think we missed Winter as there is not much indication that it is here although I should watch what I say as we may be in for a big shock over the next several months. The radio announcer that has the morning show in North Bay was bragging this morning because he was flying out to Winnipeg this afternoon for Christmas – his family is in Winnipeg, and Powerview , Manitoba and for a few fleeting moments I felt a bit jealous. I remember the year I came for a short visit over New years because Phyllis had come to Colins for Christmas – it was the last time I saw her actually so was very glad that I came. The trip was a nightmare if I remember correctly including losing my luggage on the return trip – then the carrier went out of business the next month. Anyway I seem to be reminiscing a bit too much tonight so better sign off and go to bed. Take care

nanaimo bars

2011-12-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

The same thief who took yours, appears to have taken ours. Yes, a whole batch made for supper on Sunday and gone by mid-afternoon today. Luckily I didn't tell anyone about the second batch that's hidden in the freezer for Sunday. Judy is taking baking, and I'm taking baking, but Amber still wants a special dessert, so we put her in charge of that. At these family gatherings, I figure the one who supplies the house shouldn't have to do much toward the meal, but if it's that important to her....

The dressing recipe is
4 cups Scottish oatmeal, coarse ground, if possible ( **steel cut oats, not rolled oats**)
one onion finely chopped
1 cup ground suet
salt to taste--up to 1 tbsp
Add enough boiling water, or stock, to make a loose, paste-y (sticky) consistency

You can stuff the bird with it, or wrap in tinfoil and cook beside the bird for about two hours. Serve hot. The next day it can be stir-fried to re-heat. The recipe can be cut in half, or doubled, with no problem.

Beth, it's so good to hear you more at peace with yourself. Mike is lucky to have you. If you were closer, I would even hire you--if the price was right. I hope his housing works out well.

Just enough time for a poker tournament before our tv show at 9:00. And it's above freezing again! While I'm grateful, I'm getting annoyed at having to repeatedly take my parka apart, so I can use just the liner.

They were here, and now they are not.....

2011-12-20T16:11:00.001-08:00

..Nanaimo bars, that is! I made a wonderful pan of the darn things the other day – had an absolute great time fussy about, measuring and mixing, and getting it all right. They turned out fabulously and even after taste testing a third and a fourth square just to be sure, they were still very very tasty. I feel as if I have been eating myself through day after day and enjoying every moment. To be fair about the squares though, I did take a plate of dainties to Mike this morning so part of the bars went to his home and I really did not eat them all. Harry had his share as well. I even tried my hand at making Daddies shortbread and have been enjoying a few of those in between other snacks. Shameful? Not on your life – it has been refreshing to feel so much pleasure even if it is of the hand to mouth kind! I watched The Santa Clause last night on TV, and tonight they are showing Part 2 and apparently Wed night they will show Part 3. I 'm not sure I am that interested but have been trying to view some of the Christmas "classics" such as The Polar Express, Home Alone, and Miracle on 34th Street. I see that they are showing a lot of the animated shows eg Rudolph and Scrooge but these do not get my attention at all. There is no snow yet and by the sounds of the weather forecast we may likely have a greenish Christmas – it's great for the driving but I still miss the thought of snow on the ground. I am going to Mike's on Thursday to tidy up a bit – some time ago I promised him I would do this for him at any time if he so desired, and since we are going for the day on Sunday, and he is working all this week, I volunteered to go on Thursday which he accepted. Harry will go to Sprucedale to bring home another load from the garage, so I can go up on my own and spend some time at Mikes. I'll take my vacuum and cleaning supplies and make a coffee and see how much I can get done. The little cat keeps to himself as he is afraid of people in the house, but there are workmen working on the house over the last few weeks – upgrading to bring the house up to standards so the property holding company can either sell, or rent the other two units that are currently empty. Harry bought a big box of hardcover books at the auction last week, and so I have looked them over and do not recognize any authors but have started with one and will gradually try to read at them. This author is Barbara Delinsky which I have seen in the cheap stores where I browse and I think it is a romance book and probably most of the others will be as well which I really don't like but who knows, it will be books to read and something I enjoy. A good romance might just perk me up!! And the highlight of my day was to go into the Metro ( old name is A&P) in North Bay and found the Bob's Red Mill display absolutely filled with all sorts of goodies including Scottish oatmeal which I now have in my cupboard at home – thanks Patty for the lead, and thought you would like to know that I had no trouble in finding it! Now, what I'll do with it is still in doubt but I can always cook some up breakfast, right! Take care for now....

meal planning

2011-12-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

I tend to think of any meal that has protein, starch and veggie as being a full meal. We are now tending to only have one meal a day, with a couple of snacks. Once in awhile I make porridge for breakfast, but usually on days when I don't expect to get anything until supper time. Given the time of year our snacks are now mainly sugar--naughty, naughty! The girls were over for supper yesterday--cranky, snarly, and out to get each other--constant squabbling. Amber and Darren have an important adult only dinner on Thursday, so we'll have them again, for supper.

I remember Morris's store, but in my day it was Sam's store. I must have been about 10 when it changed hands. I think there is a very ugly, contemporary house there now. Since Auntie Lorraine died, there is no excuse to go back to the old neighbourhood. Even driving down Osborne St. is entirely different. I see in today's paper that the old Royal Bank that used to be at Kylemore and Osborne is now a mosque! Also in today's paper is something about emerging plans to change the corner of River and Osborne. Some poor fellow is being offered $20,000 ( I think) to walk away from a restaurant that he's invested $100,00 in, and years of his life.

David tells me that it's bed time. Good night all!

How long 'til Christmas???

2011-12-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

We don't even have our tree up yet. We keep setting a day to do it and then something happens. Personally I think that stupid dog will eat it. We are so behind here. We were supposed to send our presents to Maddie and McKenna (McKenna is Cheryl's youngest daughter... Cheryl is Tim's and we really like her!) with Judy when she went there for Christmas but we are too late now. We won our usual at Meat Draw last night. We were only there because it was Turkeys and Hams. I actually had fun because I phone Rrain and asked if she would pick us up if I drank and she said yes, so I had 4, count 'em 4 beers. Good thing she came. Of course we have to got and get our truck today. It is parked at Land Titles. Today I get to buy food, too. My list has been growing all week and if we want supper I better shop. I have hamburger so there is hope, but we have had goulash and hamburgers already. I think that I will make the meat roll that you gave me the recipe for, Pati. I have made it before and everyone really liked it. Tomorrow will be chicken. It's sort of funny that I still carry some of the habits from growing up. Saturday could be a fun meal, but Sunday was always a full meal. I remember Daddy giving me 50 cents to go to Morris's to buy Old Dutch Chips on Saturday and I got to keep the change. Change from 50 cents... times sure are different. Of course I would also get 25 cents to go to the show and buy popcorn. I didn't win the lottery last night, but maybe next week. (the eternal optimist) Jim is awake so I guess it is time for breakfast. Have a great weekend

Plans

2011-12-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

Yes, I suddenly realized that it was the last weekend before Christmas, only this morning. I had intended to do more baking, but had put it off to prevent it all being eaten before the Big Day. Well, we've had a box of Brandy Beans in the house and they sure disappeared in a hurry, so I'm not sure that I should do the rest of the baking or not. Will the world end without Nanaimo Bars for Christmas day? Darn Tootin' it will! My Ravenesque group have been invited over on January 2nd, and I need some dainties for then. So maybe the rolls of cookie dough in the freezer will stay there until January 1st, and the Nanaimo Bars will get made for the family.

The ladies are planning a pot luck supper that day, so the kitchen will have ot be cleaned as well. usualy they stay in the basement, but not this time. I think the Chritsmas dishes will stay out until the 3rd, instead of being put away after company on the first--not that anyone has been invited over, but you never know.

Otherwise this promises to be a fairly quiet week. We have no outings planned, lots of meals in the freezer, and I have a fair bit of studio work piling up. I've tried to put up the little pieces I've been working on, on the other blog. A group of ladies have agreed to slowly work through an art quilt book together, doing the execises in an effort to improve our skills. I'm finding it both relaxing and educational, and quite enjoying the challenge. Both of the pieces I have recently put up have come out of that work. I'm making a point of finishing them well, so that I can put them into the "boutique" at the up coming quilt show. This may be a passive way of testing the market. there are also two major pieces on the way, both committed to exhibitions over the next 9 months. So time to devote myself to studio work.

The other day it rained for several hours here, and then froze. Looking for a silver lining, I'm grateful that the rain got rid of a lot of snow. We're getting old enough to see both sides of a "white Christmas". Now we are facing a forecast high of 5 degrees for Sunday. More melting and icey streets. So I'm grateful that we don't have to shop or go to work.

And so the last weekend before Christmas

2011-12-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

...and what are we all about to be doing? I think I shall enjoy the time, sit in front of the beautifully decorated tree, perhaps have a wee nip, and maybe watch a Christmas movie. Or, perhaps I will go to Mothers and clean up some more – haha – the choices are so difficult these days! Finally the temps have dropped and we have a sprinkling of white stuff on the ground. Most of all though we do NOT have the constant downpour of rain, and the shovelling of water at our front window to contend with as we did the last few days. I just washed my hair and put it up into curlers which I have not done for a long time. It is getting long again and I really have no time to make an appt to get it cut before Christmas so the next best thing is to curl it. Yesterday we went to the LCBO and wandered about looking for a few interesting bottles to buy Mike for Christmas. We have over the last few years tried to buy a nicely shaped bottle, or funny designed one and not necessarily cared what might be in the bottle although this year it tended to be whiskey. It is also hard to wrap a bottle in order to camouflage it because it keeps gurgling as you hold the box in different directions. I'm sure he'll guess anyway that it is a bottle of something so the surprise will be to open it and see what it is and what it looks like. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed this past summer and fall puttering around outside in the yard until now when I don't – I can see the difference it is also making in my shape, from lack of exercise and also from an increased consumption of baking. So I guess you can't win – was excited to do some baking but then I'm afraid enjoyed the spoils too much. I haven't had a chance to go public skating either, so I must promise to take better care of myself come the new year. That isn't a resolution either, but a promise to myself, so there is no chance to break it like so many other resolutions. Today I plan to tidy up here at home as best I can and once the low peak hours for hydro start to try to catch up on some laundry. Life can't get more exciting can it? Hope you all have a great weekend and I will look forward to lots of messages and news from everyone.

Hobbies

2011-12-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

I have to wonder if we all need hobbies that don't involve chocolate. Maybe we should take up quilting--but no-- that usually involves chocolate. ( Go figure!) My painting isn't going well, but tomorrow is the last class and I think I should show up. I don't want to be thought of as trying to make a statement, that I don't really mean. The flaw is in me, not the teacher. I think my ambitions outrun my skill level.

Today we ran errands. Took some receipts into Blue Cross, went to the bakery for bread, dropped a small parcel off at the thrift store, and then hit Walmart ( yet again!) for giant size colouring books for little girls. We try to keep one or two around. It keeps them busy, and somewhat quiet, while we're cooking supper and playing cards. Yesterday there was a whole big shelf of them and two left today. A whole wall rack of markers but no crayons. Well, you can get crayon off the walls with a little elbow grease, but not marker. So we'll have to try again after Christmas. And we bought Brandy Beans! It must be Christmas! The only time they're in stores.

I found a large Damask tablecloth at the thrift store, so now I'm planning a dyeing day, but I'll have to buy a little more dye first. I've found that I tend to go back again and again to a purple/blue/burgundy palatte, so the dyes I have left, are mostly browns and greens.

I think I sub-consciouly try to plan small outings, just to get us out of the house. Otherwise I can see us not leaving home for days at a time--maybe even weeks. It has happened before in our lives and I never want to see those days again. We need social contact, even if it's very informal, or we loose the ability to participate.

Social butterfly does good.......

2011-12-13T16:06:00.001-08:00

I really enjoyed reading about your social outings for a few good reasons – you got to go out, and you got to enjoy time with friends. I often think about this and except for my semi annual lunch with Sue, I don't get out much.. But I make up my own fun as you know only too well. Today we went to North Bay and did a bit more shopping so I think that we might finally be finished for Christmas – I have to wrap yet but that is fun. But while on the road I suddenly thought of making Edna's cookies and of course thought of all the family get togethers that involved a bag (make that "bags")of Edna's cookies, and got all warm and fuzzy. I made a batch after supper and took great pains to follow recipe exactly, and watched each cookie sheet cook so that I could take them out of the oven at exactly the right time. Think I was going too far???? No, I made the best cookies ever and I had a wonderful nostalgic time.

The weather is awful – warm and melting and raining and foggy and miserable. Hoping it may cool down again by the weekend so we can get on with winter. The one's I feel bad for are the Ski Hills desperately trying to make snow but to no avail with these temps so warm so they can't open up. It doesn't look good for the next week either and that might spoil a good Christmas season for profits. The lake is still open which means no ice fishing or snowmobiles will be able to access until likely mid or late January provided it cools down and freezes enough. Time to go..until next time take care.

And eating, and eating, and eating---

2011-12-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

This weekend is my "busy, busy, Chritmas social time". Yes, as we get older our celebration tolerance gets gets shorter and shorter--mine is now down to two days. Yesterday ( Sunday) my long time friend Carolyn was in town. There were many people she wanted to see, and little time, so one of the ladies organized a "stitch-in" at a local retirement centre, complete with a catered supper. While most of us stitched, Carolyn spent 15 minutes with each of us in a private one-on-one. It made so much sense to do it that way, and it gave each of us enough time to catch up. The supper was excellent, a served meal, complete with the largest Yorkshire pudding I've ever seen. And Bramble berry pie for dessert. It's been a very lomg time since I've had a double crust fruit pie.

Today (Monday)my little group --"the Tuesday night stichers that used to meet on Wednesday, but now meet Tuesday afternoon"--got together for our Annual Christmas Luncheon" at the local Olive Garden. It was a very delicious meal. I quite enjoyed it, and mentioned to David that maybe we could go there for lunch sometime.

On the way to the Olive Garden, I stopped in WalMart for a prescription and found decent zipper-front sweat shirts in my size for $9.00 each. I've been wearing one of them since I got home and it seems quite fine. Of course, the rant about WalMart and their profit margin from another of my lunch companions gave me the guilts--for about 3 minutes. And on the topic of food, David treated us to some of his Christmas shortbread for supper tonight.

So today is another day when I'm just generally grateful. And how am I doing at finding small pleasures?Right now I feel good and life is going well.

I'm still eating so why not you?

2011-12-11T12:07:00.001-08:00

I agree about the downfall of baking which results in the eating of same, but I also enjoy the baking and seeing the results - so be it. Especially when I use the right ingredients and everything turns out good! I just baked a sheet of refridgerator cookies I had rolled in the fridge since two days ago. They are just right fresh and hot from the oven and that is why I made small rolls – only enough for a cookie sheet and not too many that can't be eaten in one sitting haha. I made nuts and bolts last year from your recipe but mine just didn't turn out so good and I'm hesitant to make another batch. Yesterday we went to the Scott Woods Show at the Callander Legion Branch 445 – started at 3 pm and went for a full 2 1/4 hours afterwhich we took part in a chicken dinner ($10.00 each) It was a most enjoyable time and I would say very timely as well to lift one's spirit! We sat beside three couples who were obviously best of friends and provided lots of fun and laughs which always makes an outing nice when you really go in not knowing anyone. We went to Mothers this morning and cleaned more of the garage – a must do activity but not necessarily a want to do activity. Mike went up to Timmins this weekend and since the weather has not been too good for driving, I will be anxious to hear he is back home later tonight. Anyway, I must go and eat more cookies and check the wash. Good to hear from both of you today when I checked the site, and to hear good medical reports from Patty, and housecleaning woes from Cathy as I can relate to all of it. I believe that I was in book withdrawal as I mentioned some time ago, because on Friday I went to the library and checked out another Steve Berry novel – his latest from this year, and immediately when I started to read felt a sense of relief. Funny how we get ourselves into these little rituals and seem to need them after awhile? Take care

Sometimes I really hate computers

2011-12-11T10:00:00.001-08:00

My computer has once again been acting up, but it seems to be working again. I guess I just don't realize how old it is. We went to Killarney yesterday. I loved their old house in town, but they have really fixed up this new one. The took out a bunch of walls and opened it up so the kitchen dining room and living room are basically one L shaped room. They have a lot more plans to go. Sandi wants to keep going all winter so they can concentrate on the outside in the spring. I think it will be a work in progress for a while. Unfortunately I then come home to my house and really wish I could do something with it. Maybe when I win the lottery. We havn't done anything for Christmas yet.... still 2 weeks to go... why rush?. Maybe we should think about putting up the tree. They finally posted the job at work and interviews are supposed to be Dec 28th. We actually might have someone by February or March. You have to wonder when it takes a year to fill a position. I should be cleaning my house again. You'd think that after you dust it would be clean for a while but it just doesn't work that way. You clean one area after the other and by the time you are done you have to start over. Oh well... what else am I going to do with my spare time. Of course, I am playing on my computer and I can hear Jim vacuuming downstairs. I will let him keep going. We still don't have our kitchen cupboard doors on. Jim cannot seem to find the hinges that he needs. They are all just a little too smalll or too big. Nothing is just right. I made some nuts and bolts but that is it for my "christmas baking" so far. I will try shortbread tonight (maybe) If I make it I just eat it and I really don't need to get any bigger. Hopefully my computer will behave for a while now & I can keep in touch

Good news

2011-12-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

My doctor's appointment went well yesterday. Weight down, B.P. down, no osteoporosis, but slight osteopenia, comensurate with my age. So I'm to double up on the Caltate Plus. David and I came home, and by the end of the day, had eaten a box of chocolates we had been given. They were so-o-o good! And yesterday my cheque came from Selkirk. Then a new high playing poker. What more could I ask?

Not much to say

2011-12-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

but I didn't want anyone to think they were forgotten. Loren called today to chat. He has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and is taking steps to have someone else pay for his $2500 c-pap machine. He had paid privately for the assessment, and is hoping to get that back too. He was describing the asssessment, which I gather took place in his own home. All of the tubes and wires didn't cause too much problem, but the cat playing with the wires did! He has had an idea about this for awhile, so I'm glad he's been looking into it. It's easy for the sufferer to pass it off, but it can be fatal. He's having some work done on his house. The children's bedroom windows need to be bigger to accomodate bigger bodies, for safety, as they grow up. I think Loren is starting to find dealing with teenagers "interesting", but he had some idea of what to expect from his former job.

I've been busy in the studio, but today was a painting class. I have one more, in this session, but have decided not to go back after Christmas. There are just too many deadlines looming, and I never want to find myself fighting to meet a deadline again. I see the doctor on Friday. Over the past while, I've been trying to stay away from salt--and, boy, do I ever miss it. But I've also found that my appetite is less now that I'm avoiding caffeine. So, I'm fairly comfortable going in. Sometimes, I dread the process, but I believe I'm in pretty good shape, this time.

I checked the recipe, Beth, and I forgot to write in the "do not substitute". It should have been there. We've both had cravings for chocolate chip cookies, and bought a whole kilogram of chocolate chips, only to find that they're quite old. Not really very good to eat by the handful, so we may have to actually use them in cookies. I got my e-mail from Kraft today, and there is a recipe for Nanaimo Bar Cheese cake. Now, I ask you, what could possible be better than that?!? Even Sex in a Pan doesn't quite measure up to Nanaimo Bar cheesecake!

Well, bedtime. For today I'm grateful for having children who still talk to me about their lives, and considering how strict I'm being about my dieting right now, I'm grateful for even the concept of Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake.

New glasses

2011-12-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

.....are on my face and have been for most of the day. I am trying to get used to the difference in vision from trifocals to bifocals. I picked them up this morning and then headed for a shopping day in North Bay. Harry had gone to his mothers, and his brother and sister were coming again today. I wore the glasses to drive and noticed a big difference but I'm still having trouble focusing to read eg for using the computer now, I don't have that third options for distance. It is quite a change between computer work, and for reading closer. I may keep my old glasses handy for awhile. I bought some real butter and have a batch of cheese tarts ready to bake. Hopefully they will turn out better than the last batch. I can still eat the first ones, but not the same crispy pastry taste. I bought a new Tim Hortons china cup for myself and used up the last of my gift card I got last year. I think there was a little over $2.00 left and I wanted to use it towards a lasting cause ie the cup. The girl made a mistake on my order and gave me a large coffee instead of an extra large so her supervisor came over and told me I could take the both because they would only have to throw out the first cup anyway. So I felt I had been given gold ie an extra cup of Tims for free! I had a very nice day wandering around – I was able to buy a few gifts and intend to wrap them up while watching Miracle on 34th Street tonight. Very ambitious as I can feel myself waning quickly so time will tell. You know when you plan for certain activities and come he—or highwater you're going to complete the list – well, I just may find myself heading for bed instead and leaving things for the morning as I should have a few hours to myself before Harry returns form Sprucedale. So I better get at it........

Hanging in....

2011-12-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm still here and have just made some melting moments, and some cheese tarts. Now, I fear that my baking skills are badly in need of some improvements – I think more experience is necessary as I could not believe how rusty I am. I love to bake but just have not done any for so long. I also think that having the right ingredients is essential. For example if it says butter, don't try to substitute " I Can't Believe Its Not Butter" margarine haha Enough said...... Harry has spent a few days at his Mothers on his own while I puttered around the house doing odds and ends. There were a lot of garbage runs though when he came home with several trips a day there and back which takes its toll on energy and gas! His brother is to come tomorrow but even that is is doubt as her mother and father are both in Kirkland hospital and the mother has taken a turn for the worse. We made a trip to North Bay yesterday and got a glimpse only of Mike as he got home from Petawawa late Sunday night and was trying to sleep. I think I told you that the owner of his building went bankrupt and the Property Management Company that took over has started to upgrade the building – so Mike could not sleep well with pounding and hammering and vibration throughout. I wonder what his future in his apartment will be with all this happening around him. Probably an increase in rent as allowed by law, or eviction, or maybe Mike will look for another place? Anyway, onward and upward. ps I logged onto the fast friday web site and thanks for the tip – I shall enjoy this viewing when I can – the comments section is most interesting.

Melting Moments

2011-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know if these were a Christmas cookie or not. They may have been something Mom made to feed to the Spinsters, but they have become a bit of a favourite at our house. Amber will have to tell you about her experiences with them last year, when she made them for a cookie exchange. They are really just a whipped shortbread.

Melting Moments
2/3 c. cornstarch
1 c. flour
1/3 c. powdered sugar ( icing sugar)
1 c. butter (do not substitute!)

Cream butter and sugar well, and add flour. Drop by spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes at 325 degrees F. The recipe can be doubled. I ice them, shortly before serving, with a basic, lemon flavoured, butter icing ( be a little generous with the lemon). If you ice them too soon, the icing becomes very hard and distasteful. The uniced cookies can be frozen, but will also keep for a couple of weeks in a well sealed container.

I have 1 jar of Cross and Blakewell Mincemeat left. It has been in the cupboard for about 4 years, and I plan to use it a little closer to Christmas. I haven't seen it in Safeway in years and used to sometimes find it in the Bay Basement, but I honestly haven't looked lately. David likes the tarts, but no-one else does, so I just make a few each year as a treat for him. The family used to enjoy the mincemeat in Matrimonial cake, and just about any mincemeat works for that.

Peace

2011-12-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

It is the "peace" I enjoy, not piece as is written haha

Melting moments

2011-12-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Now that you have mentioned these again, I expect they are favourites? I looked in my recipes and couldn't find a recipe so wondering, yet again, if you could send. I may not make them, but at least I will know what you are making. Perhaps I know them by a different name, but this name does not come to my mind. I have actually pulled out the tree and have it half assembled. There is a telethon on TV right now from 2 pm to 11 pm and Harry is watching so I may get in the way to be fussing with the tree. I lay in bed thinking where and how I could rearrange things so that it could go up in the middle of the mess and so far seems to be working regarding space that is. I always have liked to sit by the tree with only the lights on and enjoy the piece so getting it up will mean a lot to me. We got a great deal accomplished at Mothers today in the garage so things are looking up. Take care

When you have a minute.....

2011-12-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Beth, if you ever have a chance, you should take a look at the Fast Friday Fabric Challenge blog ( fastfridayquilts.blogspot.com ) It is a fascinating site with many, many challenge quilts, made by people from all over the world. so good, some bad, some very bad! lol I have been a member for over 5 years (from the beginning) and, while I don't participate often, I love to look at what people do in response to the challenge. On the blog, others are free to make comments or suggestions about the quilts, so it's also a great place to learn.

We made two batches of Mom's Butterscotch Refridgerator cookies today. Yesterday it was the pinwheel and checkerboard cookies that we used to make at home for Christmas. I plan to make some Melting Moments a little closer to the Big Day. The ones we havemade so far, are tightly wrapped in rolls, frozen, and ready to be sliced and cooked, when the time comes. Cooking them now would be bad for my waistline!

Mince meat tarts

2011-12-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

What a nice message to read as I log on this evening. Thank you for the support. Today I created another "treasure of pleasure" and made mince meat tarts. I used Selection brand mince meat – can't find the old favourite Cross and Blackwell (?) nor the Maple Leaf so this was the next available. The pastry was also very nice made with Tenderflake. I have wanted to make some for a few years now and it seemed quite appropriate and timely to do it today. I even had a notion to make some Cheese and Lemon Tarts but have resisted for the sake of my waist line haha. I will only eat them all and as it is, I have already had about four mince meat tarts today. Fairly good day with many little odds and ends accomplished around the house and yard. I connected the outside lights to an extension cord and so there was some colour tonight outside, and I put up an electric candle wreath on the wall by the piano so there was also some colour inside. Ho hum......Tomorrow we will be going to Mothers early to try to clean out the garage a bit more – what a lot of stuff to go through and many trips to the dump as well. Harry's brother is now planning to come next Wed so hopefully he can assist Harry a bit more? Here's wishing you all a happy weekend. ps love your 12" X 12" challenge piece Patty that you posted on Mouse Factory. It was bright and colourful and very cheerful!

Listen to your body

2011-12-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Beth, you have just come off of an extended period of relentless stress and physical labour. Your body needs a break. It was several months after I first retired before I could even begin to think about moving on. I even napped everyday, and after I retired the second time, I napped everyday for several years. You must look after yourself. And, yes, you will notice the lower physical energy, but this isn't being unproductive, it's a very normal and necessary reaction to what you have been through. In terms of myself, I feel as though I have just wakened from a lengthy sleep--somewhat like Rip Van Winkel. But even that didn't happen over night. It has been three months now, and only within the last 2-3 weeks has my need for a daily nap lessened. You are an expert at finding small joys and pleasures, and I'm always love to hear how you find ways to indulge yourself with them.

Unfortunately, I am now very much more aware of how neglected my house has become. This isn't necessarily a good thing, as there are other things I would much rather spend my time on. However, I managed to give the bath tub a good scrub out this week. This is the first time in 18 months that I have been able to kneel down. My left knee has been very slow to recover from my fall in July of 2010, and I hurt it again when I fell last January. I just couldn't bear weight through it to kneel. If I had to guess what the problem was, I would have to wonder about a small fistula just below the patella, that had been draining off and on until about 3 weeks ago.

Today I went for a haircut, and there was a sign advertising three specials for the month. One of them was only a couple of dollars more than I usually spend, so I indulged. A special shampoo and rinse. then a scalp massage, a "precision" haircut, blow dry and styling. She talked me into getting a very young style, although the cut itself can be styled into my usual, next time it gets washed. I could have paid an extra $2.00 and received some free product. As I was leaving I noticed a basket of the "free" product on sale for --you guessed it--$2.00.

So for today, we should be grateful for small, (hidden?)pleaseures, and our capacity to recognize them and indulge.

I wish....

2011-12-01T16:18:00.001-08:00

....that I could be as wonderfully busy and productive as you sound to be Patty. I bring to mind the word "mundane" to describe things here lately. Well, we went to Mothers again after two days absence because of the severe weather we had. The power went out again today and there are still approx 4000 customers without power at all. So I guess we are lucky to have fluctuating service?? We have enough snow to last for winter – and it all fell in the last two days after we had been enjoying nice Fall like conditions up until now. I also got some badly needed housework done this afternoon after returning from Mothers with another load. It feels so good to do housework – I like the idea that I have washed floors and cleaned up but no one could ever tell except me haha. I walked with the dog tonight after supper and purposefully went around the subdivision to look into windows. I like to see the Christmas decorations and really enjoy the walk and the viewing. We don't have anything in the way of Christmas up yet – we actually have no room for the tree right now in the front room and if truth be told, I am not really in the mood to put anything up. But I'm sure that will change or I will be forced to change. I wrapped gifts for Harry's sister and family over the weekend so have that done and all the cards were mailed today. The one thing I enjoy is playing Christmas music on my CD player, and starting today ( Dec 1) the radio station is playing Christmas songs now so I quite like that. On Sat Dec 10 we are going to a show in North Bay – Scott Woods Band – remember we went in June and I told you how good it was and Cathy I mentioned they were coming to Neepawa. Well, on Dec 10 they are back to North Bay for a special Christmas show at 3 pm with a dinner to follow at the Legion In Callander. I am not sure if the tickets we purchased cover the dinner but I'm sure we will find out once we get there. I haven't been reading anything for the last week and I think perhaps I am in withdrawal?? The optometrist called Wed to say my glasses were in, but because of the bad weather they weren't coming to Sundridge until next week so I couldn't even get my new prescription. I will be getting bifocals instead of trifocals and a new set of frames so I'm anxious to get them to see if I can "see" better. Cost plenty $$$ so they better be OK. Take care for now...

What a day!

2011-11-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

All sorts of odds and ends today--and all of them cost money. I went out to buy some beads for the second of my Milky Way series. We found some lovely white beads and I even bought a small container of Swarovski chrystals-bicone shaped. Then we went to get a new camera card. We were dreading that, as the last one cost us over $60! But not this time--$11.99! The young fellow told us that not only is the technology much cheaper, but that the card is a much larger one and I should have no problem with high resolution pictures. While we were there I stepped into the large woman specialty store next door. This is one I rarely ( once very two years??) get into. Well--I bought my new clothes too soon! However, I showed marvelous restraint and only bought a pair of nice grey cords. We got them home and discovered that she had charged me incorrectly, so David insisted that we go back and get it fixed. So we decided to finish the Christmas shopping while we were out. Luckily I was able to put supper in the oven on delay timer, so we came home to a hot meal.

Now we have to get the house ready for Christmas before Amber and the girls come over for supper on Sunday. David got the tree out and it's set up ready for decorating--a quick job that may just wait for the little ones to help me. Next on the list is the Christmas dishes--always a bit of a chore and one I always need help with. We've also decided to make some cookies this year. I had planned to do it tomorrow, but we both need haircuts so that may take precedence.

And--I'm keeping myself very busy in the studio. It is so great to have projects on the go again. However, not eveything goes well. A couple of days ago there was a bit of a crash and when I investigated I found a plastic jar--about a 1 quart size-- of beads had fallen out of the corner cupboard where I keep them. The lid had broken and there were beads everywhere. We are still cleaning them up. They were "junk" beads, and some I will probably never use, so we found another jar and off they go to the thrift store. The basement bookcases have been sorted out yet again, and there are more books for the library, to be delivered tomorrow.

The bonus with all of the new energy I seem to have is that I am busier and working harder so sleep a little better. So for today, I'm grateful for having had a good night's sleep yesterday, that allowed me to just about finish the Christmas shopping today.

What you get, we get....

2011-11-30T07:20:00.001-08:00

In middle of severe storm over last two days with intermittent power outages so will write a message while the power is on and I can have computer access. Was shovelling snow all morning and Harry just walked up to the mail as there is no way he could get the van out. His brother was to come from Kirkland this morning but that was cancelled soon enough. He will have to pick another day in next week to come. We have planned to go to Mike's home for Christmas day this year – we will cook a nice meal and have a good visit there. Mike thinks it is a nice idea. Every year he has come here (which I loved) and then to Mothers for the day – it was so hot for him he mentioned that he won't miss that aspect of Christmas now that tradition is no more. Anyway – must run and do more shovelling. Take care

Excellent!

2011-11-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

That is wonderful news Pati. I am so excited for you. My month from Hell is just about over now. The craft sale was yesterday and surprisingly it went really well. Considering it was being organized by 4 people that had never done it before. I was feeling a bit better by yesterday. I think Friday was my worst day. Our instructions were there, and I am sure they were clear to the people writing them, but "Put out signs.... be sure to check strings" Okay, where? Check the strings for what? It all came together and even the changes we made seemed acceptable. I ended up talking on the mic all the time. They must have been sick of my voice by the end of the day. We didn't have to change the music all the time because Rrain put over 6 hours of music on her i-pod and just let it roll through the sound system. If we do it next year at least we will know what we are doing (I hope) Today is the Dicken's reading. 1 to 4 pm and we are done. I was in bed by 8:00 pm last night and I think I must have fallen asleep as soon as I turned out the light and I think tonight might be the same. Now I can focus on Whitemud and the spring production which is 2 weeks before we host the ACT Festival. What were we thinking!

Happy happy

2011-11-26T16:14:00.001-08:00

There is happy dancing from me as well for your great news Patty. Doesn't it make you wonder about your "sabbatical" and how it has played out – perhaps not to you, but to me it seems you have relaxed and concentrated on creating some wonderful pieces of art and your credibility justified by others and proven by their purchase of same? Just my two cents worth. Your happiness shines through in your message and I am so joyful for you.

Happy Dance

2011-11-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

I was out in Selkirk today ( horrible drive in snow and icy roads) to volunteer in the gallery. It was the last day of the show, and we were to pick up our pieces. One piece sold earlier, and today a woman walked in and bought my other large piece! OMG! Selling one was phenomenal, but selling two is downright unbelievable!!

So today there is happy dancing in the Findlay household.

my turn

2011-11-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's so nice to hear from both of you. I'm just up from a nice nap. Have been trying to avoid them, but the devils sneak up on me. The rental car we have is a Jeep Patriot and neither of us is comfortable in it. David has complained in the past about the Seebring being small and close to the ground, but this thing makes me feel crowded on the road. David says that it's because I'm up at the mirror level on other cars and it makes them seem closer. I've ridden in a lot of vans and never felt as crowded. Tthe snow is just about gone with the warm days we've been having. From minus 21 to plus 7--only in Winnipeg. So ice is a big worry right now, especially in an unfamiliar car. The repairs are going to cost us extra, as they found that the block heater cord had been chewed to shredds by "rodents". Those cute little squirells wouldn't do that, would they?

I started new class--sort of. I found a group of ladies who are slowly working their way through a quilting /design book. I signed up last Thursday evening, only because I already owned the book. Then I couldn't find the book, and had to order it off Amazon. Did that Saturday, and was told it had been shipped on Sunday then received it Wednesday, just after the Tuesday night class. So I've spent this morning working on the exercises, trying to catch up. I'm not sure the first exercise is going well, but I'm probably the only one who will see it. I plan to start the second exercise this afternoon, and get both of them to the point of hand stitching, before Saturday. I have another day long volunteer session at the Gallery in Selkirk and will need something to work on. The show comes down that day, and I would have had to go out anyway to pick up my pieces.

Had a meeting postponed because of the Grey Cup, but David is interested. His parents used to have season tickets. There was a lot of hoopla about the Eastern final being the very last game in the old Winnipeg Stadium. There was even mention in the Free Press about a lady who remembered seeing a football game in the old Osborne Street Stadium. I remember going to a circus with Grandpa McGrath that was in a big building on Osborne where the Great West Life building now is. I wonder if it was the Osborne stadium? I was very young, and can't remember a lot of detail, except Grandpa kept buying me food, until I was sick.

I wish I had been at the magazine sale, Beth, as I seem to be missing one of mine, and back copies are hard to find. They now put them all on cd or dvd and sell them to you a year at a time. If you ever see February/March 2010, please grab it for me. I've been a subscriber since the beginning, and know I had the magazine at one time, as I made something out of it.

We enjoy eating out once in awhile (--or maybe that's the "Royal We"). It's almost a little bit like a "date night", or as much of a "date night" as people who have been married for as long as we have would consider. But the cost does add up. I figured that our biking breakfasts were costing us about $150.00/month, and we really cut down this summer. Of course, I was less enthusiastic about going out on the bike, if there was no breakfast involved, so we compromised on a drink each. After the prices went up, the two drinks cost almost as much as the breafasts had, a couple of years ago. But we've found the same thing at McDonald's, and only rarely eat there now. I'm now noticing the lack of consistent biking this summer. I'm probably in the worst shape I've ever been, and I'm not sure how to deal with that right now. Although the way the snow is going, I could have been out on the bike today.

Any way, now it's down to the salt mine again. Can get an hour's work in before worrying about supper.

Get well soon....

2011-11-24T11:06:00.001-08:00

Isn't it great to take a sick day and stay at home and do nothing! Or was that housework you were looking at doing Cathy?

I spent a good portion of the day making out Christmas cards and just finished now. Harry came home from his Mothers about 10 am and went to bed. I guess he and his siblings actually got a lot accomplished yesterday. His brother left early this morning and has already telephoned to say he is safely back in Kirkland Lake (four hour drive). The plan is for him to return next Wed again to take another load back. He is taking some of the furniture so it makes a full and heavy load for him and thank goodness he has a truck.

Tomorrow we go to North Bay and hopefully will unload all these boxes of salt and peppers at that ladies home. Tonight at the local grocery store in town – Foodland - they are having their annual open house with draws and free samples of food etc so we will likely go over for 6 pm and see what we can see. Harry has been lucky on previous years to win gift baskets. We actually do not shop at this store because it is so expensive compared to the stores in North Bay, and the owners are not very friendly, but it is good to "be seen" as supporting locally. We have started to go to a local restaurant again after not going for about 2 1/2 years. we went about once a month when I was working but then stopped when I was laid off. It seemed like a nice thing to do to start back again once Mother passed away and the food and service and ambiance is nice – Austrian /German food and German beer on tap and Viennese cafe so it is all good. A person could get too used to it though so must watch carefully because the costs can add up quickly.

Is anyone watching the Grey Cup this weekend and cheering on the Blue Bombers – I expect maybe Jim will so hope you enjoy the game – I can't get it on either of my two channels so will have to listen to CBC radio for updates. So long for now...... hope you get well soon Cathy haha

The Joy of Sisters

2011-11-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the blog every morning and today I get to join in. I stayed home from work today, since I have been feeling "coldish" and tired all week. I have such a busy weekend with the craft sale and the Dicken's reading that I decided to be sick on work time instead of my own. This way maybe I will be feeling better by the weekend. I remember Mom's Brown Betty. Brown Betty is made with flour and Apple Crisp with oats. Too little too late, I know, but I have been following and now I have Mom's recipe! The weather has been up and down here. Lots of snow and now it is warm and melting. Just in time to freeze and have a layer of snow dropped on top of it. Oh joy! We have discovered that the 4 wheel drive on our truck is not meshing properly. Therefore we don't have it when we need it. Good thing we have warranty. The bash in the side has been fixed and looks fine. Since the truck was new, there is no difference in the paint and it looks the same. I love the truck, but I wonder if it is cursed? I know I am staying home to get some rest, but I see the laundry and the dusting and the cleaning and somehow I have to do something. We have our kitchen cupboards half on. The hinges we have won't work on some of the doors and we can't find any in Neepawa that will work. It makes it easy to get things out when there are no doors! :) After Sunday things will be slowing down here. The main projects will be over. Except that we are ripping out the floor in one room at Viscount so that they can put down the new one. They would install the floor for $1000.00 if we did all the prep work. (emptying the room and pulling up old carpet and baseboards) It was a pretty good deal, especially since we have a $1000 grant for the new floor. I think I will have something to eat and do something ambitious (like napping!)

Happy moments

2011-11-23T06:14:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to Huntsville for my tests and had a nice morning full of a few happy moments. It was not the tests that filled me with joy – just to get that straightened out! My appts were for 9 am and then 10 am but fortune was with me and I was out of the hospital by 0930 having had both completed. So I went downtown and into the new quilt store. I believe I mentioned that last month when I went to the doctor I slipped downtown to go into the quilt store and they were all packed ready to move out of the space and across the street into a new place. I had to reluctantly leave without having had a browse. Yesterday I ventured into the new space – a bit smaller but nicely laid out and very bright. The first thing I spotted was a rack with magazines for $1.00 so chose a April/May 2011 Quilting Arts that had an article on using "found metal" , and one on "stencilling and stamping" that had attracted my eye. I seem to be attracted to found items and haven't a clue what I shall ever do with any of them. I do a lot of thinking and visualizing rather than actual work but that can be fun and fulfilling in it's own way! Then I spotted a bin of FREE patterns – so sorted through that and got about 10 that I thought may be interesting reading. While looking at the shelf of books and other magazines my hand immediately grabbed Quilted Symphony by Gloria Loughman. So many memories from last summer (year and half ago)and I still even have that hand drawn coloured picture I made while with you, Patty. You were able to sew your piece right away that you fashioned, but mine is still in the raw paper form hanging on my cork board. And funny sort of coincidence, when I got home the newest Canadian Quilter magazine was in the mail waiting for me. So lots of reading to look forward to when I can get to it.

I made a batch of Daddy' ribs for supper and made rice to go with it and even had a bowl of brown betty left over to finish up. Talk about warm and fuzzies....So all in all my day was fine!

We are still working everyday at Mothers. I shopped for food in Huntsville at the Metro store in the Mall and then delivered it to Sprucedale on my way home from Huntsville yesterday as today Harry's brother from Kirkland Lake is driving down and to stay overnight with Harry tonight, and his sister has taken the day off work to be there as well for today. Hoping they can be productive. And I am at home with a long list of things to do. It is bright and sunny so I'm sure I can squeeze in a walk with the dog. There is skating at the arena from 10 to 12 noon today as well but I am afraid I shall have to skip that for today. My eye doctor appt is at 4:25 pm today here in Sundridge. It is great that one day a week he comes down to Sundridge from North Bay which makes it very convenient. So I have a full day ahead and better get at it. I just made a pot of coffee though (bad bad on me for making a second pot which I really shouldn't be drinking but decided to splurge haha) and having a cup while writing to you. Would be better to be sitting at the kitchen table with you both, but I'll take what I can....

the same

2011-11-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

It's exactly the same recipe as the one Mom wrote, but has a little more info about method. I would imagine you copied hers and added the method bit.
You are sounding much more at peace with life right now.

Brown Betty

2011-11-21T15:17:00.001-08:00

Excellent – exactly what I was looking for. After I went skating, without any major injuries to my body or dignity I might add, I came home and made a dish. I was thrilled to get this recipe as the others I have used all had rolled oats and weren't really as great tasting as I remembered. Now as for the hand written recipe, if I actually wrote it, then it really isn't Moms is it? But on the other hand, why not? I'll let you decide. To make it again though, I would reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping as it was really sweet and I baked it a tad too long so will shorten the length in the oven next time as well.

We were at Harry's Mothers place all day wrapping salt and pepper shakers. Harry had a request from a lady who was interested so we wrapped all the remainder ( 445 sets to be exact) Harry let her know how many and she has now replied that she didn't really realize there were so many and that she cannot afford to buy them all. So now what do we do????? Harry's brother will be coming down again on Wednesday and he and Harry will load up his truck with stuff that Harry has boxed up as well as some furniture. My place continues to be filled up with each trip we make there and back. As well, the auction Harry attended Sunday afternoon produced yet more stuff. If I weren't afflicted with acedia, I might be worrying haha! Tomorrow I go to Huntsville for my diagnostic imaging tests and plan to slip into the Mall for a browse and likely a Tims coffee – all by myself. There you go.......

P.S.

2011-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

When I went to put the recipe back in the box, I found another one that is easier to read and in more detail. I thought--I should mail this to Beth, she might like having something in Mom's hand writing, and it would give her a "warm-fuzzy" in the mail.. Then I looked again and realized that you had written it, Beth. The only certain way to tell them apart is in the old fashioned way Mom made her "r's". Shall I send it anyway?