wouldn't you know...

Today is the second lovely fall day since we put the garden furniture away.

Yesterday we were out to Selkirk to pick up the pieces I've had on exhibition for the last month.  Today we were out for the opening reception of the October show featuring my friends Judith and Kathleen.  Tomorrow I'm out there to put up a small exhibition of my boxes in the Gaynor Family library.  Had to buy gas yesterday.  Wonder why? (Snort)

The bird feeder is active.  Yesterday we had a Nuthatch.  He was actually on the tree trunk, and in a position where I couldn't tell if he was a Red Breasted Nuthatch or a White Breasted Nuthatch.  But the head colouring and the perching position on the tree bark were both very distinctive. And today the Juncos are back!  I figured they were about due.  They usually stay for about two weeks, both spring and fall.  They are dear little things and I so much enjoy watching them.

Otherwise, I've spent a lot of the weekend playing Candy Crush.  I'm on a bit of a roll, (up almost 50 levels in two days), and really don't have much ambition for anything else.  But, the laundry is done, and the bathrooms scrubbed, so does it really matter?

The books I ordered from Amazon.ca have all arrived--the last delivered this morning.  Early books in the Monkeywrench series by P. J. Tracy.  So I have that to look forward to this week, in any case.  Okay, time to think about supper.

Too early for snow....

Yes, I too, can feel it in the air but for me it is far too early especially when you see this yard. To compound the issue is the getting rid of the ice hut and trailer. Harry started the cleanup while I was in Gravenhurst - so yes, I did have the drive there on my own. Brought back lots of memories of when I actually had to drive there for work. But the area is gorgeous - the leaves are not quite glorious yet though, but enough have changed to make it picturesque.  This little tea room is situated on the edge of Lake Muskoka and the old steamer cruise ships dock. As we sat by the window the Sequin ( historic steam cruiser) came into port from a passenger cruise -and there was another line up of tourists ready to board for another.
Yesterday I was out in the "mist" - not quite a downpour but enough to get wettish, and cleaning all around the ice hut. Years of needles and pine cones and dirt and garbage haha! Now we only have to clean out the inside which in my opinion will be the worse. I mentioned that Harry ordered another "shed in a box" Wednesday with a delivery of 1-2 weeks. Yesterday morning the delivery truck came and deposited a huge heavy box at the front of our place. I was shocked it came so fast, but maybe OK since we can now make plans to set it up, and maybe I will have a chance to read and absorb the instructions before the actual process starts? But none of this can occur until the ice hut is made ready for pickup and actually disappears from our yard as the new shed will have to go in the place vacated by the hut - ie in the back driveway.
Pati it was nice to read about your show in Pinawa being extended and I too, think that is a positive and compliment for you and Gail. But perhaps means more planning for the exchange of items as you have another's to take and pickup as well, right? And since I saw the raw tablecloth that you mentioned you are working on, I will be so interested to see the transformation that you have imagined....and the old doilies and handkerchiefs you have begun. Is it good to get your mind and hands active?
Well, I have spinach scramble ready for my breakfast to day and I had cottage cheese/almonds on rye yesterday, so enjoying the recipes and ideas from the 20/20 that you shared with me Pati. Cathy it was fun to see the actual meals prepared and consumed while I was at Pati's. Did you ever come across that Dr Phil book yet -think you read, it did you?
So to follow Pati's theme of "so it is Friday" I shall say "so it is Saturday" and lots on my to do list, including the birds. The little chick I have been nursing is not doing well and I wish more than ever that it will thrive, or at least not hang on too long if that is to be it's demise. 
Have a good weekend folks.
ps I forgot to tell you that when coming home last week the bus took a different route through Winnipeg from the airport. It came down Portage to Broadway to Osborne and over the bridge to Fermor and then out to the east on #1. So as we passed along Osborne I was treated to another last glimpse of the old and fondly remembered neighbourhood. I thought it was a most fitting end to my wonderful visit. XX

and on to Friday

David's other pair of glasses arrived yesterday, so it was off again down town to pick them up.  The lady in the shop must have heard me complain about having to pay $3.75 for parking for 10 minutes in the building, because this time the parking was taken care of.  He sees much better with them, and I think he's happy he got them.

Yesterday, and again today there was definitely the "smell" of snow in the air, and even a couple of flakes this afternoon.  I think you've already had a bit , Cathy? So an appointment was made to have the tires changed, next Tuesday morning.  Then David was out to the garage to start re-arranging everything for winter. First he gave the grass one last cut, more to pick up the leaves than to actually cut the grass.  We have yard refuse pick up on Monday.  Good timing.  Once that was done, the whole garage had to be re-arranged so that the lawn mower is hidden in the back corner, the lawn furniture is packed around it, and there is space for the snow bower at the front of the building, ready for use.  This is an all day job.  Then he got the snow tires out ready for Tuesday.  I think he'll sleep well tonight.  He wants to change the way he stores the ties, but that will be a job for tomorrow.

I've been down in the studio, drafting a quilting pattern for an embroidered tablecloth I found at the thrift store.  This is both practice and preparation for the booth I'll have at a craft show in December.  I feel I owe my friends a bit of effort in presenting a decent booth, but don't have enough stock.  Since I know there is really no point in making any, I plan to offer something new--taking precious old hand embroidered linens, and turning them into decorative items.  For a respectable price, of course.  This is actually something I've wanted to try for awhile ( years).  I've taken a couple of internet courses on it, and experimented a bit, but it's all far more to amuse myself, than done with any expectation of making money at it.

It was nice to see the picture of you and your friends, Beth.  Do I take it, from your comments, that maybe you had to drive yourself, that day? Still, it would be nice to get dressed in something other than jeans, and enjoy their company, as well as let them enjoy yours. 

The Tree Man Cometh.....

....yesterday! So now the huge limbs are gone, and now I have to tidy up and move stuff. When he came I also had to move stuff as I had not done much since the one limb was suspended on tables and cages and other stuff, and I was afraid of them falling down on top of me. I also had to move ornaments etc so he could manoeuvre his ladder. But the job is done, and I am not sorry I went the route of hiring him in spite of it costing $.
As well we had two enquiries about the ice hut. Harry had not told me of a man who approached him while I was gone, and another fellow came to the door yesterday. I got his number as I had to ask Harry about it of course. Harry called the first man and he is interested still so I had to call the second fellow back with apologies that I had not known about the first offer. Now however comes the issue of emptying it of stuff, and cleaning around the trailer and getting it ready to be moved. So what to do with all the stuff inside? Solution - Harry ordered another canvas shed off Amazon which should come in about three weeks. Oh boy! I wondered if the dump might have been a better solution haha!
In addition to all this, I am now again hand feeding a baby budgie who is not thriving. This is every 3 hours around the clock.
Thank goodness I am going for my luncheon today. I have demonstrated to Harry how to feed the baby while I am away - lets hope all goes well.
On with my day then..... Take care

Glasses

David, too, has new eye glasses.  He ordered two pair, one for reading, and the other for watching tv.  The distance ones arrived today, and we had to immediately rush downtown to pick them up. Don't know when the others will get here. 

I have absolutely no ambition, having sewn the strips together for my leaf piece.  The recent purge was an effort to get my butt in gear.  Didn't work.

My extra eating over the past two weeks has caught up with me, at the  scale, so it's back to phase one for me. It's very hard to stop eating, so tonight I've taken my computer downstairs, where the food isn't so readily available.

Guess I'm just in  "blue funk" right now. But--it was another beautiful fall day today--maybe the last one, according to the long range forecast, and the fact that the snow was so heavy and so close, lately.

 I've never read any Dean Koontz.  You'll have to bring us up to speed when you get to it, Beth.  I did order 4 P.J. Tracy novels off Amazon.  They were quite cheap, and I had expected to have to spend about $35, so the extra two are just a bonus.  One arrived Monday, after I ordered them Saturday.  Pretty good service.

Dean Koontz

I have read some of his novels.  In a way he reminds me of Stephen King and there is some horror aspects to some of his books.  On another note.............

 

 

Chloe got her new glasses last week.  I think they make her look older!  I had just made my computer wallpaper using the picture of her from the blog when Kris sent me this one.  I had to use it instead.

Books

A big box of softcover books just arrived via the dump. Please tell me if you folks have read any Dean Koontz novels - I have not. The box has 20 such books. What are they about generally, and do you think I should attempt to read. Thanks
ps I just started to read the novel by Ellen Hart (A Jane Lawless Mystery) I got from you Pati.

New table

Pati the table looks great all cleaned and set up. Gives you lots of room and has same layout as other so no drastic changes. I felt a bit strange seeing the pictures so soon after I had actually been there and enjoying your company in that very room. A very fond remembrance for me.
Still playing catch up here but not making much headway. Yesterday it was apple juice. The apples from the one tree are slightly bigger and juicier I think and made up a beautiful clear reddish pink juice that is now bottled and ready to be labelled and put away. I'll have to do that quick as Harry wants to do the celery this morning - I will need to bring up the dehydrator and clear off the stove for it. Never a dull moment. The other night I had to move th house plants as it was getting really cold - I have not cleared the space in the sun room yet where they normally sit over winter so I quickly brought a few in ( including my cactus from Maplewood which I cherish) and then hid the others inside the two greenhouses. These will have to be moved in as soon as I can. 
It is raining a bit this morning which may hamper my efforts outside but slow and easy is my mantra and maybe I'll get things done. The broken limbs are still hanging from the tree out front so I have to walk gingerly under them in case a slight movement will dislodge them and come tumbling down. I called the tree man yesterday but only left a message and have not heard back - I expect he is busy with other downed tree issues. I decided that we would hire him to do the work as I could not see it being done otherwise. 
I look forward to my Luncheon on Thursday with Sue, Diane and Kathleen even if I have to drive to Gravenhurst ( about 1 1/2 hours south) I'll fill you in after. I have the picture of 'the three sisters" ready to take to show them  It is the good one and not the silly one haha! Pati did Cathy see that silly one or was it deleted?
So one with the day.....take care.

They get you coming and going

Beth and I had a chat about the difference between a Cafe Americano and my pour over, and why they had different prices.  Last time I was into the coffee store, I asked. Cafe Americano is a full shot of espresso (regular or decaf)  into which is added hot water, to soften the strong flavour.  My pour over is a full shot of espresso (decaf) placed in a filter drip, and then hot water poured over.  What's the difference, you ask?  Well it's in the labour and skill necessary to use the espresso machine to produce that regular espresso shot, and then to use the espresso machine to produce the hot water.  The pour-over doesn't require using the espresso machine at all, getting it's hot water from the regular coffee maker.  That's their story, and they're sticking to it.

While Beth was here, we visited a local thrift store, and David and I bought a new kitchen table.  We've been looking for one since we had the kitchen updated, but pedestal tables without corners are just not available, unless you have one custom-made at an appropriate price. It's now in the kitchen, and the old one gone.  It arrived filthy, as we knew it would.  It has now been thoroughly scrubbed, a chore that required the kitchen floor to be washed not once but twice.
 Here we are during the washing.  The pedestal was very, very dirty.  I think they must have been smokers, as everything, even the bottom of the pedestal, came away as dirty brown staining on the paper towel we used.

Here it is upright and the leaf in.  We both think it must have been a very good table when first purchased.  It has good weight and is sturdy.

And here it is ready for use.  I'm quite happy with it.  As you can see, David can even push his chair all the way in--something he couldn't do with the old one.

Yesterday the items were delivered to the gift shop.  What a kurfuffle!  Took far too long, and they were busy, which meant that we were being pushed to get the job done.  But it's all looked after for the next four months.

As for how I spent today, check the other blog.

A few words to keep the ball rolling....

Not quite the return I was anticipating but life does that, right?
We were hit with the storms that you may have heard caused worse chaos in and around Ottawa this weekend. On Friday shortly after I sent my "arrived home" email, the storm came through bringing very intense strong winds the like we have not seen. As it happened the top of our highest pine tree broke off landing partially on the roof and suspended on other obstacles on the ground - about thirty or forty feet I estimate with about 10 feet on the roof. No apparent roof damage but its there. At the same time another just as large branch broke off falling the opposite way suspended by other trees branches until falling further to the ground but still caught halfway up the tree. Frightening. Then as it always does the power went out. We did not get power back until yesterday ( Sat) afternoon. In the morning we tried to tidy the yard of fallen branches and twigs and leaves - what a mess. And we were not the only ones as around town many trees down and some roads closed because of obstruction. I went up to the little store on the corner around 9;30 am to see if the coffee pot was on because I knew he had generators working to keep his store going. It was a hoot as there were three other men standing around the coffee machine as the owner tried to get it going. One man had brought a jug of water in from home, and the pot was connected to a smaller generator thumping away outside the door. He pressed the on button but nothing happened. He figures the commercial machine was too powerful for the amount of electricity it was getting from the small generator. But in a way it was fun to be standing there with these others anxiously waiting haha! Emergencies tend to bring folks together - even if it were only to have a cup of coffee!
So here we are. Harry intends to cut the trees with my help. He has an electric chain saw  and I moved all the stuff from around the area. Wish us luck.
After the hydro came back I was finally able to start the wash, do the dishes and try to get back to some normalcy (?) The birds are first on my list for this morning - they desperately need to have their cages cleaned.
And so this is what I have been up to over the last two days. Hope it gets better haha! Take care and keep smiling!

Always something new.

Yesterday David had an optometrist appointment at the Manitoba Clinic.  We came home down McDermot, where there has been a lot of construction.  Most of this involved creating a dedicated bicycle lane.  When we came to intersections with stop lights, I was surprised to see an dedicated  bicycle stoplight, built right into the traffic lights.  Neat!

This morning I went to a 3 hour workshop at a local quilting store.  My head was spinning after the first hour ( The cup of hi octane Tim's coffee they served prior to class may have had something to do with that.  They also served cake, and it wasn't budget store cake).  The instructor did not stop talking, at a quick pace, and with a very strong South African accent, though the whole three hours.  Just about everything she said was worth listening to.  Well worth the money I spent, but even more so when I made a purchase and got 20% off as well as a $10 shop credit. The workshop itself had only cost $15. Time very well spent, but I've been left exhausted.  It's been a lot of years since I was exposed to such an intense learning experience.  I felt for the instructor, as she had to repeat the performance two more times during the day.

Had coffee with my friend Gail today.  She had on a very nice outfit.  She doesn't always take that much care of her appearance, which made the whole thing a pleasant visit.

Tomorrow, I have to take a new set of sale items out to Selkirk, as the gift shop is having a full turn over of stock, as they do three times a year.  I'm also taking a full supply of stock for Gail, as she is at St. Norbert market all day, and I've been asked to pick up the out-going stock for a third woman.  so that will take up a chunk of my time.  But then I have nothing scheduled until next weekend--which is shaping up into a real busy four days.

And it's over

We took Beth to the bus last evening, and she's now on her way back to Ontario.  Harry will pick her up in North Bay at 2:00 a.m., on Friday, to drive her the rest of the way. And so a wonderful, memory filled period in our lives is over.

Where it all started

Today, Beth and I took a trip back to the "old neighbourhood", Riverview.  We all grew up on Maplewood Ave.  We also had a relative on Maplewood less than a block away, and were often back and forth between the two houses.  Larger family gatherings we often held at one house or the other.  How the neighbourhood has changed!  As the oldest, I can remember being a small child and walking south from Maplewood, past Ashland and crossing grass-covered ground with posts stuck in the ground showing the names of future streets.  So I have seen a lot of change in the area.  The trees have all grown to maturity, many of them American Elms.  Those are big trees.  Many of the houses are so changed that we didn't recognize them, and that includes the one we all  lived in, pretty well until we were married.  I would not have recognized the old house without the address beside the front door.  The same goes for my aunt's old house down the street.

Riverview School is much bigger, and now, of course, French Immersion.  Churchill High School is also much bigger, and what was at one time the Municipal Hospitals, bears no resemblance whatsoever to the buildings we remember and I even worked at at one time. 

What does thus mean?  That part of our lives is over.  We can never go back ( nor do we want to).  But we have our memories.

Lunch in Winnipeg

On Sunday, the family met again in Winnipeg, at Pati's house.  The lunch was blessed with warmer, sunny weather, even though it got much colder a little later in the day.  This had been quite a worry, as the days leading up to the get-together had been cold and rainy.  We often talk about our family, and this is a chance for us to put faces to the names that you've seen over the years.

You might guess that we're a family that like to eat, as those seem to be the only pictures we take.   Here is Jim with his back to us, Jeremy's shoulder to his left, and then Beth, Jessica and Samantha in that order to his right.  Then part of Amber.

 Here we see a much better view of Jeremy, Beth across the table beside Jessica, then Cathy and Jim on  the this side of the table.

Here we have mainly backs, unfortunately.  Starting on  the left there is Beth, with Amber across the table, then Gillian, Jim and Cathy, and then a better view of Jeremy, and we even got a quick picture of Loren.

Chairs were at a premium, as we can see when poor Gillian ended up sitting on the bottom of a 5 gallon pail.

Cathy took some pictures too.  Here is a lovely picture of Amber and her two girls, Jessica on the left and Samantha in the middle.

She also got a picture of Loren and his two children, Gillian in the middle and Jeremy on the right, his turn to sit on that 5 gallon pail.

Here's a nice picture of Beth, with Jeremy and Jessica.  Still can't catch Jeremy without his face on his phone, though. 

Regardless of the alternative type of seating, and the prevalence of cellphones, it was a good day.

The gang's all here!

Pictures from the McGrath Family Reunion September 2018.  this is Day one At Cathy's, in Neepawa (Cathy is the only member of the family currently named McGrath!)

Here's the youngest of the family, little four year old Chloe

And here are her parents, Sandi and Kris Prior.  Kris is Cathy's son.

And here is his Mother, Cathy McGrath

Here are the three McGrath sisters who have starred in this blog up until now.  I think Chloe may be taking over that place in the hierarchy

This lovely group include Cathy, her daughter Keri, on the left, her daughter-in-law Sandi, on the far right, and son Kris, holding little Chloe on his lap. 

Check here tomorrow for the pictures from Day two at Pati's in Winnipeg.

The day has come.....

'Tis Wednesday Sept 12.
This afternoon at 2 pm, I shall get on the bus here in Sundridge and begin my get away. Looks like a sunny day and the temperatures are climbing again after a dreadful cold, rainy spell. If all goes well I shall be arriving in Winnipeg around 7:30 pm tomorrow, Thursday Sept 13.
Cathy your planned menu for Saturday sounds perfect - no issues from me. And it will be so nice to see all your crew.
Today I shall do last minute chores around the house, double check my packing and then be gone.
I shall NOT be checking the blog or emails again today, and have no access while on the bus trip, so if there are any important messages please consider calling the home number before 1 pm today, or my cell while I am on the bus. I shall have it close by to hear the soft ring but if I miss your call leave a message and I will respond.
Otherwise, see you all soon. This will be a very exciting and happy adventure for me. XX

Visits

I don’t know about you guys but my family is expecting all of you for lunch on Saturday. It will be a free for all. I will put out the food I have and everyone can feed themselves. Once everyone is gone I am thinking of pickerel for supper. Any vetoes on any meal should be registered in advance

Oh Beth!

I don't think I'll ever get it right!  But you'll be with me to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Maybe this will help you.....

I correct the comment about my leaving date. I leave late on Wednesday evening, Sept 19. Perhaps this will give you a bit of wiggle room?

Mis-understood deadline

Spent a few minutes, as I often do on Monday mornings, looking at the calendar for the week.  I need to deliver new stock to the gift shop on Sept 22nd.  That's next Saturday.  Beth leaves late on Thursday, and I'm in a workshop on Friday.  And I need to complete the hand finishing on a minimum of 6 small purses before Saturday.  Better get busy.  So yesterday was spent doing that.  It took all day, but I got the six done.  By that time, I knew I had over-worked my shoulder, so spent the rest of the evening watching re-runs of Antique Roadshow.  This meant that the whole day had been spent sitting, even if my hands were busy--not good.  This also meant that my brain was still busy at bedtime, and I didn't sleep well.  Today I have a dental appointment, that will take about 3 hours, including travel time.

Tomorrow we have scheduled washing floors and vacuuming--not because of Beth coming, but because it's "that time " again.  We also have Poulin's coming, so have to stick close to home.  First thing in the morning David will go out and vacuum leaves off the patio, so that it can be sprayed.

All of this busy-ness interferes with my reading.  I'm fully immersed in the Mark Pryor series I mentioned before, as well as the Jane Lawless series by Ellen Hart.  Both are lengthy.  I check the Public Library, on line, and order 3-4 books at a time.  They are usually in quickly, and I will end up with 4-8 books piled up waiting to be read.  Sometimes I'm low on the waiting list, and suddenly one or two books show up, that I had completely forgotten about.  This results in a scramble to get every thing read in time to return them.

Today, I got an e-mail from someone who is promoting a fibre art exhibit that I'm part of, telling me that she had "googled" by blog and couldn't find it.  I tried it and the results showed that Walt Disney has a branch/studio/whatever also called The Mouse Factory.  Don't think I would survive a contest about domain ownership with them.  Not sure what sort of problem this might cause.  Don't think I'm going to rock the boat about it either.

Slept well

Yesterday I spent the day in  the gallery in Selkirk.  There were two consecutive classes in watercolour during the time I was there.  Sort of interesting, as the first one was a beginner class and the second a much more advanced class.  Taught by a very well respected instructor, who  has won international awards.  But this meant that there was no where for e  to sit except for one armless chair in the middle of the actual gallery section.  I had taken a lot of hand sewing, and knew immediately that wouldn't happen.  But that wasn't a problem, nor was the sitting part.  The lady I was working under was a very nervous-type.  She had me doing photo copying, and was moving pieces in the show around, and fussing over all sorts of issues.  I was on the run most of the day, except for a short period between classes, when we ate lunch, with the instructor, a very nice retired fellow, whom I've know for over 10 years.  But, was I ever tired when I left.  It had rained most of the day, but had stopped by then, a big relief driving home on the highway.

I had promised myself a coffee on the way home, and when I stopped at Starbucks, called David and told him I was going to sit there and drink my coffee and veg out for a bit, even if it was almost supper time.  He didn't care.  He watched three back-to-back CFL games --almost 9 hours, yesterday.

Preparations continue here as well.  I have arranged to have Poulin's out to spray for ants on Wednesday, in hopes that our family meal next Sunday, can happen outside.  I'm also hoping that if we kill the little buggers now, before winter, there won't be so many of them come spring. Probably a fantasy.  But I'm also concerned about the weather.  It's been cold around here for the last week, with a lot of wind.  In Winnipeg when the seasons change they really do change over night.  We are now wearing our fall/winter clothing--other than parkas.  This is the season when you see so many men in shorts wearing heavy jackets.  Last winter there was a big billboard with a picture of a fellow dressed like that in one of the ads.  Of course I also saw a fellow dressed like that, outside, last January.  Even then he didn't have a parka.

But, 'tis now Sunday, and I haven't done any housework in three days--didn't even cook supper last night.  Best I start soon.

Time to get serious...

I have been lallygagging (sp) about without making much headway so now I must get serious about organizing myself and the house and my packing for the trip.
We visited Mike yesterday which was a wonderful distraction to things here at home. Beautiful sunny day - but the mornings are really cold and there was frost on the roofs when we left early and all up the highway. Enjoyed hearing all about his first week at school and his perception of how things will play out for him now that he is actually there after so long planning and thinking about it.
Very intense requirements and assignments and required reading - he was shocked at the book prices and the number required for each of his five classes this first semester. And I am now the proud owner of a Laurentien University mug in royal blue with the U logo and name, and MOM written on it. Mike said he couldn't resist buying these two pieces of swag - Harry also got one with DAD on it- in spite of watching his budget closely.
So today I plan to write my final ToDo list and see if I can cross anything off haha! I shall concentrate on packing and not garden work. I have to catch the bus on Wed at the Restaurant on the highway as all the streets in the Village are dug up for new sewers etc - what a mess to just get to the Post Office and Main St- have to drive to the end of town and back in.
Hope all is well......Take care....see you soon.

Groceries

Yesterday, when we were in out Safeway store there was a sign that it would be closing October 26, and there would be a new Freshco store in the same location.  Pretty quickly, I guess, as the pharmacy had a sign saying that they wouldn't be closing, and renovations are already underway.  I hope they aren't to much more expensive.  I believe it is another brand under the Sobeys (Loblaws) company.

Breaking News - Bad but then Good!

Bad: Just go the mail and in the mail was a Subpoena for me for  Jury Duty! I panicked. What date? Will this interfere with my trip plans? How will I manage if so? How depressed I am. Then I read the entire letter.

Good: I must report to Parry Sound Court House (1 1/2 hours west) at 9 am on October 22. OK, I have relaxed again. All is well!
I am not pleased but I had to attend before several years ago when I was working but got the day off with pay - after spending the entire day in Court we were finally released (not needed apparently) and each given cash money for mileage.  Of course I may be chosen, in which case my life ceases for months!

We went to South River this morning for 9 am for the Grand Opening of the new grocery store Freshmart. In April the Foodland closed suddenly and left the town without any grocery store. After a bit, it was announced that arrangements had been made with this new store. We found the prices rather high but bought a few things just to be supportive. Time will tell if things will be better. We always shopped at the Foodland in South River when it was there, but then had no choice but to go to the one in Sundridge which no one seems to like. This is why we now go to Huntsville to shop.

Then I had to go to the Dealership because a warning sign was on about the tires. It turned out to be a sensor that had to be replaced ( no longer under warranty) - and I got out of there $163.00 lighter. Not a good time for repairs when I am planning for my "get away".

On with my day.........hope I do not get any more surprises today.

Just hope you know

That if you find her red outfit and a strange  toothbrush in your luggage when you get home--it's your problem!

Another Lady coming?

How are we going to manage with both that Lady in Red and me in your home, Pati, causing havoc.... haha Perhaps some of the blame will be misplaced on me? Sounds interesting. Soon we will see....Hope you don't have the 'sister in red' at your place Cathy.
Lots to do in this last week before I come and hoping to get a handle on some of it starting today. I have that famous "to do list' done but do not seem to be crossing off much so far. The fruit lady from around the Lake called the other day - her husband had gone down south and brought back peaches for us - so quickly I dropped what I was doing and drove out - half bushel of fresh peaches is nice to have but not what I had in mind right now to manage - especially since Harry had just bought two baskets at the market. So I made another pie with some, put some in the fridge, and have some now out to eat - in cereal, and I made a smoothie so far. And we are still picking crabapples to make juice which should be today or tomorrow- so the kitchen becomes a factory again.
So as they say - I better get at it. Slept in a bit this morning ( wonder why?) so a bit behind schedule- the days are wet though so outside work is at a minimum but sure needs some attention. As i walked around earlier, and taking inventory of what has to be done i gave a little shutter and then resigned myself to knowing it can all be done when i get back. It is only the start of Sept so we should have a few months of fair weather before that dreaded snow comes? Do you think?  Take care

That Woman!!!

Yesterday, in the studio, she took a full container of very small seed beads and flung it across the work table.  Beads everywhere.  Tried to say that she didn't realize that the lid wasn't on.  She was the one who had pulled all the bead containers out and re-arranged them.  I was the one who had to clean it up!  If she's going to keep going down there she better start keeping her mind on the job!

Yesterday, while David was watching the afternoon football game,  I took my book and headed for Starbucks.  It was busy, and knowing my drink takes a few minutes to make, I sat down to read.  Seemed as though my drink was taking much longer than usual, and they noticed me looking for it.  One barista came over and quietly said that the other had forgotten the drink, given the rush, and was making another one.  This second one was delivered with apologies.  It was hot!  The hottest coffee I've ever had there.  And it was good.  I've discovered that I really like them warmer than  I usually find them after taking them home in the car, to drink in the back yard.

I started my Diclofenac again, on Sunday.  I take it for two weeks and then don't take it for two weeks.  It's noticeable that my thinking is clearer and my creativity stronger when I take it.  For several weeks I've been struggling to figure out what I'm going to do with a bunch of strips of fabric I have in the studio. Yesterday, an idea came to me. and I started working on something that excites me.  It's a wonderful feeling when this happens.

Figuring it was about time to start the "To Do" list for Beth's visit, I sat down with pen in hand, and came up with two things. Two things!?  How can this be?  Well, there are just two things to do to prepare for Beth's visit.  I think I can handle that, although I may make David responsible for buying paper plates.  I can joke about it, but this may be an indication of how much more time I have for housework, when  studio time is limited.

Lately, I've been reading the Hugo Marston series by Mark Pryor.  The first book is "The Bookseller", and they are best read in sequence, although that's not necessary.  Everything takes place in Europe, mainly /France/Paris.  They are basically police procedurals, but with a twist.  I recommend them.

Well, onto the day.  We're going to lower the work table in the studio.  When we do a lot of cutting, we've found it much easier on the back to have it higher. But we aren't cutting now, and I find it very uncomfortable to sit, to work, on a stool. My feet rest on the bars at the bottom of the stool and lately I've been having severe foot cramps.  I think I've figured out why.

Percentage Good vs Bad.....

Yes, we all have them however perhaps one also needs to assess the percentage of good vs bad days to really get the true picture haha! In your case Pati we know it is when the Lady in Red visits - uninvited - I presume! Cathy, do you see this elusive Lady in Red at your place sometimes?
Another rain/thunderstorm last night - now we seem to be getting them regularly and more for tonight forecast. The humidity rose again yesterday and that was not welcomed. I watch the weather in your areas on the net and soon will be able to see your long range 7 day outlooks for my trip - getting exciting. Not that the weather will deter me in any way, shape, or form haha! I'll bring an umbrella just in case and I shall have my jacket on hand in case it is needed. Otherwise hoping for clear sunny skies and big smiles from all of us!
Crabapple day today so I shall have to get ready for that. I only just got the dehydrator machines all cleaned and back down the basement and now need to bring up all the canning supplies and pots and pans- I need an escalator to help with my constant ups and downs! 
I plan to make a nice old fashioned breakfast this morning just for the h... of it. I have bacon thawed and plan for eggs and toast to go with it. So often it is just a quick something and I decided to treat myself - and Harry when he gets up!  Hope it works and sets the stage for a good day Take care

Good day/ Bad day

We all have them.  Some time you just drag yourself through the day, and other times you're really on top of your game and things go well. Certainly that ebb and flow influences the day the Woman in Red, and her sometime companion, the Man in Black, visit.  Living and spending a lot of time with another person teaches one how to deal with the bad days and work through them--until you both have a bad day at the same time.

Yesterday started with the Woman in Red showing her age and accompanying physical stresses.  Lots of pain, and could barely move. But, 'twas laundry day, which meant she had to get dressed before breakfast, so the first load could get started.

Now, one way of dealing with bad days is to follow a set routine.  Structure to the day helps to make sure no important task--such as taking medication--gets forgotten.  I don't get dressed before breakfast.  I eat, read the paper, and go to the computer with my first cup of tea.  Then I take my Metamucil before my second cup of tea, and them get dressed, so the day can start.  While at the computer, I check the blogs, check the e-mail, and respond or add something to my "to do" list.  Then I read the computer news, and then sign in to Candy Crush.  Candy Crush has been known to take 2-3 hours to deal with.  Well--yesterday was a horror.  My routine was off.  I was dressed before breakfast, that's when the Woman in Red showed up.  She screwed up everything she touched after that.

Eventually the laundry got done, and there was a quick trip to the library, in response to an e-mailing saying books were being held. Other than that, not much was accomplished, other than some time spent reading in the garden and fighting off ants. A chat with  the neighbour, and he and DAvid spent some time examining and discussing his new-to-him car.  I had bought some cherries on Wednesday.  They weren't very good, and needed to be used, so David suggested that we freeze them.  I told him we couldn't because they would need pitting first, and I had thrown out the cherry pitter quite some time ago. Then disaster.  A cherry pitter was found at the back of a drawer, and the job was started.  Didn't work worth a darn, but David used a knife and I used the pitter, and we got the job done.  Got them in the freezer and then pulled out 3/4 cup today to use in a Smoothie.  Quite nice. 

Then I looked up.  We had cleaned up quite well yesterday, but during the night, That Woman in Red had sprayed cherry juice all over the backsplash, all the the across the room, and right up under the cupboards in a far corner.

Reading the paper this morning, I found the obituary of Joyce Bridle.  She was the Mother of the Bridle Family that lived down the block from us on Maplewood.  I was a little older than the children, but I wondered if either of you might have interacted with them.  I certainly remember the oldest two- Charlie and Jimmy--being part of the gang of kids on the block.  According to the obituary there were 10 children in total.

And now time for the next step in my routine--reading the computer news, and then on to Candy Crush