Yes, let's open our arms wide....

Yes Pati those are wise words and we have all been trying hard to take this advice to heart, haven't we?
I guess I am trying to do this very thing by going again to the quilt group today. It isn't really "quilt" only, as many of the ladies work on other hand work. One lady makes little girls fancy dresses, one lady was making clown dolls, several were working on needlework patterns, and some with crochet work. Yet several others were working around the quilting frame hand quilting the large size quilt top.  Since this was the final meeting before Christmas, and as I suspected it might be, the lunch was a sort of pot luck with ladies bringing in dishes: salads, pickles, deviled eggs, cheese and crackers etc and trays of dainties. I was not sure what to do ie if I brought a dish and no one else did, or not to bring. So I choose not to bring anything except for my 4 Christmas oranges. I felt a bit awkward but it did not matter. I choose not to eat from the table set with the food, but was just as welcome sitting at the table with the others. A few others did not eat either so I was not alone. Sometimes it is hard to find your way as a newbie in a well established group haha!  And since this was the last meeting until the New Year, I have quite a bit of time now to assess my continued involvement but I am glad that I have pursued it for this long.
Tomorrow we are going to Mike's to visit - he called yesterday wondering if we could come since starting next week he is into final exams for this semester, and will be studying and would not see us until our Christmas Day planned get together. He gets lonely i know, so I do not mind when he asks us to come. It doesn't hurt and seems to appease him a bit. He really wants to vent actually, as he is finding it a bit hard right now and has no one else to complain to when he comes home at night.
Still more snow but very mild making it melt from the eaves. The trees are covered with ice and snow - some branches broken under the weight, and some hydro outages in the area although we have been OK so far.
Time to go. I have to check the little chicks - one of the four hatched is not thriving - there is really no reason to try to feed it since I read that chicks in their first week generally do not survive if left by the parents. It is still sad for me though. Bye for now - take care.

Thinking about opportunity

Yesterday I started reading the latest Gail Bowen, Joanne Kilbourn series book, "A Darkness of the Heart".  There was a description of a well respected man who had recently died, "he lived with his arms wide open, ready to embrace new experiences, new people, new ideas."  This is contrasted to someone else who "...grew up with inner walls, within inner walls."  Is this not very much like the discussions we've been having about opening ourselves up to new opportunities?  Just those two sentences gave me a lot to think about.  Have either of you read any of her books?  I've read a few, but not all, and have enjoyed them immensely.  Such a change to read something based within Canadian political systems and locations, but a good mystery, none the less.

Not a good evening

Yesterday, David and I decided to cut the fruit cakes we made into smaller pieces for storage convenience.  Well, we were cutting it frozen, and wondered if it was cooked as well as it should have been.  Checking it today, after thoroughly thawing it, the answer is no way.  Even after over two hours in the oven, it still wasn't done well enough to serve.  This means it's in the garbage.  What an expensive mistake!  It isn't even good enough for casual nibbling.

I also finished the FMQ'g on my "Black Ice" piece.  I wondered if it need something more, so took pictures and posted them on the other blog.  Actually seeing the pictures, I knew that even beading can't salvage it.  Another expensive mistake, only this time in terms of my labour costs, as well as the supplies.

Beth, I think your wet snow storm has come this way.  It was fairly nice when we headed out to shop this morning, but had started to snow by the time we headed home, and was really snowing by the time I went out for coffee about an hour later. Heavy wet snow!  Not that cold out, but not that nice either.  Very slippery streets.

This month's shopping was an expensive one.  It seems that we were due to replenish many of those non-food items that can take up such a large share of the grocery bill.  But there is a bright side to that.  Because my bill was so high I qualified for a free gift. (no choice of gifts) I now have a lovely poinsettia in my living room.  And, since my bills are paid for this month, I can relax while eating KD.

Crazy weather

Maybe a sign of what the winter has in store for us? Obviously snow is first on the list. And today's snow is wet and heavy. Had a real time trying to shovel early this morning. Only managed the driveway and clearing off the car. The rest can wait.
I just came in from walking to the Library to return the Monkeewrench books I borrowed. I loved these first two and since I mentioned a few more of these book names to Mike as a possible Christmas gift, I do not intend to order more in right now. Mike mentioned the author Jo Nesbo and his series called Harry Hole. So I took the first book in this series out today ( called The Bat). Our Library actually has quite a few of his books so I should be Ok for a bit. I'll start it tonight.
Last night the Show we went to in North Bay was again very enjoyable. The Scott Woods band Old Time Christmas Special. Since we have now been to many of his performances, we have seen the same things done/ or the same jokes told, but still, the music is so good that this "sameness" does not distract from the overall quality and enjoyment. I only wish that we did not have to travel in this inclement weather - it was a nasty trip back home in the dark and rainy/snow.
Tomorrow we go to Huntsville for my Doctors appointment and then other chores. Yesterday we actually started with a few things for Christmas gifts which makes me feel as if we are progressing. I always start to feel a bit anxious when we have nothing yet so buying even the few items encourages me. The task does not seem so daunting now, even though time is starting to slip away with December just around the corner....
I feel really laggy this afternoon and would lay down if it weren't something I actually ever do,  haha! So I better get those dishes done and then think about supper and having my bath. Got to have my bath for the Doctors appointment, after all!
Have fun week folks. Take care

Lots to do, but still restless.

There is lots to do in the studio, but I'm just not capable of the long hours at the machine I was my normal 20 years ago.  I did almost 2 hours of FMQ'g this morning, and was almost dizzy with exhaustion when I came out of "the zone".  Not good.  So we went out for coffee and potatoes, and then I spent another two hours sorting beads.  Barely touched the surface of that chore!  But I did find the metal washers that I need to add a bit of weight to the bottom of my "Tall Grass Prairie".  So here I sit, restless as all get out, but knowing that I have a supper to cook, so that David can watch his football game this evening.  Not sure what I'll be doing while he does that.

With all this funny weather, and despite the periods of extreme cold, we have yet to realize that the temperatures we're experiencing are normal for January/ February, and we should be wearing our heavy winter gear.  Today I sat in Starbucks waiting for David to do the grocery shopping, and saw a man come in  wearing shorts and winter boots, and a few minutes later a woman wearing very light sandals over bare feet.  A couple of days ago, when the wind chill was -27, I broke down and got out my new toque with the huge fur pom pom.  Finally got the pom pom off, and have been wearing it for the last two days, along with my parka. Dealing with Winnipeg "hat hair" again.  And here's Beth talking about rain.  Maybe I should just be quiet and contemplate my gratitude for owning a parka and toque, as well as my ability to actually buy coffee at Starbucks.

Lucked in at the library, finding a brand new Anne Cleeves book from her Shetland Islands series.  She says that this will be the last one.  I sneak peeked a the end, and know that, whatever the reason, the protagonist leaves his beloved islands. The Librarian told me that the book was so new that I was the very first to read it.  At the same time, I picked up "The Grateful Dead", the most recent in the Monkeewrench series by P. J. Tracy.  I have been on the waiting list for that since before it was even available.

So, while I shouldn't lack reading this evening, I'm reluctant to read them too quickly, because then they will be over.

Rain, Rain go away!

Just a quickie while I wait for my breakfast to bake.  I prepared an egg dish called strata last evening, put into the fridge and then into the oven this morning. Eggs of course, but layered with bread cheese, onions, peppers, ham - looks good and I am counting on it tasting great. I'll let you know....
It is 37 degrees right now and the warm spell came in Friday - I was out trying to shovel around the yard to clear areas and prepare for the water that i knew was to come. Sure enough rain and melting and of course, water accumulation at the front and shoveling of said water. Nasty!  However come tomorrow we are to expect 15 cm of snow!
We go to North Bay Monday to attend the Christmas Show of Scott Woods Band - we bought tickets last Spring for both his June show and now this Christmas one.  Hope the driving with all that predicted snow will be manageable.  Then Wed we go to Huntsville - to shop after my Doctors appointment at 9:30 am. Yearly appointment to renew drugs etc.
I made my date pinwheels and was a disaster with first batch i tried to cut and bake. Looks like little doggie turds but taste great. i froze the other two rolls hoping that I can cut them better frozen. I have a recipe for molasses cookies to try today.  I expect all the cookies I have outside in a rubbermaid container to stay frozen have all melted by now but hey, come tomorrow apparently they should freeze again and be covered with snow Oh joy!
Time to check my breakfast, make a coffee and sit by my coloured tree with the DVD music playing on the TV. Glorious! take care 

I was wrong

Got out a new pound of butter today and the markings on the package were exactly two cups.  Different brand of butter, so who knows.  David made another batch of shortbread from his mother's recipe, which means about 45 minutes of intense hand mixing.  At least she wasn't watching over our shoulders telling us that he was doing it wrong.  Then I bit the bullet, and dug in to make the Melting Moments--three full batches of them.  I thought that the old machine might be able handle a double batch.  Nope.  So I ended up finishing the mixing, again, literally by hand.  I was smarter by the third batch.  But-- ta da!--all of the Christmas baking is now done and safely put away, most of it in the freezer.  I was also juggling the weekly laundry--lots of trips up and down the stairs.  I'm beat.

I'm glad you got to the quilting group, Beth.  Sounds like you're getting to know the town a little better. (snort!)

I have a new project ready for the FMQ'g, but I know I'm in no shape for doing it. So this evening will probably be spent playing poker on the internet.

Fruit cakes, human and otherwise

The cakes were quite an experience, and probably not one I will want to repeat.  It started Wednesday evening when I fairly finely chopped two full cups of Turkish apricots, one apricot at a time with a big knife.  Up before David on Thursday morning, and got the apricots on the stove to simmer for 30 minutes with just as many golden raisins, and some water and sugar. Then they had to cool.  After breakfast I put the rest of it together, and it absolutely filled my biggest mixer bowl.  I was sure it wouldn't fit into the two bread pans it called for, but had carefully lined them with baking parchment, anyway, and it did indeed fill them both, but not overflowing, so into the oven they went.  The recipe said to bake them for an hour, but to check them after 45 minutes, as ovens differ.  They sure do!  They were checked at 45 minutes, and then every 10 minutes until they had been in the oven for 2 hours and 20 minutes.  I was worried about them burning, so tented them with foil, but in the end the outsides were very dark brown, and I'm still not convinced they are cooked in the middle.  They were very expensive to make, even with buying everything at the Bulk Barn.  We both tried a slice from the end of one loaf, and were not impressed.  They are in the freezer now, but I wonder if they should be aged before serving.  The recipe said to make sure they had cooled well before serving, so obviously  an aging process wasn't part of the plan.

I got a batch of Butterscotch Refrigerator cookies rolled and wrapped, and into the freezer, as well as two batches of chocolate chip cookies.  Have either of you every tried to get very sticky glace cherries out of one of those flimsy plastic bags that are used in bulk food stores.  What a mess!  Finished everything about 2:30.  It's been a lot of years since I had a whirling dervish of a baking day like that.  I had given Loren my good Kitchen Aid mixer a couple of years ago, when  I vowed to give up baking, and had to use the very old Oster Kitchen center mixer, that we've kept around for the meat grinder.  The old mixer objected to any sort of demand on it, so I kept everything to small batches, and finished everything with hand mixing, (literally by hand) thanks to David's help.  I sure slept well last night.

I used baking parchment on the cookie trays as well.  I like the stuff, and plan to use it more often.

I still have the Melting Moments to make, and that will involve two full batches.  Part of the secret to making those is to measure the butter very carefully, and not use too much.  The pounds of butter we buy are really a pound i.e. 454 grams.  I've made the mistake of cutting a pound in half, thinking that I will end up with two cups, but that extra bit of butter will make a significant difference in this recipe.  The batter must also be very well mixed, or there can be problems.  A simple recipe, but prone to problems.  They sure are good though.  David also wants to make another batch of shortbread, so maybe early next week.

How are your cakes Pati ?

Thinking about your baking spree Pati and wondering how your fruit cakes turned out. I am hoping you were very happy with results as I know what is involved in the preparation of these little wonders.  I pulled out my recipe for Melting Moments that you gave me and wondering about trying them again. First and only time i did they did not turn out - I thought i goofed up somehow but in reading it again it seems simple enough. Your family and friends seem to devour them with delight so i think I'll try again.  I also want to try a date pinwheel recipe i just looked up from our beloved Five Roses cookbooks.  Now Cathy are you going to venture into the culinary, and what have you designs on baking?
I went to the Quilt group meeting yesterday - I did not know what time it started in the morning so being early and finding the room door locked, I stood inside the outside doors ( to keep warm) for 25 minutes until the first lady appeared with the keys to open up. So now I know not to be there until 10 am! Another interesting day with very lively conversations about people I do not know and some that I did recognize by association - lots of gossip. One lady turned to me and said "you must be learning a lot". I guess this goes with the small community atmosphere and ways, so I will just tolerate it for now - as long as they don't start on that Elizabeth Pearce and her weird ways I should be alright haha!
We had troubles with the internet again just around 5 pm Harry could not log on so of course, it was all turned over to me to fix.
It is not pleasant for me to go through this common occurrence and process, and to make it worse, we have to call to the Server technicians who are located in Val D'or Quebec.  I lucked in and got one whose English was so heavy with his French accent that I could not understand his directions. It was a nightmare for me and after an hour unresolved. Bell Canada called a few minutes later (had been notified that I would need a service call to check my line ) and i said all was well. No way a Bell person needs to come in here. the line is working fine as a matter of fact i was on the working phone for heavens sake! I go to thinking about it again so called back and thankfully got a different technician (still a French accent but not as bad) I requested he mail out a new Modem immediately ( i had visions of Harry being without a computer well into next week) he said he had been getting an increase of calls from this area and was on with one person over an hour until he said "Oh it's ok now" So the technician said that it was just another outage from Bell and that i should be back on line myself. Sure enough i logged on and voila.  he and i had a heated discussion then about this common occurrence and why they never got notified by Bell so can tell their customers who call in with complaints,  rather than waste hours trying to trouble shoot over the phone with them.
Well now, it seems I have vented enough about this for now...... Thanks for listening haha! I guess it is on with the day ahead... we have two baby chicks just hatched and probably another to come today. I have my work cut out for me. 
Have a nice weekend folks and stay warm. Take care

Fruit cake (?loaf?)

We decided to actually make the fruit cake from the flyer.  We figured that if you, Beth, and Harry, were confident that your cake could age well enough, if baked now, we would be okay.  So off to Bulk Barn for the rest of the supplies.  Unfortunately, I didn't take the recipe with me, so missed one ingredient, but with the time involved in chopping the apricots, and softening them, one of us should be able to hit the store, in the morning, so no delays.  This whole baking incentive was to supply goodies for the craft show, but I've now found out that one participant has a very strong allergic reaction if there are any nuts even in the room.  But I've bought all this stuff!!  So I will offer to make dessert for our Christmas dinner, and hope the kids agree.  Then everyone will be sent home with a goody bag.

Unfortunately both the craft show participants, and the family have requested Melting Moments.  Darn!  It's a little early to make them, but I will start the other things tomorrow, and see how far I get.

The trip to Bulk Barn was a hoot.  The place was a "zoo".  It's been some time since I saw so many old woman in one place all at the same time.  All of us were pushing carts, and we were all looking for the same things.  I guess everyone feels the need to address Christmas baking, with the end of November looming.  The line up to pay was across the store and down one aisle.  All of the cash registers were humming, (never seen that before) and there quite a few extra (seasonal?) staff wandering around.  Some of them looked as bewildered as the customers.  As an added incentive to shop, it was 10% off for seniors, to day.

The last couple of day, I've also noticed that a few of "do every few weeks" housekeeping tasks are indicating that the time has come.  Not a welcome thought. 

My rubber stamp snowflakes are finished, and today I did the stamping on one potential quilt top.  Worked very well.  Then, in my hurry to clean up, I forgot for a minute that I had backed them with illustration Board, which is a very dense form of card stock,(very, very dense).  As I was washing them, I realized that, perhaps, I shouldn't have soaked them in hot water?  I think they're going to dry okay.  I wanted to use them for another design I have in mind, and was thinking about the 5 days it took to make them.

So a lot to do over the next little while.  Can't say I'm looking forward to chopping those apricots.

Snowsqualls...

Oh gooody, more snow to shovel this morning. Just had the dog out, and blowy, snowing outside. Makes one wonder just how much snow we are going to get over the course of the winter when it is only the last part of November.
Cathy I was glad to speak with you last evening and know how things are there for you. Hope you have a good day today and then a better day tomorrow and on and on......
Today we make fruit cake.  All the supplies were bought yesterday at The Bulk Barn and some preparation done when we got home - to speed up the process for today.  Pati are you going to make that recipe you got - I actually read it through - came with the flyer that we picked up at the store. Sounds very nice too. Harry choose a dark cake recipe from the internet. Costs a lot more to buy ingredients than buying a box of that cake on sale at the malls and stores - is it the Lions that sell them? But ours will be very tasty once all is said and done.
Take care folks.

We are here Cathy for you

So sorry to read the messages early this morning and to see that your load Cathy, is heavy right now. I am carrying you in spirit and hope this may lighten this hard time a bit.
Pati is right that you must think of yourself as well and take care. If you wish to call please do. Sometimes a familiar voice who listens to you and who loves you, can do a lot to allay the fears and anxiety of what you are managing now for Jim, and Jean.  It seems also that Larry is going through so much as well, and he has chosen to share with you - an additional worry I am sure for you.
Knowing that you have some support at work is a blessing Cathy - Elizabeth is there and always has been present if not actually able to manage situations, but taking the issues (documented) logically through the appropriate channels is the way you must handle it.
Please take care and heed the suggestion of one step at a time. XX 

OMG!

What a sudden and heavy load for you to deal with!  Take it one step at a time, and you'll get through it, but make sure you get the rest you need.  Take Zzz-Quil if you have to but look after yourself.  Pace things the best that you can.  Your  role is to be there for Jim, as things progress.  Not easy, but you will get through it.  I'll be thinking of you over the next week.  Please, phone if you just need to talk.  

Life

It has been one of those weeks. Less than a month ago Larry emailed me to tell me his ex-wife had died. I had met her at their son Benji’s  funeral. I ended up in the kitchen washing dishes with her mother. Then on Monday he let me know that his son Dan had died. His son Jesse lost his mother and only remaining brother in less than a month. He is not doing well. On Saturday Jim’s sister Jean stopped in.  Her husband Gary had passed away only a couple of hours earlier. Then to add insult to injury she fell on the ice in our yard. She is heavier than me and has had hip replacements. She couldn’ get up and we couldn’t help her. I have bruises on my arms and legs to prove we tried. Jim got tho little tobagon out of the garage and we got her on it and got her to the house. She crawled into the house and was able to pull herself up on the furniture . Definitely not a good day for her. She didn’t want to deal with gary’s kids so I had to phone Tracy and tell her that her father had died. She broke down but did say she wanted to phone her brother and let him know. She phoned me back later to ask about an obituary.  Jim is supposed to ask jean tomorrow. He refused to ask her on the phone.  So meanwhile I am caught in the middle. Now that I have depressed everyone let me tell you about work. At least Elizabeth understands what is happening and has given me some advice on how to deal with the disrespect and outright rudeness I am getting from Marquita. I did send an email (after Elizabeth reviewed it) to our office manager asking for him to try an intervention. I have no faith in his ability to handle the situation but at least I have the written record of asking for help. Now aren’t you two glad you are retired :). I told Kris today that neither Rrain or I can make it to Chloe’s birthday, but he said that was great. He doesn’t want her to be overwhelmed by family all at once so coming later would be better. That makes me feel
A bit better. Well, now it seems I have to phone Gary’s daughter and talk to her about an obituary. I will be so glad when this week is over. Love you guys. Sorry to be depressing :(

Tea Bags

The tea bags interested me as I'm always looking for a small portable project to take to meetings.  I'm sure I'll need more than 20, but it's a good start.  I don't know if this is something I want to post on the other blog, but I could always post a few pictures here.  My tea bags aren't yet dry, but I spent some time this afternoon,cutting out circles to top them with.

I also spent 2 hours, this afternoon, sleeping like a log, after sleeping very well last night.  Another dopey day.  This makes three in a a row.  Something is going on, and I guess, I just need to take it easy and wait it out.

Beth, please don't worry about a Christmas card for us.  We certainly haven't sent any out for years.  I don't think many people are sending them, these days.  The only ones we get are from 
Real Estate agents wanting to sell our house for us, and you.

I'm thinking a lot about fruit cake.  The recipe I got from Bulk Barn appears pretty straight forward.  David says that a good fruitcake needs aging, but I'm really looking at this as an extra dainty to take to Gail's craft sale.  Since it's in her home, she wants to be able to offer dainties and hot cider to anyone who shows up. If there is anything left over It can be served at Christmas. One way I can have the pleasure of baking without feeling an obligation to eat it all.  Mind you, the grandchildren asked for Melting Moments for Christmas.  Darn!  I had hoped they had forgotten.

Tea bags on your mind?

Just watched that The Quilt Show episode that you mentioned Pati to see what got you so excited to be drying 20 tea bags ready to move to the next step. The Guest was very entertaining and captured one's attention to her work for sure, so I see how you might be feeling. Now anxious to follow your journey of starting to create using your tea bags.
Today I signed online to the Bulk Barn and received a coupon for $3.00 off and the flyer with specials so tomorrow we are going to Huntsville and to the Bulk Barn. Harry wants to bake a fruit cake this year and many of the ingredients are on special as well. It might actually be an interesting shopping trip, and as I understand it, I should be getting regular updates by email now.
I went to the Dentist early this morning for the regular cleaning and examination. All good now until the end of May next year when I will do it all again.
Snowed all day again and the worst part is that towards the end of the week the temp is supposed to increase and rain is to come. Oh boy - just what we need?
All this talk about the postal strike and back log of mail and parcels. I have not made out our Christmas cards yet and wonder if I should even bother.  We have ordered from Amazon ( some books for Mike) and Harry has ordered seeds and it all comes by mail so I do not know what our status will be.
Anyway soon time for bed and reading. I try not to pick up the book during the day as I want to save it for bed but I have to admit to sneaking into the bathroom today with my book and glasses haha! Take care for now.... 

Lazy, lazy day

Baked Expectations was a bit of a disappointment, as most of us found our food to be less than perfect.  The girls appeared to like their new purses.  I bought two of them very much like the one I bought myself, out in Selkirk, although theirs were different picture.  It was good to see everyone, and we did our Christmas gift draw.  We've planned to come here for Christmas again, and Loren will look after the Turkey again, but that's as far as the planning went.

Did not sleep well last night, and really "dragged butt" today.  Spent lots of time reading, and checking out the internet.  David had two semi-final football games to watch today, so he was kept busy and off the streets. ( Winnipeg didn't win)

I read another book in the Traders series by Anna Jacobs.  This series is four books about how one man both sets himself up as a successful business man in Australia, in the 1880's, but also manages to help many other members of his Irish family move there and settle.  I suppose the series could be classified as a romance, as there were lots of marriages, but it was very interesting reading, and hard to put down.  I notice in a list of her other publications, another series, that sound like it may be about the town the settles in, but in an earlier time period.  I have also read a couple of books in her Peppercorn Street series, and very  much enjoyed them as well.  I'll have to check the library and see if there might be others.

I also watched this week's episode of The Quilt Show.  Interesting, but maybe not for everyone.  I, however, took it to heart and now have almost 20 Celestial Seasonings tea bags hanging up in the basement to dry.  I've tried using tea bags in my work before, but this lady had a different method of working with them that intrigues me.

We've just finished supper, and David has dealt with the garbage and re-cycling bins.  There is a tv show I want to watch in about 45 minutes, so best get to my bath.  Hope everyone had a good weekend.

What a nice , happy message....

...I needed a nice, happy something and there it is. Well, except about the "fall" but then maybe that wasn't too bad in light of the soft landing you described.  Doesn't it just make you feel really good about yourself and extra special when the wardrobe looks and feels right, and the hair feels right, and the event feels right. Hope you all have a wonderful celebration together.
Quiet around here with mostly housework on the agenda for today. The birds are all clean and the floor is vacuumed, and the wash is done and I even made a batch of refridgerator cookies with, wait for it, red cherries and walnuts. Sticky little buggers you say????
But so good going into the mouth. I had to test several just to make sure they were OK.  Even spoke with Mike briefly so cannot ask for a better day.
I should have been out shovelling but the snow will still be there tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, so no hurry haha! I have slipped twice now on the road taking Bailey for a walk. The snowplough scrapes the snow and leaves a slick surface that for some reason my boots like to slip on. Yesterday I actually fell ass over teakettle - I am so afraid of damaging myself that I am extra cautious now. It may very well be the boots as I have worn these for many a year. Maybe I should think about that and perhaps change things up. I bought a new pair a week or two ago ( I think I wrote about that) but have only worn them a few times out for good eg Remembrance Service. What the heck, maybe I should start to wear them all the time.
So for now I look forward to bed and reading time - I am half into the novel Monkeewrench and since it is great reading, don't mind spending a bit more time reading each night - more than I usually do.  So take care. Look forward to your report on your night out Pati! Cathy did you get to Brandon shopping as you said you might?

If you have to take a tumble......

This is a good way to do it.  I was carrying a huge load of clean towels into the bedroom to fold, when I tripped over the rolled up duvet, which was on the floor while I changed the bed linen. Dropped the towels as I fell, and landed on a pile of towels on top of the rolled up king size feather filled duvet.  Had to wait a bit for David to come, and then realized that there wasn't really any way he could help me, given where I was lying.  But with his hand to steady myself, I was able to kneel on top of the pile of softness, and get myself up easily.  No harm done, but a few stiff muscles this morning.

A few errands yesterday, and productive time in the studio.  I have been busy trying to draw snowflakes in several sizes.  The largest is a 3" hexagon--that is 3" on each side, so that it actually will fill a 6" square.  Then I have to turn my drawings into either a rubber stamp or a stencil.  I'm sure having fun, but actually have a plan in mind for a new piece using the shapes. In the evening, I even won a little play money playing poker.  And then lost it playing more poker.  

As you both know, I gave up baking-anything-a couple of years ago, with the exception of my Christmas Melting Moments.  This year I need to contribute some home baking to the craft sale at my friend Gail's house.  I decided on some Butterscotch Refrigerator cookies and chocolate chip cookies--Edna's recipe, of course, but small in size.  All of this because The Bulk Barn had glace cherries on sale.  I had forgotten what hideously sticky, messy creatures they are.  But safe at home, and now to actually make the cookies.  That will wait until a couple of days before the sale.  I know myself too well.  And with luck, I may have left overs to use instead of the Melting Moments later in the month.  If not, I also found butter on sale, and have couple of pounds in the freezer.

One of my errands was to pick up my new trousers at the tailor's.  I've used this tailor for awhile, and knew that she was looking to sell the business ( she was determined that I would buy it), but  imagine my surprise when we got there and discovered that the store was now a Dollarwise Cleaners.  But she was still in there working as a tailor, in what had been her store.  This meant that when I picked up the slacks, they were neatly hung on a hanger and wrapped in plastic.  I kept the plastic and used it to cover the white fibre pieces I have hanging in storage.  Previously I used green garbage bags, but there is always the fear that someone will mistake them for garbage, and out they go. When we got home,  I was also thrilled to find that I actually had tops to match two of the pants, already in my closet.  The third is a rich light purple, and I'm unlikely to find any match ever, but they will go nicely with black or white.

Today is our family get-together for the girls birthdays.  I will wear my new green outfit, along with my new short hairdo, and feel very good about myself.

Excellent

Good words to live by.  Did your visit with the quilting group go well today?  My meeting is tonight.  I have to say something about the class I've been asked to teach, and maybe also say something about my membership in TFAM--or maybe just show a couple of my art pieces.

I have entered a TFAM show for next year. At my fibre art support group meeting last night, I was told that if I can get any of them finished in time, they could be used as part of an art exhibit that will be in Brandon, at the same time as the Briar.  I already had one in mind, but got down to serious business today, and dyed a piece for the background.  The results were even better than I had hoped.  Just another opportunity that I hope to grab.  

Today I "wrapped" the gifts for Jessica and Samantha.  I put it in quotes because, these days, all you have to do is put it in a fancy shopping bag, and put a little tissue paper over the top to hide the contents.

The Daily Extra on my Daily Calendar

On the Cat Shaming Calendar I have for 2018 - a daily picture of a cat who is being shamed for misbehaviour of some sort - it often has an extra little saying or words of wisdom or puzzle on the back. Today it was too perfect not to share....

Keep your eyes open. Listen. Follow your curiosity. Ask questions. Sniff around. Remain open. Trust in the miraculous truth that new and marvelous ideas are looking for human collaboration every single day. 
- Elizabeth Gilbert

It follows nicely with what we have spoken of often - seizing an opportunity or moving out of one's comfort zone or whatever. And it was written so clearly. No idea who the author is but it doesn't matter - it is the words that capture my attention. Hope that they move you folks as well.
XX

Wonderful greeting early in the morning....

....to open the blog and see your new bag Pati! Now, Cathy, 'ye must get 'ye to a Dollarama m' lady, and get 'ye an owl bag!
It has been cold - yesterday I walked up to the Lottery Store and then the post office and then the Pharmacy. Actually I had to back track to the Lottery Store. Have you ever done something and then realize your mistake and then feel terrible. Well it happened to me - I walked out of the Lottery store without paying for my tickets. He was busy on the phone and I put my tickets away and walked out. I was across the highway before my mind clued into my error. I quickly did an about face and back to the store. He was sitting there laughing at me - still had his till open with my amount owing showing. We had a good laugh and he told me a similar story of his own, and I paid and was out again. Only in a small town where people know you I guess?
Anyway after all my stops I was glad to get back home and only started to warm up when the phone rang and it was the Library - my two ordered books arrived in the mail to them. So out I went into the cold again - had to get my books - that could not wait! I started to read the first of the series Monkeewrench last evening and now I have some good reading ahead of me for bedtime. They came from a weird ly named Public Library and an unknown location to me, and I must look it up to see exactly where it is.
In the afternoon Harry was feeling better so we drove off to North Bay to No Frills to do our shopping.
Today I plan to attend the Quilt group again and must remember to take a sandwich or something to eat over lunch. The next week or so had snow and flurries forecast every day so I know for sure now that winter is here to stay.  I did a bit of shovelling the other day but my mind and body was not into it so instead i set up two big plastic santa ornaments and two old Christmas trees at the front of the house. I have a big box of coloured balls in the shed so I must get there soon and get them so I can hang a bit of colour onto the otherwise sick looking trees. haha!
So for now, Take care XX

Finally!!!

I found the owl bag at Dollarama!  Yeah!

Must have been getting "vibes" from you

I, too, got a haircut, just after lunch.  I'm always so glad  to have done it, but I always, put it off too long.  I also always swear that I'm going to do it more regularly. There is a very small swatch of blond left.  Surprising considering how short I have it cut every time.

Since I was going for a haircut, David decided to stay home.  But I also ran a few errands, and stopped in for coffee.  The only place that didn't inquire about him or make a comment about me being alone was the hairdresser.  The last place I stopped, the grocery store, the woman actually said "But you two are always together".

Food for thought about our marriage.  Is it healthy to always be together?  Is it healthy to spend time apart?

Got this months ATC's finished today.  The theme is going to be "Windows", so I printed off several pictures of stained glass windows ( not religious), and made a collage out of them.  Looks pretty good.

Tomorrow is the meeting of my fibre art support group, and Thursday the large local quilt guild.  Looking forward to both.

Back from my haircut

Took my lunch to get a hair cut, and I still have a few minutes left.  Nothing exciting here.  Cold, snow, work, home....... I made some freezer meals this last couple of weekends.  Stew, Lasagne casserole (made with macaroni) and chicken cordon bleu casserole.  We had Chicken on Sunday, so I think there may be chicken soup in the near future.  Kris has invited us to Killarney for Christmas this year.  Jean no longer has Chicken Delight, so we wouldn't be working the Community Supper, though knowing Jean she has already found a new venue for it.  I have lots of ideas for Chloes birthday and Christmas presents, but can't find any of them in Neepawa.  I see a trip to Brandon in the near future too.  I was pretty lazy this weekend so I had better get myself in gear and get some exercise.  I sat and read and watched TV for 2 days.  All at the same time!  I haven't seen Rrain in a while.  I have mail for her in the car, but somehow we just haven't gotten together.  Better be soon or her bills will be past due!  We are supposed to have a day above zero this week.  Just long enough to melt some snow so that it will freeze as ice before the snow that is due the next day :(.  It must have felt good to ring the bell on Remembrance Day.  Warm and fuzzy.  I know in Minnedosa Norm Sims (Elizabeth's son) rang it all by himself.  He was getting a bit tired by the end.  Elizabeth videoed part of it for us to see.  Sorry, lunch is over. One quick trip to the bathroom and then back to staring at my dual computer screens for the rest of the day.  Lotsa zen hugs and kisses to you.

Travel marathon..been there, done that...

Now hopefully back to normal ( whatever that is haha!)
Not a pleasant drive to Kirkland lake yesterday, as it was very early and dark and snowing and driving poor - just as I had imagined. But we got there by 8 am and then had the morning to visit and eat. She always has a spread planned in spite our telling her not to. As long as I have known her, this has been her way.
The men drove into Kirkland during the morning to see the new mine shaft that is being built. Kirkland is starting to boom once again with mining prospects and housing is going up everywhere according to Ted, and Harry verified what he saw. In meantime Deanna and I stayed home and this allowed her a chance to vent. She has been having a time of it looking after Ted who is no longer able to function as he once did, and whose memory is fading. He has been through much though with his aneurysm and other medical ailments. He is only two years older than Harry.
Back home by 4:30 pm and glad of it.
Today we were planning to go to Huntsville - have some things Deanna sent down with us for Harry's sister Donna, but have decided to forego this trip - Harry needs a 'rest day" and I certainly will appreciate one. Not that it will be that restful as I really must get out to do some shovelling - it has really piled up here as I have not done any since the snow came. However, as I have always noted, the shovelling is OK for me inspite of the ever increasing physical stress, it allows me some time to be by myself. That sounds strange but it is true.
So this morning I have just made my coffee and plan to have a bowl of porridge to nourish my body and soul.
Hope all is well with you folks. I read that Winnipeg won their semi and now to play Calgary in the final leading up to the Grey Cup. Oh how, I wish I could watch it on TV. I miss this. Oh well, maybe another time. Take care

Gosh! What a neat opportunity!

A person just never knows when an opportunity can turn into something magical.  You'll never forget doing that, will you?  Even an event that turns into a "see and be seen" event, can pay off down the line.  Good show.

An opportunity seized...

Here is a nice story:
As part of all Remembrance Day Ceremonies, there were additional events planned all over - that being, the ringing of the bells. There is one church in Sundridge that still has a working bell - the Presbyterian Church. The appointed time was officially to be 4:49 pm at which time the bell was to be rung 100 times in honour of the World War I armistice 100 years ago.
I wanted to hear the bell so at 4:30 I walked down to the church. People were assembling at the United Church a few doors down to partake in hearing the ringing, and also at the Presbyterian Church where they had signed up to be a bell ringer.  I went to the Presbyterian Church and walked on in - never been in there before, and saw a few people I knew and they recognized me and many I did not know.  At the appointed time, they started to do the ringing each pulling the rope a few times until near the end and I was summoned over to take my turn. I protested at first but then said to myself, "why not" so up I went and tugged twice on the rope and then turned it over to the last person to ring it. There was someone counting the rings so that there were exactly 100 rings made.  Then I left and walked back home.
So a nice story for me and I felt great, that I had gone and seized an opportunity and had done something. It is amazing how you can lift your spirits in the smallest, strangest ways if only you open yourself up to seizing the opportunity.  Pati, I think you have spread your wisdom a little bit and I feel grateful for that!  XX

Driving in snow

We made a trip out to Selkirk yesterday.  The weather was clear going out, but the roads not great, so I experienced my first winter driving, in awhile.  Coming back, there was very light snow.  Just enough to make the roads slippery.  Not fun, but David was able to give me some good advice about how to do things, such as pass an idiot, who was making it difficult and dangerous, with abrupt changes in speed and weaving from side to side on the highway.  The left hand lane was snow covered, and much more slippery than the right hand lane, and I was nervous about passing. But with his help we made it, quite nicely.

 The good news was that the mess at Lagimodiere and the North Perimeter is just about cleared up.  All of the traffic lanes and entrance and exit ramps are finished and open.  It is still a designated construction zone but the speed reduction signs have been removed.  It would appear that the only thing left to do is landscaping.  The result is smooth driving with no narrow lanes, or sharp corners or stop lights.  It appears very well planned.

The reason I mention all of this was to explain how very tired and exhausted we both were by the time we got home.  While something like this exhausts me, it has a negative effect on David as well.  It would be easier on me if David did all the driving, but I need to maintain my skills as well.  

We do have gifts for both of Amber's girls, now.  I tried to find gift boxes, but it appears that no-one makes gift boxes with both measurements more than 10 inches.  I need 12" by 12" or better.  Looks like I'll be using gift bags again.  I don't like those tings, as they're hard to re-cycle.  It'l be nice to see the family next weekend.

It's here with a vengeance

Friday morning I was able to get into the yard and straighten away a few items that needed to be moved before the big storm came. Thank goodness as it started to snow in the afternoon and did not stop.  We spoke with Mike on Friday evening and he accepted our offer to have the big shed we ordered - a 10 X 10 ShelterLogic - so we planned to go early Saturday morning to deliver. He needs something to store his car in for over the winter. He will drive his truck for the rest of the season now. Up early Saturday morning and the power went off ( of course, as here the least bit of wind or snow does that) The drive was horrendous after we loaded in the dark and I shoveled us out of the driveway. By the time we had had lunch at Mike's (I bought frozen pizza at Metro in Sturgeon Falls on the way there ) the sun was actually shining and the drive home was pleasant. But the amount of snow on the ground here tells me "this is it". Sad in a way but now lets get on with it and look ahead to Spring haha!
Today we head to the Legion for the Remembrance ceremony. It is held inside so the weather will not be a problem. We have sometimes gone over to the cenotaph after the service to watch the laying of wreaths there, but usually just come home - as I imagine we will do today.  I have lots of inside work (need to clean the birds) ahead of me because of the quick trip to Mikes but as always I enjoyed the visit with him. As well today I have to prepare for our trip to Kirkland Lake tomorrow - I need to talk myself into this one as I have mentioned, it is not my favourite thing to do!
So what have you folks been up to? Hope you are settling into the winter spirit. I am, actually, as we spoke about Christmas at Mike's and I expect we will head there to celebrate. But we are discussing what meal to have as we have decided to choose something other than turkey. We will have to see but the idea appeals to me.
Take care.

Let's try this again

Woke up to snow coming down this morning but it did not last too long. Actually saw some sun this afternoon. I went to the Quilt Group this morning with my owl bag in tow, and put a nice smile on my face as I went down the stairs and entered the room. They were all sitting around the coffee table so I quickly joined them and took it from there. I enjoyed my time and the conversations, and they thought I had great patience to be hand sewing my hexi quilt topper. I did not take a lunch again but sat with them all with tea as they ate and again lively conversations around the table. Just as we were about to get back to our chosen work in walked my Bailey dog on the leash followed by Harry. Everyone loved little Bailey and he had lots of pats so then I packed up and walked back home with them. I stopped into the Library on my way out but my ordered books have not come in yet. The Librarian said "you are a Louise Penny fan right?" and said the next book will be out (? I did not catch the date) but she added me to the waiting list of those wanting to read it. So that was a surprise. I must go on line to see what book is coming soon.
Ruth from across the street phoned early to invite me and Harry (although he would never go, she always includes him) over for coffee this morning. Once again though I had to decline- I was tempted to forego the Quilt group but then thought that is not my goal - my goal is to continue to attend this group for my own socialization. So I said I would come another time - I really must make a point of trying to go. 
Tomorrow I get the winter tires put on and good timing for our trip to Kirkland Lake on Monday. Hope there will be no snow to worry about as I hate that trip. Long and poor road conditions most of the way and harry always leaves at 5 am - dark and hard to look out for moose and deer. 
Well,  time to get ready for bed. I'll find a bit of reading to keep me company even though I was hoping for a new Monkeewrench novel to read! Take care.
ps Good luck for the Draw tomorrow night at Neepawa Legion - I think we all had tickets right?

Problems

I am having real problems today with blog. The long blog I just wrote and pressed publish is gone and I was getting "whooops" messages through out it's writing to reload. I did many times but it has gone..... Sorry I shall not write again tonight. BTW that "y" message was mine as I was trying to get into the drafts etc to see if my original message was there. I am a bit annoyed and flustered so I shall say goodnight and try again tomorrow. XX

Fruit flies

We have been plagued by Fruit flies since mid-summer.  They are associated with the compost pail that spends a lot of time on the counter, given how many veggies I deal with.  We have used bleach on the pail and try to wash it in the dishwasher whenever it gets emptied.  They seem to be diminishing now, with the colder weather.

I made a decision to deal with my unhappiness with my wardrobe.  I culled trousers, getting rid of some of the now worn out jeans.  I made a vow not go go out socially in jeans--ever.  there was an e-mail from Pennington's about a buy on-get 60% off a second, so off we went.  I got 3 pair of nicer trousers. One purple uncut corduroy, but a trouser style.  The other two are casual/dress trousers, one in deep red, and the other in black.  I so desperately needed a pair of black dress pants!  Quite by accident, I came across a deep green blouse, with embroidery on the back.  One of the slacks I had chosen to keep, was a deep green, and my brain told me they would probably match.  Success!  A whole new outfit, and perfect for meetings and volunteer work.  I also picked up a fuchsia/pink touque.  I have been wearing one Mrs. Pearce knitted many years ago, and the years are showing.

I am ready for all of the Seasonal sales I'm committed to.  Got the final batch of greeting cards packaged and priced this afternoon.  I also got started on the commissioned cushions I have to finish before the end of December.  I have been procrastinating over them for almost a month now, because, I think, I'm not happy with the fabric that the client has chosen.  But then I remind myself that I am to finish them, not have artistic input into the project.  They've really been bothering me, and I think I'm be much more relaxed after they are done.

The weekend after next, the family is getting together to celebrate Jessica's and Samantha's birthdays. (Not sure exactly which day, as we have to take into account jobs of the older Grandchildren.) This means gift shopping, and I think I've got it beat.  This is also the time we usually draw for family Christmas gifts.

Snow off and on all day.  The man on the radio says that it will probably be staying, as the temperatures in the forecast are all well below zero.  Guess it had to happen sometime.

Just about supper time.  Have a great evening everyone.

Fruit flies

I hate them!  We had a banana skin split and the fruit flies took over. I can’t get rid of them. We had the ratification vote on our contract today and I am very optimistic that they will accept it. We got a wage increase which is unusual in Manitoba these days. We did not keep up with inflation but since the government is passing a law limiting wage increases to 0-0 .75-1 even though the Manitoba CPI is 2.4. Oh well. I sound like a fanatic 🤪. For some reason I really didn’t want to be on stage this fall but there is no one to do sound effects (on stage). I will stand firm.  Jim is watching the American returns. I don’t know why. We can get up tomorrow and get the results without the boredom. We had rain yesterday followed by snow ( welcome to Manitoba). The roads were pretty iffy this morning. More snow this weekend. Winter has arrived. We have our tickets for the legion banquet on Saturday. They have come up with a black lapel pin that can replace the black at the centre of the poppy. It holds the poppy on without the pain of impaling yourself on the pin (which I do regularly). I am going to go gift shopping soon. Chloe’s birthday is coming up. Kris pointed out a couple of things when we were there but I don’t know if I can find them here. We don’t have the toy store they have in Killarney. When we went to lunch at The Blarney Stone in Killarney Chloe insisted it was the Killarney Stone.  I am rambling. Time for sleep. Lotsa zen hugs to both of you.

No sun, no beautiful sun!!

What a difference - now pouring rain but it is mild at 8 degrees so that is OK. I have had to shovel the water at the front because I put away the pump on Sunday and I would hate to have to bring it back out. But I will if I have to  - the rain is supposed to taper off this afternoon, though.
We went to Huntsville this morning and it was a real funny time - we started at Wal Mart and then to Dollar Tree and before we knew it we realized we really had no shopping in mind so decided to come home. Besides the rain, it was actually a pleasant day - not much bought.
This afternoon we shall stay in - Harry is busy putting pictures into frames to take to Kirkland Lake on Monday. We plan to drive there  for a quick visit with his brother and sisterinlaw. Thank goodness I am getting the winter tires installed on Friday. I would hate to take this particular trip in almost winter conditions without them. I do not like this road and always very glad to get home ( 4 hours one way ugh).
Tonight I plan to listen to the radio for the midterm election results in the USA. It will prove to be interesting I am sure, and hopeful for a good outcome ( good to my way of thinking that is haha)  In meantime I am almost finished the J.A. Jance book Fields of Bones. And I have not heard from the Library yet about the two Monkeewrench books I ordered. 
Hope all is well with everyone.  Take care for now....

Sun, oh beautiful Sun!

Shining brightly and beckoning me outside. In a minute I say, as it is still quite coldish. I just took the dog down to the Lake to enjoy the sun rising over the water - it is always a glorious sight to behold, and puts one into a nice mood to face the rest of the day.
Now what a shame to treat your self to dinner out and then be stricken with bad food and a restless night. I am so sorry Pati. Maybe it is wise to not think of eating out as a treat anymore, but maybe making something special at home instead. Today I am making 7 in One Dinner. I like this meal but never make it because I am the only one who does like this meal haha! So this will be my treat to myself.
Harry brought a sewing machine home from the dump store and I have been trying to get it working. It is a Singer Finesse 843 ZigZag machine. Not that I need another machine but when something comes home from this store, it is my job to follow through. I downloaded the manual from the net and have tried it once (sewed a seam on a pair of slacks) but have to read more to figure out other aspects of its functions. I also cleaned it up - took years of dirt from the bobbin case area - it does not need oil from me but if I took it to a repair shop they would do what is necessary But I do not intent to do that. I have a wonderful machine ( my Husqvarna) as well as my own Singer portable that has served me well for years ( remember Pati and Dave helping me purchase it long before I ever left home)
Well, this week I have made an appointmtnet for Bailey at the Vet for Wed and for the winter tires to go on the car for Friday. Also shopping trip Tuesday to include a side trip to Sprucedale to clean off the grave and bring the arrangements home for the winter.  I am sure other very important jobs shall pop up during the course of the week. Not withstanding my need to get out there and continue tidying the yard. So for now, I shall prepare my special meal and then head out side. 
Hope all is well with everyone. Pati I expect you shall still go the gallery opening for your friend Judith today? And probably do more work in the studio?  And Cathy what is on your agenda for today and this week?
Take care

not a great day

Yesterday, I decided that I couldn't live with the threads caught up in the wheels if the office chair I use in the studio.  This means that each of the five wheels has to be taken apart, and cleaned using tools such as screw divers, small scissors, large scissors, and seam rippers.  It is a filthy job, and one to be avoided for as long as possible.  But it got done.  To rewards ourselves, we went out for supper.  I bought a Denver sandwich.  It was not great, as the bread seemed stale, and I didn't enjoy it at all.  Didn't finish it, either.  But I ate enough that I think I was visited by a touch of food poisoning during the night.  I say that based on the symptoms David had when he had food poisoning, and ended up in Emergency.  I feel that I can compare the bowel cramps to childbirth. Didn't get much sleep, and have stayed close to the bathroom all day.  I wouldn't be surprised if David didn't have a few of the same symptoms.

So, I puttered a bit in the studio today.  Didn't accomplish much though.  There doesn't appear to be anything I want to watch on tv this evening, so playing poker may be my only choice, other than reading.  I am just starting the book "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" by Margareta Magnusson.    We'll see how that goes.  I also borrowed the book "I'm Your Man', a biography of Leonard Cohen.  It's about 2 inches thick.  Not sure how far I'll get.   It was recommended as being the closest to fact, from among the various biographies written. While  we were at the library, we also picked up the latest Stone Barrington book, "Shoot First".  David is reading it now, and then I'll take a turn, as it's a new (?) book and only on loan for 7 days.

So that'll give me something to do, if all else fails.

almost bedtime

The first two books in the Monkeewrench series are "Monkeewrench', and "Live Bait".  It's in the first one where we are told why the four members of Monkeewrench live the way they do.  This is petty important in the rest of the series as we see them develop, especially Grace.  A strong thread throughout the series is people growing and changing--not always in a good way, in response to the events in their lives.  I love J. A. Jance, and have tried to read everything she has written.  I don't think she writes under any other names, but she has written at least three different mystery series: Ali Reynolds, Joanna Barnes ( the lady sheriff), and P. J Beaumont, which I believe was the first series she wrote.

A very quiet Halloween around here.  As you said, not many lights on up and down the block. It's been this way since we moved in, probably because of he number of elderly people living here.  There have been a couple of younger families move in over the past couple of years, but it's still a block of old folks.

Today the calendar said to change the furnace filters, so David went out to get one.  The Rona at the end of the street is in the process of converting to a Lowes.  This has been where we shopped for hardware type stuff, but they have changed to all different brands (??American??), and David ended up having to go to Home Depot.  I have always thought of myself as being quite flexible, but things around here seem to be changing more quickly the older I get.  Not happy about this change.

Spent most of today in the studio, and I can see that tomorrow will be more of the same.  Works out well, as Friday's also laundry day, and I can keep up with it, if I'm handy enough to hear when things progress.  Sunday I have a show opening reception at a local gallery.  Not sure about going, but I'll probably end up there.  It's for my friend Judith, whom you met when you were here, Beth.

And here we are at the beginning of yet another month.  Time passes so quickly these days.

Your new bag.

I can see why you fell in love with it Pati. What are the dimensions of the purse as it is hard to see from the picture. And what would you make the handle with if you were to reproduce a similar bag with your "seasonal" fabrics you mentioned?
I returned the two P.J.Tracy books I borrowed from the Library and ordered two more - what I think may be the first and second novels of the series. In the meantime I borrowed a J.J.Jance novel which I have not read any of this author that I remember. There are some authors that write under different names and I think this may be one of them so I may have actually read one?  Not started yet but will tonight.
We went shopping today to Huntsville and came home with all sorts of candy - just what I needed haha!  I shall have to try to pace myself ( how does one do this?) I should be outside as it is mild and no precipitation right now but I am bushed from yesterday and today - I'd love to just sit and read but actually I am trying to find a book for a Log Cabin quilt. I know I have one - this is in response to having watched Eleanor Burns on The Quilt Show.  I have gone on line and have a few examples so I should be able to get an idea or two. Just looking mind you, as I know I shall never be able to get at it. But I have gone through a few of my fabric stash boxes and there is so much to choose from I hate to see it just sit there. Here I go dreaming again....... haha!
So long for now. Take care.

Bit off a bit more than I realized

Monday evening there was an important meeting out in Selkirk.  It didn't take long , but with the drive each way the evening was shot.  Tuesday, I volunteered to work in the gallery there.  A quiet, but nicely sociable day. while there, I checked my supply of greeting cards and post cards.  One greeting card, which sold while I was there.  So---, yesterday was spent  checking stock and seeing what I could pull together, for a special holiday sale.  I have to take the goods out there on the 10th, so I have a few days.  While I was there, I noticed that there were some new items in the gift shop, and I fell in love.  

I bought a funky shoulder bag.  I took a good look at it, and felt it was good value for the money, and what's more, I would be able to take use it to create my own pattern.  I have some lovely red fancy patchwork fabric that I bought years ago, and have never found a use for.  This special holiday sale might be the perfect opportunity.

Here's my new treasure.  It's the same on both sides, and the strap, which is leather, is a little long, for me, but a perfect cross the body length.  It appears to be hand painted on some sort of vinyl, which  would make it water-proof.

so, my task for today is to complete 15 greeting cards, three small purses, and maybe two larger purses, but I have over a week to get them finished.  The only thing I have to buy is some zippers, and maybe something to use as purse handles.

David is out getting the windshield washer fixed on the car.  He just phone to tell me that he's done and on his way home.  He had wanted to go on his own--why not?