A different sort of day

And I'm not referring to the rain, which is perpetual.  The third miserable, cold wet day in a row.  David has made an appointment to have our winter tires put on.

My friend Gail's Mother died last week.  She was 98 and ready for it.  Today was her funeral, out of town, of course.  It was held in a church that was described as "Evangelical Mennonite".  Now, the word "evangelical" scares the s--t out of me, especially when I consider the things going on down south. As well, Gail has told me that she comes from a very fundamental restrictive religious background.  On top of all that, Gail had warned us to expect a "Hellfire" sermon.  We found out during the service that this had been a special request of the deceased, to the Pastor, just prior to her death.

Well it was really not that different from some of the Protestant services we attended as children.  A very modern new building with a huge "gym" attached where lunch had been set out for the 300 expected "guests", in attendance.  We had told Gail that we would be sneaking out before lunch, as we knew no-one there except her and her nephew.

Well, with the driving rain, the "graveside" service was held in the foyer of the church.  I had visited the washroom while David went tot he car.  He got away fine, but I had to walk through the mourners, right beside the coffin and out through the door facing the whole congregation singing a prayer.  Guess it was a good thing no-one knew me.

Driving home, the rain was so heavy that David had to drive about 10k below the speed limit, and no-one else on the road objected.  It's eased off some now, but there are huge puddles on the streets.  We've had the furnace on all day and we plan to stay home until  tomorrow.

Rain

We spent all summer praying for rain and now it won’t stop. I think it is too late for the farmers now. They may be able to get some sunflowers or field corn off later but I think the rest is garbage. Some farmers still have a few thousand acres of crop to take off. The potato farm Jim works for got about 1/2 of their potatoes in. There is more rain forecast for this week so I think they are done.  Jean took us to the casino last night for jim’s Birthday supper. Kind of funny when you realize that today is her birthday!  We usually take her for Chinese in November. Just how it works out. I lost all the money I took, but it lasted me all evening so I got pleasure from the outing. Jim heard back from veterans  affairs on his hearing aid only we are not sure what is happening. Because his application was not processed until after April 1, ( yes, they are months behind) he is no longer eligible for a disability. He is now under the Pain and Suffering act(?).  He is eligible for a small (very small) monthly payment but it also came with a blue cross card and we think he is eligible for support from blue cross but there was no explanation with the letter. He is planning to go back the Brandon next week and try to find out what is going on. Clear as mud. He really needs a hearing aid. His hearing is getting worse.  Other than that life goes on. 

Another week ending

Somehow this one disappeared into the ether, and I have no idea where it went.  I did finish my quilt top and made it ready for the quilter with batting and backing cut to size.  I will be taking it out not next week, but the one following, as she lives outside Holland MB.  I am going to a meeting at her home and taking the quilt along for the ride.  I completed a small piece, and have started another. This one for a competition at next spring's big Quilt Show here.  I have a presentation to prepare for December's quilt guild meeting, and better get on it, as I may have to borrow a couple of pieces as examples of different types of work.

Yesterday was our first "payday" without a mortgage payment.  Our Line of Credit has been successfully moved to the credit union from the bank, and all of the paperwork done to change my small credit card to a different company.  Now I'm just waiting for my PIN to arrive in the mail, so that it can be activated, and I can arrange a balance transfer from the old card.  Once that's done I have to attach the new card to my Paypal account.  Lots of fuss and bother, but in the end I think we'll be happier about how our money is managed,

The parking lot at the Starbucks store have been busy with equipment patching the asphalt.  Talk about chaos!  It was interesting watching the workers, especially when the dump truck came with the hot asphalt and unloaded it so very precisely into the small hole that had been prepared for it.  Then a little loader came and carefully picked up the hot stuff to move it to different locations.  I was able to watch from inside, and was impressed with the skills I observed in the workers.

We took the car in for a final wash before snowfall.  It was pretty grubby, and we talked about actually paying for a detailing, but instead bought the best actual car wash they offered instead.  An excellent job.  No need for detailing at 5X the price.  And then it rained.  But no worries.  Next comes changing to snow tires.  All of this means that winter is coming.  Don't want to think about that!

Now with the weekend, David has his football games every day.  I spend the time in the studio.  I'm so grateful that we bought the little tv for me down there, although, this evening I sense maybe a poker tournament in my future.  I still have that sense of feeling that, right now, all's right in my world.

Another fun day at the Casino

Nothing exciting to report related to wins or losses but again, we had a very nice trip on the bus to the Casino and back. And we have booked again for the trip at the end of October. Since the free Buffet is no longer offered, we ate lunch at Tim Horton's there on the premises, and then had a coffee and muffin from there before it was time to board the bus. I also now have an official Tim Horton's reward card to have swiped every time I make an order and could then get a free coffee after 7 swipes haha! Little do they know the only time I actually get to go to Tims is when we go to the Casino.
It was a funny day with a mixture of sun and rain and dark clouds but as we were boarding the bus for home just after a torrential and sudden downpour, the sun came out and we were shown a brilliant display of a gorgeous rainbow stretching across the sky. And halfway home seeing some dark and dirty clouds and some more rain, it happened again as the sun peaked out and there was another rainbow for our pleasure. Two in one day - what does that mean....lucky?
Well maybe so....but it is time for bed now after a full day. Hope all is well with everyone?

All of us have been a bit quiet......

...which for me only means that the sitting at the keyboard has been quiet, but not my continuing thoughts of you folks.  Hope all is OK with everyone. No, Pati I do not have the TV shows but for me that is fine, as I have other things to keep me going. For example yesterday we went to Huntsville ( must be Tuesday haha!) and I bought a most exquisite book at The Thrift Store. I walked up to the book shelves first as I always do, and this book literally was jumping up and down for me to grab it (in my opinion anyway) It is entitled Portrait of Ireland - Landscapes, Treasures,Traditions. It is a large hardcover book with pages and pages of glossy pictures, maps, descriptions etc about every part of Ireland - and describes itself as "The guide that shows you what others only tell you" published from The Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides series. I found a real treasure for myself and now look forward to my travels within it's covers.
Yesterday was also Harry's Birthday so after coming home and dumping the groceries, we drove west to Magnetawan for a  celebratory Luncheon. We really do not go out for eating much anymore so I am fond of the odd outing. Turned out there was a table of six next to us from Sundridge and as we ate there came the singing of Happy Birthday to you along with a Birthday cake and candles - to one of the ladies at that table. It seemed, however, very appropriate in some way for Harry and I as well.
The rain here has continued off and on now after we experienced those two days of downpours. So not much outside work has been completed - will have to catch up when it finally clears. But I did read in the WFP the article about the desperate situation in rural Manitoba with farmers not being able to harvest and the affects of this weather on their livelihood. It echoed your comments about the potato harvest Cathy, so one can only imagine the anguish for the local farmers there.
Tomorrow we are scheduled for our monthly bus trip to Casino Rama - no phone call yet from the organizer so I am hoping it will be a "go". She was hesitant last month to commit to it's been ongoing due to changes with the contract and the fact that the numbers signing up and coming were dwindling. 
Well, on with the day. Take care you guys, and even if there are no written words for awhile, I know we are always together in spirit. 

Sorry

Not saying much these days, as we've been focused on the tv every evening.  We've been thoroughly enjoying the PBS special on Country Music.  I know you wouldn't be able to get this Beth, but I sure hope Cathy and Jim have found it and enjoyed it.  A very in depth expose ( still having trouble with the damned E acute) of all the secrets, documentary.  I'm just stunned at how much research has gone into this, especially in searching out old films of events that took place 70-75 years ago.  I'll try for a longer post tomorrow, but it's almost time for the show to start.

Storms

Yes, we really got quite a line of storms through here. We had 2 1/2 inches from yesterday morning to this morning, most of it in two storms. And the lightening was phenomenal!!  The rain started about 5 am yesterday and the real storm about 6 am. We had hail, but not bad. It was amazing watching the lightening because it was steady. It never stopped. It rained all day and about 4 pm another storm came through. I was taking Rrain a parcel from the post office and when I got to her office all I could say was “holy  shit”. Over and over!! There was another man there that echoed my comments. It was insane. It has rained all day today. The potato harvest is not going well. Jim thinks they may try to make an insurance claim. They have less than 1/2 off and more rain is in the forecast for Tuesday. Jim has been working for over two weeks and has gotten in 5 days. I can’t imagine how stressed the Adriasson’s are. It is supposed to rain all night. Where was this rain when we needed it??

Wpg Storm

That must have been a really terrible storm through Winnipeg. I heard mention of it on the CBC national radio news, and then saw pictures in the WFP - I believe on Route 90 that had cars stranded up to the sides with water - one man standing with his body out the sun roof. I expect we are in for it in a day or so, as our forecast is mentioning rain and thunderstorms. Cathy, did you get any of this nasty rain and wind?
In meantime I am going to bring in some (or more if I can) of the inside plants today - I am in process of clearing the shelves out in the sunroom and will endeavour to carry in what I can. 
I went to Library yesterday and took out a Kelley Armstrong book called Missing and ordered the first two of her Rockton series that you mentioned Pati. There were no other of her books in the Library. I have a few lists now on tap to order so I should be OK for now - actually not much time for reading these days.
Pati the finished art piece so beautifully pictures on The Mouse factory is so very colourful and uplifting. I see one comment already and hope that many more will follow either there in print or to you personally on your email. What have you chosen for the backing?
I better get back work - laundry day for me as well so lots to keep me "off the streets" haha!

someone please hand me a towel

Yep, it's wet here.  The thunder storm this morning was viscous.  All of the noise woke me up, but I snuggled down and then one tremendous bang made me wonder if our tree had been hit.  Since it would likely fall into my bed I got up to get out of the way.  Not to worry it was just noise, and wind, and water.  And more thunder and rain predicted for over night.

A putter-y day with laundry and rain outside so a good day to stay close to home.  However, my friend Gail called.  Her 98 year old mother is approaching death and all of the family have gathered to be with Mother through this.  Gail has been primary caregiver until now, so she took the opportunity to get away for a few minutes and we met for coffee.  We spent more than two hours sitting in Starbucks and talking away.  Our conversations are often exercises in word association and the topics can cover anything, and certainly did today.  Another friend, Andrea also joined us, and I left the two of them chatting away when it was finally time to come home to make supper.

This evening will be quiet.  Clean bed linen means a shower.  I've tried playing poker, but got kicked out quickly. so maybe early to bed.  I am in the Gallery in Selkirk tomorrow, so that should keep me busy and off the streets.

Nice weather means outside work..

...need to catch the good weather in order to accomplish something outside so last few days have mostly been doing just that. I do not know how to make an interesting blog post about tearing apart tomato plants and dumping the pots of soil into a big pile at the back of the yard haha ! Back and forth and back and forth we go....
Since rain is scheduled for Saturday I may have to double my speed today to show some progress. Priority is the driveway and where I know I have to snow shovel over winter. The pots at the back of the house along the fence are the lowest priority and it will likely not be touched until Spring.  We covered the big greenhouse with new plastic on Wednesday as the previous roof was in need of repairs. Again it would have been a great show for someone hiding in a tree to watch - the two of us are not the best at cooperative work and at times it was getting a bit tense but cooler heads prevailed ( mine that is) and the task was done. A few touch ups are needed but Harry can do that.
We have one budgie egg laid so far and I am sure when I take the covers off the cage this morning there may likely be two - seems that eggs are laid every two days by the mother and they leave it alone for 24 hours and then she will start to lay on them to incubate. Oh boy....
I finished the P.D James book ( The Murder Room) I was reading last night so I am without another right now ( one that interests me that is..) I guess a trip to the Library is in order?
Here's to a nice weekend for us all.... Thinking of you both

funeral

I've decided not to attend.  I went to that obituary from the Edmonton Journal, followed the link, and left a message from all three of us.  I hope this is okay with both of you.

Life in general

To finally respond to your questions Pati,  as to Elaine’s funeral ...you are the only one of us that could attend.  Firstly, I sympathize with Dave. A Catholic Mass funeral.. but I was at a Ukrainian catholic funeral recently that was only 45 minutes. (Of course they skipped the Ukrainian part and did the service in English only.,. His mother’s was the full deal.). Secondly, If you do decide to go I know I would really appreciate it if you would take a card from all three of us, and send greetings to all the cousins there. As to the second part of your post,  I have been in pain for as long as I can remember and have taken no medication for it, but I must admit that as I got older the knees and hips have taken on a new place in my life. I will always remember waking up one morning in Eden wondering what was wrong. It took a few minutes but I realized that nothing hurt. A very weird sensation for me. Maybe now that I am older the aches and pains are not the same ones and I should look into some sort of pain relief.  Might be nice. I see the neurologist tomorrow and maybe I will ask him/her about it.  The potato harvest has been tough this year. If they don’t Have to
Halt for rain, they have to halt for heat. 38 with humidex in September!! Who would believe it!  All I have left in the garden is Jim’s cucumbers and the onions. No frost yet so maybe Jim will get a couple of cucumbers. Planted in May and just getting a few (very few) cucumbers in September! What a weird year. 

This is late for me...

Not usually still up at this time of night. We attended the all Candidates Debate for our Federal area of Parry Sound-Muskoka tonight at the Sundridge Arena. They have never really had such an event this close to us - usually in the bigger towns such as Parry Sound or Huntsville so it was very convenient for us to go and listen to the Candidates. Since we are voting to a new MP this time around it was best to meet the new candidates and get a sense of where they are coming from, and where they are going haha! It is difficult for me - I am undecided as I sit here, but I am sure to make up my mind once I can go on line and read a bit more about the platforms.  It is always good to see and hear them face to face - I try to detect mannerisms and "spoof speak" that might indicate bull shit or other tendencies.
We have a nesting cage up now in one of the budgie cages - for a while now I have been watching two of the birds and I guess one is male and one is female after all ( sometimes you cannot tell inspite of taking every precaution) because they are going through the expected rituals that mating birds display. It has been a wonderful time without having babies - a long time really,  and I was enjoying just dealing with the twenty birds as is without now having to start worrying about more babies coming, and potentially the around the clock feedings again. Oh well.....
Today shopping I saw another zipper owl bag with three owls on it so I bought it! Pati you are a terrible influence on me but when I thought of you mentioning your purchases I had to get it. I already had two bags ( one owl, and two owls) so just had to have this third one! Aren't I awful haha!
Just sipping on a hot milk and hoping it may help with my sleep - I can never get a good nights sleep anymore - lay awake for hours sometimes. Maybe the late night and the milk might help. I read my horoscope in the Free Press this morning and it has bothered me all day - I usually don't take much notice of what is written but for some reason it hit a cord with me and now I am worrying ( it was a warning about finances) Hope it does not materialize.......
So off to bed now. Hope all is well with you folks.

A lull in the storm

This is the first quiet day in over a week.  Next week we have some sort of outing scheduled for every day.  I was also stunned by Elaine's picture.  You're absolutely right about her looking like
Auntie Flo, Cathy.  I still haven't made a firm decision about attending the funeral.  Cathy, what are your thoughts?  Once we realized it would be a full Mass, David decided not to attend.

Cathy, do you have any sort of analgesic for your joint pain?  I certainly couldn't function without it.  I use Tylenol Arthritis regularly, have prescription strength Diclofenac ( Voltaren) for joint pain, and Lyrica for neurological pain.  I really don't believe I could function at all without the Tylenol and Lyrica.

Okay, time to shower, and get ready for bed, and then maybe a few minutes with a "fluffy" novel.

Strange weather

They had to stop hauling potatoes last week because of the rain, but none of it materialized here.  The forecast was for 25 - 35 mm on Thursday.  We didn't even get  1mm.  But the potato fields south of us did.  Jim expected to be at work on Saturday, since it had been basically dry for days, but it seems on Friday they got over 1/2 inch south of us.  He is back today, but with the forecast next week to be between 28 to 30C, with nighttime lows of 19c, they may have have to stop hauling because the potatoes are too hot!  I am glad I don't farm.  Too stressful.  I finally got my brush pile burned off.  It was over 6 feet tall and had at least 7 years of brush piled on it.  Lots of sorting and using the large clippers to trim the branches but it is done.  I think I filled the large fire pit about 9 or 10 times.  There was also about a foot of wet pine needles on the bottom of the pile.  They were still smoldering yesterday, but yesterday I told Jim I was done.  My body had shut down for the day.  I feel a bit better today, but my overused joints are still sore.  Today might be an inside day. (especially since the rec room appears to have a solid coat of dust and dog hair)  At least for the morning.  I still have some outside work to do.  Most of the garden is dead now, but we have not had a killing frost yet so Jim is hoping to get at least a couple of cucumbers off of his plants.  I have my fingers crossed for him.  I have some things to put away in the well shed (power cord and hose) today, and gather up the rest of the hoses.  I will keep one attached to the house for now, but it will go once it gets colder.   It is still too early in the morning to feed the dogs.  This getting up at 5:30 throws them off too.  They are used to getting fed soon after we get up, but I want to wait until at least 8am before they eat.  The sooner I get started to sooner I can sit outside and read a book.  Gotta do that while I can

ps "Happy Happy"

Further to my previous messages, let it be known that I found the box with my pottery wine goblets while searching/organizing downstairs, I have immediately taken ONE goblet from the box and retaped the box and placed it in a more obvious place if I need in the future. This one wine goblet, chosen at random ( first to unwrap haha) will now be used for my "happy hour". Fortunately there is a new unopened bottle of Jackson Triggs Sauvignon Blanc cooling in the fridge, and after all my work today, I deserve to sit and enjoy my treat!! So, all is "happy,happy". Wish we were together to toast! XX

What a lovely message...

Taking a break here and logged on to see if there might be any news from you two...and there was Pati's message and I agree, Pati, 'all is well with the world" from your perspective today. And isn't that a nice way to feel?  Some times I feel as if I could / should live my life through your varied and exciting activities and so by the same token, I am having a good time as well....haha! 
Mixture of rainy and sunny skies today - it is the Fall Fair here in Sundridge. I did not go - have not gone for years but Harry was out and about to garage sales and the like. He got as far as Sprucedale so he brought the grave yard flowers and ornaments home - I will have to box them up and take to the storage shed some time soon.
I am trying to sort out the basement a bit, and try to make some room. The last few days I was struggling to find juicers, and other items that Harry wanted for doing down crabapples, and leeks and other veg. The one juicer yesterday blow up and probably was on fire as the smell was terrible. It went right into the garbage and up I came with another and so it goes haha! We have so much plastic ware and I will be hard pressed to sort all that out but I have resolved to do what I am physically capable of doing to make some order out of chaos. I intend to win !!
So I better get at back at it. Thinking of you folks - take care.

And now life settles down

Everything went well yesterday.  The credit union is more than happy to have our LOC there, but there are legal issues in terms of using the house as collateral, which evidently has to be registered with Land Titles.  ( you would know all about that, Cathy!)  Of course there is a fee for all of this, but we are quite willing to pay it, just to be clear of Scotiabank. At the same time, I applied to have a new small internet credit card, through the credit union, as I was informed that mine will now be administered through TD bank.  Not going there.  I was immediately approved with a credit limit of $22,500!  OMG!  Not going there either!  But she has said that as soon as the paperwork arrives, that can be dropped to the $1000 that I'm comfortable with. Still it's nice to know that my credit rating as a woman is good enough for something like that.

The dinner last night was a little strange, but it was held at the Golf Club.  I had been there before but never out on the veranda.  What a wonderful view out over the golf course.  All of the trees starting to turn colour.  Every where around us while there and driving both ways, you could see lush green trees and fields.  All of the recent rain has certainly made a difference.  After dinner we went to the casino, and came out with more money than we went in with.  So a good day all'round.

Today we're off to the Fibre Festival.  I'm sure you remember that, Beth.  I have to pick up my piece at 4:15, but want to get there about 3:00 for a chance to look around.  Luckily, when my purse was returned, the claim ticket was still there.  And--the Pledge Drives are over, and my tv shows are back on PBS this evening.  For now, all's right with the world.

Oh, what a feeling......

Truly a happy time to think of your mortgage coming to an end, Any "mortgage burning parties" in your plans haha! Congratulations to you both. 
I ache all over - too much outside heavy work completed by me yesterday - I forget that my poor old body cannot do the things I expect of it these days.  The neighbours ( Gerd/Ruth) gave me a basket of nice ripe tomatoes and a basket of beans yesterday as they heard that our garden did not produce much this year - hers did well obviously, but then their's is also a very different scenario that what we have here. I had a toasted tomato sandwich for breakfast and enjoyed it greatly.
Lots on my list for today - never do accomplish it, but fun to imagine getting so much done! So take care folks - another weekend is here.

---And the beat goes on---and the beat goes on

We have now arranged to pay off our mortgage tomorrow morning.  The penalty for early payment was $15.14.  We still have a Line of Credit attached to the house, and have arranged to talk to the Credit Union about moving the LOC there instead of Scotiabank, first thing in the afternoon.  Then it's off to Selkirk for the appreciation dinner at 5:00.  My head is swimming, and I'm so very glad to have this evening to veg out.

A frantic day--so far

When we went through the bits and pieces that we got back with my purse, we slowly realized that there were a few more cards that I would want to replace.  There was also some grocery shopping to to.  David dropped me off at Starbucks and headed for the dollar store alone to buy some plastic ware.  He was quickly back and told m that the out-of-the-way dollar store he went to had owl bags with zippers. So grabbed my coffee and off we went.  Sure enough they were the bags I wanted and there were lots of them.  So--remembering the trouble we had finding them, I bought three.  One owl, two owls, and three owls.

Darn!  I thought I had pictures, but I'll have to try again later.

Right now we have a few minutes at home, and then it's off to the library to take in a copy of the police report, and then off to the bank for a meeting about our mortgage.  It just never ends!  We're hoping for a quiet evening, as we're busy tomorrow with a volunteer appreciation dinner out in Selkirk.  During the day I hope to catch up with laundry, that has been slightly neglected this week.  I don't even want to look at the kitchen!

Elections

You folks have just gone through the Provincial election and now right into the Federal election - are you saturated yet?
I visited with my dear old friend Daisy yesterday at her home here in Sundridge. The last few months in Toronto where she lives with her family have been iffy for her with a hospital stay for pneumonia. But she is back to her "normal" condition now but she is failing in her dementia. She really cannot get any sensible conversation out, but just sits and listens and laughs on occasion.  When I left her comment was "It was nice knowing you" but I know she really meant "it was nice to see you"  but still, it was not appropriate in context, but the most sensible thing she said the whole visit. Still her son and granddaughter talk non stop so the visit is never a strain for me haha!
Warm here now so I hope to get some done outside if the wetness subsides. Yesterday was 'clean the bird cages" day and then i switched over the microwave. Some time ago Harry brought home a different machine from the 'dump store" and wanted to use it. So my cherished microwave went into a box for the time being. As I figured this replacement was never to my liking and eventually the paint all along the rotating wheel peeled away. I had painted it once with porcelain but refused to do it again. So I was pleased to get my nice one back in place and functioning well. The other will go back to the dump (the real dump not the store haha!)
Hope all is well with you folks...Take care

Glad it worked out

I’m glad it all worked out for you Pati. I remember how terrifying it is to be a victim of crime. I couldn’t sleep for days in fear that someone was going to break in. Jim got two days of hauling in before they stopped for rain. We thought they would be going today but it seems they got more rain south of us. It is supposed to rain a lot tomorrow so I think we are looking at Saturday or Sunday before they go again. I have been trying to burn off all the brush we have piled in the yard...years worth. I am pleased with the fact that the yard looks cleaner, but lots to go. I have to see a neurologist next Thursday because of the feelings in my leg. I am not sure if I did something when I flung myself back from the fire (I firmly believe I teleported) and landed sideways on the wheelbarrow or if it is something else. I did have x-rays a couple of weeks ago so I will see soon. We have still not had a killing frost. It got just down to zero once. It is slow, but we might get a few cucumbers. The beans and strawberries are still flowering. I had the RCMP drop in early the other morning. The sergeant lives south of us and on his way to work he spotted the beater parked in the field. He noted the doors were unlocked and the keys in the console. I told him Jim was hoping it would get stolen. He laughed, since he knows Jim. I said I would hide the keys but then realized that Jim would not know where they were. He thought that was a really fun idea!  Not a problem right now with the rain. Usually we leave the keys out since we park it in the access to the field. If the Brays need into the field  they can just move the car. Ahhh. Life in the country

Sorting out...

Glad to read your message Pati and see that you have made progress in getting your life back together. I took inventory of what is in one's purse/ wallet ( mine that is) and realize it is one's life basically. I have a printout ( somewhere) that outlines all the necessary steps to take if one is found in such a predicament - I intend to find this and prepare myself. It will give me peace of mind. In meantime, I have upgraded my vigilance when out and about with handling the purse and what I do to keep it safe by my side. Our friends Carolyn and Dave from Sprucedale ( helped Harry's Mother a lot) had a same experience not too long ago at Walmart in Huntsville and it shocked me then into action but now I am even more aware. Hope all the other things you mentioned get sorted out for you Pati real soon.
Rain last night with a thunderstorm but what it has done is created another warm spell - 68 degrees F this morning and feels muggy. A far cry from the other cold morning.  Lots on my TO DO list around here and only hope I can accomplish something to satisfy the needs. Harry also has a TO DO list, and mine and his are never congruent haha!  So on with the day. 

'Tis done!

Things are sorted out.  I have a temporary drivers license.  New Manitoba Health and Blue Cross cards are on their way.  I submitted an incident report to the Police via internet, and received it back this morning complete with an incident number and official letterhead.  It proved invaluable for replacing most cards, including the drivers license, my library card and my Fabricland membership card.  The most hassle was with my Starbucks Gold Card.  I was on the internet and phone for the best part of an hour over that one.  Later in the day, I was running the washer and drier, and, lo and behold, there was my Starbucks Gold Card in the bottom of the washer.  I guess it had been in my pant pocket rather than in  my wallet.  So I just cut it in half and into the garbage.  I hated to lose the Gold Card but the gift card I bought to get back into the system now has all of my Gold Card benefits and reward points attached to it.

I'll still have to change my default card on PayPal, but can't do that until I get the new credit card.  Also, the manager of our credit Union has strongly recommended that I do something on couple of web sites. This is supposed to assist in preventing identity theft, and I plan to do it first thing in the morning.

We visited Walmart, and got a new purse and wallet.  The purse is deep Burgundy ( David objected to the black one I picked up)  The wallet is bright red and doesn't go with the purse at all, but it makes me happy.  We will still have to get a new phone, but we've been told that we'll have to sign a contract to get it, and we want to discuss this a little further before making the  commitment.

So we've both vegged out most of the evening, watching election returns on tv.  Not that there was ever much doubt about the result, but the commentary is sometimes interesting and besides, doing anything else takes too much energy.

Did a wee bit of stitching this afternoon, but not ready for pictures, and I'm not sure this project will be anything but a utility quilt.  Regardless, I'll think about the pictures.

Still here

But am having terrible day today ( Monday)  I've been having trouble sleeping, but made to to my craft group in Lorette.  we were joined by two new ladies and they fitted in nicely.  Stopped for groceries on my way home, and while I was loading them in the trunk of the car, my purse was stolen out of the grocery cart.  As you can imagine, the rest of the day has been spent in sorting things out.  Neither of my credit cards had been used and both are now "blocked".  I have made a report to the police, and reported the cell phone as stolen.  Now I have to arrange for my drivers' licence, Manitoba medical and Blue cross cards to be replaced.  we weren't able to get into the credit union in time to have my debit card replaced, but will be there first thing tomorrow morning.  we have a busy week ahead of us, and this is just going to make it worse.

I'll be in touch as soon as I can, but it may be a day or so.

Good Monday morning to you ...

...the temperature outside is 32 degrees F! I did not get the inside plants in yet so I sure hope they might escape a touch of frost. To celebrate the cold, this morning for my coffee I choose my Tim Hortons mug with the snowflakes all over it haha! I have fun each morning choosing which of my many mugs I will use and this seemed appropriate for the cold wakeup call!
A very busy weekend but I am here Monday morning to tell the tale.  The Wedding was extremely wonderful in spite of the periods of torrential rain that occurred interspersed with periods of sunny blue skies. The ceremony itself had to be moved inside the barn but as the procession was about to begin, the sun came out in all its glory. The sun lasted long enough for the ceremony and then outside pictures. As we all joined in the Barn again to await the Dinner, the rain came down in torrents. And then as if by magic, it stopped and did not appear again. The Caterers got a bit wet bringing in the food for the buffet table but that did not seem to damper anyone's spirits.  We visited with family nicely, and Harry got lots of pictures on his camera which we only glimpsed last night but he will run some off on the computer on glossy picture paper for us to have. So from my perspective - a great success!
The visit with Mike was equally wonderful. A very nice time with conversation and laughs which I truly love. Stefanie was greeted and very quickly joined in with the same lively interaction that Mike and I usually have together. Harry was kept busy scratching lottery tickets that Mike gave him for his upcoming Birthday. 
We made it back home by 4;00 pm - just in time for me to run over next door to send off the neighbours returning to Holland by plane from Toronto. The car (family across the street) was being loaded so I was able to say a quick goodbye - I would have been disappointed if I had not had the opportunity. 
So now life begins again around here. Much to do in the yard and I have a focus now to get as much done as I can if my dear old body can endure it haha! 
But first, enjoy my early morning coffee in solitude, and then some light breakfast, and away we go . How is everything there with you two?  Take care.

End of first day of school

Kris took this picture 1/2 hour after they got home. I guess the first day was busy

Saturday is here

Today we head to the Wedding. It is overcast and threats of thunderstorms here, so I am hoping that Huntsville may paint a different picture. And then Sunday to Mike's for a visit. This day we are meeting his new lady so I am again on pins and needles - I always react this way - don't know why I think that I must create a good impression and that it may make a difference in the future of the relationship - stupid me!
Loved the picture of Chloe's first day of school. How did she make out Cathy?  It was a nice way to frame the day with the chalkboard with date and age and event etc. As the years go by, we will see how she grows by the size between her and the board. We took pictures of our kids by their tree that we planted for each of them - something I carried over from our own childhood I guess.
So with all this exciting activity in my life right now, likely not be writing for a bit but sending my best vibes to you both for a pleasant weekend. Take care

First day of school

It had to happen one day. And her hair hasn’t escaped yet. I will be requesting a report on her first day. We have been trying to clean up the yard so my muscles are a bit sore right now, but we have made some progress.  We have problems with our new stove. Aaron came to look and thinks it is a defect in the construction.  He is going to recommend replacement   It still works but the oven door does not close properly. 

L

The plate of cheese tarts....

.....all doctored up with filling, will be just great, Pati. The folks will pop them in their mouths and enjoy the stark contrast of cheese and lime, and enjoy them totally (and be totally unaware of your thwarted attempts at making them so presentable haha). But, I was sorry to hear of your saga in making the little things, though. I ponder about baking these days as I try to do my best but things always happen to vary the expected outcome and then I blame myself for goofing it up. I wonder if the basic ingredients offered today (flours, butter, etc), have evolved so much over the years that our old tested and true recipes will never be the same as we remember? There are times when I wish NOT to home bake when required. Although, yesterday, surprisingly, I did manage to produce some cookies to take to Mikes. Edna's Cookies of course, and then an oatmeal mix I bought at the local Village Bins to which I added dried whole cranberries. Not too bad either of them, Today I shall hope to make a new recipe Lemon and Raspberry Scones. ( I got the idea of making scones for our coffee time at Mikes from the Pickled Gizzard Blog and the recipe from my Splenda Cookbook that I bought for baking for Mike to keep with his new nutritional regime) However the kitchen is still churning away with dehydrators and veg, and powders etc. And tomorrow I have to stay clear of utilizing the space myself so Harry can bake the Rouladen which I have to pick up at the local Deli in the morning.Oh how wonderful to be so busy (haha!)
So I better get myself in gear now and prepare for a busy day ahead. Hope your day at the Gallery will be very pleasant for you Pati, and Cathy what are you up to?  Take care

Cheese tarts be damned!

Tried to make them today.  Not a good thing. The first batch were mostly too well done. Looked good but they didn't taste good.  Charred was the word David used.

There was a small tray of re-rolled scraps that were cooked for one minute less and were okay.  Not great, but okay.  We had mixed the first batch mainly by hand.  So after cleaning everything up, I started again.  Used the big mixer. (the parts of the small mixer were in the dishwasher)  Big mistake.  They were so soft that we couldn't work with them, but part way to this conclusion, I realized that we were rolling and cutting them on the counter over the dishwasher that was running, and always heats up the counter.  We were melting the dough.  Dough in the fridge, and I went for coffee, but came home after a fairly short time.  Dough out, and it was too hard to roll.  So it got left on the counter for a short while.  But when it appeared ready to roll, we quickly realized that it was getting too soft, as fast as we could roll it.  So I ended up taking small bits of dough and rolling it in my hands into a ball, and then pushing that into the tart pan with fingers to shape it a bit.  Cooked those, but after several minutes more than any other batch we took them out. They were nicely browned on the bottom, but raw in the centers.  They went into the garbage.  The first batch had been crushed up and put on the bird feeder.  Even the birds haven't eaten any yet.  So we ended up with about 2 dozen that are acceptable but not great, and those will go to the reception tomorrow.  A regular batch should make about 4 dozen, and we made two batches.  Do the math!  

Not a good day!

It is like a factory here

The kitchen is a work house right now. Two dehydrators going full out and not much room for anything else. Yesterday Harry bought a case of tomatoes to cut up and dehydrate. And a bag full of eggplant to do the same. I had to look up a recipe for eggplant chips and he made some of them - too early to see the results as they are still in the machine.
We are going to visit Mike on Sunday and I planned some baking but at this time I am unsure of how to do this. Our timing is crucial as we have the Wedding to attend on Saturday, and Harry is making Beef Rouladen for the meal at Mike's which needs the kitchen and oven. And he continues with doing all this dehydrating so...I am in a bit of an unknown to execute my plans.
Yesterday also while in Huntsville, we drove to the Wedding venue to have an idea where it is and what the parking might be like. It is in fact a Barn as we were told. Not sure right now how this will all unfold but I go with an open mind and a happy heart for the couple as this day is special for them and we have been kept updated about all the wedding plans and preparations that have gone on over the last year. If you find a minute or two you could look it up if you wish to see pictures on the internet - called Hillside Farms , Huntsville Ontario. I was able to buy a new shirt for Harry at the Thrift Shop - one that is a 2XL but actually closes at the neck nicely which was his problem - so now he will be able to wear a tie with his suit. I have my outfit all ready - even found a slip and some nylons in my drawer so all should be good.
The Dutch neighbours next door leave for home on Sunday after being here since June 18. They have had a good time and he has done some nice alterations and additions to their home to improve it. (A porch like covering over the front door, and some large wooden planters on the back to utilize a flat wooden deck that was up to now sort of an eyesore.) He was very pleased with himself as I spoke with him over the fence yesterday. 
Well, time to find something to have for breakfast in the kitchen - maybe dehydrated tomatoes haha! Most of all my large apples have fallen from the tree now - I have made two apple crisps so far, and I have another bowl full of apples to use up. These are not crabs but instead a larger sweet juicy apple that up to a few years ago was not producing well. I love this tree and hope it will last for awhile. The crab apple tree at the fence that I said awhile ago was dead will be removed as soon as the neighbours leave. Harry sawed a few branches off but needs to use the electric chain saw and did not want to do this this them next door. Oh joy - more nice little jobs to do.... Take care

Lots of activity

You both sound very busy, although with different activities.  Not having a garden I don't do much of that type of work, but I can remember picking potatoes and corn with the Overwater cousins.  Not much fun.

Beth did you by chance take a look at the video on Not  Afraid of Color yesterday?  I thoroughly enjoyed it, and David even came to take a look.  I also watched the current show on The Quilt Show and ended up bookmarking May Fons' blog.  I'm going to keep an eye on it for awhile.  I have a hunch it might be worthwhile.  I'm also going to keep and eye out for her magazine.  Expensive but maybe worth it.

People may talk about their big wins, but don't usually mention how much it costs them to win.

No rigid plans for the day, but the idea of re-arranging the basement still has me thinking and wondering.  There really isn't any money for doing too much, but for today I'm going to see if I can amalgamate some of the rolling carts with drawers that I have everywhere.  Then I would like to see if I could move some of the magazines in the bookcase in the actual studio to the bookcases along the wall on the driveway side of the house.  We are also thinking of moving the wardrobe in the studio to the storeroom, but that is really a major job, and would leave us with an antique wardrobe that is too good to give to the thrift store, but no room for it in the basement.  Looks like a long term project, and lots of physical work.  I also have to get the studio area ready for the electrician coming early tomorrow.  He will need room to work.  It was that need that made me so aware of how poor the actual working space is in the studio area.

I'm still anxious about the "senior moments" I'm having.  But there is nothing I can do about them, but face them with a sense of humour.  I was trying to make a salmon loaf for supper yesterday and darned if I could figure out how many tablespoon there were in a half cup block of margarine.  It would have been easier to use a measuring spoon and soft margarine, but I didn't think of that at the time.  Today, I have to make the cheese tarts I was talking about awhile ago.  The reception is Thursday evening.  I had the dates mixed up and told a couple of people that it was on the Thursday the 7th.  Whoops!  I've seen my piece hanging in the show, and it looks better than I had thought it would.

David is up, and so the day begins.

Winnings - Interesting

Not me unfortunately, but I spoke with a gal on the next street who also goes on the bus to the casino. She tells me with all modesty that she won $3200.00 on Thursday on the Super Spin machine. A wonderful surprise for her and I am pleased for her. She also told me that same day another lady on the bus won $5700.00 but remarked that this particular lady always wins - she plays Max all the time and apparently never comes home empty. I have come to believe that there is an unspoken rule though, I guess, that no one asks if you won or lost and no one, unless in confidence to another, tells the others openly if they won big. At this point I do not think I have to worry about breaking this rule......haha!
Another day - lots to do. Hope all is well with you folks.

Sorry to hear this news...

.....and thinking of you Cathy and Jim, and sending my sympathy as you mourn the death of Jim's very good friend Stef. Never a happy event to go through but as you said, better to remember the friend as you knew him in life. And I was thinking that Jim was not up to going to Minnedosa this year and I know that was a yearly event both of them enjoyed together and always attended.
I was digging potatoes today and also thinking of Jim going off to work soon wondering if he might still be going, so more power to him. I had both hands in the dirt trying to sift up the little things but we got several baskets so all is good.
Dehydrating kale right now - I pulled up all the plants and Harry cut off the good leaves and has them in the machine now - he seasons them with olive oil and salt so it is that flavour you taste when you nibble at the dried leaves.
Very tired tonight so I am going to cut this short, finish my chores and hit the sack. I have not read in bed now for over two weeks and I fear that I am missing a nice part of my bedtime ritual. Hope I can turn that around real soon.  Take care

And now it is September

Jim's friend Larry Stefanishyn didn't make it so we were at his funeral on Friday.  The doctor said it was probably for the best as he would not have had any quality of life if he had lived.  The Service was in a Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic Church.  Fortunately they limited it to English only so it was only about 45 minutes long.  The whole service is sung (and not that well) by the priest and the cantor.  We stopped at the legion for the lunch and then headed on home.  I did not choose to file past the open coffin to say my final goodbyes.  I prefer to remember him alive.  We have not had a frost yet, but since the garden was so poor I am not really worried about covering.  Except for Jim's cucumbers which after flowering for over a month have now developed about 7 cucumbers between 1 and 3 inches long.  Jim starts hauling potatoes on the 9th so I am figuring I will do most of my clean up when I am here alone.  He leaves about 6 am and may get home by 7 or 7:30 pm.  He is not sure if he will be able to handle the long days but since he is feeling so much better now he is going to give it a shot. I am letting him pick all the suppers this week since he won't have any for 2 to 3 weeks except hamburgers and occasionally pizza, which they supply.  We have had Daddy's ribs, today is steak and then we will have shrimp and then kebobs.  Not sure what is on his list after that.  But at least we are having regular meals.  We have had rain 2 nights in a row and have accumulated over an inch and a half.  We still need lots more but at least we have rain.  And now I get to go outside and help cut the tops off of some trees that are reaching the hydro lines. I told Jim I would climb the ladder, but since I won't go more than 6 feet off the ground he might want them trimmed a little higher than that 😇

Love the pottery

It brings back memories of my wine goblets - I bought most of mine at the pottery shop near Cathy over the years. But sadly, some time ago I had to box them all up from the kitchen cupboard to make room. They are somewhere now but I still have them haha! I use a little clear glass wine glass now when I have my little drink. The feel of the goblet in your hand beats all other vessels! And funny that yesterday Harry brought home another bottle for me from the LCBO - maybe a peace offering for running the roads most of the morning???
It went down to 36 degrees F last night and I only partially got the room ready for the indoor plants to return home. I better get my butt in gear. But so much more interferes in all my plans/list of things to do all the time.
I have a roast to put in the oven today - I had to remove it to make room in the freezer for bags of squash. Amongst other items, Harry bought a huge ( really huge!) round squash ( he called it a "blue" squash) so after he cut it up (thank goodness) I cooked and froze most of it. I have more veg and fruit to deal with today as well.
Just a quickie note for now as my breakfast awaits. And off to the races here at home with my chores for the day.  Hope your weekend is going well - Take care