Friday's adventure

My need to get something ( anything!) going in the studio is making me  little crazy. My friend Gail and I are wanting to do some bead making. I have wanted to make sure that I have very thing to do it, and this morning finally found everything.  No need to buy any thing.  

But I'm also thinking of doing some batik dyeing, so have been looking for a source for soy wax, as it's easier to use, and more environmental friendly.

  Anything I've read or heard uses things like some kitchen gadgets as stamps to apply the wax to the fabric.  Earlier this week, I bought a little slow cooker to use with the wax, but it was so pretty that I decided to use it in the kitchen instead. Besides, the outside of the piece is decorated with a blue design, and looks good.  If you don't look too closely, you can't tell that it's actually a design about the movie "Frozen II". However, I had found a small slow cooker that I didn't know I had, and will use that with the wax.

David was up early today, to take the car in for an oil change.  Almost as soon as he got home, I asked him to take me to Micheal's to see if they had any Soy wax flakes. So I took the little coupon cut out of the newspaper, and found a 4lb box of soy wax flakes.  When we got up to pay, the clerk actually had a coupon that saved even more. 

 Next, we hit Dollarama to check out kitchen gadgets.

A new owl bag, of course, but not much else of use to me.  Some wooden trees and leaves, look pretty good for using as stamps, and the little plastic dressing containers should be  good for making circles.

These brushes will be great for spreading hte melted wax.

We found a whole bag of kitchen spoons and spatulas, but the re-usable bag they came in might be useful as well.  The things that came in it are now in the kitchen. 

So the next step was to visit thrift stores for useful gadgets.  We visited three different thrift stores without any precious finds, but I did pick up a bible and a dictionary.  I can pull pages out and use them in collages.

Of course, we stopped at Tim's for lunch, and on our way home Starbucks for a coffee which was brought home.  Now David is reading/napping in front of the tv, while I try to sort everything out in the studio.

Friday already?

Fast week it seems. Yesterday we had another fun day at Casino Rama. The smaller bus we went in was similar in style to a school bus and possibly just as bumpy and uncomfortable??? But that did not matter really - we got there and back safely. The Casino has been taken over by a larger conglomerate called Gateway Enterprises and so we had to register for a new players card in a new program called My Player . But our old card is still active until March. The problem was that some of the machines had been switched to the new program and some not. So we had to look for machines with an orange sticker to use the new Player card. Not a big deal except the Bus Coordinator with the Casino was to download $5,00 onto our old card - and we never did find one of the old machines in order to use that bonus. However we had fun again (not any richer mind you), and have signed up for the end February trip. Harry enjoys it and it is an event we can go out to together and with other people so that is good.
I must clean the bird cages today - poor birds have been neglected somewhat - and i was able to buy more gravel paper for the bottom of the cages, and the local pet store got in some nice bit millet which all the birds love. I removed the non viable eggs from the nesting cage (11 in total) and have left the cage intact and have seen the mother fretting in and out but the two males also in her big cage have been showing her some attention. Oh boy,,,here we go.
We plan a visit to Mike on Sunday (his request) so I will plan to do some baking and today we will shop for some food for a meal. I am anxious to see how his shoulder is behaving inspite of him saying it is better.
So have a nice weekend folks. This little cold snap we just had seems to have warmed up a bit - as long as there is no rain forecast, I will he happy. Take care

Wednesday evening

I'be been playing poker all evening, and enjoying the St. Remy brandy that I  bought today while we were grocery shopping. What does it say about society when I went to the grocery store and bought brandy and lottery scratch tickets.  Anyway we spent far too much money and bought a car load of groceries, and now are both too exhausted to do much more than sit and either play poker or get drunk, or both.

We bought another seed ball for the bird feeder and David has set it up. We'll have to see how long it takes either the birds or the squirrels to find it, and start enjoying it.

Beth, I watched the latest The quilt Show video this morning, and now know where you are coming from.  It's been awhile since I did any grid quilting and yet that is how I teach machine quilting.  So I think I'll take another look at the book we have both bought, and maybe practice a bit.  I'm busy quilting my star burst quilt, but have settled on a pattern and don't want to be picking out a whole bunch of stitching, so will keep going.  But I've subscribed to her website and will  follow for awhile to see where she might be going with her work.

So it's now 9:00 and bed is starting to look pretty good to me.  So this is just to let you know that we're both alive and well, and I had a couple of e-mail from my children so  that's always a blessing.

So, life goes on...

After such an exciting Skype experience together, now we continue on...yesterday I had to move much of the stored items in the big greenhouse out of the big greenhouse so Harry would have more room for plants and planting. Always the same chore this time of year, as when putting outdoor /garden things away for Winter the greenhouse is the ideal spot, but come Spring, they have to be moved. So I make piles of boxes of stuff outside and cover with tarps. Most of the items will be needed shortly such as sticks, ties etc to stake up the growing plants, so I have to have an idea of where I put them all so they can be retrieved quickly. I jacked the heat up a notch as well because the night temperatures are forecast to fall into the high teens over next few nights and since all the plants are actually starting to grow, they need to be sustained.
Yesterday as well, I ordered a quilting book off of Amazon ( actually Harry did the ordering as the account is in his name and he is more proficient at ordering than me) It is called The Grid Design Work Book by Cindy Seitz-Krug. It is a rare occurrence for me to order such books but I was struck with a plan after watching this last The Quilt Show (TQS) guest doing domestic machine quilting on her pieces. I have so many little pieces sewn but not completed with batting and backing because I have no idea how to do the actual quilting. Her technique interested me because I may actually be able to try it for many reasons including that I only have my machine to use in a simple manner in a limited space, and the grid design she demonstrated will fit nicely with my actual quilt top patterns which are simple and most often sewn already in a grid like way ie nine blocks or postage stamp blocks - like the red quilt top I had hanging behind me the other day haha!. Time will tell but it does give me something exciting to think about.
So off and running with another day.....breakfast and then I must get at it. I will be going to North Bay this afternoon to see Willie as I have a few items for him. I may stop into the No Frills store as well as there are a few things on sale. But tomorrow we go to Huntsville for shopping and for my Bone Density appointment so I won't buy too much today. I turned our rolled coins into cash at the bank yesterday for our trip to Casino Rama on Thursday but I fear i shall have to augment from our pensions that should come in Wed as we did not accumulate much in coins over the last month ( with Christmas and all...)  Take care

So wonderful

Seeing each other and talking in real time.  We'll get it sorted out.  It will take time, but with all of us working on it--we can accomplish anything.  

Cathy, I really need an update on your contact info.  I'm betting that you no longer have a car phone or cell phone??  I'm sure your work number is invalid, and the e-mail I have is @goinet.ca  Not the one mentioned when we were talking.  I'm also pretty sure that your mailing address, and and yours and Jim's cell number is the same.  I don't even have enough room on the back of the Rolodex card to add anything!

Yes, it was great for me as well.

A few glitches but nothing that cannot be fixed with time I am sure.
It really makes a difference to be able to see you folks and after wards, when I rehash the day in my mind (usually as I lay in bed at night haha!) I am able to visualize and "feel" everything so much better.  Very nice ......XX

Seeing and almost able to touch

It was so good to be able to see you today.  Almost like being there, even if we did have a few glitches.  We have to do it again just to see each other.

I feel like a spy!

We have a terrible time finding soap for David, considering his allergy to perfume.  Even some labelled "perfume free" can have enough scent to bother him, especially once they are used and subject to body heat.  In early December, we found some hand made soap at a craft sale, that he has used and finds acceptable.  The only contact info on the label was a website.  I used the "contact us" button on the website and had a response quite quickly.  We ended up making arrangements to meet.  I was to go the the Mall and look for a grey Ford parked by Regent, but facing Shoppers Drug Mart, at a very specific time. I told her that I would be wearing a spotted fur coat. We drive up there, spotted each other, quickly jumped out of our cars, exchanged money for soap and drove away.  Now David has enough soap to last  until about the end of May--maybe longer, and I have her contact info.  But what a dance!

And all of this, after I spent the better part of a day chasing down soap for myself, including dealing with an imaginary address, and a non-existent store, only to find what I want at the local mall, and on sale to boot.

So back to out quiet life.  David is already in front of the tv, and me in the kitchen drinking my Starbucks refill, that had to come home with us.

Good morning

This may not be so wonderful as I work through the process. I just spent about two hours on line fiddling with this and that. Interesting stuff but still not able to share anything with you except  I need to find a way to make "free" calls. Otherwise one needs to create "credits" as there is a charge per minute otherwise. There is a way but I have not found it yet... in meantime we still have our trusty Blog haha!

Wonderful

Sounds as if we are all in. Now to set it up. I will have another close look at it tonight and see what we can do - or what we have to do. And then if all goes well, we have to plan a mutually agreeable day / time. I shall keep you posted. This sounds exciting!! Take care 

Skype

I'm with Cathy.  Let us know what we have to do, and I'll do it.  I can call on The Geek Squad if I have to, but I'll do it.  I think this could be an excellent way to increase the quality of our contact.

Not much happening.  A lot of time and effort into finding a way for David to buy soap.  I am meeting a woman in the parking lot of Kildonan Place at 11:00 Saturday morning.  She has four bars left of the soap he likes, and is willing to sell it to us.  She also has a new batch aging, which will be available later in the year.  My life is bizarre.

Skype

I haven’t used Skype in a long time but I checked my new computer and activated the Skype. Beyond that I can’t remember what to do so I guess you and your Skype book will have to talk me through it, Beth.

What do you think about....

....Skype?  Pati you mentioned it when I first got the new Laptop and was trying to orient myself to it's newfound uses. I am using the book I bought for Christmas called Windows 10 for Seniors Dummies.It is a wealth of info and is helping me greatly.I bought a USB flash drive and very successfully downloaded my favourite Christmas tape (Chris Rea , Driving Home for Christmas) that many years ago Mike had put on a flash drive for me and that i had on the desktop of the old computer. Now I have it safely stored in My Documents / Music on the new laptop. I was thrilled I could do it, I have a few other saved documents on my bookmarks in the old computer that I am thinking i could also save with this flash drive process to the new laptop so may go ahead with that soon.
I have now read the chapter on Skype and wonder about setting it up - I would need to create a Microsoft account but that looks straight forward. The laptop has a camera at the centre top of the machine. Although I have not used it or tried it, i am sure it is straight forward as well. The only thing is, i would have to enter the contact info of you folks in order to activate Skype if we were all agreed to try it? Cathy do you have this capability? I would want your permission. Do you think it is worth a try???
Anyway, I have to go to the Service dept for an oil change first thing this morning and then when back, finish cleaning off the roof. I only got the back done yesterday after having to do the greenhouses and all the sheds etc. and was basically too pooped to continue. It is not the using of the roof rake that is the issue - it is shoveling all the hard packed snow that I rake off to the ground that bothers me, and where to put it all!
Hope all is well with you folks,,,,take care.

Really enjoyed that last post

Lots for me to think about as relates to finding better ideas, chooses etc for eating. Here we seem to have two menus for each meal - just the way it turns out. Makes for some interesting kitchen manoevres.
I also try to make something in the slow cooker as I am getting to love how easy it is.
Chai Tea Latte:  Today in Huntsville I decided that if I am to enjoy the option of going into the new Starbucks, then I ought to treat myself to something special when I do go in.  That old expression comes to mind  Go big, or go home.  So I put more $ into the little rewards card, and ordered myself a Chai Tea Latte. Delicious. How luxurious. Only thing is, I'll have to devise a new way of drinking it as I had to carry my cup into Dollarama with me, and then into Freshco while we shopped in both. Took away some of the imagined glamour for me haha! I do not have the luxury to date of sitting down and sipping away in my reverie. That may come in time, but for now I have taken a giant leap in ordering a special drink to enjoy.  And I now have 55 reward stars accumulated.
The shopping is done, and the groceries put away so now i decide : do I go out and start the snow shoveling and roof clearing, or do I sit and read. Tough call! 
Hope your luncheon was fun Pati. Cathy are you going out for some fun too??Take care folks.

Power cooking (long)

We still do power cooking for David, even though the portions are for just one person.  He likes to make sure that not to eat the same basic protein source for more than 2 days in a row.  So the frozen meals are interspersed with something else.  Mind you the "something else" is often boneless chicken breast that still comes out of the freezer.  We usually only buy meat/protein once a month, break it down into meal size portions and freeze it.  What did our parents do without a freezer??  I know, during winter, they would store food in a little shelf under the tiny roof over the back door.   But that's another story.  I think that freezing single portions saves me hours, and making it in a slow cooker saves me more hours.  But one meal we no longer eat is lasagne.  I don't dare eat it and David isn't fond of it.  Have I mentioned that David is down over 20 lbs since I started my diet?

Sunday, while David was visiting the studio, I casually mentioned that the flannel wall needed washing.  This isn't a task to be taken lightly, as I means taking the whole thing down.  It is held up both top and bottom with wooden boards and dry wall screws.  We've only done this once before since we moved in.  (Yes, that means the flannel hasn't been washed in about 10 years.)  Shouldn't have mentioned washing it. Sunday evening after blowing snow all day, David comes down to putter in the basement, complaining that he is falling asleep in his chair, and needs to move.  He putters for about 20 minutes and then decides that it's time to take down the wall.  I'm in the middle of a project with stuff all over the place, but that all gets quickly gathered up and put "somewhere".  Most of the furniture is moved, and the wall comes down.  Chaos.

The flannel gets torn in the process.  The decision is made to replace it, and calculations done about how much is needed to be purchased--and more importantly where should it be purchased to get the best price for the 10 m the calculations indicate are needed.
Two stores come to mind, both on the other side of town. We don't like going over there, especially on streets that are still snow covered and still covered with heavy snow removal equipment, but first thing Monday morning off we go.  We try to get as much shopping done while there, as possible. We find both flannel ( extra wide flannel! bonus!) and muslin in the first store we visit, both with an excellent price.  The off to the quilt store for black batting and white marking pens.  The clerk, who has been there a long time, assured me that they didn't sell black batting, and she had never heard of such a thing.  I explained that I hadn't bought it in a long time, but when I did buy it, I had bought it there.  Off we go into the back room so she could show me another product that might be used instead,  The store owner overheard the conversation reached into a different space and pulled out a bolt of black batting.  While it was being cut for me, other clerks came over to see and touch it, expressing amazement.  Well, they won't have it for long, as the two m. I bought took most of it.  We got to the till and it came up at a price from several years ago.  Again Bonus!

But out excursion didn't end there.  We next agreed to look at a new  Western hat for David.  Got a bit lost finding the store he had found via the internet, but did find it, and they had hats.  He tried on several.  Then put one on, and both the clerk and I looked at each other and smiled.  He said nothing but he look on his face told the story.  He now owns a new black Western hat.  The brim is a little wide than on the old one, that was lost, but I like it on him as well.

Then it was back to this side of town, where I was dropped off for coffee, while he went to Home Depot for wood strips and dry walls screws.  Then a bit of grocery shopping, a trip to the library and finally home.  We both slept well last night.

Today, my Tuesday Stitchery Group is meeting over lunch.  We used to do this every December, but did it in January last year and found it to be much more relaxing without the pre-Christmas crowds.  This group has been meeting for about 40 years.  There are only two of us original members left, and I'm considering leaving as my days of hand stitching are over.  ( Most of the other previous members have passed away)

So, just about time to leave for my lunch.  We are going to the Fanco-Manitoban Cultural Centre restaurant.  I remember eating there years ago, but it has changed hands and is more up-market, so I don't know what to expect. 

All that food....making me hungry

Both of you have always done what you call "power cooking" and I have never done this - just the way things are here I guess. The menu changes frequently, and personal likes and dislikes are managed best one cans. But i like the idea of cooking your way. You always have a meal close at hand, and makes for planning a bit easier. That is, as long as all the mouths in the house agree haha!
I have always enjoyed lasagna, and on occasion i will make a dish - just for me. usually end up having to freeze into meal size pieces but then, I know it is at hand when i want some. I still use the old tried and true recipe with spinach, and cottage cheese and parmesan cheese layered with the meat and noodles. Yummm. Same with your pizza recipe Cathy - one of my all time 'go to" meals when the spirit needs a boost.
Still bitter cold and not welcoming for any outdoor activity. Except I need to take the dog out and honestly, do not like to have to get him and me all dressed up just to go out for few minutes. This morning the weather on the net says it "feels like" minus 30 here in Sundridge but the rest of the weeks night temps are improving. Thank goodness for the greenhouse - I have two heaters in there now and the temp is only reading 58 F right now. There is so much snow to clear away and my plan is to get at it the rest of the week - today we go to Huntsville to shop ( it is Tuesday haha!) 
Thursday i have to take the car for an oil change - it is reading 1 % right now so maybe it is time???
I made an appt for Harry to see the eye Optician for Feb 3 - had to wait the 24 months for his insurance to cover the costs for another visit and prescription but he really needs a change - his eyes are deteriorating. Well mine are as well but I have a appt to see the Eye Surgeon in North Bay on Feb 14 - for assessment of the retinal bleeds and the cataract - I must make a decision about having the one done soon. I fear the Dr is going to retire before i decide to have any surgery but I am hesitant. Pati you have had this surgery and seemed to survive - any suggestions??
Time to go now - get my mind and body in gear for the shopping trip to Huntsville.  i watched the latest The Quilt Show yesterday and had a few laughs - it was fun but of course nothing I would do. Except, it did prompt me to get out my hexis again and I got a few more done. Slow but sure??? Take care

Cooking

For whatever reason today was a cooking day. Four 7x7 lasagnes and 3 two person bags of chilli in the freezer. We had chilli for supper but I didn’t really have a taste for it by then. I guess I was tired but when I asked Jim if he wanted the chilli  frozen in 2 cup one person bags or 4 cup two person bags, he  measured out his bowl and informed me that just over 1 3/4 cups was enough for one bowl. Not a good thing to say when I had been cooking all day. Then he had two bowls anyway. I guess he liked it. I hope the lasagne is okay cause I ran a bit short of cheese at the end. I think I want chicken and broccoli tomorrow. Enough hamburger. The cold is supposed to end Tuesday. Up to -2 from -18 on Monday. Weather!!  Rodney came with the tractor and did our driveway today, but Jim told him to leave the rest cause he needed the exercise and would do it himself. If he doesn’t I will cause I need the exercise more than he does. And now I have a cat on my lap. Makes it very difficult to type

Snow

The promised snow storm has come and gone, and thank goodness it was NOT like Newfoundland and Labrador, but it was enough snow for my liking. Another morning shoveling - but still not done. I have saved the sidewalks and paths out to the greenhouses for another time. Probably tomorrow and I really should get the roof done as well - save that for tomorrow as well. I guess that is like being a procrastinator?? but today I just don't have any more steam left in me haha!
Today I am showing Harry how to log onto the new laptop , and check for his emails. That should be enough for one sitting and will start the transition process in a small way. Gradually we should be able to make the full move but Harry still wants to use the old computer to play his games - he does not need to log onto the internet for that and maybe that is an OK idea. it will depend on how I can arrange the computers together for easy access. i still have to connect the new printer to the laptop - that will be for another day as well. haha!
I am happy to hear about your going to see Charlie Pride Pati, and when i told Harry he was a bit jealous. There really is no reason why we could not take part in the live entertainment at Casino Rama except that it is in the evenings usually and is 2 hours drive from here. i guess that is reason enough NOT to partake.
Well I better go for now. Just heard from Mike and he was trying to shovel snow at his place as well but did not want to harm his shoulder so he was trying to devise a way to use his snow blower and start it with the electric start so as not to need excess motion to start it - long story but he thinks he can do it. I sure hope so without exacerbating his injury. But he needs to move snow as he got as much as us. Oh the joys of winter.  Hope you folks have dug out as well...Take care

Made it back for a few minutes.

I'm reading a book.  I have re-discovered Colleen McCullough, she who wrote " The Thorn Birds".  I'm early in the list of publications, but have discovered a series of police procedurals that are quite different.  This writer comes from a very high level medical/research background, but is writing books that are almost like a British drawing room farce. They also have a cohesive and complex plot.  There are far more social/family activities, than usual in this genre, with the plot running beneath like a gold thread that you see regularly but from the corner of your eye.  I certainly plan to read more from her.

Feeling better

Yesterday I ended up having to work very hard, in bitter cold and vicious wind, to clean my car of both snow and thick ice--the whole car.  It left me exhausted.  This old body is just not used to working that hard.  Yesterday was also laundry day, which is often my most physically challenging day of the week.  Needless to say, I slept like a rock last night.  Today I vacuumed the living room and hall,  and wet Swiffered the kitchen floor, both of which are hard on my back.  But poor David is outside blowing snow.  On the whole I'd rather vacuum.  

Lately I've been upset at how badly the gold is coming off my "Duchess" mugs, as well as the "Regency Blue" mug I use.  As you both know, my "Duchess" mugs are precious to me.  So yesterday I pulled out the rest of my collection, and decided to use them for awhile.  Imagine my dismay when I realized that those had been put away because they all had solid gold trim on their handles.  So--I decided to use them for awhile and see if I can preserve the gold by hand washing them.   You both realize that I've just said that I am hand washing dishes by choice?  We'll see how long that lasts--snort!

We've talked about it, and made the decision to go back to South Beach for my birthday.  We enjoyed it last time, and felt that it was worth the cost.  Which day to go became the issue.  We agreed that we didn't want to be there in a weekend. We were looking at the calendar, with David favouring the 4th, and me suggesting the 11th.  Somehow in all the discussion, the reservation was made for the 18th.  Then, this week, the meeting of my Divas group turned out to be the 11th, in March.  So everything worked out much better than it might have, otherwise.

Both of us feel that we need to get out more.  We are searching for events that both of us might enjoy, and actually bought tickets for another concert.  Now hold onto your hats, but we are going to see Charley Pride, at the and of April.  The tickets aren't cheap, but neither of us have been happy with the shows we've seen with tribute groups.   There may be good tribute groups, but they don't come to Club Regent, and we certainly can't afford groups that come to the larger venues in the city.  I know you see shows in your area Beth, and I'm guessing that some of them, than you've mentioned, might be entertainers that appeal to an older crowd.  I also believe that some of them are entertainers who appeal to a more specialized audience.  Or maybe, like us, the price is just  right.  I'm really hoping to be able to enlarge our interests over the next year, and I'll keep you informed about how be make out.

David is in, and he tells me that we can get out of the garage, again.  He also looks like he's freezing and about to collapse from exhaustion.  Best to sign off for now.

I was going to blog

But, truthfully, I feel like Hell.  Maybe the beginning of a cold--please no!  I'll try again tomorrow.

Puttering with new laptop

We are still using the old computer during the days so that Harry can go online as he has not yet oriented himself to the new one.
However I transfer to this new laptop in the evening and have been having fun setting up blog, and bookmarks, and email contacts and generally getting use to the new format. To date I am liking it and have had no real issues but then I have not really gotten into things in any depth yet. I like the feel of the keyboard and I seem to be able to manage this well so far. I just tried to download "games" on to Harry's side, but was not successful except I found that there were already games downloaded (but not all that Harry is used to playing) I may have to use the geek squad to do that?
Busy with the greenhouse these days as we have the big one heated up and Harry has been planting seeds and placing the trays into the greenhouse. I wonder if we will get the terrible cold spell that you folks and farther west are experiencing what might happen to keep things going, but then this has always been my worries. One day at a time I guess....
Lots of snow so I get out every day to shovel-obviously winter is indeed here. Spoke with a fellow on the street walking his dog and one comment struck home with me when we were talking about winter been here - he said "but remember it is the middle of 
January already" and I realized how true that is -  can I see the light at the end of the tunnel?
So long for now - just wanted to let you know that everything is OK with computers - I can communicate one way or another haha!
Take care

Weather and books

You'd think with it being so cold outside I would be reading more, but I have not been able to finish a book in over a week.  I have decided I don't really like the book I am reading, even though it is a "light reading" book from an author I have enjoyed before.  Maybe I will get a couple of better ones if I go to the library today. Right now the wind chill is still at -39.  We need to blow snow, but as soon as you get away from the shelter of the house you can't breathe. I will do the two decks soon since they are close, but the yard and driveway are exposed.  Jim is going to put on his coveralls and hat and scarf and try a bit later.  We had a couple of guys out yesterday to give us an estimate on renovating our bathroom.  We have plumbing issues that have to be addressed and we figured if they have to tear out the walls anyway, we might as well make a couple of changes.  Though listening to Jim describe what "we" wanted made me wonder if we ever talked about it!  Oh well.  It is his money, but the estimate better not be too high.  We got a quote on blinds for 3 windows in the house and it was over $1200. I don't think so!!  I guess I might as well put on another layer of clothes and tackle the snow. Wish me luck

Well...hello Ladies

Surprise, surprise. Here I am on the new laptop. It only took about 1 1/2 hours on the phone with the server and voila! here I am. Now to get used to the Windows 10 format, and the keyboard, and well, yes, to instruct Harry haha!
More to come as it is bedtime.... take care

New books

I've enjoyed all of John Sandford's books.  The Lucas Davenport books are the most violent, and Kidd is a minor character in some of them (a consultant rather than someone necessary for the plot). The Virgil Flowers books have a lot more humor and a lot less violence. It's a running joke in them that Virgil can't hit anything  with a hand gun and rarely carries one, usually leaving it in the truck, at just the wrong point in the plot. In many ways I find him more of an interesting character than Davenport, who often appears as a less minor character in the Flowers books.  Sandford has written a couple of stand alone books as well.  I found one, with the word "Jupiter" in the title( I think-it's been awhile), interesting.

We went to a get-together of craft people yesterday, in Lorette.  I've been going periodically since last spring, and yesterday David went with me.  The group has grown too large for me, I think.  There really isn't enough room for me to spread out my work, and it's hard to keep up with the conversation.  They meet every Monday afternoon in the Chicken Chef restaurant there, but I don't think I'll be going to frequently, especially if I can only take something that I can work on by hand, and in a small space.

Today, I need to start tidying up the basement.  My fibre art support group will be coming Wednesday evening, and, while they are quite tolerant, the current mess might be a bit too much.

Beth, do you remember the colourful cats on a black background?  I think you have a small bag with them on it.  I'm slowly beading a panel of three of them that will hang vertically.  This is what I took with me, yesterday.  I've been working on it for two years, but not very often. I spent some time with it, after I got home, and decided that it's two thirds done, so why don't I finish it?  It's the perfect job to be doing while I watch tv.  In my recent "clean-up and purge, I found the matching fabric, so there is no reason not to do the finishing.  At this point, I consider anything I find in the stash, as found , and don't consider the cost, as that is money long gone.

So breakfast is over, and time to get to work.

Bailey Update?

Not too pleased with the outcome from the visit to the Vet yesterday afternoon. I collected a specimen early and then was able to get an appt for 2:30 pm ( "we will squeeze you in between patients") The vet only dipped the dip stik and observed the results - negative across the strip ie no infection, no blood. Did not even touch Bailey. he gave me some explanation of perhaps a stone damaging the tissue and causing bleeding but "it would heal" And, I could give him Vit C if I wanted. I shall watch Bailey closely to observe any resolution to the problem.
You mentioned the John Sandford book Pati which reminded me that when in Chapters last week with Mike there was a whole display of Sandford's latest books and with interest we looked at the list of books - I mentioned to Mike that the main character in the "Kidd" series he bought me was a character in the Lucas Davenport series ( Pati you mentioned this?) So he bought me the first of that series Rules of Prey. I certainly have lots to read at home now - but where, oh where, is there time.... haha!
Hope all is well with you folks...any exciting events or outings to share? Cathy, how are the Crib tournaments and what is your standing or next event?  Take care.

Weather

Glad to have you back, and glad that you had time to relax while you were away helping Mike.

It's turned cold here.  I originally typed in "very cold" but everything is relative.  It's much colder than it has been up until now.  This means that we hunker down in the house, only going out for food.  The house is relatively clean, and the freezer full, so lots of time to read and sew.  I've discovered that I can still wear my fur coat, with a sweater or sweat jacket underneath.  That's unexpected, as I had thought it was a spring and fall coat.  Since I need to wear a sweater or sweat jacket under my parka, I may be able to wear the fur coat all winter.  I still get compliments from people  I don't know, and that still makes me feel good.  Bonus!

My eating regime is going well.  (Fingers crossed!)  Tonight I had tacos made with turkey meat.  Not my favourite meal, but filling.  I've just about finished re-reading the Monkeewrench books, and that makes me sad.  The book reviews are carefully checked in the Saturday paper, for books that sound good, and that I can find in the library, then putting a "hold" on.  Sometimes I'm #282 on the list and sometimes second. It's always good to know that there are books coming, regardless of how long it may take.  I found the most recent Virgil Flowers  book by John Sandford sitting in "New Releases" this week, and jumped a very long waiting list.

Sunday night and not much on tv, time to sign in for poker.

Roller coaster weather again...

Now we have a blizzard/snow storm out there, but yesterday we went through the entire cycle of conditions, and of course, the need to respond quickly to all of them. Set up pumps for the rain/water, and then shovel off the roof to remove the wet soggy snow and then endure the drizzle and ice pellets and then the blowing snow with ice underfoot. What a ride!  I sit now with my morning coffee and wait until I can get out and dig us out. The snow plow just went by for a second time during the night and the end of the driveway is getting higher and higher with snow. Poor Bailey just went out and did his thing and ran as fast as he could to the door to get inside. Don't blame him a bit. But I am worried about him as yesterday I noticed he demonstrated hesitancy to pass his water, and I observed some blood tinge urine in the snow. Not a good sign so if this persists I shall have to get him to the Vet? I will have to collect a specimen though, so that might not be easy.
Gradually catching up here at home as well - the birds got their cages cleaned and I think were happy for that haha! The house plants got watered and I think they, too, were happy for that!
Mike called and says his range of motion is improving, and his discomfort is diminishing...he has not driven yet but states he will be fine to do that. The driving will not be an issue but it is starting the ignition and shifting gears that requires his right arm strength and motion that may be a problem.While I was there he drove only once to try and it was not a successful try. His ultrasound at the hospital contributed to his increased pain and lack of mobility, but with more ice treatments and pain pills he was able to recover a bit. The technician had him move his arm to his back and this really set him back. His friend (a computer expert) is coming to his home today to fix the disconnect between his lap top and printer. This occurred while I was there and the two, over the phone, tried for over an hour to rectify but to no avail. Mike needs his laptop for his classes and studies, and needs to be able to print. I enjoyed "hanging out" at the Campus during the week - walking around, and sitting in Starbucks - just waiting. I wondered over to the Book Shop and walked up and down the aisles- so many books but also, with the start of this new semester, so many empty shelves. Mike was unable to purchase a required book there, so had to go online to order - he needs this book to read and produce a paper by Jan 21. There are 9 people in this particular class and the shop only ordered in 6 books (?)  all grabbed up quickly by others. Of course, this shop also sold the usual University "swag" so that was interesting for me to browse, and put in time waiting for Mike while he was in classes.
So I better get on with it - the morning is here and I have had my coffee and shall prepare my "to do" list for the day. I have not been able to catch up with the blogs I usually follow except for ours of course, but hope to gradually get there. One night as Mike's we were browsing the TV and he showed me a few You Tube shows he watches, so I had him go to The Last Homely House East of the Sea to show him what I watch haha!  Take care

Edit: I just reread and this paragraph seems to be just dangling here at the end when is should be in the text ? i do not know why but here it is haha!

And on the day of his ultrasound on the way home, we went to Chapters and I had a good look (always a treat) and then into Costco to renew our membership. We did a little shopping but not much as Mike was in some real discomfort by then.

Hello...hello....

Home again tonight - by 4:30 pm - so in time to drive in the dusk light and not darkness, and before the predicted coming of "weather warning" of rain, ice pellets, etc and then snow is to arrive. I had to do some shoveling of the front walk in anticipation of the rain, and checking the drains outside.
I have some chores to finish inside now, and then hit the bed. Tomorrow I shall "pick up the pieces" here at home (so to speak).
Nice to read the messages on the blogs from my week away. I shall catch up with you both on the blog over the weekend but for now...as always.. take care
(Not publishing so I will try again....)

ups and downs

I've been feeling down lately, enough so that it worries me a bit.  But I know that being aware of the issue usually helps me identify it.  The past couple of days have been particularly bad.  Today I was surprised when the mail came.  Both of the items I bought off the internet arrived in the same mail delivery.  It was like Christmas, as David unwrapped them and gave them to me one at a time.  Both of the two missing Monkeewrench books--in one package, and some thread, in another.  Thread is always tricky when you have to base colour choices on a picture on the screen, but I got two big cones of two different shades of red.  Exciting, and the colours made me feel good.  

Then, we stopped at the grocery store for milk, and discovered fresh blueberries on sale.  I love fresh blueberries with my yogurt, in the morning.  Phase two of the plan calls for Blueberries eaten with oatmeal, and oranges with yogurt.  I don't care and don't think it really matters, so I'm going to enjoy everyone of them.

The studio piece I'm working on isn't going as planned, so I've written if off as FMQ'g practice, and now feel free to experiment, which is much more fun.

Snowed in?

We didn't make the movie on Tuesday, and didn't go out in the snow and cold yesterday.  It's a little warmer today, and we may go out for a few groceries.  The snowblower has been acting up, so David has made arrangements to have it serviced. The biggest problem with this is actually getting it into the shop.  So, David inquired and found out that they will pick it up and deliver it, for $80.00.  When you figure what's involved in renting a truck and then loading the darn thing, then turning around and doing the same thing a few days later, it sounded like a bargain to us.   But, we're now sitting here with a snow covered driveway, and the machine is not yet picked up ( they said it might be a few days).

So yesterday was quiet.  We were both stunned to realize that David had been sitting playing Candy Crush for 5 hours.  My version still wasn't working right, so I uninstalled it from the machine.  I'm now facing life without Candy Crush.  I've enjoyed my 30 minutes a day with it, and made it part of my routine, but it's gone, at least for now.  I was at level 2089, and it took me four years to get there.  According to the leader board, there were only two other people who had reached that level.  But I knew I would never get any further, without being able to buy "boosters", and besides, it will save me a bunch of money.

So my day yesterday, was spent in the studio, and today looks like more of the same.  But there were no "2's" on the scale this morning, and that is a major "booster" in itself.

Finally!

After we'd both had out showers yesterday morning, the bathtub wouldn't drain.  David and I fussed with it, and finally admitted defeat.  He called in a plumber.  A bit of a surprise, since it wasn't rally an emergency, but the plumber was able to come yesterday afternoon.  I was out to Lorette for a gathering of an informal craft group there, and David handled everything.  This meant dismantling all the bathtub paraphernalia, and dismantling a corner of the laundry room.  That wonderful man also cleanup the kitchen and hand washed what dishes were there.

Now the bathtub drains beautifully ( there's been a problem for awhile), the kitchen drains better, and even the sink in the laundry room is draining well.  An overall good day, and money well spent.

And in another "finally" moment, we bought two tickets on Friday's Lottery and both tickets won $20!!  More lottery winnings than the total of the last couple of years.  gotta get a couple for tonight's draw!

Today, we may just go to a movie.  We have yet to see "Star Wars", and are wanting to see"Jumanji II".  It sounds like the crowds at Star Wars are still pretty heavy.  we;ll see when we get tot he theatre.  

Taking action

I mentioned a torn sheet.  It was the bottom sheet, and it was a long vertical tear.  I took this as a warning that the pedicure I've been talking about for a month was now long overdue.  So today I took my cane and walked over the the mall across the street.  ( I've been using the cane more often recently, as the streets and parking lots are so slippery).  The whole thing was a mixed experience, as it has been the last couple of times I was there.  When asked what colour I wanted on my hands, I said, " No colour, just clear".  Well I got no polish, and a very short, slap dash manicure.  Most of these women don't speak English, and when someone complains, I notice the other two, who usually do speak English, appear lose that ability.  But--the price is right.  Now I'm starting to realize that you really do get what you pay for.  A couple of years ago, I got a gift certificate from Gillian for a pedicure at a small shop in Transcona, and I'm thinking that I should go back.  For the same price as I pay across the street, ( or maybe a little more, now)I would only get a pedicure.  But the manicure is for my satisfaction, only.  I can cut my own finger nails. 

This evening, we will be taking a cue from you, Cathy, and staying home, where it's warm, and there is food.

Cribbage

We played cribbage in Gladstone yesterday. Unfortunately I was in the middle of a game and couldn't answer Beth's phone call.  By the time we got home it was too late to call.  We were eliminated in singles (which is what we wanted, but we didn't have to lose quite so badly!).  The two doubles teams moving on to Command finals in Winnipeg are the two from Neepawa and the one team moving on is the team from Neepawa so we will be playing in two events.  Doubles are on Feb 8 and Teams on Feb 9, so we won't have to play as many games in one day as we did in Gladstone (21). I phoned the hotel to book a room and they have no record of a block of rooms set aside at $105 a night (seniors rate is $137!) I am to phone back tomorrow and ask for Jennifer and if she knows nothing about it I will call the host legion.  Somethings are so confusing for no reason.  Today I have no plans.  Maybe a walk since this is the last decent day in the forecast for a while.  My brain is tired from yesterday.

I'm reading a book

The title is "Winter in Paradise" by Elin Hilderbrand.  It is the first of what will be a trilogy.  The second is also out, and I have a hold on it in the library.  I'm number 78 on the list.  The title of that one is "What Happens in Paradise".  I've read a lot of books by this lady, as most of them deal with normal people with emotions, who find themselves at a turning point in life.  I've enjoyed them all tremendously.

Otherwise--same old, same old.  Old troubles old joys, old people.
Maybe I should wait until tomorrow in hopes of being a little more upbeat.  Have a good weekend, both of you.

Quiet new year here

We stayed home on New Year’s Eve. I woke up a bit before midnight so I was awake to welcome 2020. We went to the levee at the legion on New Year’s Day. There were only about 40 people there. There was lots of food cause they had leftovers from the party the previous night. As usually we took the ham. I have eaten ham for every meal since January 1. I am so sick of ham. Tomorrow we play crib in Gladstone. They registered us to play in singles, doubles and team so we will be playing a lot of crib. Neither of us really wants to win in singles since then if you move on you are alone. At least with doubles and team there are other people with you. We’ve been sorting through our closets this week. So far we have take two extra large garbage bags of clothes to the Salvation Army. And given away a smaller bag that was only good for rags. And I still haven’t thrown away the clothes that I am hoping to fit into again. I can always dream.

Shepard's Pie

Lately, the beef roast we've been getting is usually so tough that Shepard's Pie is our "go-to" means of dealing with left overs.  David says that no-one is taught how to cut meat these days, and I don't know enough about it to debate it with him.   I've seen the kids serve what they call is Shepard's Pie made with hamburger. The taste is quite different, as is the taste made with Lamb--the original meat in the pie.

Our overnight trip was a mixed blessing.  We had a good time, and ate well with special coupons.  Neither of the meals we bought was expensive, and the food was good and plentiful.  But--I forgot my nightie, and my sleep aide.  David let me use his nightshirt,and he used an extra large T-shirt he had with him.  We were in bed just after mid-night, but I didn't get to sleep until about 4:00 am.  The pillows were very plump--too plump for me to sleep with them, so I ended up rolling up my housecoat and using it as a pillow.  That's what finally helped me get to sleep.  But, we've agreed that we might do it again sometime.  The price was certainly right.

Now we'er back to life as usual.  The tree came down yesterday, and the Christmas dishes were put away today.  This was after a quick trip to sleep country store.  When changing the linen today, we discovered a bit rip in one of the sheets for the big bed.  There were no spares for that bed, even though we have a couple of pair for the smaller bed.  They weren't cheap, but still cheaper than the first set I picked up--bamboo and on sale for $229.00 for the set.

This is also the time that I try to get back into my healthy eating regime.  So the cupboards, pantry, and fridge were cleaned out today.  Any forbidden food disposed of, either via the garbage or the Winnipeg Harvest bin at the local grocery store.  It's not as easy as it once was finding Cod in the grocery stores, and the weather means that spinach is starting to turn from frost damage before you can even get it through the door.

Yesterday, after getting home, we took my sewing machine in for a "spa treatment".  I knew it was badly needed, so had planned to do something with all of the bits and pieces left over from my piecing frenzy over the last 6 months.  I set up the old Pfaff and started getting a couple of very small things pieced, when I decided to try a newer technique with the fabric I bought while in the store.  I guess I really am addicted.

Now for supper, and a quiet evening.  I'm still feeling my lack of sleep.  Maybe old age?

Back home again...

We visited Mike today and again had a nice time and delicious lunch together. He starts back to classes on Tuesday and has a really heavy schedule so hoping he can hang in tough once again. The weather really s---- right now - it is 34 degrees C and wet and sluggish but the roof has cleared on its own - yesterday with the pending rain I went out to clean off the walks and all the sheds and greenhouses and glad I did. The yard is a mixtures of water and ice and one must really watch their footing when walking. And on the way home today Harry asked when we should be turning on the heat in the greenhouses (when did we do it last year that is?) and when did he start his seeds last year. Made for an interesting travelling in the car together conversation.
I watched my first movie on Amazon Prime Video on the computer ( we have been paying for a few months now and I never tried it yet). Mike tells me I can also pick out TV shows as well so I plan to have a view of the options and see if i can enjoy something I might enjoy haha!  
But for now, since I am really tired, I plan to pick one of my new books and start to read before bed. I am excited for this year - I have great plans - plans to satisfy the soul - and I plan to follow through! Do either of you wish to share what your plans are for this bright and hopeful new year? Take care

Welcome to 2020

Happy New Year to all of you as well. 
We are now living in a winter wonderland of snow! After a few days of "awful" it finally snowed and now I must go out and shovel. Just now I was out with the dog and it felt like little ice pellets falling and I could see them on the ground - that lasted for only a few minutes though. There is more snow in the forecast for coming week but I say "let it snow" so I do not have to deal with the melting and water etc.
I put a roast into the oven and have some of our own small potatoes around the roast and I cut up carrots to go with it. My plan is to use the left over beef to make a from scratch Shephards Pie on Saturday, complete with my own grinding of the meat. I have had it in my mind for awhile remembering times from the past at home - I do not know it if will be the same, but I'll eat what ever is produced haha!
Friday we are going to Mike's with some extra items not taken on Christmas Day - it will be a short visit but still for me - a visit - which I cherish.
Last night I watched the movie Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. I wanted a fluff and funny movie before bed to celebrate New Years Eve - and this did not disappoint me. I have seen it many times before mind you so when I choose such a movie I really know what I'll be watching.
So here we go with our ambitions for a new year (so we can make amends for the past year maybe???) I have it all planned with my goals, and my word and everything I am supposed to do this time of year - now to follow through and implement, and not give up!!
here's hoping. And I hope for both of you the same success. Take care.