Still hanging around the old homestead trying to stay upbeat - perhaps today will kick start that as after a few days of rain, the forecast indicates a few days of sort of sunny weather. I have taken stock outside and see where I might be able to get out and putter as long as I stay away from the icy spots and that dreaded potential fall! The front driveway is essentially clear and covered with fallen rotten apples from last fall - the tree is close to the driveway and since we did not do much picking last fall the apples stayed on the tree, have now fallen, and now nicely cover the driveway with an awful mess of mush. And with the rain and use of the pump to remove it, the driveway gravel has nicely shifted to the bottom and onto the actual road. This happens most every year and i get out the heavy broom and rake and try my best to bring the gravel/little limestone pieces back up a bit. Right now there is a big trench where the water flowed heavily from the pump down to the road. Actually it is too wet to accomplish much right now, but once it drys up a bit ( when is that?) i should have better luck. And also as things dry up more i should be able to get onto the actual roads by the house and sweep up the excess gravel and put in boxes ready for next winter. I have done this for years and believe me, the effort is worth it when I need to use it for traction in the winter. There is always a fine time line though for me to get some of the sand/gravel swept up and stored before the big cleaning machine comes down the street to clean it all up. So far I have been lucky.
My friend Sue sends pictures frequently - she is a great decorator of her home with seasonal themes and now it is Spring and Easter. She has ornaments and hangings to celebrate each event and today in my email was a picture of little bunnies arranged in a gorgeous dish sitting on her table. As she said in the message, she has to keep upbeat under these current horrible conditions by pleasing herself with her surroundings so that she can sound chipper in speaking on the phone with family and friends.She has always been a source of inspiration for many folks including me. It is a nice way to view life even if i do not always follow suit but I would like to try - maybe I'll do something similar for myself today - how about you folks - think of something - even small - that you can do to boost your mood. And then think of us while you do it - the vibes are sure to come my way eventually haha!
Time for another cup of coffee and then on with it. Yesterday I made a quick trip to the Vet to pick up the latest new food for Bailey. They are not going to open for the rest of this week so for a fleeting second I paniked but then was able to pull myself back from the brink knowing that i have been caring for Bailey for so long, that I am well able to continue.I will have to have a talk with him when he gets up so that he and i will be on the same page about this haha! Enough silliness...Take care.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
OMG! The Plague!
Sounds like you've got it nailed Cathy. Sore throat, coughing, and exhaustion/lethargy/low endurance seem to be pretty well common to everyone who has it. The temperature is not always a reliable indicator, and neither is the diarrhea. So we can recover together. I seem to have a little more energy today, and both David and Loren thought I looked better. But, for sure, the blues are part of being stuck at home--we're supposed to stay there--period--for 14 days after the first symptoms. Absolute Quarantine. When I spoke to HealthLinks I was told that David and I had to stay in separate rooms, even sleep separately if at all possible. We are to use separate bathrooms, and wash our hands very frequently making sure to use warm or hot water and enough soap to work up a good lather. Evidently, soap in a lather erodes the outer fatty skin of the virus and kills it. Who knew? And stay at least 6 ft apart--no canoodling.
Loren was over to try out the key he found at home. It worked, and he is planning to put it in the file with the legal documents, so it can be found next time. He didn't come in, but did take a loaf of home made sourdough multi-grain bread we offered him. I offered him a wet wipe to wipe down the plastic bag it was in, but he said he had his own in the car. So many rules and things to remember.
I've been having quite a time taking a series of workshops on the internet. There are about 18 of them, and they are releasing two per day. The internet has saved my sanity over the past week. I only have four books left from the big bag of library books I brought home, so I'm rationing my reading. I ordered four books from Amazon last night, but that was over $50, so I won't be doing that too often. Now I'm sorry I so recently re-read those two series that I've saved in my personal library. That being said, we aren't spending any money foolishly these days, although I've been trying to have us order in once or twice a week. We don't have tap on any of our debit cards ( since my purse was stolen), so are having to use credit cards for anything we order. Who knew that Pizza Hut sold big chocolate chip cookies? I was going to say 8 servings but that's ridiculous, so I'll just say cut into 8 pieces.
I'm trying to watch that fairly carefully, but I know we'll have to "pay the Piper" eventually. Fortunately, we had almost paid off any previous purchases, so things may even out in the long run. I understand why no-one wants to deal with cash, but we had stocked up on a bit of cash when this first started. Maybe we should consider ourselves lucky that these new rules, that circumstance has forced on us, are acting as a bit of a constraint.
After lunch, and after Loren visited, I made my way downstairs for the first time in 3 days. While the wax was melting for my batik, I did a little bit of work on two coffee cuffs that had been hanging around. The batik will be a long term project. It is almost certain that the gallery show, that I was to have been in during May, will be cancelled. Adding to that the fact that I'm not at my best, (dragging "butt" at the people at work used to call it). and it just makes sense to put serious stuff aside and do putter-y things for the next while. That way I can work within my energy constraints, and not get bent out of shape, if things don't work out. Ah well! We'll see how that works out. ( snort)
Coffee's gone. I guess that means my wax is dry and it's time to go putter.
Loren was over to try out the key he found at home. It worked, and he is planning to put it in the file with the legal documents, so it can be found next time. He didn't come in, but did take a loaf of home made sourdough multi-grain bread we offered him. I offered him a wet wipe to wipe down the plastic bag it was in, but he said he had his own in the car. So many rules and things to remember.
I've been having quite a time taking a series of workshops on the internet. There are about 18 of them, and they are releasing two per day. The internet has saved my sanity over the past week. I only have four books left from the big bag of library books I brought home, so I'm rationing my reading. I ordered four books from Amazon last night, but that was over $50, so I won't be doing that too often. Now I'm sorry I so recently re-read those two series that I've saved in my personal library. That being said, we aren't spending any money foolishly these days, although I've been trying to have us order in once or twice a week. We don't have tap on any of our debit cards ( since my purse was stolen), so are having to use credit cards for anything we order. Who knew that Pizza Hut sold big chocolate chip cookies? I was going to say 8 servings but that's ridiculous, so I'll just say cut into 8 pieces.
I'm trying to watch that fairly carefully, but I know we'll have to "pay the Piper" eventually. Fortunately, we had almost paid off any previous purchases, so things may even out in the long run. I understand why no-one wants to deal with cash, but we had stocked up on a bit of cash when this first started. Maybe we should consider ourselves lucky that these new rules, that circumstance has forced on us, are acting as a bit of a constraint.
After lunch, and after Loren visited, I made my way downstairs for the first time in 3 days. While the wax was melting for my batik, I did a little bit of work on two coffee cuffs that had been hanging around. The batik will be a long term project. It is almost certain that the gallery show, that I was to have been in during May, will be cancelled. Adding to that the fact that I'm not at my best, (dragging "butt" at the people at work used to call it). and it just makes sense to put serious stuff aside and do putter-y things for the next while. That way I can work within my energy constraints, and not get bent out of shape, if things don't work out. Ah well! We'll see how that works out. ( snort)
Coffee's gone. I guess that means my wax is dry and it's time to go putter.
Random thoughts
I find my mind wandering a lot..... tired of television.... tired of reading. I stare out the window a lot. I've really enjoyed watching the squirrel's playing. They seem to enjoy life so much.Today I was watching a squirrel eating sunflower seeds off the ground. Then Jim shot it. I know they are destructive pests and I have cursed the damage they do, but I really wasn't expecting to see it die. I guess like millions of others staying at home stress and depression is creeping in. I have had a sore throat, cough, exhaustion and a low grade fever for the last week. My cough has eased and my throat is not as sore today. I no longer take my temperature since both my thermometers seem to be broken now. The digital one says my temperature is 95.3 (maybe I am sicker than I thought 😜) The other one has a bubble in the mercury and won't reset... it is stuck at just under 100. I never really felt sick. If things were normal I would probably gone to work feeling as I did. You just never know. If it was a cold I am safe to go out: if not, according to the news, I should be immune now. I have been going outside every day. Somedays for a walk, and yesterday I went on "poop patrol" until the snow melted enough that I was picking up mush. At least it is a start on spring. I see that Sundridge has rainfall warnings. Not really what you want. We should be getting rain and snow for most of next week. Until they change the forecast again. They seem to do that every few hours. We will have to go to town this week to renew some prescriptions and pick up some perishables from the store. A quick in and out. At least we can still have our weekly "date" and take the garbage to the collection bins. Whoopee!
Wondering how everyone is doing?
It is hard to be apart and wondering how everything is going with you folks especially when messages outline some concerns. I have been taking my temp everyday ( with a rectal thermometer in my mouth covered with a protective cover) I could not find a regular thermometer at the Pharmacy - sold out. But it will do for now......
They are now reporting on the news the concern in our area of the many summer cottagers coming up from the south to their cottages to sit out the isolation here - but also going to local stores and obviously depending on our limited medical facilities and equipment if they need help. They are being asked not to come but then the Cottagers Associations state they pay taxes and have every right to come up here. What an upsetting dilemna......
Waiting for the rain to come as forecast. Yesterday i set up the pump outside to prepare. For many days now I have been shoveling at the front - water from the snow melting that accumulates - but realize that with the predicted rain fall, i could not keep that up. My challenge was to find an indoor plug that hopefully is not on the same circuits as the other three cords I have leading out of the window to the greenhouses and the three heaters in place there. My worry is blowing a fuse and then not being able to access the fuse box or know which fuse has blown to replace it. This of course has always been one of my ongoing issues so is why I try to avoid it happening. Oh joy.....
So I shall have some breakfast and get on with yet another day in paradise haha! Take care my sisters...XX
They are now reporting on the news the concern in our area of the many summer cottagers coming up from the south to their cottages to sit out the isolation here - but also going to local stores and obviously depending on our limited medical facilities and equipment if they need help. They are being asked not to come but then the Cottagers Associations state they pay taxes and have every right to come up here. What an upsetting dilemna......
Waiting for the rain to come as forecast. Yesterday i set up the pump outside to prepare. For many days now I have been shoveling at the front - water from the snow melting that accumulates - but realize that with the predicted rain fall, i could not keep that up. My challenge was to find an indoor plug that hopefully is not on the same circuits as the other three cords I have leading out of the window to the greenhouses and the three heaters in place there. My worry is blowing a fuse and then not being able to access the fuse box or know which fuse has blown to replace it. This of course has always been one of my ongoing issues so is why I try to avoid it happening. Oh joy.....
So I shall have some breakfast and get on with yet another day in paradise haha! Take care my sisters...XX
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Which way is up?
After talking to Loren yesterday, I called HealthLinks, at his strong suggestion. She told me that any respiratory problems mean a trip to Emergency or call an ambulance. Anything else-- just stay at home. How can they have an accurate count of people with the virus, if they only count those taken to Emergency? But I do have every other symptom, and I don't appear to be getting any better. I really just want to sleep. I had hoped to do a little more on the batik piece I'm trying to work on, but recognize that I'm in no shape for it.
We're going to make some sourdough bread, during our time at home. This morning David has started a Multi-grain recipe, that we found in the sourdough book. I think it's one we devised for ourselves years ago when we were doing this regularly.
Yes, there are empty shelves in the grocery stores, and I can see a store in a small town being reluctant to put out too much, for fear that it won't sell, with people only picking up what they feel are necessities. I've noticed in the grocery store we were in last week that there was very little beef, but more pork. That could also be a reflection of the time of year. The empty shelves there were paper goods, and cleaning supplies. When I looked the only things there were two bottles of Pine Sol-seriously! The only dish detergent was a couple of bottles of the new Blue Dawn stuff that you spray on your dishes without using any water. I can just imagine how much of that you would go through if you were washing any number of dishes. And it wasn't cheap. David found a bottle of Lysol and got excited, until we realized that it was toilet bowl cleaner. Powdered milk is also in demand. David told me that by the time he picked up two packages and put them in his cart the full shelf had been emptied. The previous two times we had been in there was none on the shelf.
Okay. That's the report for today. My bed is calling, and it's only 10:30 am.
We're going to make some sourdough bread, during our time at home. This morning David has started a Multi-grain recipe, that we found in the sourdough book. I think it's one we devised for ourselves years ago when we were doing this regularly.
Yes, there are empty shelves in the grocery stores, and I can see a store in a small town being reluctant to put out too much, for fear that it won't sell, with people only picking up what they feel are necessities. I've noticed in the grocery store we were in last week that there was very little beef, but more pork. That could also be a reflection of the time of year. The empty shelves there were paper goods, and cleaning supplies. When I looked the only things there were two bottles of Pine Sol-seriously! The only dish detergent was a couple of bottles of the new Blue Dawn stuff that you spray on your dishes without using any water. I can just imagine how much of that you would go through if you were washing any number of dishes. And it wasn't cheap. David found a bottle of Lysol and got excited, until we realized that it was toilet bowl cleaner. Powdered milk is also in demand. David told me that by the time he picked up two packages and put them in his cart the full shelf had been emptied. The previous two times we had been in there was none on the shelf.
Okay. That's the report for today. My bed is calling, and it's only 10:30 am.
Friday, March 27, 2020
A Bailey Update
To the Vet yesterday - and they are in the COVID 19 precaution stage now. Door locked, and they open to let you in. No one else in there but Bailey and I and three staff in masks. So as of yesterday i shall be on my own for awhile and giving Bailey his fluids here at home by myself. I have the IV bag and tubing and butterfly needles and everything I need to give him his fluids subcutaneously. For now, two (or maybe three times a week if I think he needs it) And I have new pills to give him and new food is on order since the results of the bladder stone sent to the lab came back and I have to switch to a food that will crush stones. it all sounds so complicated but if it will help so be it. he is still not urinating as he should and I must keep pushing fluids on him - so now i give him ice cubes to chew on which he likes, and chicken broth ice cubes to lick. it is like a game i guess.
Hope all is well with you folks and you are keeping busy safe at home alone? Harry went to the Foodland this morning to get a few necessities - the shelves are empty and we keep hearing that the food supply is sound and we should not worry. So where is all the stock i ask????? I have a pork roast in the oven right now, that he said was about the only thing on the meat shelf at the time but I like pork so will enjoy that. Take care
Hope all is well with you folks and you are keeping busy safe at home alone? Harry went to the Foodland this morning to get a few necessities - the shelves are empty and we keep hearing that the food supply is sound and we should not worry. So where is all the stock i ask????? I have a pork roast in the oven right now, that he said was about the only thing on the meat shelf at the time but I like pork so will enjoy that. Take care
Thursday, March 26, 2020
I'm a little worried too.
But it is what it is. I can't say I'm much better today. I slept very well last night, and felt a little better this morning, but, as usual, I overdid it a bit. I have no respiratory symptoms, as yet, and know that they don't want to hear from you until you do. So, regardless if this is the virus or just a bad flu, we have to maintain a very strict quarantine for, at least, 14 days. We are well prepared for that. I think it's a fair guess that David will be next,and we're in contact with Loren about house and car keys etc. He's closer, and has the POA documents, so makes a good choice. This is really one of those situations where you ask yourself "What is my power in this situation?", and then realize that you really have none. Just prepare for the worst and pray for the best.
I've been amusing myself with all sorts of videos, mainly art based, but also some live shows ( taped and on UTube) from The Quilt Show. Not that I've done anything with any of the information, but it keeps me from reading any more of the library books I have. Only 5 left, and than I will panic. lol I'l bet Amazon is doing a bang up business. I have hooked my larger credit card onto Paypal, just in case. I can remove it after this is all over. I've also ordered some thread, which should be delivered tomorrow. There are 10 different colours of a 12wt thread that can be used in the machine, with some machine modifications ( can be done), but can also be used for hand stitching, especially Large Stitch Quilting. ( I think I know what that is.) I may actually be able to do that. We'll see.
I heard yesterday that Dianne Leatherdale Johnson passed away recently. I know that you met her Beth. She was so physically compromised that I would have thought the virus could have taken her quickly, but I didn't hear exactly how she died. I'm not sure how I feel about her death, and that bothers me.
Best close now, and think about bed.
I've been amusing myself with all sorts of videos, mainly art based, but also some live shows ( taped and on UTube) from The Quilt Show. Not that I've done anything with any of the information, but it keeps me from reading any more of the library books I have. Only 5 left, and than I will panic. lol I'l bet Amazon is doing a bang up business. I have hooked my larger credit card onto Paypal, just in case. I can remove it after this is all over. I've also ordered some thread, which should be delivered tomorrow. There are 10 different colours of a 12wt thread that can be used in the machine, with some machine modifications ( can be done), but can also be used for hand stitching, especially Large Stitch Quilting. ( I think I know what that is.) I may actually be able to do that. We'll see.
I heard yesterday that Dianne Leatherdale Johnson passed away recently. I know that you met her Beth. She was so physically compromised that I would have thought the virus could have taken her quickly, but I didn't hear exactly how she died. I'm not sure how I feel about her death, and that bothers me.
Best close now, and think about bed.
Worrysome......
I must say that your post Pati had me worried about you but at the end it sounded more positive and now I hope to hear that you have come back nicely from that horrible state you described???
Cathy, how are you doing there? it seems all around that we hear stories - I should not listen to the radio so much!
Received a phone call from the dear old friend Daisy yesterday ( her granddaughter calls and lets Daisy say a few words) Yesterday was her 92 nd Birthday so of course i had to sing to her and according to the comments she was tickled. Then her granddaughter sent a text message to my cell phone( I never use my little cell phone for that sort of communication) and said Daisy had a tear in her eyes when we were singing. A nice treat to speak with them.
Today i shall try to take Bailey to the Vet - my planned visit for Tuesday was cancelled but he is still doing as well as can be expected. But I need more pills so really have to make contact today.
It is raining outside right now which will do wonders to get rid of some of the snow. Each day I notice how it is disappearing and i see bare patches on the sides of the roads and in parts of the yard. But, there are also very icy patches as well and when i do my rounds, I must be very careful not to go ass over teakettle.
Received a call from Bray Motors yesterday about changing the winter tires. They have come up with a plan for customers and have developed a schedule and calling all the people. On Monday morning at 8 am I am to have the car in the driveway with the key on the seat and the fellow will drive up, leave his car and take ours to the service and the tires will be changed and the car delivered back to the house. The bill will be on the seat and I will call the accounting dept to pay via debit or visa or whatever. No interaction between people involved! Sounds neat! In this case they can still carry on their business and keep staff working and we can still have our issues addressed. Innovative???
Well time for another coffee and then on with it! Take care of yourselves folks....
Cathy, how are you doing there? it seems all around that we hear stories - I should not listen to the radio so much!
Received a phone call from the dear old friend Daisy yesterday ( her granddaughter calls and lets Daisy say a few words) Yesterday was her 92 nd Birthday so of course i had to sing to her and according to the comments she was tickled. Then her granddaughter sent a text message to my cell phone( I never use my little cell phone for that sort of communication) and said Daisy had a tear in her eyes when we were singing. A nice treat to speak with them.
Today i shall try to take Bailey to the Vet - my planned visit for Tuesday was cancelled but he is still doing as well as can be expected. But I need more pills so really have to make contact today.
It is raining outside right now which will do wonders to get rid of some of the snow. Each day I notice how it is disappearing and i see bare patches on the sides of the roads and in parts of the yard. But, there are also very icy patches as well and when i do my rounds, I must be very careful not to go ass over teakettle.
Received a call from Bray Motors yesterday about changing the winter tires. They have come up with a plan for customers and have developed a schedule and calling all the people. On Monday morning at 8 am I am to have the car in the driveway with the key on the seat and the fellow will drive up, leave his car and take ours to the service and the tires will be changed and the car delivered back to the house. The bill will be on the seat and I will call the accounting dept to pay via debit or visa or whatever. No interaction between people involved! Sounds neat! In this case they can still carry on their business and keep staff working and we can still have our issues addressed. Innovative???
Well time for another coffee and then on with it! Take care of yourselves folks....
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Another bizarre day
I should have listened more closely when they listed the symptoms of this virus. 3:30 this morning I was up to the bathroom , running. This continued off and on until about 9:00. The whole effort was accompanied by a vicious headache, and a whole lot of joint pain. I was up until about 11:00 and managed to down a half cup of green tea. that was almost too much even though it was my favourite and the mildest I have. Then back to bed until around 1:30. I felt a little better, and David cooked me a couple of poached eggs, and I got down another 1/2 cup of tea.
So whatever it was, I got it good. The plans we had for today ( making sourdough bread) are on hold, and I hope to stay up for a few hours--or at least until after supper, which David will be cooking or no-one will be eating.
My trousers and T-shirts I ordered off Penningtons arrived to day, and everything fits very well, except for shortening the pants. I wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been a fantastic sale price, but I'm well pleased. Can't afford to do anything like it again any time soon though.
And now to relax a little and maybe read a bit.
So whatever it was, I got it good. The plans we had for today ( making sourdough bread) are on hold, and I hope to stay up for a few hours--or at least until after supper, which David will be cooking or no-one will be eating.
My trousers and T-shirts I ordered off Penningtons arrived to day, and everything fits very well, except for shortening the pants. I wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been a fantastic sale price, but I'm well pleased. Can't afford to do anything like it again any time soon though.
And now to relax a little and maybe read a bit.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Not quite the day I expected
You've been talking about loosing track of the days. I'm doing the same thing, part of my problem being that I follow a pretty set routine everyday. But the last couple of days have been less than routine. Yesterday we did a bit of shopping, got some mail off, even visited the liquor store. David heard from DVA, being advised that his file was being "in-active" as one of the doctor's forms had not been filled out. Quick to the phone and an appointment for 6:45 this morning. When we got there, there was a well set-up triage, and no-one but the actual patient were being allowed in. I hadn't wanted to go, but David had asked me to, so I was a little po'd. I had to sit on a chair in the lobby, until he was finished-almost 2 hours. At least they allowed me to use the bathroom just across the hall.
Usually when we have these early appointments, we celebrate by going out for breakfast on the way home, but not these days, with all restaurants closed. So we stopped at a McDonald's drive-thru, and bought me a big cup of coffee--complete with caffeine. As a result I was very busy in the studio, for most of the morning. Not necessarily a bad thing, because I made a lot of decisions and got a lot done.
This afternoon my tea arrived in a very nice small paper shopping bag. Even a small gift of a package of organic herbal tea--Homestead Blend Algonquin Tea, produced in Eganville Ontario--meant to deal with colds and flu, and act as a muscle relaxant and soother. O-k-a-a-a-a-y. I imagine that this might be something she couldn't sell in the shop as I would never have bought it. But I might try it.
I was disappointed as Dr. Phil has been shut down, by issues around Covid19. He can no longer see people face-to-face, and was broadcasting from his home--from his "man Cave" as he described it. After 1/2 hour, I turned it off and came up for my regularly scheduled coffee break. But that's done now, time to go back down, and get back to work. David and I seem to have this "Social Isolation" down pat.
Usually when we have these early appointments, we celebrate by going out for breakfast on the way home, but not these days, with all restaurants closed. So we stopped at a McDonald's drive-thru, and bought me a big cup of coffee--complete with caffeine. As a result I was very busy in the studio, for most of the morning. Not necessarily a bad thing, because I made a lot of decisions and got a lot done.
This afternoon my tea arrived in a very nice small paper shopping bag. Even a small gift of a package of organic herbal tea--Homestead Blend Algonquin Tea, produced in Eganville Ontario--meant to deal with colds and flu, and act as a muscle relaxant and soother. O-k-a-a-a-a-y. I imagine that this might be something she couldn't sell in the shop as I would never have bought it. But I might try it.
I was disappointed as Dr. Phil has been shut down, by issues around Covid19. He can no longer see people face-to-face, and was broadcasting from his home--from his "man Cave" as he described it. After 1/2 hour, I turned it off and came up for my regularly scheduled coffee break. But that's done now, time to go back down, and get back to work. David and I seem to have this "Social Isolation" down pat.
Monday, March 23, 2020
What a change...
...and what a busy, tiring day you had Pati. It really looks as if there is so much more room in the studio, and that the rest of basement space looks a bit full now? or is the picture deceiving? How do you access your computer now.....move it onto the cutting table? I love to get these pictures so that I can imagine what the room looks like, and what you are up to in the studio when you write about your work. And the take out Chinese sounded like an excellent idea - "staying in place" from a distance? That little place in the Mall is still open obviously, and how do they handle passing off the food to you and collecting the money? I have been in there with you so know how it is laid out.
Lots of work in the greenhouses yesterday and now that the weather is going to be milder for a while ( although some snow and some rain coming) I will enjoy it so much better. I dread the fact that i have to cover and uncover and check heaters all the time. I will still have yo do that for awhile but now not so bad when you can manage it being easier ( ie no frozen solid blankets that just bend instead of lay nicely atop the roofs etc.)
So here is to another week of it all....I shall be minding Bailey still and taking him to the Vet but no plans to go anywhere else - maybe the Lottery Store to buy tickets but I have done that already and know how to keep my distance from others.
Hope all is well with everyone there. ps Cathy about your losing days and times - I developed a good way for me to keep track because i too, was in the same boat as you described. I have a calendar on the fridge door and every morning I cross off the day with a felt pen and always have the calendar visible while working in the kitchen so that I can orient myself to date etc and keep track of appts which i write down. I also mark when i water the plants (with a W on that date) and other special notes that seem important. it has worked for me for years so I shall not stop this practice as I have found it to be a saviour for me haha!
Take care
Lots of work in the greenhouses yesterday and now that the weather is going to be milder for a while ( although some snow and some rain coming) I will enjoy it so much better. I dread the fact that i have to cover and uncover and check heaters all the time. I will still have yo do that for awhile but now not so bad when you can manage it being easier ( ie no frozen solid blankets that just bend instead of lay nicely atop the roofs etc.)
So here is to another week of it all....I shall be minding Bailey still and taking him to the Vet but no plans to go anywhere else - maybe the Lottery Store to buy tickets but I have done that already and know how to keep my distance from others.
Hope all is well with everyone there. ps Cathy about your losing days and times - I developed a good way for me to keep track because i too, was in the same boat as you described. I have a calendar on the fridge door and every morning I cross off the day with a felt pen and always have the calendar visible while working in the kitchen so that I can orient myself to date etc and keep track of appts which i write down. I also mark when i water the plants (with a W on that date) and other special notes that seem important. it has worked for me for years so I shall not stop this practice as I have found it to be a saviour for me haha!
Take care
Sunday, March 22, 2020
A red letter day at our house
You'll have to check the other blog for details, but we've had a very busy day. Everything in the studio has been moved, and a lot of stuff sorted. I now have significantly more room, and no extension cords taped to the floor for me to trip over. This was a lot of work and heavy moving. Since neither of us is strong enough to actually move anything, we had to use an old bathmat under things to drag them along the floor. Having said that, kudos to David for actually being able to pick up and move the cedar chest. I never thought anyone could do that. We started about 10:30, stopped for about 45 minutes for lunch and then 20 minutes for coffee at 3:00, finally finishing a few minutes before 5:00. We are both exhausted and both stiff and sore. We got take-out Chinese food for supper, and then sat and watched a 2 hour Gordon Lightfoot special on CBC this evening. Needless to say we both opted for strong drink to end the evening off.
Tomorrow we may have to head out for a few groceries. Not looking forward to that.
Tomorrow we may have to head out for a few groceries. Not looking forward to that.
I find I lose track of the days......
I first noticed it when I retired, but I had a daily routine that kept me on track. Now that I am home most of the time all the days blend together. Jim and I may watch different TVs in different rooms, but all our meals are together and we use only one bedroom. And when we can agree on something to watch we are in the same room. Yesterday we drove into town just to see what was happening. We stayed in the car. It didn't seem much different from other Saturdays except for the restaurants closed and only offering pickup food. Rrain tells me that some of the stores have lines marked on the floor that customers cannot cross when paying for their groceries. We have enough food to last us a very long time, but we will have to get some prescriptions filled early next week, and I will check to see if there is anything we need from the store and do that at the same time. We are trying to do one big "chore" each day and go for a walk. At least there is no concern of running into people when we walk down the road. So far no one has tested positive in this area, but who knows who is walking around. We had a lot of people come back from their Winter vacations just around the time people started to be aware of the virus. I am rationing my library books but will run out very soon. Then it is on to e-books. Rrain is still working. Artsforward is closed but they are using the time to do grant applications without interruption. They are also catching up on sorting through papers in the office and supplies in the basement. I haven't heard from Kris in a couple of days, but with Sandi working at the hospital and Kris in the grocery store they are both considered essential services. I will have to touch base with him today. I find it interesting that there is so much in the news about how pollution levels have dropped world wide. I wonder if we will learn from this.
Interesting reading...
I just logged on to write a few words - keeping up the social connections. right??? Interesting to read your comments Pati as it is something I think about here at home with us two, one bathroom, and all the animals.
Paper towel I have - I just counted four packages of six rolls each but then I seem to use an awful lot of the stuff - too much I think but heck, I am lacking in kleenex and toilet paper but should be able to manage for a bit. I do spray the kitchen counter with pine sol and paper towel frequently and i pick up cat vomit frequently so need the paper. I do meal prep on the counter and also fill used greenhouse water bottles on the counter, and prepare animal meals on the counter. The bathroom is a different story. I try to keep the toilet clean and the basin but with three bird cages and ten birds it gets a little feathery and seedy very quickly.
But today is sunny albeit still cold but that should soon be rectified once the sun hits everything and the temps rise. According to the 14 day long range we should have real nice temps day and night. So maybe the worries of the greenhouses will be less for me. I am about to go out and remove all the blankets and open them up after two very cold nights. I expect watering will be necessary so I have all the filled bottles at the ready.
I called my friend Sue to postpone our luncheon scheduled for Apr 22, but I still have not heard from harry's sister about the Baby Shower she is having for her new daughter in law Ashley on Apr 25. At this point i do not think i should be going although I have already send my intention to attend. Harry has two appts in Apr - one at the hospital in Huntsville Apr 9 and another at the Drs Clinic in Burks falls ( next town down) on Apr 29. He probably should be going to each so Medical appts may be the exception to the social isolation?
Take care....thinking of you both.
Paper towel I have - I just counted four packages of six rolls each but then I seem to use an awful lot of the stuff - too much I think but heck, I am lacking in kleenex and toilet paper but should be able to manage for a bit. I do spray the kitchen counter with pine sol and paper towel frequently and i pick up cat vomit frequently so need the paper. I do meal prep on the counter and also fill used greenhouse water bottles on the counter, and prepare animal meals on the counter. The bathroom is a different story. I try to keep the toilet clean and the basin but with three bird cages and ten birds it gets a little feathery and seedy very quickly.
But today is sunny albeit still cold but that should soon be rectified once the sun hits everything and the temps rise. According to the 14 day long range we should have real nice temps day and night. So maybe the worries of the greenhouses will be less for me. I am about to go out and remove all the blankets and open them up after two very cold nights. I expect watering will be necessary so I have all the filled bottles at the ready.
I called my friend Sue to postpone our luncheon scheduled for Apr 22, but I still have not heard from harry's sister about the Baby Shower she is having for her new daughter in law Ashley on Apr 25. At this point i do not think i should be going although I have already send my intention to attend. Harry has two appts in Apr - one at the hospital in Huntsville Apr 9 and another at the Drs Clinic in Burks falls ( next town down) on Apr 29. He probably should be going to each so Medical appts may be the exception to the social isolation?
Take care....thinking of you both.
I find out something new every day.
Reading the Free Press this morning, there was an article about the difficulties roommates are finding in maintaining a social distance when you live in the same house/apartment. The anecdotal parts of the article showed examples of things that night have come up. One was disinfecting the kitchen after every time it's used. (cue sound of hysterical laughter.) I spend most of my computer time sitting in the kitchen. But I see the wisdom in, perhaps, making more of an effort to reduce the invisible pollutants ( note how careful I am to not use the word "dirt") This is why people are hoarding cleaning supplies! Duh!
So, how do I proceed? The last time my kitchen was immaculate was when the contractor turned it over following the renovations. I admit that we've been hand washing dishes daily. This covers the things that don't go in the dishwasher, or are used everyday, such as my Bodum. (Oh, I miss Starbucks!!) In the past this might have been done every two or three days. We've also been eating more common meals. That is cooking one meal for us to share rather than two separate meals, that weren't always both ready at the same time. I'm also considering how difficult it is to change habits.
I think that maybe the best I can hope for is to wipe everything down with a good cleaner, after every use. I may not be able to keep track of "every use" as most of my time is being spent in the basement (We've got the "social distancing" down to a science!). But realistically, I can't see being able to accomplish more. I'm also going to try to remember to give the bathroom a wipe down whenever it's sued. The article in the paper stated using separate bathrooms was needed, but that just isn't going to work around here, with the other bathroom being downstairs, and both of us having increasing difficulty with the stairs. To heck with toilet paper, we're going to need to hoard paper towel!
So, how do I proceed? The last time my kitchen was immaculate was when the contractor turned it over following the renovations. I admit that we've been hand washing dishes daily. This covers the things that don't go in the dishwasher, or are used everyday, such as my Bodum. (Oh, I miss Starbucks!!) In the past this might have been done every two or three days. We've also been eating more common meals. That is cooking one meal for us to share rather than two separate meals, that weren't always both ready at the same time. I'm also considering how difficult it is to change habits.
I think that maybe the best I can hope for is to wipe everything down with a good cleaner, after every use. I may not be able to keep track of "every use" as most of my time is being spent in the basement (We've got the "social distancing" down to a science!). But realistically, I can't see being able to accomplish more. I'm also going to try to remember to give the bathroom a wipe down whenever it's sued. The article in the paper stated using separate bathrooms was needed, but that just isn't going to work around here, with the other bathroom being downstairs, and both of us having increasing difficulty with the stairs. To heck with toilet paper, we're going to need to hoard paper towel!
Friday, March 20, 2020
Unfortunately, it's my special hand thrown coffee mug, but I'm in
We got a phone call late yesterday, asking me to come in today, to get my new hearing aid, as the office will be closed as of Monday. So up to the alarm this morning, with a few minutes for breakfast and to check the latest news. I have run out of green tea, so I checked the web site for the tea store, which is not far from the hearing center. They were offering "curb-side-pickup", or free delivery, within the city. I placed an order for "curb-side pickup. After my hearing appointment, we stopped by, just on speculation, to see if we could get our tea. The lady was there and told me that she hadn't had a chance to check internet orders, as she had arrived at the store this morning to find a flooded basement. Then she offered to check the order and pull it together for me, if we would wait in the car. After a bit of a wait, she came out to the car to tell me that she couldn't fill the order as she was out of one of the teas. But she would be picking it up at the border on Monday, and could fill the order then. That's where we left it, and I don't remember whether they will be calling me for pick up or if it is going to be delivered. Guess I'll find out next week.
On our way to the tea store, I had phoned the fabric store to see if they were open, and they were. This isn't very far from the tea store, at all. Got there and found everything on my shopping list. Next was a trip through the drive-thru Starbucks near home ( Not my usual store). This store is in the same mall as our credit union, and it was open!! After spending all day yesterday arguing with Shaw about how we were going to pay our bill! So we rushed home and then back to the credit union and sorted out our accounts, even paying the credit card for the money that we spent on the new hearing aid.
I've been telling you all of this, so that you know I've been mobile and out and about, after having another fall yesterday. I pretty sure I tripped over an electrical cord, in the basement. We are now talking seriously about re-arranging the furniture in the studio. I fell on my right shoulder, and hip, and I was concerned enough to have David take me to Urgent Care, yesterday afternoon. Quite different than last time, as I was in, seen, x-rayed, and discharged in 2 1/2 hours. There were only four other people in the waiting room and they consisted of two couples but each with only one patient.
So we've certainly been out and about, despite the "shelter in place" guidelines we're hearing. Which makes a phone call I received this afternoon all the more disturbing. My friend Gail called to let me know that she and the nephew who lives with her, are not feeling well and have come to realize that they were in contact with a potential virus source at a family gathering, about a week ago. This was two days before the two of us celebrated my birthday together at Starbucks. When we spoke she was in a bit of a panic, most concerned about not having a will, but also concerned about potentially having passed the virus on to a pair of vulnerable elderly people. Then I considered all of the people I was in contact with this morning. Not happy thoughts.
So what can be done? Absolutely nothing. What will be, will be.
On that happy thought, I'll wish you both a good weekend, and say "Good night!"
On our way to the tea store, I had phoned the fabric store to see if they were open, and they were. This isn't very far from the tea store, at all. Got there and found everything on my shopping list. Next was a trip through the drive-thru Starbucks near home ( Not my usual store). This store is in the same mall as our credit union, and it was open!! After spending all day yesterday arguing with Shaw about how we were going to pay our bill! So we rushed home and then back to the credit union and sorted out our accounts, even paying the credit card for the money that we spent on the new hearing aid.
I've been telling you all of this, so that you know I've been mobile and out and about, after having another fall yesterday. I pretty sure I tripped over an electrical cord, in the basement. We are now talking seriously about re-arranging the furniture in the studio. I fell on my right shoulder, and hip, and I was concerned enough to have David take me to Urgent Care, yesterday afternoon. Quite different than last time, as I was in, seen, x-rayed, and discharged in 2 1/2 hours. There were only four other people in the waiting room and they consisted of two couples but each with only one patient.
So we've certainly been out and about, despite the "shelter in place" guidelines we're hearing. Which makes a phone call I received this afternoon all the more disturbing. My friend Gail called to let me know that she and the nephew who lives with her, are not feeling well and have come to realize that they were in contact with a potential virus source at a family gathering, about a week ago. This was two days before the two of us celebrated my birthday together at Starbucks. When we spoke she was in a bit of a panic, most concerned about not having a will, but also concerned about potentially having passed the virus on to a pair of vulnerable elderly people. Then I considered all of the people I was in contact with this morning. Not happy thoughts.
So what can be done? Absolutely nothing. What will be, will be.
On that happy thought, I'll wish you both a good weekend, and say "Good night!"
TGIF anyone?
Let's have our own little TGIF get together....I'll pretend and you can pretend! I'll likely have a nice Earl Grey tea in the Duchess mug - what about you folks?
Shoveling water at the front of the house early this morning when i took Bailey out - could not manage to walk without getting my boots soaked so I carried him to a spot of snow to do his thing. His "thing" is still minimal but a trip to the Vet yesterday gave him more fluids subq and I am to go again today so that we can get through the weekend. We figured that going for a week without the supplemental fluid infusions were not enough so will go 2X a week Tuesday and Friday? Here's hoping something begins to happen and my little dog gets his normal life back.
I should really check outside again for shoveling, as it has been raining all night and with the frozen ground the water just flows downhill and accumulates under the front window.. They have put up a warning on the weather site about high wind gusts for today? which always cautions us for hydro outages in the area. I guess i will have to hope the greenhouse heaters will stay on but if we are without power - a whole new scenario emerges.
And today it is actually the real SPRING. Yeah! Lets celebrate....take care
Shoveling water at the front of the house early this morning when i took Bailey out - could not manage to walk without getting my boots soaked so I carried him to a spot of snow to do his thing. His "thing" is still minimal but a trip to the Vet yesterday gave him more fluids subq and I am to go again today so that we can get through the weekend. We figured that going for a week without the supplemental fluid infusions were not enough so will go 2X a week Tuesday and Friday? Here's hoping something begins to happen and my little dog gets his normal life back.
I should really check outside again for shoveling, as it has been raining all night and with the frozen ground the water just flows downhill and accumulates under the front window.. They have put up a warning on the weather site about high wind gusts for today? which always cautions us for hydro outages in the area. I guess i will have to hope the greenhouse heaters will stay on but if we are without power - a whole new scenario emerges.
And today it is actually the real SPRING. Yeah! Lets celebrate....take care
Thursday, March 19, 2020
A few words from this person...
Just need to keep the mind busy - thinking of you folks, and other wonderful thoughts.
I really liked to hear from you both and about your 'goings-on" Now Cathy, I am sure Keri will investigate the options being given from the Governments to financially support laid off workers if that will be the result of her business closing. We are hearing so much on the daily announcements of opportunities available, but one would have to pursue I guess?
We went to Mike's yesterday - it was Ok for all of us as we were essentially isolating as we saw no one else. I do not plan to gallivant about but there may be needs. For example, I think i will have to take Bailey to the Vet today as he is showing signs of regressing. Started on Tuesday and last night seemed to be the culmination of signs and symptoms leading me to this decision. I am needless to say, quite upset.
I loved to see your new work on the other blog Pati, and always enjoy what you are doing and then i always look for comments from others - sometimes there is one or two which is nice.
Milder and rainy forecast but I will have to open up the greenhouses today and get the water bottles ready. We have saved the small ginger ale bottles and each day I fill them individually with water from the kitchen and put into bags and these are carried out to each greenhouse to water the pots. Dull, mindless activity really haha!
So keep safe as everyone is now saying these days folks, and I love to hear any news you post on this blog - short or silly!! Take care
I really liked to hear from you both and about your 'goings-on" Now Cathy, I am sure Keri will investigate the options being given from the Governments to financially support laid off workers if that will be the result of her business closing. We are hearing so much on the daily announcements of opportunities available, but one would have to pursue I guess?
We went to Mike's yesterday - it was Ok for all of us as we were essentially isolating as we saw no one else. I do not plan to gallivant about but there may be needs. For example, I think i will have to take Bailey to the Vet today as he is showing signs of regressing. Started on Tuesday and last night seemed to be the culmination of signs and symptoms leading me to this decision. I am needless to say, quite upset.
I loved to see your new work on the other blog Pati, and always enjoy what you are doing and then i always look for comments from others - sometimes there is one or two which is nice.
Milder and rainy forecast but I will have to open up the greenhouses today and get the water bottles ready. We have saved the small ginger ale bottles and each day I fill them individually with water from the kitchen and put into bags and these are carried out to each greenhouse to water the pots. Dull, mindless activity really haha!
So keep safe as everyone is now saying these days folks, and I love to hear any news you post on this blog - short or silly!! Take care
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Another day, another day away from Starbucks
Missing Starbucks for sure, but I do have coffee in the freezer, so that's okay. Unfortunately, the treats are less expensive in this restaurant.
What are you two missing most? I spent a couple of hours today wrestling with the other blog, and finally beat it into submission, although came away a little bent and battered myself. I've been watching "Craft in America" on UTube. I have sometimes caught it by accident on PBS, before, so was excited seeing it in the selection beside that idiot woman on Last Homely House. I shouldn't disparage her. I envy her lifestyle, even if I would find it repetitive. She gets quite a bit of money for her quilts, unlike me. Still, she certainly keeps herself busy and in doing so keeps herself in good shape. Can't say the same about myself.
The other thing I'm doing a lot of is sleeping. It's almost as though, having no control over what is going on in the world, I've given myself permission to relax, stop worrying, and catch up with myself. That's nothing to sneeze at. Obviously I need the sleep, because I don't appear to have caught up yet. I slept last night, got up this morning, had breakfast and went back to bed for an hour and a half. There was also time for a nap, the last couple of days.
Tomorrow, we roast a turkey. It's been around for quite awhile, and I'm half afraid that we might have left it too long. Put we bought some potatoes last Friday, in anticipation of the turkey, and I bought the veggies I need to use left over turkey in Dr. Phil meals, so we're counting on it to feed us for the next 2-3 days.
But now it's bed time, and I'm more than ready to get a little more sleep.
What are you two missing most? I spent a couple of hours today wrestling with the other blog, and finally beat it into submission, although came away a little bent and battered myself. I've been watching "Craft in America" on UTube. I have sometimes caught it by accident on PBS, before, so was excited seeing it in the selection beside that idiot woman on Last Homely House. I shouldn't disparage her. I envy her lifestyle, even if I would find it repetitive. She gets quite a bit of money for her quilts, unlike me. Still, she certainly keeps herself busy and in doing so keeps herself in good shape. Can't say the same about myself.
The other thing I'm doing a lot of is sleeping. It's almost as though, having no control over what is going on in the world, I've given myself permission to relax, stop worrying, and catch up with myself. That's nothing to sneeze at. Obviously I need the sleep, because I don't appear to have caught up yet. I slept last night, got up this morning, had breakfast and went back to bed for an hour and a half. There was also time for a nap, the last couple of days.
Tomorrow, we roast a turkey. It's been around for quite awhile, and I'm half afraid that we might have left it too long. Put we bought some potatoes last Friday, in anticipation of the turkey, and I bought the veggies I need to use left over turkey in Dr. Phil meals, so we're counting on it to feed us for the next 2-3 days.
But now it's bed time, and I'm more than ready to get a little more sleep.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
We live in interesting times for sure....
We think we are far away from everything and yet schools and day cares are closed. The yellowhead centre has closed the arena and hall. Churches are cancelled. Rentals cancelled. Local stores have chosen to close. The Legion is open so far but has cancelled meat draw and chase the ace. All the classes at Arts Forward are cancelled and most people have cancelled their rentals. The doors are still open but Rrain is worried about being laid off. Jim and I have enough supplies to last us for quite a while if we end up stuck here. But!! The library was supposed to close on friday so I only took out a couple of books. When I got home they had published a notice that they were closed immediately! I hope they don’t run out of e-books. I made lasagne for the freezer yesterday but the 1/2 box of noodles in the pantry had only 2 noodles and the new box I bought was mostly shattered! A ended up cooking a batch of capellini that I had and made the middle layer of noodles out of it. Looks good! Though as reflection I should have used them for the top layer. Innovation😊. My turn to cook supper tonight.....Delissio Pizza here we come
Not much here----
will probably prove the norm, if all we do is sit at home and look at one another. One of the things they recommend is going for walks in some natural setting. One of the local DJ's was talking about the walking he was doing--2X 5k walks a day. You have a natural area for walking, Cathy, but it must be in horrible shape walking-wise, this time of year. The city sidewalks are pretty slippery, as the residential ones are mainly snow or ice covered right now. In a couple of months we could sit outside on the patio, or walk around the garden. There are newspaper articles saying that we don't have to be lonely, there are ways to socialize. Oh? Tell me how.
Tomorrow I have an appointment to have my teeth cleaned, but I called today and asked to cancel it. She responded by saying that she was just in the process of calling to cancel any non-emergency appointments, on the recommendation of their association.
I understand that there are significant fears about the continued viability of stores, especially the smaller ones, if there are no customers, but the government is looking at what steps could alleviate some of the negative effects of this sort of thing. The use of take-out and food delivery companies is being strongly recommended, along with large tips for the service.
We'll get through this, but it does make for "interesting times".
Tomorrow I have an appointment to have my teeth cleaned, but I called today and asked to cancel it. She responded by saying that she was just in the process of calling to cancel any non-emergency appointments, on the recommendation of their association.
I understand that there are significant fears about the continued viability of stores, especially the smaller ones, if there are no customers, but the government is looking at what steps could alleviate some of the negative effects of this sort of thing. The use of take-out and food delivery companies is being strongly recommended, along with large tips for the service.
We'll get through this, but it does make for "interesting times".
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Not much new here...
...but I like to send a few words anyway. Time is taken up with Bailey, and the greenhouses. Great fun! We did travel to North Bay yesterday as Harry wanted to go to a Liquidation sale he found advertised on the net. Turned out nothing was there - the address was right, but the store was closed tight and no cars ( secretly I said Yeah! haha) So we shopped in No Frills for a few items. As with everywhere else - NO papers goods - empty shelves. But I did get a few other items that I thought may come in handy if/when we are all sequestered in our little homes. Listening to the news seems to bring more anxiety to everyone, and I am included in that although I think I usually keep a fairly level headed approach to it all? But since we left for North Bay to shop and were gone for about 4 hours, Bailey was left alone for the first time in a while, and he managed just fine. For this I was very happy.
I have been able to go onto some of the quilting blogs that i follow and get caught up a bit. Even The Quilt Show is changing their approach to on line live teaching episodes from Alex because they have cancelled their in studio filming with guests.
So I enjoyed a quote from Nina Marie Sayre's blog Off the Wall Friday and I shall share it here for Cathy especially as I am sure Pati you may also have read it:
You can not calm the storm...so why keep trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.
So with that lets all keep "calming" ourselves, and thinking of each other. Take care
I have been able to go onto some of the quilting blogs that i follow and get caught up a bit. Even The Quilt Show is changing their approach to on line live teaching episodes from Alex because they have cancelled their in studio filming with guests.
So I enjoyed a quote from Nina Marie Sayre's blog Off the Wall Friday and I shall share it here for Cathy especially as I am sure Pati you may also have read it:
You can not calm the storm...so why keep trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.
So with that lets all keep "calming" ourselves, and thinking of each other. Take care
Friday, March 13, 2020
The whole world has gone crazy
We talked about the whole thing last evening and this morning, and decided to take precautions, but not go insane. I checked the pantry and made a list of things we might potentially need. It wasn't a long list, but we made sure that all of our prescriptions would be filled. With my dieting, we didn't have a lot of canned goods like soup etc., and I decided to get frozen rather than fresh vegetables for myself.
We headed for Sobeys, shortly after 11:00, and found a zoo. I've never seen the store so busy, and we've shopped there for years. We got the pantry goods we needed, as well as some beef and pork. We have two roasting chickens, a big turkey, and about 20 meals of boneless chicken in the freezer, so that seemed good. Then we headed for Superstore for a couple of otc pharmacy items and my Rye Krisp. It, too, was a zoo. Then off to Walmart. The parking lot was full, and people rushing around everywhere, inside. but we picked up the pills we had ordered, so headed to Tim's for a snack. We had bought meat to make David some stew, and had planned to pick up fresh veggies for that on our way home, so they couldn't freeze in the trunk of the car, while we went elsewhere. So we returned to Sobeys for veggies about 1:00. What a difference. We found parking right in front of the store. Inside very thing was cool and calm. What a difference!
What gets me is the panic about toilet paper. Neither the current flu nor the Covid19, have diarrhea as a symptom! Insanity. By the way, David phoned, this morning, and cancelled our trip to South beach. I wasn't disappointed. We are both considered high risk because of our age, and health problems. We plan to stick close to home over the next 30 days. The Charley Pride concert we have tickets for is April 27. I hope it isn't cancelled.
A couple of months ago, a big white van was parked at the bottom of our driveway, some distance from the curb, and real problem for us backing out onto the street.. David has called the city to report it abandoned a couple of times. A fellow came out about 3-4 weeks ago and took information, and told David that if it was still there in 30 days, it would be towed. While I was typing this, the tow truck came. Yay!! It's gone.
Hopefully, I can get some time in the studio over the next while. Today, I managed to put the binding on the most recent quilt I had machine quilted. Now I want to get that red thing finished. But first, we both need supper. Take care, and give some consideration to " Social Isolation". I think we generally live that way, but we are all at risk.
We headed for Sobeys, shortly after 11:00, and found a zoo. I've never seen the store so busy, and we've shopped there for years. We got the pantry goods we needed, as well as some beef and pork. We have two roasting chickens, a big turkey, and about 20 meals of boneless chicken in the freezer, so that seemed good. Then we headed for Superstore for a couple of otc pharmacy items and my Rye Krisp. It, too, was a zoo. Then off to Walmart. The parking lot was full, and people rushing around everywhere, inside. but we picked up the pills we had ordered, so headed to Tim's for a snack. We had bought meat to make David some stew, and had planned to pick up fresh veggies for that on our way home, so they couldn't freeze in the trunk of the car, while we went elsewhere. So we returned to Sobeys for veggies about 1:00. What a difference. We found parking right in front of the store. Inside very thing was cool and calm. What a difference!
What gets me is the panic about toilet paper. Neither the current flu nor the Covid19, have diarrhea as a symptom! Insanity. By the way, David phoned, this morning, and cancelled our trip to South beach. I wasn't disappointed. We are both considered high risk because of our age, and health problems. We plan to stick close to home over the next 30 days. The Charley Pride concert we have tickets for is April 27. I hope it isn't cancelled.
A couple of months ago, a big white van was parked at the bottom of our driveway, some distance from the curb, and real problem for us backing out onto the street.. David has called the city to report it abandoned a couple of times. A fellow came out about 3-4 weeks ago and took information, and told David that if it was still there in 30 days, it would be towed. While I was typing this, the tow truck came. Yay!! It's gone.
Hopefully, I can get some time in the studio over the next while. Today, I managed to put the binding on the most recent quilt I had machine quilted. Now I want to get that red thing finished. But first, we both need supper. Take care, and give some consideration to " Social Isolation". I think we generally live that way, but we are all at risk.
Sounds exciting to me....
....afterall, my excitement these days is watching Bailey urinate. I have another appt for 3:30 pm today at Vets. He called yesterday to enquire as to Baileys status and requested another fluid injection today to get him nicely through the weekend. I guess he thinks about not being here over the weekend just as I do, and maybe wants to ensure he does not get a call? Although he has said emphatically, call me and I'll be there. Reassuring in a way, but i sure do not want to take advantage of such an offer if I can manage well on my own. So far it is working.
Today is not nice - overcast, snowy and windy although on the mild side at just below freezing. Yesterday I had to open up the greenhouses and water all the plants and turn down the heat slightly because of the milder night temps, but Sat and Sunday nights will be minus teens again so I'll have to reverse that process tomorrow.
Nice to hear that you are going to South Beach Pati as planned. Here's to another fun time away and hoping that you will enjoy yourselves (and maybe be lucky!!)
Here in Ontario the March Break that starts today has been extended by 2 additional weeks so all the schools will be closed for three weeks now. And as you say Cathy, so many events are being cancelled / postponed. Mike heard from the University that they might consider face to face classes again next week but in meantime, they have also stated that Final Exams starting in April will be on line - that is, students write their exams at home. Mike favours that idea as he will be comfortable in his own place, with a coffee, and does not have the hassle to drive into Sudbury and manoevre to different sites to write in the big Gym set up with rows and rows of tables. Also, since it is on line, he can use his computer to fill in the answers and write the essays rather than the current process of writing it all longhand with a pencil in a special little paper folder they give them.Time will tell what will happen i guess.
Well I just finished cleaning all the bird cages so now I must vacuum. Hey what excitement!! I made a really tasty stew in the slow cooker yesterday so anxious to have another bowl of that for lunch. Have either of you heard of the newest in cooking called Sous Vide? Look it up on the net to see. Mike is thrilled with this method - he bought himself a machine, and says it is so easy for him to make a good meal.
I went to the store yesterday to buy toilet paper and some other items we needed, - the shelves of paper goods were almost bare and a sign saying only two packages per family. I still do not know the issues with toilet paper but i guess I might if push comes to shove and we find ourselves without down the road. What are you folks doing about stocking up related to the pandemic?
Take care
Today is not nice - overcast, snowy and windy although on the mild side at just below freezing. Yesterday I had to open up the greenhouses and water all the plants and turn down the heat slightly because of the milder night temps, but Sat and Sunday nights will be minus teens again so I'll have to reverse that process tomorrow.
Nice to hear that you are going to South Beach Pati as planned. Here's to another fun time away and hoping that you will enjoy yourselves (and maybe be lucky!!)
Here in Ontario the March Break that starts today has been extended by 2 additional weeks so all the schools will be closed for three weeks now. And as you say Cathy, so many events are being cancelled / postponed. Mike heard from the University that they might consider face to face classes again next week but in meantime, they have also stated that Final Exams starting in April will be on line - that is, students write their exams at home. Mike favours that idea as he will be comfortable in his own place, with a coffee, and does not have the hassle to drive into Sudbury and manoevre to different sites to write in the big Gym set up with rows and rows of tables. Also, since it is on line, he can use his computer to fill in the answers and write the essays rather than the current process of writing it all longhand with a pencil in a special little paper folder they give them.Time will tell what will happen i guess.
Well I just finished cleaning all the bird cages so now I must vacuum. Hey what excitement!! I made a really tasty stew in the slow cooker yesterday so anxious to have another bowl of that for lunch. Have either of you heard of the newest in cooking called Sous Vide? Look it up on the net to see. Mike is thrilled with this method - he bought himself a machine, and says it is so easy for him to make a good meal.
I went to the store yesterday to buy toilet paper and some other items we needed, - the shelves of paper goods were almost bare and a sign saying only two packages per family. I still do not know the issues with toilet paper but i guess I might if push comes to shove and we find ourselves without down the road. What are you folks doing about stocking up related to the pandemic?
Take care
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Nothing exciting in Neepawa
We did have a fire and weiner roast yesterday. It must have been too much excitement for me cause I fell asleep on the couch and didn't wake up until after 11pm! I then went to bed and slept until after 7. I must have been very tired to do that. Our taxes are ready and we pick them up this afternoon. Usually I just hope that between us we get enough back to pay the accountant. I am not sure what it will be like this year with my retirement. We are wondering now what will happen with the crib tournament with all the event cancellations because of the virus. We see on the map that it is slowly moving from both coasts into the middle of the country. It is still weeks away so things could be settled by then. Jim is off to buy eggs from Twilight this morning. That usually means stopping for a glass of wine with Sam. We got 10 dozen last week, but then Bette asked for 5 dozen, Lisa for 3, and 2 dozen were for Jean so we ended up with none. I still had a couple of dozen but that doesn't last long. I made hamburger patties and meatballs and that cut into them. We also had the last casserole from the freezer so I will have to get busy and get some more in there. And now you see that there really is no excitement in Neepawa
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Arrgg all around!
I guess it is an "arrggg" kind of week? At least apparently for Pati, and now I concur. It seems there is so much to do, and still so much anxiety ( or from my perspective that is what is being felt). Bailey is holding his own - eating now, and passing dribbles of urine still so I'll take that for now although I wish the amounts would increase and the incontinent dribbles would be resolved.. I offer water to him all the time.
Interesting happening now with Mike. The University has stopped all face to face classes and everything now is to be offered on line for the students to do from home. No activities on campus at all. This is in response to the Covid 19 pandemic - a man from Sudbury has been identified as positive catching the virus at the International Mining Conference in Toronto last week. It was an immediate and startling decision from the University, and Mike heard about it by the emails sent out from the University late last night. He just called and said he was going to go into town to shop but in speaking with some friends they said "don't bother" because people were panicing and line ups at all the stores and... they told him there was no toilet paper left anywhere. So he is staying put at home.
As a matter of fact, I just called the coordinator of the bus trips to Casino Rama to cancel out for March 26 - in my opinion the Casino is the last place one should go especially so close to Toronto and all the buses coming from there.
Well, time for bed. Hope all is well there and that Dave gets his computer fixed. Take care.
Interesting happening now with Mike. The University has stopped all face to face classes and everything now is to be offered on line for the students to do from home. No activities on campus at all. This is in response to the Covid 19 pandemic - a man from Sudbury has been identified as positive catching the virus at the International Mining Conference in Toronto last week. It was an immediate and startling decision from the University, and Mike heard about it by the emails sent out from the University late last night. He just called and said he was going to go into town to shop but in speaking with some friends they said "don't bother" because people were panicing and line ups at all the stores and... they told him there was no toilet paper left anywhere. So he is staying put at home.
As a matter of fact, I just called the coordinator of the bus trips to Casino Rama to cancel out for March 26 - in my opinion the Casino is the last place one should go especially so close to Toronto and all the buses coming from there.
Well, time for bed. Hope all is well there and that Dave gets his computer fixed. Take care.
Ar-g-g-g-h!
Not accomplishing much in the studio. David is having a lot of trouble with his computer, and has been with The Geek Squad on-line much of yesterday, and all of today, so far. He managed to set up remote control for them, today, without help. Bonus!
This evening is the monthly meeting of my Fibre art Support Group aka The Fibre art Divas. As usual, it is on the West side of the city, but I guess that's better than the meetings in Manitou or Holland.
Recently we have started talking about a new car. This means finding the money, and that usually results in a budget review. As usual I come to realize that I'm too liberal with the money and believe that David is too conservative. I want to prioritize my trips to Starbucks, but it is more expensive than some other coffee stores. But overall, I think we could consider a new car about a year from now. We would still have to borrow money, but would be in a better position to do so.
All of this doesn't mean that we've cancelled our trip out to South beach next week. I'm quite looking forward to it.
Also as usual, I'm struggling to maintain my eating regime. I moved from phase one to phase two today. I've been strong, but it's been difficult.
Have either of you taken a good look a Tim's Roll-up-the-Rim contest this year? Absolutely awful! Usually I buy a lot more Tim's coffee this time of year, but not this year! Incomprehensible, and entirely on-line. No thanks!
Okay lunch is over. Always nice to spend lunch with you, but I must go.
This evening is the monthly meeting of my Fibre art Support Group aka The Fibre art Divas. As usual, it is on the West side of the city, but I guess that's better than the meetings in Manitou or Holland.
Recently we have started talking about a new car. This means finding the money, and that usually results in a budget review. As usual I come to realize that I'm too liberal with the money and believe that David is too conservative. I want to prioritize my trips to Starbucks, but it is more expensive than some other coffee stores. But overall, I think we could consider a new car about a year from now. We would still have to borrow money, but would be in a better position to do so.
All of this doesn't mean that we've cancelled our trip out to South beach next week. I'm quite looking forward to it.
Also as usual, I'm struggling to maintain my eating regime. I moved from phase one to phase two today. I've been strong, but it's been difficult.
Have either of you taken a good look a Tim's Roll-up-the-Rim contest this year? Absolutely awful! Usually I buy a lot more Tim's coffee this time of year, but not this year! Incomprehensible, and entirely on-line. No thanks!
Okay lunch is over. Always nice to spend lunch with you, but I must go.
Monday, March 9, 2020
My Monday Morning
We bought our new alarm clocks. I set them both up, and set the alarms to ring at 7:00am, as I had an 8:30 appointment at the hearing center very close to Ikea, just about to the other side of the city. David's went off, mine didn't. Each one took about 30 minutes to set up, and I don't look forward to tackling it again.
Had a nice chat with the lady, and we decided that I would only buy one new hearing aid right now. There is a new technology arriving next Monday. She told me that this usually results in about a 2 year window to get a second hearing aid, with the matching technology should we find it necessary. Evidently, when there are two of them, they communicate with one another. Sounds a little "Star war-ish" to me, but I don't know enough to have an opinion. I spent some time chatting with the Audiologist, with her giving me lengthy explanations of various technologies. I had a hard time following her, which I blame on a decreasing concentration span. It may have been because of a short night, but I'm going to keep track of this, as it isn't the first time, I've realized that my mind wanders. Then it was off to Tim's where I had oatmeal, which was more or less according to Dr. Phil.
David has a follow-up appointment with the foot doctor, at 12:30, after his minor surgery last week, but I think he'll go on his own. I actually have an idea for a new fibre art piece. The book I read yesterday had a quote in it that really stuck in my mind. "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea" (Isak Dinesen). I think a visual representation of tears is obvious enough, but I spent some time on the internet yesterday looking for a visual representation of hard work. There is a beautiful Chinese symbol consisting of 2 characters, but that would probably be too obscure to put on a fibre piece, so I will have to work with one of the other less pleasing images.
Lately, I've been watching "The View". The first half of the show is usually an interview with some person active in the American political scene. The style of the interview is very different than what you might see on a news show, and I find it very informative. This is on CTV, and I think that's the network you get Beth?
Anyway, time to get moving, I guess. David ate well at Tim's so won't be needing lunch before he heads out, but I haven't yet figured out what might be for supper. And I do very much want to get down into the studio today.
Had a nice chat with the lady, and we decided that I would only buy one new hearing aid right now. There is a new technology arriving next Monday. She told me that this usually results in about a 2 year window to get a second hearing aid, with the matching technology should we find it necessary. Evidently, when there are two of them, they communicate with one another. Sounds a little "Star war-ish" to me, but I don't know enough to have an opinion. I spent some time chatting with the Audiologist, with her giving me lengthy explanations of various technologies. I had a hard time following her, which I blame on a decreasing concentration span. It may have been because of a short night, but I'm going to keep track of this, as it isn't the first time, I've realized that my mind wanders. Then it was off to Tim's where I had oatmeal, which was more or less according to Dr. Phil.
David has a follow-up appointment with the foot doctor, at 12:30, after his minor surgery last week, but I think he'll go on his own. I actually have an idea for a new fibre art piece. The book I read yesterday had a quote in it that really stuck in my mind. "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea" (Isak Dinesen). I think a visual representation of tears is obvious enough, but I spent some time on the internet yesterday looking for a visual representation of hard work. There is a beautiful Chinese symbol consisting of 2 characters, but that would probably be too obscure to put on a fibre piece, so I will have to work with one of the other less pleasing images.
Lately, I've been watching "The View". The first half of the show is usually an interview with some person active in the American political scene. The style of the interview is very different than what you might see on a news show, and I find it very informative. This is on CTV, and I think that's the network you get Beth?
Anyway, time to get moving, I guess. David ate well at Tim's so won't be needing lunch before he heads out, but I haven't yet figured out what might be for supper. And I do very much want to get down into the studio today.
Monday morning
Here I am early ready to start another week. I already have wash on from my dear Bailey. I do not care - he is here and he is voiding on his own. What more can a happy girl want??? I take him to the Vet this morning again.....so I expect there will be more of this "story" coming soon....
Mild again and with that I hear the drip, drip of the roof leaking - too bad, so sad ...I will just have to deal with it. I reconfigured the heaters and cords in the greenhouses again by setting up a third heater . Harry was not too happy with the lower night temperatures in the big greenhouse. So here we go again. It will be mild tonight but then night temps will dip to minus mid teens again. Oh, and in between, it shall be raining just to add another distressing component to the mix... haha!
Cathy, I am wondering how your travel plans are coming together - that and this current Covid19 outbreak have me wondering if they may cancel the event as I hear of so many other events following suit. What do you hear? I was speaking with Mike yesterday as well, and we discussed that Course/trip to Italy he wanted to attend in June ( he did not get accepted in the end) but now I expect that entire trip will be cancelled so maybe the stars were aligned for him afterall???
Well on with it Beth...have another coffee and get busy! Hope all is well with you folks. Have a good week and keep writing as it keeps me content to read you news. Take care
Mild again and with that I hear the drip, drip of the roof leaking - too bad, so sad ...I will just have to deal with it. I reconfigured the heaters and cords in the greenhouses again by setting up a third heater . Harry was not too happy with the lower night temperatures in the big greenhouse. So here we go again. It will be mild tonight but then night temps will dip to minus mid teens again. Oh, and in between, it shall be raining just to add another distressing component to the mix... haha!
Cathy, I am wondering how your travel plans are coming together - that and this current Covid19 outbreak have me wondering if they may cancel the event as I hear of so many other events following suit. What do you hear? I was speaking with Mike yesterday as well, and we discussed that Course/trip to Italy he wanted to attend in June ( he did not get accepted in the end) but now I expect that entire trip will be cancelled so maybe the stars were aligned for him afterall???
Well on with it Beth...have another coffee and get busy! Hope all is well with you folks. Have a good week and keep writing as it keeps me content to read you news. Take care
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Slowing Down
Well, I knew I needed to slow down a bit, and get some rest, after a very busy couple of weeks, and trying to battle a cold as well. Yesterday morning I woke up sore all over, but found that moving and Tylenol helped. Today, the moving is much more difficult and the Tylenol doesn't seem to be helping. All of this has made me think. I guess it's true that if we don't listen to what our bodies say to us, Mother Nature will step in and force us to behave. No, I'm not hurt, but stiff and sore, and I can work some of it out by moving, but too much moving can make it worse. So I'm relaxing as much as I can, and moving only as much as I need to. So far I haven't changed my analgesic routine at all--which, to me, is a good sign.
Poor little Bailey is having a much worse time, I'm sure. And he won't understand why it's happening, but I'm sure he will know that things feel much better when you hold him and cuddle him. Harder on you because you do understand what's going on, and the potential repercussions of it all.
I need a new bedroom clock. We both have the same type of clock with big letters and enough light to serve as a night light. We've had them for a few years and they both have a tendency to gain time slowly, although there is no way to correct that. Mine has gained about 24 minutes since I got it , lo those many years ago. They are computerized to the extent that they automatically change for DLS. Well, mine suddenly changed to an hour faster yesterday, so I figure that the workings are truly screwed up and it's time for a new clock. We've talked about new clocks for over a year now and the day has come. The cost is $20 each, and we buy them at Walmart, so they really don't owe us anything and that was a good purchase--taking the source into consideration.
Nothing else on tap for the weekend, so I truly plan to take it easy and try to catch up on sleep. Monday I have a very early appointment to be assessed for two new hearing aids. Our Income tax refund last year was put away for this, and we now have a refund from this year. There is lots of stuff we could buy with the money, so we want to nail down these hearing aids before the money melts away. It was a relief to find out that I don't need reading glasses, as that was the other priority we had for the money.
Beth, last Thursday was a special buy one, get one sale at Starbucks. It was also the last day before going back to phase one on my diet, so I bought myself a Cinnamon, Dulce latte. Quite nice. You may want to try it sometime. Of course, the other one I bought--for me--was my regular Hazelnut Latte. That one just can't be beat. IMHO
Poor little Bailey is having a much worse time, I'm sure. And he won't understand why it's happening, but I'm sure he will know that things feel much better when you hold him and cuddle him. Harder on you because you do understand what's going on, and the potential repercussions of it all.
I need a new bedroom clock. We both have the same type of clock with big letters and enough light to serve as a night light. We've had them for a few years and they both have a tendency to gain time slowly, although there is no way to correct that. Mine has gained about 24 minutes since I got it , lo those many years ago. They are computerized to the extent that they automatically change for DLS. Well, mine suddenly changed to an hour faster yesterday, so I figure that the workings are truly screwed up and it's time for a new clock. We've talked about new clocks for over a year now and the day has come. The cost is $20 each, and we buy them at Walmart, so they really don't owe us anything and that was a good purchase--taking the source into consideration.
Nothing else on tap for the weekend, so I truly plan to take it easy and try to catch up on sleep. Monday I have a very early appointment to be assessed for two new hearing aids. Our Income tax refund last year was put away for this, and we now have a refund from this year. There is lots of stuff we could buy with the money, so we want to nail down these hearing aids before the money melts away. It was a relief to find out that I don't need reading glasses, as that was the other priority we had for the money.
Beth, last Thursday was a special buy one, get one sale at Starbucks. It was also the last day before going back to phase one on my diet, so I bought myself a Cinnamon, Dulce latte. Quite nice. You may want to try it sometime. Of course, the other one I bought--for me--was my regular Hazelnut Latte. That one just can't be beat. IMHO
Friday, March 6, 2020
Unbelievable!
I had to reread your message a few times to grasp the extent of your "swimming in snow" experience. I felt your every move as if it were me there - what an awful thing to happen and as I dissected the course of events, it seems you reacted the same as I might have - "damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead" Out the door you flew in a panic likely. The saving grace in this case was likely the amount of snow that fell to cushion your fall. Now I wonder how you will be feeling this morning. Sore, and more sore? Please take care Pati.
We continue with caring for Bailey. To Dr yesterday afternoon where he received more fluids subcutaneously - trying to flush his kidneys and bladder. We are to return again this afternoon for more fluids to kick start the weekend. I worry when I realize that the Dr is not there on Sat and Sunday and hope we can get through until the Monday when I know I can see him at the Clinic if I need. Last weekend was the exception as he came on Sat especially for us after speaking on the phone. But I cannot expect that kind of consideration all the time. Anyway, we shall prevail!!
In meantime, there are chores that need attention here at home, and outside, and a few events I shall not attend. This Wed was to be the first meeting of the Support Group for Vision Loss in North bay that i wanted to attend- I have not contacted anyone yet about attending so I really do not need to worry - no one will know the difference if I do not come haha! I'll try for April?
Well, I guess it is on with the day folks. Hope the weekend will be better for all of us. Pati - no more falls. And Cathy you must take care of yourself. as well.
We continue with caring for Bailey. To Dr yesterday afternoon where he received more fluids subcutaneously - trying to flush his kidneys and bladder. We are to return again this afternoon for more fluids to kick start the weekend. I worry when I realize that the Dr is not there on Sat and Sunday and hope we can get through until the Monday when I know I can see him at the Clinic if I need. Last weekend was the exception as he came on Sat especially for us after speaking on the phone. But I cannot expect that kind of consideration all the time. Anyway, we shall prevail!!
In meantime, there are chores that need attention here at home, and outside, and a few events I shall not attend. This Wed was to be the first meeting of the Support Group for Vision Loss in North bay that i wanted to attend- I have not contacted anyone yet about attending so I really do not need to worry - no one will know the difference if I do not come haha! I'll try for April?
Well, I guess it is on with the day folks. Hope the weekend will be better for all of us. Pati - no more falls. And Cathy you must take care of yourself. as well.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Another Day
And it's Cathy's Birthday!! I hope you have great day, and get to do whatever makes you happy. while birthdays are always great when you get to spend them with family, sometimes that just doesn't work out, and you have to use your own dreams to create your own day. Best Wishes, Cathy.
My day didn't quite start out so great. We ended up with 10-15 cm of snow, rather than the 3-5 that had originally been predicted, so David had to get out the snowblower first thing. I worry about him out there all alone, and try to keep an eye, or maybe an ear, open just in case. Well, I heard a sudden loud noise that sounded like the snowblower had hit the house, and then the sound of the snowblower didn't move for what seemed to be too long. I rushed out the front door, as that was where the sound appeared to be coming from, and down the stairs, into far deeper snow that I expected, missed the bottom step, and fell flat onto my face in the front flower bed. I was flat in deep but soft snow, in my indoor clothing, with my feet on the sidewalk and my head lower into the flower bed.. There was no way I could get onto my knees or even turn myself over. I was almost swimming in the snow. Of course, I called David, even though I realized that he wouldn't hear me over the snowblower, and if he had had an accident he wouldn't be able to help at all. I was in a panic. It seemed forever, with me struggling and getting colder and colder before David came out the front door, in his stocking feet, and found me. He had gone into the house to look for me. That's why the snowblower hadn't moved. Well, he couldn't lift me or help me up, but between the two of us I got up on my knees and then holding onto his arms, managed to walk on my knees over to the front stairs, where I used the railing to pull myself up, again with his help. Then he helped me into the house. By that time we were both very wet, and cold. The first step was to get my hands under warm water to try to warm them up a bit, and then it was strip down for both of us, and find dry clothes for me and socks for him. By that time, the kitchen floor and living room rug were both covered in snow.
When I was down there I was hoping a neighbour could see me and help, but after the fact, I was almost glad no neighbour saw the performance. Needless to say, I hurt all over. I'm concerned about my knees, as I've been warned not to bear weight on them. Thank Goodness, the snow was soft enough to minimize the actual pain of bearing weight at the time, or I would never have made it over to the stairs. But no bones were broken, and there was no blood, so maybe the worst damage was to my dignity.
So we're both taking it easy this evening. Project Runway is on at 9:00 until 10:30. It the finale, so we don't want to miss a minute. Maybe with a glass of wine?
My day didn't quite start out so great. We ended up with 10-15 cm of snow, rather than the 3-5 that had originally been predicted, so David had to get out the snowblower first thing. I worry about him out there all alone, and try to keep an eye, or maybe an ear, open just in case. Well, I heard a sudden loud noise that sounded like the snowblower had hit the house, and then the sound of the snowblower didn't move for what seemed to be too long. I rushed out the front door, as that was where the sound appeared to be coming from, and down the stairs, into far deeper snow that I expected, missed the bottom step, and fell flat onto my face in the front flower bed. I was flat in deep but soft snow, in my indoor clothing, with my feet on the sidewalk and my head lower into the flower bed.. There was no way I could get onto my knees or even turn myself over. I was almost swimming in the snow. Of course, I called David, even though I realized that he wouldn't hear me over the snowblower, and if he had had an accident he wouldn't be able to help at all. I was in a panic. It seemed forever, with me struggling and getting colder and colder before David came out the front door, in his stocking feet, and found me. He had gone into the house to look for me. That's why the snowblower hadn't moved. Well, he couldn't lift me or help me up, but between the two of us I got up on my knees and then holding onto his arms, managed to walk on my knees over to the front stairs, where I used the railing to pull myself up, again with his help. Then he helped me into the house. By that time we were both very wet, and cold. The first step was to get my hands under warm water to try to warm them up a bit, and then it was strip down for both of us, and find dry clothes for me and socks for him. By that time, the kitchen floor and living room rug were both covered in snow.
When I was down there I was hoping a neighbour could see me and help, but after the fact, I was almost glad no neighbour saw the performance. Needless to say, I hurt all over. I'm concerned about my knees, as I've been warned not to bear weight on them. Thank Goodness, the snow was soft enough to minimize the actual pain of bearing weight at the time, or I would never have made it over to the stairs. But no bones were broken, and there was no blood, so maybe the worst damage was to my dignity.
So we're both taking it easy this evening. Project Runway is on at 9:00 until 10:30. It the finale, so we don't want to miss a minute. Maybe with a glass of wine?
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Whe-e-e-w!!
We appear to be on a fast moving treadmill. We've been so busy every day, that I don't seem to have any time to sleep. Yesterday, I was up early and off to Selkirk for my day in the Gallery. It was a pleasant day, with a young lady named Kira. She is a new member to the gallery, and I was able to share a lot of information with her, about how the gallery works. I was typing up the minutes from the meeting a couple of weeks ago. Forgot the mouse for my machine, so she suggested that I borrow the mouse from the galley computer. I did and it worked just fine. And, yes, we put it back before we left.
Then it was out to supper at the local Mall. This is becoming a regular Tuesday night outing. We went a little further, and were not home until midnight. I had a terrible time sleeping, as it was so hot during the night. This morning it was up, showers, and off to the same mall for the last meeting about our taxes. We got there a little early, so it was breakfast in the same food court as we had supper. The taxes turned out to be more expensive than I thought they would be, but we still got a healthy refund. A quick trip to the grocery store , on our way home for a bite of lunch, and then off to the optometrist. The medical supply store was in the same building as the optometrist, so I picked up the new wrist braces that my doctor had ordered, on the way in. I have been concerned about what I felt is increasing difficulty with my close vision, mainly for reading. While we waited to see her, I had picked out a very pretty pair of frames. But after a very thorough examination, she suggested that I might not need glasses, and that, given the distance that I report my reading is done, an old pair of special focal length glasses, just might do the trick. These were purchased for using at the sewing machine. We went to Starbucks after my appointment, and I tried the old glasses out while reading while drinking my coffee, and they seem to work just fine.
While in Starbucks, the snow started. Now it is coming down quite heavily. There are 2-4 cm predicted. Both of us are exhausted, so it will be a quiet night home. We plan to watch "The Masked Singer" tonight , but it will probably be directly to bed after that.
Thinking about you and little Bailey, Beth. We wish both of you well. Not a good time for any of the Pearce household.
Then it was out to supper at the local Mall. This is becoming a regular Tuesday night outing. We went a little further, and were not home until midnight. I had a terrible time sleeping, as it was so hot during the night. This morning it was up, showers, and off to the same mall for the last meeting about our taxes. We got there a little early, so it was breakfast in the same food court as we had supper. The taxes turned out to be more expensive than I thought they would be, but we still got a healthy refund. A quick trip to the grocery store , on our way home for a bite of lunch, and then off to the optometrist. The medical supply store was in the same building as the optometrist, so I picked up the new wrist braces that my doctor had ordered, on the way in. I have been concerned about what I felt is increasing difficulty with my close vision, mainly for reading. While we waited to see her, I had picked out a very pretty pair of frames. But after a very thorough examination, she suggested that I might not need glasses, and that, given the distance that I report my reading is done, an old pair of special focal length glasses, just might do the trick. These were purchased for using at the sewing machine. We went to Starbucks after my appointment, and I tried the old glasses out while reading while drinking my coffee, and they seem to work just fine.
While in Starbucks, the snow started. Now it is coming down quite heavily. There are 2-4 cm predicted. Both of us are exhausted, so it will be a quiet night home. We plan to watch "The Masked Singer" tonight , but it will probably be directly to bed after that.
Thinking about you and little Bailey, Beth. We wish both of you well. Not a good time for any of the Pearce household.
Life continues here.....
Sorry that the blogging has been quiet for me lately as we work through issues with Bailey. It has been an awful journey over last few days and neither Harry nor I have had much sleep and one can really feel what lack of sleep does to one's body and mind.
Another two days and one night spent in the Vets Clinic for the dear doggy Monday and Tuesday, but we picked him up at 4 pm last evening and he is home - it all depends on how he responds now. We will nurse him here for today and if need to take him to Clinic again Thursday, we shall.
Otherwise nothing has been done around here except monitoring the greenhouse - I spent the entire day Monday at the Clinic with Bailey, but Harry was able to do some transplanting in the greenhouse that day. The plants are looking very healthy and strong and big this year so i am hoping that it will be a good year (as opposed to last year which was a disaster)
So I sit with my coffee right now, and wait until Bailey and Harry get up and then we start all over again. A bit of quiet time, but let me tell you how stressed i am right now. Not a nice way to be...
Take care
Another two days and one night spent in the Vets Clinic for the dear doggy Monday and Tuesday, but we picked him up at 4 pm last evening and he is home - it all depends on how he responds now. We will nurse him here for today and if need to take him to Clinic again Thursday, we shall.
Otherwise nothing has been done around here except monitoring the greenhouse - I spent the entire day Monday at the Clinic with Bailey, but Harry was able to do some transplanting in the greenhouse that day. The plants are looking very healthy and strong and big this year so i am hoping that it will be a good year (as opposed to last year which was a disaster)
So I sit with my coffee right now, and wait until Bailey and Harry get up and then we start all over again. A bit of quiet time, but let me tell you how stressed i am right now. Not a nice way to be...
Take care
Sunday, March 1, 2020
A decision
but only a small one. Today, I'm still a little under the weather, but decided to go and check the work I was doing in the studio yesterday. Sometimes when I think there has been a major issue, it looks much better after a good night's sleep, and not worth any further worry. But I did discover that I hadn't been using my "slider'. this is just a piece of plastic that fits over my sewing machine to minimize friction and "drag" when I'm working, especially when doing free motion work. I put it on and tried a bit more and had no problem. My work was just about the best I've done on this piece. But also came the revelation that I'm very dependent on the "slider", and do I want to be dependent on a piece of equipment, as insignificant as that really is.
But "no"! If this makes it so that I can do the work I want to do and do it well, then I will use it faithfully. This took a bit of thought before I could verbalize accepting that need--it was a carefully thought out decision, but one I'm comfortable with.
I love my new gloves. The beige pair go well with my fur coat. Both pair appear to be hand knit wool, but my allergy to wool isn't a problem, as they are fully lined with fleece. It's a little late in the season to find them, but I will be keeping them safe until next fall.
This evening, I took a look in a decorative chest I keep on a table in the living room. I figured that there was something in it, but I wasn't sure what. I found a mushroom shaped pin cushion very similar to the big one you gave me, Cathy, and then had a vague recollection that they might have been a pair. There were two needle cases and several packages of needles. Now, needles have been an issue ever since I started my "purging". I'm finding the beasts everywhere, and they usually come in packages. The packages tell me that the needles are good ones, and that I paid a bit for them, at some time in the distant past, when I was doing much more in the way of hand stitching. I have a zipper pouch full of them, and don't need any more. Nor will I ever need any more. So, for the most part I'm pitching them out--in a sharps container, of course. There's always a good use for old pill bottles, and people our age always have empty pill bottles.
Tonight I made Daddy's "Seven Layer Dinner", or as it's sometimes known, "Ship wreck". We bought potatoes while we were out for coffee today, but didn't buy an onion, as there was one in the pantry. Well, that one proved to be rotten, and we weren't going out again ( It is snowing and windy), but, I did have a partial container of French Fried onions, so put a layer of that in, and then sprinkled some on top during the last 20 minutes of cooking, when the lid is off. The dish tasted great but the texture was entirely changed. Not better or worse, but different--much thicker. I may try this again sometime, or I might not. we'll see.
However, I've now had my shower, and have just about enough time for a poker tournament before bed. Have a good week, ladies.
But "no"! If this makes it so that I can do the work I want to do and do it well, then I will use it faithfully. This took a bit of thought before I could verbalize accepting that need--it was a carefully thought out decision, but one I'm comfortable with.
I love my new gloves. The beige pair go well with my fur coat. Both pair appear to be hand knit wool, but my allergy to wool isn't a problem, as they are fully lined with fleece. It's a little late in the season to find them, but I will be keeping them safe until next fall.
This evening, I took a look in a decorative chest I keep on a table in the living room. I figured that there was something in it, but I wasn't sure what. I found a mushroom shaped pin cushion very similar to the big one you gave me, Cathy, and then had a vague recollection that they might have been a pair. There were two needle cases and several packages of needles. Now, needles have been an issue ever since I started my "purging". I'm finding the beasts everywhere, and they usually come in packages. The packages tell me that the needles are good ones, and that I paid a bit for them, at some time in the distant past, when I was doing much more in the way of hand stitching. I have a zipper pouch full of them, and don't need any more. Nor will I ever need any more. So, for the most part I'm pitching them out--in a sharps container, of course. There's always a good use for old pill bottles, and people our age always have empty pill bottles.
Tonight I made Daddy's "Seven Layer Dinner", or as it's sometimes known, "Ship wreck". We bought potatoes while we were out for coffee today, but didn't buy an onion, as there was one in the pantry. Well, that one proved to be rotten, and we weren't going out again ( It is snowing and windy), but, I did have a partial container of French Fried onions, so put a layer of that in, and then sprinkled some on top during the last 20 minutes of cooking, when the lid is off. The dish tasted great but the texture was entirely changed. Not better or worse, but different--much thicker. I may try this again sometime, or I might not. we'll see.
However, I've now had my shower, and have just about enough time for a poker tournament before bed. Have a good week, ladies.
Mitts
The mitts you bought are really very gorgeous - maybe too nice to wear? How do they look with your fur coat Pati?
What horrible cold temperatures these last few days and then tomorrow and for next few days it is to hover around freezing mark - no sense to it at all. But today is the first day of March and that much closer to Spring. So we shall "March" on towards warmer days.....
Just an update to share briefly. Our dear Bailey has not been well and since mid last week has required us to seek emergency care - first during the night Thursday in North Bay, and then Friday at our Vets which required emergency Surgery and then yesterday, Sat, requiring me to call back the vet for another assessment requiring him to open up the surgical wound again last evening. The issue seems to be bladder stones. We just picked him up at the Vets at 6;15 this morning after he spent the night there. The vet and his family had to leave early to get back to a commitment in Orillia this morning. The Vet lives in Gravenhurst which is about 90 minutes south of here but he drove up at 5 pm yesterday with his wife and adult daughter They have a small apartment above the Clinic where they spent the night so he could do the surgery and monitor Bailey during the night. His daughter is his assistant and the wife helped as well. Bailey is now cuddled in with Harry. He has a urinary catheter in site to a drainage bag so there will be no need to take him outside and we are to monitor and have the catheter removed Mon or Tuesday at the clinic. Bailey already looked brighter when we took him from the cage, and lapped at his water dish when we got home so I am feeling much more confident in his continued progress.
So my time lately has been with caring for Bailey and shall continue intensely over next few days for sure. Wish him well folks...he really is a dear companion for us. Take care
What horrible cold temperatures these last few days and then tomorrow and for next few days it is to hover around freezing mark - no sense to it at all. But today is the first day of March and that much closer to Spring. So we shall "March" on towards warmer days.....
Just an update to share briefly. Our dear Bailey has not been well and since mid last week has required us to seek emergency care - first during the night Thursday in North Bay, and then Friday at our Vets which required emergency Surgery and then yesterday, Sat, requiring me to call back the vet for another assessment requiring him to open up the surgical wound again last evening. The issue seems to be bladder stones. We just picked him up at the Vets at 6;15 this morning after he spent the night there. The vet and his family had to leave early to get back to a commitment in Orillia this morning. The Vet lives in Gravenhurst which is about 90 minutes south of here but he drove up at 5 pm yesterday with his wife and adult daughter They have a small apartment above the Clinic where they spent the night so he could do the surgery and monitor Bailey during the night. His daughter is his assistant and the wife helped as well. Bailey is now cuddled in with Harry. He has a urinary catheter in site to a drainage bag so there will be no need to take him outside and we are to monitor and have the catheter removed Mon or Tuesday at the clinic. Bailey already looked brighter when we took him from the cage, and lapped at his water dish when we got home so I am feeling much more confident in his continued progress.
So my time lately has been with caring for Bailey and shall continue intensely over next few days for sure. Wish him well folks...he really is a dear companion for us. Take care
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