Big city driving...

All the time I read your message Pati, i was trying to navigate through your directions but I must say, i got lost. Mostly because I was feeling your anxiety and "panic" as well. I agree with Cathy, i am glad i do not face such issues where i live and where I drive. You are a trooper Pati, because you keep at it and do not let the fears and the traffic win over
Today i go to visit old friend Daisy (age 92 years)at her home here in Sundridge. They ( son,granddaughter and her) are up from Toronto for awhile.I will bake some choc chip cookies early to take for the 10:30 am visit (they will be hot out of the oven as i did not have the energy to bake last evening)
Last evening I received a call from neighbour Gerd to inform me that my friend ( his wife) Ruth died yesterday at the Hospice in North Bay. It has been a long haul for him and the family since her Sx July 15. She had come home July 17 but on that next day July 18, her 82nd Birthday she fell and was taken to the hospital with a head injury and internal bleeding and never recovered. I shall miss her and I feel for Gerd and his family now.
Saturday we ( Harry is coming with me) will go to North Bay to help Willie move from one place to another. We will do what we can to help, as he has already been packing and transporting items over the past week in his truck and trailer from point A to point B.
I am hoping all will go OK.
Our garden has been left alone for awhile what with our travels back and forth to Dr and test appointments for Harry. he is certainly getting the full treatment as directed from his new Doctor and I hope something tangible will come of it. But in meantime, I have picked beans, and tomatoes and watered a bit, but have not enjoyed my regular walkabouts, or sitting etc which usually makes my day.
The hot humid weather appears to be breaking according to next weeks forecasts and hope it will be true. But also I cannot believe it is already August. Ugh!  I can already see myself with shovel in hand fighting off the snow and cold. Not a pleasant thought.
Take care and be safe...thinking of you all...

OMG

I am so glad I live here. Although all our important appointments are in Brandon, we really don’t have to deal with traffic like that!  I am suffering through withdrawal since Kris and Chloe left, I will survive😞. I will be in bed early tonight since “someone” woke me up at 12:30 by turning on the light and asking where the cat was. Grrrrrr OMG!  She was in the kitchen. I still love where I live.

Busy days but not much accomplished

Yesterday David went to get his new hearing aids.  Knowing it would take about an hour to program them, I went to Starbucks for coffee, rather than wait outside in the car. Driving North on Route 90 from Sterling Lyon Parkway. I experienced one lane traffic both ways.  I also noticed that the South Lane was backed up bumper to bumper, as far to the North as I could see.  I managed to turn west at Corydon, to head  for the little mall where Starbucks was, found a table inside, and relaxed over my coffee.  But I also started to plan how I would get back to pick David up, and finally decided that my best bet would be to head straight East to Waverley and then back South to the Parkway again to head West, totally avoiding Route 90.  I also realized that I would have to head back much earlier, as I had so much further to go.  So off I go.  As I'm heading East on Corydon, I ran into single lane construction, and got in a panic, but then remembered that last time we went that way, we got through the construction fairly quickly. Then my cell phone rings, and knowing it was David, I answered it, while driving through the construction.  It was the office lady telling me that he was ready much earlier as there had been a problem with the hearing aids.  She started to describe the problem, and I just said Thank you I'm driving, and hung up.  I owe her an apology.  But this brought back my panic, and then I realized that I had reached Stafford and Corydon and there had been no Waverley.  I should have been on Grant.  Total panic.  Still in construction, and the sign said no right turn, so I drove through the intersection. Then realized that the sign had actually said "No right turn on red light".  I could have turned

By this point all I can think of was getting back to David as quickly as possible and that meant getting back to Stafford so that I could get to Grant.  Turned South, and got into residential streets, none of which had anything except stop signs for getting onto very busy Stafford. At this point I'm almost in tears. After forever, a nice man stopped and let me out ( he had no choice as he was waiting for a red light at the next intersection North).  Then it was a quick job to get to David, who had been waiting in a very hot, sunny parking lot.  I was pretty well a "basket case' for the rest of the day.

Today was 3 1/2 hours of frantic grocery shopping, and spending far too much money, followed by a nap.  But, at least, the groceries got put away, before I passed out.

Now, tomorrow David has a 7:30 doctors appointment, and I have laundry to face when we get home.  I'm not holding up well with this activity, but only have to get through the wine bottling on Saturday, when I can rest for the rest of the weekend.  I will definitely need it.  I'm very much feeling my age.

So happy

Kris and Chloe came here yesterday and camped overnight. What a treat for me!  We walked and talked and by this morning Chloe was really comfy around me again. We went the the playground at the school today and the other kids that showed up with their grandma were from Killarney! Chloe was even in day care with one of them, and Sandi works at the hospital with their father. Auntie Kik’s work was a big hit since the gallery is empty so Chloe could run and dance her heart out. Once we were home she built herself a “lounger” out of pillows and watched TV while eating a big lunch. She was very hungry😊. Obviously I enjoyed the visit. Now it is back to normal☹️, but I have the memories. 

Boho beads day out

Pati, it sounded like just a great day and I loved the beads you two made last time - any pictures taken this time around? And Cathy I am thinking of you today and hoping Kris and Chloe were able to join you and Jim. As for me, I was waiting for the forecast thunderstorm to hit today but it has now been moved forward to tonight. And then a few days of same weather. The heat this time around has not felt as intense as it was a few weeks back - that was brutal! And of course maybe the a/c in Harry's room has helped a bit?
I was anxious to get my new reading glasses today but, unfortunately, they did not come into the office so now I must wait until next Tuesday as this satellite office in South River is not open until then ( with the Monday stat holiday) They are only in South River Mon and Tuesdays as the main office is in Huntsville. I can wait I guess as I have been struggling with these ones for a few years now so another week is OK.
I made hot dogs for my meal today - yes...I had a craving so yesterday shopping I bought a package of wieners, and a package of buns. I only had two today but could easily have them again tomorrow haha!  I used a machine Harry acquired a few years ago called Hot Dog Express that has four rows of rotating spheres which hold the wieners and rotate them and heat them. I did not work very well and I might have been better off heating them in the micro - actually i wished i could have put them on the BBQ but that is not in use these days. 
I totally cleaned the fridge today which was in pretty bad shape with fruit and veg been shoved in for days without organization or thought. You know it is bad when you put something on a shelf or find a hole and then slam the door closed quickly to keep it in!!
I picked green beans this afternoon from the garden - surprised to get so many as three patches of them planted did not grow very well -actually they grew too close and most likely did not get pollinated.
We have four budgie eggs in the nesting cage again and since it is the third try for this mother bird to reproduce, she may be lucky and I may be unlucky ( I felt lucky the first two times when they all did not mature to develop chicks and she was left with none)
Speaking of birds it is time to put them all to bed. I do not have a book on the go right now to read in bed. I ordered the next Rockton Series book (Kelly Armstrong) that I have not read yet from the Library but they do not know if they will be able to get it with all the precautions r/t Covid etc. Some Libraries are not open or not lending any books out right now.
So take care folks - be safe, stay at home, have a glass of wine ...

Boho Beads

Yesterday Gail and I spent over four hours sitting at her dining room table working on our Boho Beads.  I headed out right after watching The View, stopping at Subway for a couple of sandwiches, and then Tim's for a coffee ( she doesn't keep coffee in her house).  Still made it out there about 11:45.  She was ready to eat, and we got things sorted out while having lunch.  She has one of those big, round dining room tables with a large Lazy Susan built into the middle.  She had set up her stuff, leaving space for mine, and then aimed a large fan down the center between us.  This kept it almost cool all day, as she has a small portable a/c set up in a window just off the combination  living room/dining room.  We worked steadily until about 3:45, and only finished 3-4 beads each.  We were also able to throw ideas around about how they might possibly be offered for sale, but this was in the full  realization that they are a labour of love and would never produce a profit. I felt a little guilty about the time we spent together, as she is self employed, and doesn't get paid, if she doesn't work, but she had wanted the day off. 

Then it was a drive home during rush hour, which turned out not to be too bad, as I chose a route to avoid what I knew to be trouble areas.  Still, by the time I got home, I was exhausted.  That intense 4 hour period of creative steady work, plus the highway driving did me in.  We watched the news, and then antiques Roadshow, than David found another Antiques Roadshow.  After that I wanted to relax with a poker tournament, as I knew that if I went to bed too early, I would be up very early.  Got caught up in the tournament, and ended up staying up far too long.  Then had trouble falling asleep, and saw 1:00 over a cup of Sleepytime Tea--which finally did the job.  So today I will take it somewhat easy.  David has to take the car in for an oil change today, and I have yet to unpack the big tote bag I used to take the stuff out to Gail's yesterday.  I have started another hand stitching project, and did a fair bit last evening, while watching tv, so will have to take an iron to that.  But I still see a nap in my future today, and since we don't go grocery shopping until tomorrow or Thursday, I'll maybe have a chore finding something for supper this evening.

At least we can breathe today

We couldn’t breathe in the house yesterday. It was so hot and humid. We went to the legion at 3pm (it’s air conditioned) and picked up Chinese for supper. So far since last February we have had 2 Chinese takeouts and lunch in town once. I really have to get out more. Today, being cooler, I weeded and picked beans. Once I got the beans in the freezer I vacuumed and then packed it in for the day. Don’t have to worry about supper since we will have leftover Chinese. (Even though we had it for lunch). I never even shut the house up today since the breeze was so refreshing. Jim and Sam were going to put the tin roof on the shed today but it was actually too windy to carry the tin up. So they had a couple of beer instead. Jim has an appointment in Brandon on Tuesday and he is going to check the humane society for a new dog. It is time. Chase has been gone for three months and JJ for over six weeks. It won’t feel like betrayal to love a new dog now. Kris and Chloe might be here for supper on Tuesday and spend the night. They are taking their camper to a friends place for an annual august long weekend party and thought they might stay here on Tuesday and haul it to Blake’s on Wednesday. It will be wonderful to see them even if Sandi can’t come with them. Jim says to tell you the garden is really looking good. He is very happy about that, especially after last year. 

The little dog is back.....

Well, yes, we have possession of little Lily again but on a more permanent basis as it turns out. Today was Will's Birthday so i went up with cake and card in hand. The house in which they rent a portion has been sold and they have found another accommodation and will be moving Aug 1. A fast move! And rental rates are totally crazy...glad I am not into renting these days. And they need to get rid of most of their animals so - you guessed it- Lily came back home with me. Harry had told Willie on the phone that we ( the royal we I assume) would take her. As I write this she is curled up on my lap, but will soon join Harry in his room !! I will be going up again on Saturday Aug 1 to help with the move best I can. I have been through this with Willie before so I always feel someone with a level head should be present (wish me luck).
The heat has arrived and i am actually sweating at the computer table in spite of the overhead fan going. Harry's room is really cool with the new a/c. May be i should buy myself one....????
Tomorrow it is to Huntsville for our appointments (both of us)and some shopping.Then Tuesday i should be getting my new glasses - I am looking forward to this as I am sure they will make a big difference for me. 
So time to close up and to bed. Pati I have not viewed that latest The Quilt Show yet, But I am thrilled to see The Last Homely House back in business again. And did you see how quickly the new items in her Shop "sold out" .
New week, new adventures....have fun. Take care

Staying close to home.

Busy day today.  This morning David decided that he needed to use the power washer to clean out the eaves troughing on the garage.  This meant climbing up onto the garage roof.  He had to set up the power washer including electricity and the hose, and climb up the ladder carrying the machine.  Then he had to walk all around the roof, using the washer in the eaves troughing, but trailing both the power cord and hose with him.  I figured that maybe I needed to at least be watching if not more actively helping.  So I sat on the patio and watched with the phone in hand in case I needed to call 911.

That took care of the morning.  Then, after going out for coffee, I spent a couple of hours in the basement doing prep work for my next hand stitching project.  I also had to pack a suitcase, as tomorrow I'm heading out to Gail's for another day of making Boho beads.  She wants to make some smaller ones for earrings, but I just want to fool around.  This evening, I'll have to re-watch the Utube video on the process.  I also plan to, at least, take a look a the new show on the Quilt Show.  Their shows lately are much more basic than I would like, but there is probably much more demand to that sort of thing.

So this evening I want to just relax,  maybe play a little poker, and get to bed early.

Garden Pizza anyone?

Well, you know I love to make my homemade Pizza - it delights me to make and bake it. (Thank you again Cathy for recipe decades ago! - in fact my Mike is now making this as a favourite and we exchange ideas for toppings haha!) Anyway I fashioned another for my usual Friday pizza meal yesterday. Tomatoes and onions from the garden, blended for the sauce, then add to blender thyme leaves, and oregano leaves fresh picked and washed. Place on crust and add some sliced olives ( from the jar) and then top with Mozzarella cheese freshly grated. It was most delicious and I have some left over for my breakfast. Harry even had a piece when he came over to inspect the pizza fresh from the oven, so it must have looked appealing!
Harry's "Doctoring" is starting to become a full time adventure or it seems so... another appointment next week in North Bay for a peripheral circulation assessment.So we go to Huntsville on Monday - Harry for an echocardiogram and me for my yearly hearing aid check, and then to North Bay Thursday. Still two tests pending waiting to be scheduled. I feel like a 'secretary" keeping track of dates and times and also keeping medications,and changes to same all straight haha!  I guess it keeps me busy and off the streets??
Today I bake a cheery cheese cake to take up to North Bay for Willie's Birthday tomorrow. Harry will be off to garage sales today and I will also plan to change all the cages. Not too exciting really but it has to be done. The weather is heating up just like yours, and so happy that Harry has his a/c working away quietly cooling off his room. What a treat it is to have - should have done this decades ago!
I see in the Free Press that movie theaters are opening up and they have a picture of people sitting greatly separated all wearing masks. Does not sound like anything I would like to do now, but maybe you folks there might be considering? I think things are opening up too early and I am anxious about it all. I like to be staying at home!
So now for some pizza and then on with it. I love your EPP pieces on the other blog Pati. You really have been busy with hand work. The second piece does look like gem stones and glistening related to the colours you used. Very nice.
Take care both of you...and thinking about you all the time.

Where do I start?

Today I had to deliver a fibre art exhibit to the Gallery in Portage la Prairie.  We loaded the car and left by about 11:30, then stopped to buy gas and a wee snack (10 Timbits).  Got around the perimeter safely and through Headingly, but the sky looked pretty grim ahead of us.  Soon we were in a cloudburst.  It's been years since we were on a highway and into such heavy rain.  With a  speed limit of 110k, traffic was down to 60k, and even that was scary.  And then we ran into construction.  But we finally made it to Portage.  Found the Gallery and followed the instruction to go to the back door and ring the doorbell. Carried the exhibit in ( it took David two trips), and then got the "bum's rush"out again.  Not even a chance to use the bathroom.  So we found a Tim's and took the opportunity to have a quick lunch.  Just about froze to death.  Then home, and into even more construction.  Unfortunately, this time the speed limit kept going up and down, and drove David crazy.  Once home, we took a few minutes to just sit in front of the tv.  David was really exhausted, and we talked about how our tolerance had diminished with age.  We used to think nothing about driving all day through every back road in Manitoba and Minnesota.  

A few minutes after we sat down there was a huge bang, and the power went out. A blown transformer.  So no chance to prepare, and we just had to wait until the Hydro responded.  This was at 4:45, and we had been watching the last few hands of  high stakes poker tournament.  Never did find out who won. So I took my book outside, and David stayed to read his.  hah!  I think he fell asleep almost right away.  It was cold outside, and I needed a jacket, and then had to deal with strong winds, but I could read.  Finally I came in about 6:00 and woke David up and then realized that, without power he couldn't get out of the recliner.  We dealt with that  in time to see the Hydro truck pull up outside.  David went to supervise, and found out that we had another dead squirrel.  By this time it was 6:30, and time for supper.

Absolutely nothing else was accomplished today.  We're both looking forward to sleeping well tonight.  Even though tomorrow is laundry day, I have a massage scheduled and plan to enjoy every minute of it.  With all that went on, the muscles in my neck are screaming.

What to say.....

As I tried to log in on my phone app I was taken to a new blogger interface. I couldn’t figure it out, but there was an option to revert to the older interface (which will be gone on a month). I was able to log on from there. I am jealous cause Jim is sitting on my swing, but there is still sun on it and I am forbidden sun right now (bad reaction...new medication) I am truly jealous☹️  We had new potatoes and beans from the garden last night. I figure we will be eating potatoes every night for a while. They are only new for a little while. The foliage in the garden went insane for a while. The tomatoes grew so fast we couldn’t get cages on them, and the storm at the beginning of July laid everything on its side, but we are getting flowers and the start of produce now. The poison ivy is crazy in our yard right now. It is okay where Jim mows, but beyond that you take your life in your hands. Hard as it is to believe, considering all the weird things with my body, I am still immune to poison ivy. I can walk at will.  Rrain is upset cause her cats are suffering from “deferred aggression “. They wanted to attack a stray cat in their yard, but couldn’t get out to it , so they turned on each other. It is a real thing!!! Google it. Rrain is trying to keep them apart (as the internet advises) but she is really upset since they have always been so close!  I didn’t win lotto max last night so now I have to hope for 6-49. Somehow I don’t see financial independence in my future (sigh). Oh well. I will keep enjoying what I have. Love you guys

Lots of rain...

Rained a lot on our travels to and from Mike's today but once we got home this afternoon realized very little had come down here at home. The forecast states it will start to rain at 5:40 pm so there may be a chance of more?
Once again had a lovely visit with Mike and catch up with him.. He bought Harry an A/C ( for his Birthday so he says) and we unboxed it and sort of set a bit of it up there and now I shall complete the set it up here tomorrow. i just do not have the energy tonight to start. I felt blah today for some reason and laggy, and out if sorts, or whatever one wishes to describe it. I stayed up a bit after supper to do more "face covering" sewing and took three new masks to Mike. He immediately liked the one which by coincidence was the same fabric as my own which I have been wearing for a few months. So it is his, and I brought the other two back and will use for back up for me. i still have my sights on a gorgeous bold and bright fabric of orange and rose and yellow and red - flowers on orange background and I will try to sew another mask for myself out of that...just because!.
So now, I'll rest a bit and put the birds, and rabbits to bed, and then myself hoping tomorrow will bring a renewed level of energy for me to continue to carry on haha! Hope all is well there. Take care

Does not matter....

...who or when or how often any of us post, since I know you are there and I know we are all thinking about each other.
Now some encouraging news from my perspective. I had my Optometrist appt this morning, and he has all the fancy machines including a new retinal scanner for which I pd an additional $55.00. But it was worth it as he has some concerns that the retinal degeneration the previous, and now retired, Surgeon/specialist diagnosed is not so evident to him? Who knows what the answer is? What he saw was a definite need for the cataract in the left eye to be removed. for which he has now sent a referral to the new Surgeon/Specialist in North Bay. He also suggests that after the cataract Sx that another retinal scan should be done to assess that aspect again. I also have a new Rx for glasses which I shall get next week. i was happy with this news and it gives me hope.of course there is a long backlog of referrals at this new Drs office and I shall have to wait my turn - even wait for after Harry has his appt. which at this point is unknown.
And another happy event is that we are going to Mike's tomorrow - he ordered an A/C for Harry and it arrived today and he will sort of set it up, so that when I get home I can easily put it into the bedroom window. It is a floor model where only a hose is connected to the machine and stuck into a plate that slides into the window. So we are now busy getting some food ready and organized for the trip.
Hope all is well with everyone. I finished one mask and hope to make another today to take to Mike's for him to choose - he asked for a homemade mask!!  Take care - stay safe! XX

Even David---

has said something about not seeing posts as frequently.  He didn't say directly that I should post, but here it is.

David and I got excited about seeing a Swan on a retention pond nearby.  When we got closer and could see his beak, we realized it was a Pelican.  Disappointment. They usually aren't that close to the city, and I enjoy looking for them on my trips to Selkirk.  A couple of my fibre friends have even used them in pieces.

David needed a haircut and went to the small barber shop that he normally uses.  The old fellow who has operated it for years retired when the city was shut down for Covid19, and a younger woman has taken over. She has evidently fixed the place up.  David was quite pleased with the haircut she gave him ,and even more pleased with the price.  I hope she isn't charging too little.  That's what caused difficulty with the hairdresser that I followed all over the place for a few years.  Sure miss her but she moved to Calgary.

Otherwise we aren't doing much.  We both had a really bad night on Sunday, and spent most of yesterday vegging out in front of the tv.  I want to go out today as the library has more books for me, and Starbucks is having a double stamp day.  The fact that I'm excited about double stamp day tells you how boring my life is right now.  But I also got my Visa bill today, and when I realized how often I've been re-loading my card through Visa, I just about choked.  None the less, the card was re-loaded this morning in the expectation that I might buy a pound of coffee, this afternoon.  Oh the excitement!!!

While watching tv, I've been working on my "lozenge" EPP piece.  It is just about finished ( the piecing should be finished today)  I mention this because, while doing it, I've realized how much I enjoy having a bit of hand sewing for those times I choose to relax a bit with the tv.  My thoughts are returning to that EPP book I just bought, and I'm thinking about starting another piece.  I have done nothing, with fibre, except this little bit of EPP since we went into lock down on March 15th.  I have, at least, 6 pieces that need finishing.  My Gallery show scheduled for May was cancelled, but I found out Sunday, that I have been put in for May of next year instead.  This was somewhat of a surprise.  I have entered two of the pieces I had prepared for that show into another one this September, so will have to find a couple more by next May.  I really have no interest in working with much fibre right now.  I can't remember a time in my life that this happened, even when my interest was on other media. 

Overall I've decided that "what will be, will be".  Go with the flow, and do what sparks my interest. Isn't that what retirement is all about?

Your storms have come my way...

Another thunderstorm in the middle of the night and more are promised for today. I had to get up, close windows and I pumped a few times only. It rained heavy but I find this year that with the water barrels set up at the back the way they are, the water fills them and then spills onto the ground there and does not run down the sidewalk to the front and accumulate. That is not to say it would not happen, but the last few heavy rains have behaved nicely. So happy I do not have to go out and hand water. 
Yesterday I received a call from the Library. They received the new book by Phaedra Patrick called The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (2020) and would hold it for me if i wanted to come in. Phaedra Patrick is of the books: The Curious Charms of Arthur pepper, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone, and The library of Lost and Found. All books that I really enjoyed. So I jumped into the car and over I went and donned my mask and into the Library and voila, I have the book to read and first one to crack the pages open. I am about half way through now after an enjoyable read in bed last night. I love it! I love to read! 
Today I must eat some more kale - it is gaining on me to keep up but I cut only the last two stems off the bottom of each of the ten plants each time, and so far I am OK, i will cut up and use the poppyseed dressing you got me started on Pati and throw in other garden veg. The tomatoes I have done down in juice and also just eat of the vine.
Yesterday afternoon I went out and tackled the little flower garden I have at the end of the back driveway - it had been neglected for two years.There are peonies and bee balm and other perennials struggling to grow but after a good weed and watering, i am hoping the looks of the plot will bounce back.We have the old steel sled trailer with the old aluminum ice hut on top of it parked in the driveway -derelicts both- and it is really an awful sight. We have had a few come by to see about taking them away and none have followed through.
Now for some breakfast and on with the day...if it is to rain off and on during day, perhaps I can actually get at that sewing I want to do...here's hoping. Take care  

Finally rain

It has been forecast  for days but we finally got some. So far not enough to make a difference but still some rain. It is early but I had a poor sleep last night so I am hopeful for a better one tonight. If only I didn’t have a bladder☹️

Weather

We had a nasty storm yesterday afternoon.  Dark skies, rumbling thunder, then crashing thunder.  Quite scary.  But a lot of fuss and bother, until right near the end of it, when it rained like a good thing.  Short rainfall, but a drenching one. Gail and I were on the phone shortly after it started here, and we could compare events as it moved East toward her area.  Today it is hot and humid, as one might expect.  David is out in the garden cleaning up weeds as best he can without bending or kneeling down.  What a pair we are!

I've spent the last while working on the wording of a grant application for the Gallery.  I only have a small part of it, and others are working on the rest.  I sort of think it's neat that we're doing it collaboratively.  But it's starting to sound as though I might be pushed into having to bully it through the Board. Not what I want.

Otherwise, I'm working on my sketchbooks.  I've relaxed about it, and am just going with the flow.  So my pages are not looking like the ones in the workbook, but I'm much more comfortable working my way, and not unhappy with the results.

Now for a trip to Starbucks, and to return items to both Walmart and the grocery store.  Walmart on a summer Saturday afternoon, eh.  not anything I might want to do.

The heat is on....

We are back to muggy humid hot again. The rain I expected the other day actually came - it rained for all of 10 minutes and then that was it! No big thunderstorms or heavy winds just a bit of rain. So this morning i will have to go out and water the garden. I did not feel like it last evening so held off even though things are dry. Harry will go off to his garage sales - yes, it is that time of year again and are still a real draw for him.
We went to Huntsville yesterday afternoon to shop - it was a spur of the minute decision and not a wise choice given it was a Friday afternoon and everyone else was shopping as well. Walmart was crazy but , mandatory face covering is in place and it was actually interesting to "people watch" and see all the different kinds of face coverings. I am tempted now to find my sewing machine and try to stitch up a few more creative masks. The one I wear is just fine and i like it but it is the only one I have. I have some of the bought  blue non surgical types that many people are wearing but save that in the glove compartment if ever in need. So I will look for some fancy fabric in my stash and see what I can fashion.  But while in Huntsville I slipped into Starbucks to spend the 50 points that would have been taken from me the end of this month. Just s plain coffe but nevertheless I sure did not want to lose the points. I just checked my status on line and now have 4 points to my name, and the next expiry is for end Dec and will have 4.9 points expire so I am good to go for the short term now. Next time I am in the area and able to go in, I will get my favourite Chai Tea Latte.
My friend Ruth came home yesterday from the Hospital in Newmarket (Toronto) after having heart surgery on Wed afternoon - sure do not keep people in very long! Her sister arrived yesterday as well to stay with them, so I hope her recovery will be without issue. I'll not bother her for now although it is her Birthday today.
So here's to the weekend folks. Enjoy the nice weather and stay away form all the new cases of Covid showing up in your areas. It is tough to read the Free Press anymore with all the Covid news. It mentioned a warning to people who had frequented (some?) Walmarts in Winnipeg and Brandon for potential exposure - stay safe  XX

Where to start

I barely remember yesterday.  Last evening I received a phone call asking if I could fill in for a volunteer at the gallery today.  So that was the plan.  I had a hunch that I would be exhausted by quitting time, so had David drive me out.  After he returned, he did a bit of grocery shopping and then took his chain saw back to the repair shop, where they have kept it for further repairs.  Then he must have dozed a bit, as he barely made it back to pick me up on time.  I had been worried that I might end up sitting on the street looking for him, not remembering that the Gallery is open until 8:00 tonight.  I had taken a couple of books to read, expecting that it would be very slow, given current circumstances, but I was wrong.  We were kept hopping most of the day, between visitors and some grant applications that needed to be filled out.  While other ladies were there working on these applications, the other volunteer and I were kept busy offering opinions about questions or wording of responses.

Then, knowing there was sale on, I wanted to stop at Pennington's on the way home.  Well, things have certainly changed there!  There was very little stock of any sort, and no sizes anywhere near mine.  I have read that their parent company, Reitmans, is in financial trouble and is closing many stores.  Anyway, I got angry and dragged poor David to Walmart, where I found 3 very nice pair of pants for just about the same price as I would have paid for one pair in Pennington's.  They aren't the best quality, and I'll have to shorten them, but they will do just fine for now.

Then it was off to Starbucks and a buy one, get one sale.  We bought 4 drinks and brought them home.  Then sat in the garden and read until we were ready for supper.  Now, at about 8:30, I'm sitting here in my housecoat wondering how much longer I can stay awake, as it's far to early to go to bed.  Better check the e-mail.  I see I have 10 new messages.

The bed was great

I went to bed at 8:30, but I read for a couple of hours. Very comfy lying there reading. It’s a very thick mattress but still quite firm. Jim came to bed about 11:00 and I slept right through to about 4:30, when my bladder rebelled ☹️  Very nice night. We shall see how we feel about it in a couple of weeks. Other than that I picked peas and saskatoons today and there are some beans just about ready. We ordered some pickerel ($6/lb). They are supposed to be bringing 100 lbs to The legion alone!we pigged out at supper tonight. Bacon wrapped shrimp and home made fries. No wonder I never lose weight. And now we are outside waiting for the house to cool down for the night. It’s a never ending circle. 

Thunderstorms coming in...

Today the forecast is for thunderstorms and heavy rains and alerts for flooding etc etc. I do not think that may be as bad here and hoping not, but will be prepared if necessary. I did not water the garden last evening in anticipation of the rains, so I do want a little bit of water haha!
We were baby sitting ( that should read dog sitting) for Willie while they camped in Algonquin Park since the weekend and yesterday the little darling was picked up on their way back to North Bay. She was delightful and as small as could be but very needy as all chihuahuas are. But you should have seen how excited she got when Willie came up the sidewalk - she recognized him immediately and started to jump and kiss. I was happy to see that as she was a bit timid and frightened i think while she was here.All dogs are used to their own owners and I'm sure Bailey would act the same way if he were farmed out.
So Cathy, a new bed!! How exciting. Now I hope you got a good sleep. What about the love seat - did you not say you were getting that for the front room? I know what you mean about "new" furniture. How I would love to get something "new" for the front room. We tend to have very old stuff still. One of the two chesterfields is the very one I bought in 1975 when we returned from Germany to Petawawa. Now that is old!! I kind of like the idea you have Pati to go with nice easy chairs. But who am I kidding - I'll not be redecorating anytime soon!
My friend Ruth from across the street ( the one I was making cupcakes for her Birthday last week but got the wrong date) was one a list for open heart surgery and was called down to Newmarket this week and had ( or was supposed to have ) surgery yesterday at 3:30 pm  I will not likely hear from husband until i see him walking his dog on the street and we pas each other ( at a distance haha!). he told me Ruth's sister is coming on Friday from Eliott Lake to stay for a bit so she will have help. So I will not be baking anything for her for her actual Birthday on Saturday. She is 82 years and I hope this Surgery helps her with a better quality of life.
So I must go and have some breakfast. I just watched some footage from The Quilt Show while having my first coffee for the morning. I have not been keeping up to date with any of the blogs I usually watch - even The Last Homely House where the person has been ill and not posting. This is always my favourite and I miss her postings.
Take care folks. I have a lot of little tomatoes to do something with today...what should I do? Lets hope the weather will cooperate for the rest of this summer - already July is into it's last half!!

Our new bed is here!

After six weeks of waiting it is here. Aaron even delivered it on his day off! Ours was the only thing in his trailer and he didn’t charge us for delivery. It is only 8:30 but I have had my shower and am in bed in anticipation of sleep. And back in our own room instead of the very hot spare room. Of course the bed frame I wanted to use was under the bed in the room where I had put all the extra furniture and mattress’s. We did it and now I am lying on my very comfortable, and very expensive, (just to me....it was actually in the middle of the price range, but still the most expensive bed I have ever owned) new bed. It seems wrong to be in bed this early but I have been anticipating this for so long! I will let you know how I sleep. Of course, I know, it will take a couple of weeks to know for sure, but tonight I am excited. It is really kind of sad to be excited in bed and only about the bed!

Out and about

I even got to try out my new umbrella!  Firstly we had to go to pick up my new hearing aid--the one I actually paid for--not the one they sent, that I've been using for the past four months.  For me it was a fairly quick set up, using the data she kept from when the wrong aid was set up. For David a little different.  He confessed that he hadn't worn his aids since lock down.  She checked them out, and found a severe distortion in one of them.  They are now six years old, and considering this distortion, could possibly be replaced.  She is applying for permission to do this, and also plans to arrange for David to have the same "in ear" aids that I do.  Since they had already arranged some "in ear"  pieces as part of his old aids, (even with still using the "over the ear" mechanisms), they would be able to use the ear molds that they already had, which would reduce costs somewhat. David is enthusiastic about this, which is the first time I've seen much enthusiasm on his part.

On the way home, we stopped for lunch at Tim's.  David chose to stop at the Tim's at the corner of Pembina and Grant.  Right at the corner of Pembina and Grant, with a shared parking lot with a Domo Station.  Then he wanted to eat on the patio, separated from this parking lot by only a short metal fence.  And did I mention the gathering storm clouds and accompanying wind?  It was a quick lunch.

Next stop was Walmart to pick up some pills.  This is where I got to try out the umbrella.  Sadly we don't both quite fit under it.  David picked up the pills while I stopped in the washroom, before meeting him at "Books".  Of course, on the way, I couldn't avoid stopping in craft supplies where I found some sea sponge that had been on my mental supply list, as well as another sketch book!  A bigger one this time. That makes 11.  The prices on the newer books scared us off, but we found a couple of books on the sale shelf.  One of them by Erin Hilderbrand, so I know I'll enjoy that one.

After all of this shopping and eating frenzy, most of the rest of the day was spent vegging in front of the tv. I was somewhat out of it most of the day.  The night before I had used a new type of sleep aid, and I'm wondering if that might behind my mental sluggishness.  I have a vague memory of a similar day last week, after using the stuff.  Needless to say, it's no longer around, and I'm feeling better today.  But I did get a lot of stitching done on my EPP while sitting around. Some how, I've not prepared enough pieces to complete the piece, and this can only be remedied by some dying.  Not that I'm adverse to that.  I had thought that I would have to dye more fabric to add the design on top of the EPP that I've been doing.  I expect the hand stitching will be completed by the end of the week and I'll post a picture then.

A bit of relief here right now...

...but as you mention Pati it may be just a short break as forecast is for more of that lovely hot humid stuff. Just enough rain last two days to dampen the ground so not really too helpful for the garden. I actually would NOT want to see torrential rain fall but a nice soft downpour of some duration would help.I was however able to cut the grass yesterday as it was getting a bit long and neglected. Somehow I need to look at the blade as i am sure i can lower it a bit, as it seemed not to be cutting the grass/weeds very short.
We are dog sitting this weekend through to Wed - Willie and gang went camping into Algonquin Park on Sat and left one of their three dogs with us. They took one with them, and left the bigger dog with friends in North Bay. She, called Lily, is about 1/3 the size of Bailey - a little Chihuahua and so similar to Bailey who is also part Chihuahua and part Jack Russel. She is no trouble, but does need to be cared for just like all our animals. As i type here she is snuggled on my lap. Taking the two dogs for a walk is fun as the leashes keep getting tangled and i seem to be doing a little square dance step down the road ..and swing your partner round and round ...
Harry went shopping to Huntsville yesterday on his own to do our usual bigger shop. I stayed home as i did not want to leave the little Lily alone. We do usually go on a Tuesday but with so many telephone calls from Drs lately and another two expected this week it was best to keep these days open. So I missed getting into Starbucks to spend my points in order not to lose them but maybe i will before the end of the month when they have said they will disappear. And i had it perfectly calculated so as NOT to lose them Oh well...
Finished that book I mentioned in last post last night and I must say I really enjoyed it. Now i must find another book laying around the house to pick up just  like to found this one ..or, i could phone the Library and see if she has something i could pick up at the curb since they are offering that service now! Today all stores require face covering - it is now mandatory.
Now to see about some breakfast. I have lots to choose from since Harry`s shop yesterday filled the fridge. freezers and cupboards haha! Take care...stay safe.

A Wee Bit of Magic

Over breakfast, I declared today as a "do what you will" day.  I spent some time downstairs for the first time since last Monday, but I balanced that with sitting outside reading, and then I prepared supper by myself.  David chose to wash the kitchen floor and then do a little vacuuming( I think he vacuumed).  I ate my lunch outside, with my book, and then sat for awhile.  We had put some peanuts, in the shell, on our outdoor table.  We have been putting the chairs far enough away that the squirrel can't jump from the chair backs or seats, so we hope that the peanuts are enjoyed by the Blue Jays.  Well, with me sitting there a young male Jay kept flying down to the table, picking up a peanut and flying away.  He would land on the table, look at me, quickly grab the peanut and dart away.  Finally he landed looked me in the eye for several seconds bent his head to one side,  and looked at me a few seconds more before flying away with his peanuts.  I wonder if he was asking himself why that stupid old woman wasn't eating those wonderful  peanuts.  I felt very privileged to share these few exchanges with him, and felt as though I had experienced some sort of magic.  However, later in the afternoon we realized that the squirrel had finally learned to jump onto the table from the ground.

For supper, I got together some of the pre-prepared veggies that we foolishly bought yesterday, along with one of the B-B-Q sauces that we also bought, and some chicken, and made a very nice traditional stir-fry.  It must have been good as there wasn't enough to save left over.  The two big fruit trays we also foolishly bought are mainly melon and fresh pineapple, and that's what I've mainly been nibbling on.

Tomorrow I hope to get a little more done downstairs.  I'm working on one of the exercises from my course, and am quite excited about it.  I've given a lot of thought about how it would be best to proceed, and now have a rough plan.  But I'm going to continue working fairly slowly.

While today was quite pleasant out, this evening has been very warm and humid.  We may have to turn the A/C on again tomorrow.  Hope not.

No sloths in this family...

Not a sloth Pati but an engaged person socializing (your Fibre Art  get together), enjoying pleasures (Starbucks)(new book), taking care of sustenance (strawberries), taking care of your health (resting with a nap) and in all ways managing life as it is. I think you are doing just great. And Cathy you are also doing great!
Now to the weather - I know this is a topic of constant review and discourse by the three of us, but i really think I have had enough of this heat!  I thought to myself early this morning as I got up at 4 am, just how much I am being affected by the daily insult it is inflicting on me. I try to manage and for the most part I am also "doing great" but then I think how I really feel and it discourages me. I am laggy, and my body is protesting, and I just want to do nothing when in fact i am still needing to do all the things one has to do around here. Yesterday Harry decided he had to dehydrate the garlic. plants he planted in pots, and also the garlic scapes that have grown on the garlic in the garden. So I was out there picking scapes, and then got the dehydrator up from the basement and set up. In 40 degree conditions I do not think setting up the dehydrator in the kitchen was the best decision but who am I to question?
So back to the weather.... It is hot outside and it is hot inside. Period. 
I found a book in my pile of books that I had not read so picked it up yesterday and now back to enjoying the time with a book. I like to read and so often lately the time is not there. It is a one off I think Harry got at the dump store called Dark Room by Andrea Kane - a murder mystery - just into it now and so far a good read!
So here it is Friday morning and off I go for another day. Lots on my To Do list to keep me busy. Thinking of you folks all the time. Take care ...Enjoy your weekend .... Stay safe in this time of uncertainty.

Sloth

Last evening was a formal, in person, meeting of my fibre art group, at a members home.  We utilized a large outdoor deck with ample mosquito coils, and were able to maintain social distancing, somewhat. We fell down on it when there was a table full of the residue of a deceased members studio ( there had been an in-home sale a short while ago)  Then social distancing was lost to an apparent feeding frenzy.  I even managed to pick up a few things.

The meeting lasted over two hours, and the drive there took me about 35-45 minutes, as recent construction had changed my regular route and I had to sort out a different one.  By the time it was over, I was exhausted.  I don't think I've experienced that intense and lengthy socialization in months.  Then I had to drive home, including finding my way down the South Perimeter  and onto Hwy 59 North.  Thank Goodness the sun had just set, so it wasn't in  my eyes, but there was still enough daylight to see my way.  That particular intersection terrifies me, at the best of times. So I was in rough shape when I got home, poured a wee bit of brandy, and couldn't settle down until almost midnight.

Then it was up early this morning, and a fuzzy brain.  I was still in my nightie when someone knocked on the back door.  It was the neighbour from across the back,  We had said that we would like a couple of baskets of strawberries, if he ever went to any of the local U-pick spots, and here were our strawberries.  I don't think it was yet 9:00.  So this morning was spent preparing and freezing strawberries.  I think we got over 20 bags.

The rest of the day was spent trying to deal with my even more fuzzy brain, but included a visit to Starbucks.  Just before we left, my book on English Paper piecing arrived, so of course I took it with me.  

(Sorry about that orientation).  I'm loving this book.  There is a marvelous introduction section on why hand sewing is good for us socially, emotionally, and intellectually.  It was interesting, but still reminded me of my old Occupational Therapy text books.

Then, even though I was the only person in the store, I managed to spill coffee all over it, as well as the floor.  After that episode, I moved to an outside table, until David picked me up again. 

Finally I went to lie down about 4:00 and slept through until almost 6:00. So it's after 8:00, and I'm sitting here in my bathrobe again, and doesn't someone else come to the the front door trying to sell us an new security system. 

So now I just want to veg out a bit more before heading for bed, yet again.

Early morning ...

It is cool outside in the early morning when i take Bailey out first thing but the house is still hot inside, When sun starts to shine brightly, it gets really hot outside. The sun seems to be especially hot these days. Today and tomorrow are to be the hottest days yet, but then I hope that it will improve. When you see temps like 40 degrees in the forecast, you just want to hide. And you hear the kids across the street yelling and screaming having fun in their swimming pool, you want to hide. I have often thought of buying a little round blow up pool and filling it with water and sitting in it. No one would see me in our yard so I would not feel stupid. I fondly remember being in your pool Cathy. Do you miss it?
Nothing accomplished outside yesterday except for me watering around supper time. I did a few chores in the house - you know the kind that hang around until you do something about them but really do not impact much of anything in the big scheme of things???
Harry had a few Dr calls and got himself a new Rx for a puffer that may help him breathe a bit better. I also made a few appts for my eyes and then for the yearly hearing to check the hearing aids. it will be a year this month that i have had them.
Through both Harry and i trying for an appt with the Eye Surgeon, we have found out he has retired. Harry needs another referral from his Optometrist now to have his cataracts checked (the appt he had for May was cancelled due to the Covid 19 issues), and since there is a new Specialist taking over from the retired one, I wanted an appt to have a second opinion /check of the diagnosis of retinal degeneration that has caused me so much anxiety. To do that i have to see the Optometrist again so a referral can be sent to this new Specialist. It is all so complicated but i guess we just play the game? 
On with the day..take care and stay safe.

Laugh for today...

I shall share a laugh with you...I am not having a particularly good day as computer issues and I have spoken with Geek Squad and also our Server and awaiting a call back from them. But this was  the icing on the cake for me ( pun intended)
I have baked cupcakes and iced them fancy to take across the street for neighbour Ruth for her Birthday tomorrow along with a really neat card. I wanted to check on her birth year so after all the cupcakes where done, I went into my book to check and low and behold her Birthday is NOT July 8, but instead July 18!!!!!
So I wonder, would you both like to come over for a tea and fresh baked, iced cupcakes this evening to join me?? Or, do I have to eat the dozen all by myself?? What do you think?? XX

You’re both right

Not to sound like those “old” folks we used to hear, but “...it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”  Actually the heat is a bit much,too. We shut all the windows and putter a bit during the day and then around 5pm we go outside and sit around while (hopefully) the house cools down with the windows open. The garden was a bit bedraggled after all the rain and wind and hail, but most of it seems to be coming back. With everything sort of flattened we can’t really weed between the plants cause they are all touching each other!  We have started to water a bit again so that takes up a bit of time. I had some bad reactions to the sun this year (both from the lupus and medication) so I try to keep covered or in the shade. Long sleeved shirts are not that comfortable when it is 37c outside!  I still putter in the shade in the Quonset (until the sun heats the metal roof), but I really need Jim’s input now. A lot of the stuff I’m sorting are his “treasures“. Not to mention it pisses off the birds nesting in there. Jim is starting to look seriously for another dog, but I insist that any rescue has to be good with cats. Now I am off to check the garden before it gets too sunny and hot

Yeah, you're right

We have been quiet.  I went for my massage yesterday morning, and, as I expected, came out of there almost in a stupor.  This set the tone for the rest of the day. We generally sat and watched tv.  The only excitement came when the fellow from the house with the fire, came and cut our front lawn. Caught us by surprise, but David went out and gave him a couple of bottles of wine, which were accepted with a big smile.  Then while David napped in front of the tv, I was about to lie down when I heard noise in the back yard, and there he was cutting that lawn too.  I woke David to let him know, and he went out.  Turns out the fellow used to work in lawn maintenance in BC, before moving here and getting the job next door.  He's going to be locked out of there until the Hydro deems the place safe, so is basically couch surfing with friends right now.  He may be out for a lot longer than he thinks.  We don't think Hydro is going to release the lace any time soon.  But he told David that we were the only people around here who were friendly with him.  That's really a two edged sword.  We don't want a gro-op next door, but they have, at the same time, been good neighbours.

Originally, we were to have gone to the audiologist today, but yesterday they phoned and postponed the appt until next Thursday.  This give us a free day today, and I'm tempted to go out and spend money, Maybe at the local art supply store?  But after a slow sleepy day yesterday, I'm up before 6:00 this morning.  This probably means a nap this afternoon.  While watching tv yesterday, I worked on the hand piecing of my English Paper pieced "whatever".  One piece was in the wrong place.  I had thought I had planned it out pretty carefully, but this piece got mixed up somehow. So a fair bit of time yesterday was devoted to ripping out and re-sewing.  Since I originally sewed things to stay put forever, with stitches about 1/ 16th to 1/32" apart, ripping out is a painstaking job.  But 'tis done!  Yay! 
 I saw a book on English Paper Piecing mentioned on a blog I follow ( (Creations, Quilts Whatever or Off the Wall Friday with Nina-Marie Sayre)  The book is "Flossie Teacakes Guide to English Paper Piecing".  With a name like that who can resist?  I've ordered it, thinking very much of you, Beth when I was doing so.  I'm hoping it's what was described on the blog, as she spoke of instructions for designing your own and of some very complicated shapes.  I know this is an interest of yours, Beth, so just might pass it along, once I've finished with it.

When I first got up, the garden was a joy to look at, with two rabbits, one big and one small, and a family of Blue Jays, parents and three young.  We bought a new type of seed this time. With shelled sunflower seed, so there are no shells to make the horrendous messes that we've been dealing with.  Also we're told that the seed won't germinate without shells, so no more volunteer sunflowers in the yard.  We had thought that the rabbits might eat the sunflower plants but no, we have to pull them out, one at a time.  We're just no longer able to do that. At the same time we bought a few peanuts in the shell, for the Jays, and dried corn on the cob, for both the Jays and the squirrels. ( we no longer have neighbour who might get angry about the peanut shells)  The fuss over these two things is fun to watch, although we've had to put the corn and peanuts on the table, so the Jays can get at them, ahead of the squirrel.

It's now after 7:00.  Maybe time to get dressed and get to work.  Maybe head downstairs, so any noise I make won't wake David?

Sweating it out...

We must all be staying at home and enduring this terrible weather as we have all been rather quiet lately. Hoping you folks are near the end of your heat wave, as we have the rest of this week until some some relief seems in sight.We have had a couple of thunder storms with some rain over weekend but not enough to change the heat. Although the garden seems to be flourishing through it all. I just came in from the first early walkabout and surprised that things are growing so well ( we have been giving lots of water) The lettuce is in need of cutting and eating so that shall be my first chore today. I look forward to a salad but there is always the preparation work to get the lettuce from "pot to plate" and i feel tired and hot just thinking about it right now haha!
Harry has heard from his Doctors office again after the blood work he had last week and apparently he is improving well, and she has discontinued one of his added pills.He has a telephone appointment on tomorrow so hoping for even better news. I am still looking after his medications so trying to keep up as best i can with changes and ordering etc. But I think I mentioned how "run off their feet" the pharmacy is these days and I did have one situation /error that I have to address today with them. I do not like to do this kind of thing but it is necessary. Thank goodness I have a good rapport with them all. 
So stay cool and be sure to send any such cool kind of weather you get, to me!! Take care

Little excitement?

You see folks, Pati can stay home in isolation and still make things exciting for them...like living next to a grow op ???? But I especially like your description of the wine making process. Sounds like fun and completely effortless. Any wonder you ordered another kit. Cathy do you have the same kind of business in your area?
A little excitement here as well. Yesterday Harry's sister (Donna Crump)  introduced her new very first grandchild thanks to her son Ryan and daughter in law Ashley. It was a boy and all is well apparently. They live in Peterborough which is some way down the highway close to Toronto, and there is no visiting in the Hospital allowed (Covid19) but Ryan was able to go in with Ashley, stay throughout and cannot leave in which case he forfeits his ability to enter again.They have named him Zander James Harry Crump after the two grandfathers by the looks of it, but I do not know from where the first name was derived? Parents nowadays seem to come up with very different names for their kids. Donna is thrilled as she has been ever since they announced their engagement and then subsequent wedding last Sept (the one in the Barn we attended) and then almost immediately the pending arrival of the first born to be. I am happy for them all.
Too hot to go out today so I am puttering inside instead of out. Always wash to do, and I am straightening up and catching up where things have been neglected while concentrating outside lately.Actually I would just like to sit and read and relax - maybe I'll make a refreshing cup of tea and do just that.... Care to join me??? Stay cool and safe my sisters. 

And now for a little excitement

Obviously I made my last post a little bit too early, as just about 9:00, we heard a siren and David says, "that sounds awful close".  He was right. It was parked in front of the house and there were three more huge fire engines at the Munroe end of the block, as well as two support/supervisor vehicles.  Turned out it was an electrical fire at the Gro-op next door.  Nothing like a little excitement to end off the evening.  It's now just around 10:00 and they're still out there, although it looks more like a neighbourhood meeting with all of the neighbours standing around talking to the firefighters, and each other, including David with a big wine goblet in his hand.

And now we have wine!

Today we had an appointment to go and bottle the wine kit we bought and then paid to have made up.  It was amazing.  They had the carboy all set up with some sort of pumping system ( we couldn't see that part of it), under a counter.  First they washed our bottles for us.  Then David put two bottles under little spigots. These had sensors attached to the actual spigot part, so that when the wine reached a certain level in the bottle the flow shut off automatically.  I was standing to David's right and he would hand the two bottles over to me.  I would put one in a strange affair that looked somewhat like a vacuum tube, but it had a little stand on a spring, where I put he bottle.  When I released it, the top fit into and opening from above.  I had to insert a cork into the top of the opening and close the door.  When the door closed the cork was automatically  inserted into the bottle neck from above.  Then I opened the door and took the bottle out, putting it into one of the boxes from the bottles, that was on a cart to my right.  Whole process took less than 15 minutes.  There were two of these counter set-ups and there was another couple bottling wine on the other one.  I could have put the labels on there, but chose to put them on at home, when we were loading them into the wine rack in the basement.  We were so impressed that we bought another kit, and have an appointment to bottle that on august 1st.

Once we were home, I tried to print the workbook from my sketchbook course, having bought the last module yesterday.  Well, the damn $400 printer is only printing in black, not colour. I was pissed, and tried to call Epson technical support, but it seems that they only work short hours, five days a week. So the call will have to wait until Monday.  Then we discovered that my tv shows weren't on tonight.  It seems that Americans are having some sort of special event today, that they're all excited about, and there are special shows all day.  So instead of working this afternoon, I had a nap.

This evening, I was in a "mood", so spent a little time downstairs tidying up.  this probably means that I won't be able to find anything tomorrow, although I did take the time to put some labels on drawers.  We'll see.

A cooler day today, and we actually had the doors and a window open for awhile.  The heat is supposed to return with a vengeance tomorrow. Tthis probably means that I'll have to spend the day in the basement, again.

This surprises me...

Unless people just surf all the blogs one by one, and click on any old site, I really cannot see the allure of our's, but then perhaps I am too attached to our blog myself to understand this. Just happy to see you two folks continue blogging about this and that, as it is my special connection to you both. 
Heat and more heat...seems to be the normal here right now.I am not so bad off as i can tolerate a certain amount (to a point) but Harry has breathing issues that are exacerbated by heat and has always been affected poorly by hot humid days. We have never wanted air conditioning but I am thinking as time goes by and weather conditions are changing for the worst, it may be a wise investment to buy at least a small bedroom size machine? I set up my own version last night for him with a floor fan, and a dish of ice cubes behind, it blowing directly on his bed and apparently he got about 6 hours of sleep last night - that is progress!! I took Bailey out about 5 am and it was cool and delightful, but that did not translate into the inside temperature which is still hot. 
I needed to renew several medications the other day as I filled Harry's dossettes. I can call them into the Pharmacy on the phone to a recording and then go in to pick them up. But, they are run off their feet in our much appreciated local Pharmacy. I went in twice yesterday to pick up but still by 5:30 pm they had not finished that particular order. The Pharmacist said he felt terrible turning me away twice but nevertheless i said i would come back again today "Maybe the third time will be the charm" I said. The downtown was congested and the Foodland parking lot full which means only one thing "They have arrived". I mean, of course, the summer people and tourists!!!!  It is always best here in summer for locals to avoid going out in town. And especially this year with the Covid19 pandemic and need to protect oneself from those from "the city".
Well, time for some breakfast - I think I'll take it and my coffee and sit outside in the cool while it is still there. Thinking of you XX

Who's reading this?

I checked the stats on this blog and discovered that our audience covers all of Canada and even the U.K.  We are getting as many as 85 views a day, and I know that this isn't just the 3 of us. Interesting, and somewhat of a validation of our lives and our connection to each other.  

Refreshing blog post...

The road trip blog post was a delight for me to read. How nice to just get out and explore and enjoy, as well as visit friends. I loved the pictures. Maybe you folks find pictures of Manitoba ho hum, but let me tell you how much I would love to be there and enjoy for myself in person. There is a special feeling about thinking of "home"and I often go through my memories of the mind ...it keeps me sane..(or maybe not!!)
I have seen pictures of the devastation from the rains/storms. Harry had aerial views of Neepawa from Facebook that we looked at..even a picture of the shed where they were filling sand bags. I looked to see if i could see Rrain but of course that picture was too high up overhead to get a close look Now there is worry over a dam in Rivers. Terrible to imagine especially at this time of year. The Spring time always brings concern there, but not in summer. The weather changes are certainly having a toll on people these days - so uncertain what will happen. We have had tornadoes in our area frequently this season - nothing real close but in and around Huntsville, and that is quite close since we go there frequently to shop and Doctor.  
Today I take Bailey for an appt to the Vet for reassessment. I want a urinalysis, and blood work done to see if he has overcome his acute kidney failure that was apparent when he was so ill. And to discuss the ongoing treatment plan for him related to medications etc. I stopped giving him fluids by subcutaneous injection two weeks ago as it was annoying him (and me) and he seems to be doing OK without that as long as I encourage him to drink. I do not want to upset the applecart so to speak as he is doing well, but I want to get him back to more "normal" if I can.
It really is too hot to be working outside - I do not have to tell you folks how hot it is as you have sent me this wonderful weather right???  But having said that, I was outside all day yesterday. I was puttering. I cleaned the BBQ because i want to have some meals on the BBQ, cleaned out the one shed full of all the coverup blankets and sheets and put them away neatly. The squirrels/chipmunks have used that shed for storage of pine cones etc so had to do a lot of sweeping and cleaning. And then, of course, had to do the watering as things are so dry.We have another week of extreme hot temperatures to endure and then I hope for some relief. 
Take care my sisters. Enjoy a quiet weekend and hope you find a nice shady, breezy place to sit outside. Your patio seems to meet that Cathy. How about you Pati?  
ps Thank you Cathy for the name of my plant. I looked it up and got all the info. Unfortunately is highlights "poisonous for cats and dogs"  I better be sure to keep it out of reach if I can but I know the cats go into that sun room and onto the window sill so could gain easy access to the plant.

Road trip

Yesterday, we were about to consider making a batch of Rhubarb and Pineapple jam, when David discovered that we had several cases of jam and jelly already, in the basement.  These came from several years ( we didn't make any in 2019).  More than we'll eat for the next few years.  So we offered them to Gail, as she had mentioned that she, and the nephew that lives with her, liked jam--a lot.

So, today we headed out to her house.  Since neither of us have been out of the house since Monday, it was as much a stress reduction activity as a jam delivery enterprise.  She is in the process of re-organizing her whole house, at the same time as desperately trying to maintain her jewelry inventory, for the few craft sales that are still running during this Covid 19 emergency.  So she was also ready for a little "stress reduction" activity.  After a look around her yard, from her deck, we decided to go into the Landmark  Co-op for coffee.  I was the only one who had coffee, as both David and Gail enjoyed some lovely hard ice cream.  Here are David and Gail enjoying the patio, beside a very busy, dusty parking lot.

On the way home, we stopped at Subway and took advantage of their sale of foot long Subs.  Supper tonight and lunch tomorrow.  I took some scenery pictures as well, while we were out, but they're on the other blog. However, I did take a picture of our tomato harvest, for this year--so far.

So now for a quiet session of poker, and then bed.  All this activity has exhausted me.