Made my day....

Great to hear from all of you and it really did make my day. I guess it was the 'anticipation" that you may call since I knew you were getting together. Just to hear familiar voices and people talking made it just as if i could have been there with you all.  These day with all the Covid 19  issues, and with the full schedules on a daily basis for all of us, or so it seems, to take a moment to celebrate family as we just did this afternoon, counts so much.
Be safe, and take care...XX

Christmas Carols

 Yesterday, for some reason, I kept whistling Christmas Carols as I was helping Rrain. And I couldn't have been that quiet cause at one point she asked if I was singing "Oh Christmas Tree".  She says she got lots done, but I keep looking at all she has left to do and feel like I have done nothing.  On the other hand I am getting quite handy at ironing and trimming and folding.  Not to mention attaching elastics and nose clips.  Skills I really didn't know I was lacking. I have today off, so I got some salsa made this morning.  Jim wanted pickled beets, but he didn't get the hints that the beets would have to be dug before the rain started.  Oh well. I didn't get out to the garden this morning so I am not sure what needs to be picked today.  Lots of hot peppers, but few of the green ones.  And Manitoba tomatoes the size of grape tomatoes.  I am sure they were mislabeled.This morning while making myself some breakfast I managed to pour hot bacon grease over my fingers.  I kept going and finished up my canning and most of the dishes, but they are really starting to hurt now.  Ice and aloe. I didn't finish the last of the dishes since I couldn't face the hot water.  I also don't think I am going to get as much cleaning done today as I had hoped.  Maybe I just need another day of down time.  Rain does make you want to just curl up with a book.  I get my hair cut on Wednesday!  Finally!

Are we not to be sedentary old fools...

Every time I read your fantastic messages Pati and Cathy, I feel as if we are all far to busy and on the fast track of life. Are we not to be just sitting at home twiddling our fingers haha! It would not be in our nature would it? Nor would our lives allow for such activity!
So here is my message for today....be safe my sisters. Keep your selves healthy, eat well, and let your body tell you when to slow it down. I shall try to do the same myself. XX

Winding Down

 We're just winding down after two days of almost frantic activity.  Things started Tuesday when I had a pedicure, as I previously mentioned.  I barely remember Tuesday afternoon and evening, but I did a fair bit of FMQ'g on one of the pieces I made when taking an internet workshop on Modern and improvised quilt making. This one was sandwiched and ready to quilt.  It was easier to grab that when I had a few minutes, instead of having to organize all my sketchbooks and art supplies.  Wednesday morning, I slept in and was late to a 9:00 Zoom meeting, then went to be assessed for new orthotics for my feet.  The lady pedorthist very strongly recommended new shoes, in a different size and a different style.  Ka-ching!  But we had had a hunch that might come up, so went for it.  They also recommended that I get a prescription from the doctor so that the price of the shoes could be used against income taxes.

First thing this morning, I called the doctor's office to ask, and the receptionist told me that I would have to talk to the doctor.  Then asked if I could get in for 10:00.  This gave me an hour to shower, get dressed and get downtown.  She had hinted that by going in the morning, the wait would be much shorter. We usually g quite early in the morning, so the 9:45 crowds at the clinic were a surprise.  Long lines, with nurses checking everyone out before letting them in.  Then there was a security guard making sure that there were no more than 4 persons (of any age, so babes in arms were included in the count))per elevator.  No-one without an appointment was allowed in, so David waited in the car, as we had expected a fairly short wait.  After an hour, I went down and suggested that he carry on to our other appointment, coming to pick me up after he was finished.  We even planned where he was to find me.  Then I had to go back in and through the same lengthy process to get back to the waiting room.  I was finally seen at 11:50. He wrote two prescriptions for me, including one for a drug I had run out of.   David was waiting, and we proceeded to yet another appointment.  I had ordered tea from the tea store by phone, and had to pick that up on Academy Road. 

Then it was home to a phone message that the second pair of shoes, that had to have been sent over from another store, were ready for pick-up.  There were also library books waiting for pickup, and an unexpected problem with the second prescription.  Given the fire at Walmart, the Pharmacy there is also closed.  I finally got through by phone after trying for two days, only to find out that all drugs were being distributed from the Walmart on Fermor.  I had the choice of transferring all my prescriptions there, or to any other pharmacy that I might choose.  I really didn't want to do that, so took my prescription into the Pharmacy in the mall across the street.  

Did I mention that today was also "payday'?  This meant that all of our regular bills had to be paid. I had spent a frantic few minutes roughly balancing the cheque book, and preparing to take the bills in.

After visiting the library and dropping off the prescription, David dropped me off at Starbucks and proceeded to buy  gas, pick up and paying for my new shoes, and paying all the bills.  We both arrived home exhausted. Then a phone call.  It was the pharmacist from our regular Walmart  who wanted to tell me all about the contingency plans for the pharmacy.  I could transfer all my prescriptions, or I could order any drugs I needed by phone, and have them delivered.  I don't know what sort of cost there would be for delivery, but I went through my big ZipLoc bag of pills, and ordered any one that I thought I might need in the next few weeks.  They'll be delivered tomorrow afternoon, probably about the same time as the pharmacy across the street, calls me to pick up the prescription there.

The one bright light in all of this is that I now have more library books than I think I can read in the next two weeks, and more are in transit.  I'm in no shape to play poker tonight, so I better get reading.  How was your day?

Raining...

Pouring rain as I got up early this morning and Bailey just ran out the door, did his thing quickly and ran in again. No messing around for him! It's ok to rain as we probably need a bit of moisture but in a way it sort of "dampened" my day. I was set to do a lot in my mind at least, and now with my first coffee in my hand, feel less ambitious haha! I am sure that will wane as the day progresses.
Yesterday was a very nice trip to visit Mike and we did nothing really but sit around, and talk and eat. His truck needed a boost because of a dead battery so Harry and Mike did that while i watched. i never know how to connect those charger cords so better for me to stay out of it!  Mike gave me the next Erin Hildebrand book What Happens in Winter so I am anxious to start that. I have too many book options again. Gerd from across the street ( my late friends husband) handed me a big bag of books yesterday as I passed with the dogs - Ruth always gave me her read books and she was prolific with reading all the time. Now he says he has read all these and does not know what to do with them. He looks ok but I think is a bit "lost" still. I asked if he thought the Dutch neighbours would be coming this year ( Ruths sister and husband) but he says they are likely not to come at all.  We had received a postcard from them with a confusing comment about "seeing us soon" so I had to ask Gerd.
So much in the news now about this Covid 19 and ramifications especially with the schools pending opening. I really do not think it will fly, and some rather vocal parent groups are forming clusters to teach their children at home. There have been construction  trucks at the local school for awhile and we imagine they are inside making renovations to the classrooms etc to accommodate the return. Interesting for us to be watching the local "summer camp" here in Sundridge. Probably close to 20 kids and several leaders swarming around downtown in the park and walking around - all close together and no masks etc. Wonder what they are thinking in even holding the camp, let alone not adhering to medical health experts about social distancing and masks.
I must have some breakfast - I am hungry but never know what to eat in the morning. I wish i were by your side Pati as you plan your menus. When I visited there you always came up with the most interesting combinations from dear Dr Phil's book. I am happy that through your Morning papers you are getting interested again in continuing your regieme. I am rooting for you!!! By the way, I was reading the blog from Margaret Blank and she mentioned so many of the things I like ie the calendar from The Last Homely House, and the Morning Papers and other readings etc  that you have done and mentioned Pati - so it is a small world of like thinkers i guess? Or we are drawn to like thinkers?
Anyway time to get going as I seem to be rambling on this morning. haha! Take care

A bit of out and about

 Monday, I had volunteered to help receive various pieces being submitted for inclusion in September's All Members' Show at the Gallery in Selkirk.  At the time I volunteered, I didn't realize that this meant that I would be sitting at a table in the parking lot, so there wouldn't be too many people in the Gallery at the same time, to allow for social distancing.  Thank Goodness, the table was set up on the North side of a large van, so we had a bit of shade.  We had to have each member sign a consignment contract, and then this contract paired with their written application for the show, which had information on the pieces they were submitting.  Of course, about a third of them had changed their minds and brought completely different pieces, so the application had to be modified, as these papers were then routed straight to the office inside, where tags were being prepared to go on the walls beside their pieces.  Inside the Gallery were people trying to hang each piece as it was received, so as to have the show ready for viewing by today.  The complicating factor was the wind, which blew our papers away a couple of times.  Precisely at 12:00 noon, we closed down as that was the end of assigned time for delivery.  (There had been a delivery period on Sunday as well) There were quite a few pieces not yet received, and that bothered me, as the people in the Gallery might be expected to delay hanging the show until everybody had brought their pieces in.  I think this is rude and inconsiderate, and that not delivering in time, should mean losing the right to enter.  But I am just a small cog in the wheel.

Then we drove the rest of the way out to South Beach and spent the rest of the day there including eating supper in the restaurant.  I had been worrying about what I might eat, as I knew they had a reduced menu during Covid times, but I found a quesadilla that suited my purposes quite nicely.  We were quite late getting home, and by the time I had relaxed with a glass of wine, and decompressed, it was almost 1:00.

But this morning I was up and "at'em", as I had an 11:00 appointment for  a pedicure, planned in preparation for being fitted for new foot orthotics tomorrow. I went back to the salon in Transcona for which Gillian had given me a gift certificate a couple of years ago.  I had been much happier there than with the closer salon that I've used the last few times.  The I picked up David and we went for a bit of grocery shopping and a trip into the local Walmart to discuss a prescription I need.  Imagine our surprise when we discovered that the Walmart is till closed because of the fire there last week.  The other two stores hit at the same time, are back in business.  David is now talking about what sort of fire damage sale there will be.

We also made a stop at the library, where we found out that two of the long term employees there are retiring.  According to the one we spoke to, they just feel that there are gong to be too many changes in the way that libraries do business, so both felt that the time is now.  David and I also picked up enough books to keep us busy for the rest of  the week.  Maybe even a few periods of reading in the garden.  The cooler weather sure lets us know that fall is almost upon us.

So to bed early tonight.  My strategy of using "Morning Pages" as an aid to healthy eating appears to be working well.  I've also made myself a chart to use where I track how many soft drinks vs water, any alcohol, and any recipes from phase 3, as I am rationing those and trying to stick the recipes from phases 1&2 as much as possible.  I'm also creating recipes of my own that adhere to the principles of each phase.  I'll let you all know how all of this works out.  The results appear good so far.

Do your days ever take on a life of their own?

 I had a pot of cucumber relish to cook up and can so I started that first thing this morning. (As soon as I cleaned out the dishes in the sink☹️) Jim waited til that was done before making himself some breakfast. I had a very delicious toasted tomato sandwich. After I cleaned up everything from the relish I decided that since this was the last batch I was going to make,  no matter how many cucumbers came in from the garden, I decided to wash all the floors. Kitchen, living room, bathroom and hallway. (I was putting it off cause I always drop when canning) A job well done, even though there appear to be small cat paw prints right through the house. I then decided to check the garden for tomatoes and peppers. They are ripening, but not fast enough to collect enough for salsa. The peppers are easy to freeze so I wasn’t worried. I did find a few ripe Italiano tomatoes so I figured I would just wash them off and freeze them. I went downstairs to straighten the freezer to make room and down at the bottom I found 2 bags of frozen tomatoes from last year, and, fortunately a bag of chopped onions. So I now have a big pot of Previously frozen tomatoes, peppers and onions simmering on the stove. I still have to straighten the freezer but I figured I better clean the kitchen floor first (again☹️). It is now almost 1:30 and the only thing I got done that I intended to do was the relish!  Where did the day go and what am I making for supper?  

Oatmeal Cookies

Another quickie for this morning before the day begins....I made some oatmeal cookies yesterday and they were a bust! I have made oatmeal cookies many times and all was well with various recipes including one of yours Pati, but this time i went into my recipe box and brought out a recipe from Mom...in her hand writing, and soiled with age, and from many years of her use!  I do not remember making these before, but obviously she did by the looks of the recipe. So I jumped right in and gave it a try. Not a nice result. Very disappointed with it all and consequently these will stay home and be eaten by me and not go to Mike's. I guess that is OK after all haha! I thought I might try another tried and true recipe today but have given up on that idea since I have so much more to do to get ready for our trip to Mike's tomorrow. 
I stayed up and listened to the CBC radio broadcast of the results of the Conservative leadership race on Sunday night - it did not end until about 1:30 am because of glitches with the voting count machine but, nevertheless, i was interested to see it to the end. So I am laggy yesterday and into today, but the work carries on. The animals and their care take up a lot of my time and it seems endless. I do not think I mentioned that we have the new little dog, as well as two little kittens now and that requires more vigilant care and attention. As well, I have to go to the Vets with these new animals - Needles and fixing, and with the little dog Dental Surgery on Sept first which requires anaesthetic. But, my relationship with the Vet now after the intensive care of Bailey affords me some benefits and he says I can help with the Surgery. I look forward to this as I will be with "Lily" the whole time.Same as i was with Bailey throughout his ordeal. 
Time for a coffee and get dressed and start to hustle. I can hear thunder rumbling in the background so we may be info another storm.
Take care and be safe please. Too much bad news about the virus coming from Manitoba these days.

Finally, I had my BBQ

All summer I have been wanting to BBQ especially since I had moved the grill to the back door patio area and cleaned it up and liked the idea of sitting out there at the table. The idea materialized when the Covid 19 hit and our Dutch neighbours decided NOT to come to Canada for several months this year as they have in past years. This meant there would be relative privacy sitting in this area next to the fence and their yard. Since they have been coming over the past many years, we had moved to another sitting area on the other side of the house. So yesterday was the day! I marinated some pork, made a tin foil package of fresh veg and once Harry had the grill started ( I did not do this myself because it frightens me) ...Voila! I enjoyed the whole experience. Besides, the meal was great too!  Then before bed i sat at the computer to watch a movie - we pay for Prime Video but I never really take advantage of it. I found another Diane Keaton rom/com and sat and enjoyed it drinking a "nighty night " herbal tea. So all in all yesterday was an OK day for me. 
We are dehydrating celery again right now - picked all of ours from the garden - I had to scrub it clean from dirt which does not take too long, and then Harry cuts it up and into the machine. I still have not pulled up the beans which are not producing, but I am sure at this stage they are not going to grow any nice beans. Harry bought a basket of green tomatoes at the roadside market yesterday so I expect that will be on the meal agenda today -green fried tomatoes.
It is supposed to rain today so maybe I'll get ambitious and do some indoor work. I want to bake some cookies to take to Mike's on Wednesday. He has his annual 'guys weekend" planned for that weekend so I thought a few cookies hanging around might be a nice treat for them. They play board games and BBQ, and generally have a real good time - it is a good way for these Veterans to get together and shake off a few ghosts - this is my way of interpreting it, as I heard that being with fellow ex military helps many who are still wearing the scars of it all. I hope it helps my Mike anyway.
So off on another day here. Hope all is well there - see and hear on the news that Manitoba is having increased cases of Covid 19 and restrictions are increasing.  Take care please, and be safe.

Reading

 I've probably read close to 20 of her books now, and have ordered the last 4 available in our library.  I just finished "Pawleys Island" and found it to be one of the better ones in the bunch.  I certainly enjoyed it more than the couple that were heavily reliant on ghosts to create the plot.

Today we were out early to run errands as there are heat warnings for the area--again.  We had gone to Walmart early yesterday and bought a silly little Starfrit gadget for chopping onions.  Well, we couldn't figure out how it worked!  So David was off to return it, and couldn't.  Walmart was closed as they had had a fire during the night!  Lots of Police around, but no way to return the gadget. So he went to a larger liquor store in the same area, as the little one in Sobeys didn't have my St. Remy brandy. Didn't he come home with the 40 oz'er rather than the 26oz I expected.  Too bad-  tee hee

With today's mail was one of the three books we ordered off Amazon, written by P. J. Tracy, but not part of the Monkeewrench series.  Surprise.  It is just the first Monkeewrench book under a different title.  It seems that the books were released in Britain, under their original titles, and then re-titled for release in the USA a year later.  Now, I'm pretty sure this is the case for the other two books we're waiting for.  What a waste of both money and time.  Would you be interested in them Cathy?

Since I struggle with my eating so much, this morning I started "Morning Pages" focusing on that instead of revitalizing my art.  So, one day down, and we'll deal with tomorrow when it comes.  Since we were out early, I did them at Starbucks, while David was running errands.  Worked well, and may help in establishing the routine, even if they were later in the morning.

Well today is laundry day,  Better get at it.

Friday already?

The week seemed to fly by and I really have nothing to show for it.
This morning I am going over to visit dear Daisy and her son and granddaughter, I baked some muffins to take and then Michelle called about 8:30 pm last night to say she bought a cake and candles for her father as it is his B'day today (65years) and was Harry coming with me? This sort of changed my plans a bit. So I will get a card and maybe a scratch and win ticket to take, and still take my muffins but maybe tie a ribbon around them haha! Harry is not coming though. 
Last night another loud and wet thunderstorm rolled through here. i did not bother to check for water at the front but see this morning the muddy markings on the sidewalk where it had filled at the front. I probably should have been up to pump but did not. 
Harry produced 23 jars of mixed veg relish yesterday. I will have to find some shelf room to store them. I would love to be able to go through the shelves downstairs and sort the jars - we really do not use much of it anymore. So many should be put in the compost (from years past) ...it certainly would make more room. 
I am almost finished the second book by Dorothea Benton Frank. I have enjoyed them both and can order more if i choose. But I also have the two Cotton Malone novels by Steve Barry to read yet, which I will have to renew. I like those novels as well.
Hope all is well with you folks. The Covid 19 virus is causing increased concern in your areas so I am thinking of you to be safe and stay home! it is no different here in Ontario although in our area there are few cases but the cottage people from Toronto keep coming up and frequenting our stores, and restaurants. 
All for now...have a nice weekend - tell me what you are up to.

Heat

 Another very hot day. Our thermometer said 35c (plus unknown humidex)  when we went to town this afternoon. Too hot to function. There is a breeze outside now to give us some relief. Needless to say we did very little today. Just too hot. Neither one of us feels like food....just too hot. Tomorrow we start to dog sit for a couple of days. He really is a beautiful golden retriever, but spoiled!  We are doggie day care during the day, but have to take home home at night so that their daughter can take over (she works in Brandon until 10pm). He could stay here but we won’t let him on the bed so he would be upset. (Duh!). Oh well.  We are still searching for a dog for ourselves. It seems that sometimes there are dogs everywhere but right now there seems to be none. Except Brandon Humane Society which won’t consider you unless you have a fenced yard. We will keep searching. Masks are becoming a lot more prevalent in Neepawa now. With the increase in cases in our area people are once again nervous. Mostly because   of the cases in Brandon. I was in the pharmacy today with my mask on and the pharmacist said “what can I do for you today Cathy?” I guess I am unforgettable even with half my face covered. Rrain has so many orders for her masks. Settlement services ordered 50 and palliative care ordered her masks with the view panel to read lips. She knows it won’t last long so she is working like mad to pay the bills that backed up over the last few months with reduced income.  She is also putting some aside for taxes so she is being responsible that way. I think I am glad that I am “old” through all of this. I would hate to being trying to make ends meet right now. It is hard enough with our pensions, and with that we have a guaranteed income. Tomorrow I am back to the doctor. Hopefully he has finally gotten my blood pressure where he wants it. I am definitely happier with the level of medication I am on now. So if my blood pressure is acceptable we will both be happy. Keep your fingers crossed. Love you guys!

Home again...

Another day in North Bay to help Willie. This should be the end of it for us...we helped him clean out the basement of his old house keeping items to take to the new house, and packing items for the dump into his trailer. While Harry and Will went to the North Bay dump, I stayed back and swept up and tidied up best i could to save time. Then when they returned we helped load his trailer, and then Harry and i came home. Most of everything that can be done is done, and the old house is empty save a few items Will has to transport to the new house. It was quite a move, and Harry and I did our share to help, so feel as if we contributed and can now retreat haha!.  Much to do here now in the garden. Harry will be making more relish tomorrow so i shall get the kitchen ready, and haul up jars and get them ready this afternoon, for his marathon tomorrow. Then I have a chore to complete outside .....pollinating the cucumbers. Harry wants me to take Qtips and pollinate the flowers on our cucumbers because there are no bees to do it now, and we still may get some to grow if i do this task. You never know....do you! I just made myself a gorgeous DavidsTea to sip on while i work in the kitchen. I enjoy a cup of tea on occasions where i want to "decompress" - is that the word I am looking for? 
Anyway,that's it for now. I sure loved to see your EPP piece Pati on the other blog. I know EPP (English Paper Piecing) from doing all my hexis which is not finished but awaits patiently for the touch of my hands...when? Lets hope one of us wins big on the Lottery tonight! Do you have your tickets ...Take care

A couple of lazy days

The weather has been really beautiful.  Perfect for sitting outside reading or doing a bit of hand stitching.  Nothing productive being accomplished in the studio.   Housework is being kept to the bare minimum, and the dishwasher used a little more than usual.  There are a couple of things on my job list, but they're being ignored for now.

This morning we signed the contract for the bathroom renovations.  The actual work is scheduled for the 24-25th of September.  I'm glad we have the second bathroom to use while things are going on.  I don't know what we would do without that.  Maybe have to move out for a couple of days.  I remember the six weeks we spent living in a construction zone while the kitchen was being done.  Stove in the living room and all cooking being done on the basement bar.

We found out today that thrift stores are now accepting donations.  We have a bag full waiting to go, and I'll be glad to see the end of it.  One would think that with all of the purging going on over the past few years, that there would be no more to go, but it just never seems to end.  I keep reminding myself that it will make everything much easier when we are forced to move into a condo--hopefully many years from now, but who knows what the future holds.  In any case, I'm sure the children will appreciate it when the time comes for their involvement.  We consulted both of them about the bathroom renovation, and they were both very much in favour of it.

I very much love to hear from both of you, on this blog.  So good to keep in touch this way.

Having a "different day"...can be refreshing

I was surprised to hear about your "Gold Man" day, as I have often thought of doing something similar ...if given opportunity. I think of all the boxes and bags I have of jewelry just sitting - some I have stored in more secure special places thinking I may wear at some time in my life ( who goes anywhere these days that requires any special apparel or jewelry) but others are all just "put away" - accumulating. I applaud you!
So no Canadian Football or Grey Cup this year...is Dave in withdrawal yet? Cathy does Jim watch football regularly? It has been so long since I watch TV that it does not matter to me anymore. But in the past I sure loved it...
Busy with garden and produce most days now - doing picking and cleaning and dehydrating, and some relish making.Still some growing time yet but I have been trying to clean up dead plants etc and still trying to weed a bit which is actually mostly a lost cause haha!
We have planned to visit Mike next week on Aug 26 at his request because he will be starting back to University on Sept 7 - still not sure in what format - on campus classes or online etc but he has his courses chosen and paid for for the Fall semester of his third year - hard to believe for me! It will be nice to see him again although I am really spoiled with phone calls most every day. And with Willie as well . I often think that I am really lucky to hear from both my children most every day. We went up to Willie's this afternoon to pick up three big black plastic shelf units he had in his old basement but no room in his new house. i can really use them as I had thought of buying a unit to put in the basement to try to organize "things". Now I shall have the shelves I need so I shall plan to put great effort and time into making it work. It is time to make changes around here haha! Most likely a winter project?
I picked up my new eye glasses this afternoon (finally!!)and very anxious to try them put by reading on my book in bed once all the animals are put to bed and the house is closed up.
Maybe I should get at it....so take care and be safe. Thinking of you always....

Something Different

Today was just a little different.  This morning we  took bits and pieces of gold to Winnipeg Gold Buyer.  These were  things that have passed down to us or been given to us, but no-one in the family seems to value.  We had no idea where a couple of them came from or who they could be traced back to.  It was quite a process, and he went through every step right in front of us.  There were two mysterious lockets that proved not to be gold at all, but their chains were!  Even David's wedding ring, that he won't wear, went.  It was a pretty small pile, in the end, but we still got a good price ( as far as we're concerned!).  However, most of it went on the credit card to cover the rug cleaning we had earlier in the month.  Still, it was well worth the time and effort we put into the process.

Otherwise, not much going on here.  David has arranged for a final adjustment of his new hearing aids, early next week.  That's about the only thing we have planned until a week Monday, when I take a couple of pieces in for the Gallery show next month.  Somehow, I have no drive to work in the studio.  Not sure what that's all about.  Still, better to stay home and be safe.  

Today I did nothing......

 .....and I feel better for it.  I guess everyone needs some down time once in a while. I have already had my shower and am curled up in my nightie.  Yesterday we had some pretty fierce thunderstorms and we had drizzle most of today.  It is sunny now, but still cool.  Jim made breakfast this morning and eating it was the most exercise I had all day. I watched two very old movies on Disney+ (remember the moonspinners, with Hayley Mills?) Jim is at meat draw and I am still sitting around here.  Hopefully he will win meat since neither of us could think of anything for supper tomorrow and decided we would just have whatever he won...... we could be going hungry! I have more large cucumbers ready so I will pick them tomorrow and start another batch of relish.  I was worried we would get nothing from our garden this year as all we seemed to have was foliage, but I guess the insects found some of the flowers cause if everything goes well we will have lots of tomatoes this year.  After total failures for the last two years this is a nice change.  You know, typing would be so much easier if the cat hadn't decided to sit on my lap as soon as he saw me get the laptop! So now my plans for tonight are to find another old movie to watch and not move again until bedtime.  Have you ever heard of anyone lazier!

at last--rain!

While the rain started out intermittent and light, by mid-afternoon it was heavy and steady. Not before it was needed. But it also brings to mind the old adage of "be careful what you wish for" as we now have flood warnings for the South Eastern part of the province.  This is the same area that we had the severe overland flooding a little earlier this year.

Gail and I had agreed to meet for coffee at Starbucks, feeling fairly safe, as the rain was very light at that point.  We ended up outside under an umbrella for over 2 hours.  Finally I got too cold and suggested it was time to leave.  We had been joined by her friend Andrea ( the one who was hired to help David in the garden, last year), who sat and darned socks the whole time we were there.  She wore a tank top and shorts, while I was cold in my jeans and Gail was wearing a heavy sweater.  I don't know how she did it.

This outing was planned earlier in the week as a celebration of Gail's birthday ( yesterday).  She had also asked to see my sketch books, so I took three along with me, and we spent time going through them.  She liked a few of my pages, and for the most part--thank Goodness--they were the same ones as I particularly like, and had posted a couple of them on the other blog.  This gave me the courage to post them on the Gallery page of the workshop, once I got home.

So, a cold rainy night, and a good reason to stay at home for the evening.  Friday night is usually chaos for poker players, but maybe I'll try it out anyway.

Where to start

 Yesterday was bizarre.  I knew that I would be working out in the Gallery in Selkirk, yesterday afternoon, and that I had an intensive Zoom meeting at 9:00 am, so had known I would be pretty tired by evening.  Unfortunately, there was also an in-person meeting in the evening out in Charleswood.  So I begged off the evening meeting.  I was also a little concerned, as the last time this group met had been an in-person meeting, held outside to allow social distancing.  Hah! It turned out to be free-for-all with no respect for social distancing. Nor did I want to be driving home from that far, after a tiring day.   I guess a few others were concerned, and several sent regrets.  By yesterday morning, the arrangers were re-thinking things, and asked if anyone would come if it, too, was a Zoom meeting.  Interesting that the ones who did show up for the Zoom meeting were mainly the ones who had begged off the in-person meeting.  Only two of the ones who had said they would attend in person, were able to make the Zoom meeting, everyone else, who did, had set regrets.  It was a good meeting.  More relaxed than when there has been a larger group.

Not originally having planned to participate, I hadn't planned anything for supper.  So, we decided to see if it would be possible to get anything from the Food Court in the mall. Yes it was.  Several places weren't open, and others had somewhat reduced menus, but I was able to get my usual Quesadilla, from Taco Time, but David was disappointed, as New York Fries were only selling Hot dogs.  He found something at an oriental stir-fry place.  I was impressed at how well social distancing was practiced at the Mall.  As well, there were few people there.  I think I would be comfortable going there again.  We were disappointed to find that Dollarama now  has only self-check-outs.  We really don't like them.  David doesn't trust them, and I know they are just a ploy to reduce labor costs, and result in overall job loss.

Today is Gail's birthday, and she had invited me for coffee, as I invite her on my birthday.  I didn't sleep well, and decided to lie down for an hour this morning after breakfast.  Wouldn't you know that she would phone while I was sleeping and beg off. She didn't want to do it in the rain( where would we sit?), and really didn't want to drive into town while it was raining.  So, we'll try again tomorrow.  I hadn't even known it was raining.  But, it is badly needed, so we're glad to see it.  I think it's supposed to rain off and on all day.  A good chance to spend the rest of the day in the studio.  I'm on  roll with my sketchbooks.

Library book

Just another quicky to tell you I received a call from the Library yesterday to say that one of the books I ordered came in already and that the other of the two was expected today or tomorrow. So I went up fast and retreived it - Dorothea's By Invitation Only. Since I can always renew the in-library books i just took out, i decided to put Cotton Malone aside for now and so started this Dorothea book and I must say she grabs your attention and does not let go...i kept reading last night until i had to force myself to put it down. It is written in a different style and flows so nicely. I hope the rest of this book continues to interest me. Thank Pati for the prompt to try her books. And I know I can order more in, as books seem to be moving between the Librarys again nicely.
Have a nice day ladies...thinking of you.

Crepes

This morning for my breakfast I trialed my plan for making crepes. Following the recipes in my new book, I made 1/2 recipe of batter and cooked several sizes crepes on my little Braun crepe maker - it is only about 6 inches in diameter on top and sphere shaped. I tried an Apple recipe of cooking sliced apples in butter, sugar and cinnamon for 8 minutes and then rolling into the cooked crepes and topping with whipping cream. A bit fancy perhaps for me and my breakfast, but non the less - a success. Now I shall endeavour to try some of the meat crepes, or seafood or veg or other tasty offerings. So, I have found a new thrill....Take care ....yummy... yummy!

Early to shop....

We were up and off early yesterday to Huntsville to shop because we really wanted to go into WalMart and unless we went early ( it opens at 7 am) you end up in long line ups in front of the store. No line ups and few people to deal with so it was nice. Then over to get gas and by golly, I treated myself again to a Starbucks. This time a brewed coffee with vanilla flavour and milk. Just a coffee! But it satisfied my need and i sat in the car to enjoy it while Harry went into Dollarama. Then we went into Canadian Tire and bought a gas powered chain saw! We have trees that need to be managed and i guess Harry has decided he and i will tackle them ourselves. I can see my immediate future very clearly now haha!
The Urology Specialist finally called with an appointment for the long awaited test for Harry ...February 22, 2021! I guess there really is a backlog for booking procedures now that things are starting to ramp up a bit. I hope i do not forget the date - I have it written down in several places just to remind me.In this case we have to drive to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge which is about 40 km south of Huntsville.
I also got a call from the Eye place that my glasses were ready to be picked up in ...you guessed it....the main office in Huntsville. We had just come home from Huntsville, so I now have to wait until next Monday to see if they will arrive in the smaller office in South River where i had anticipated them coming on Monday. I am tired of waiting for these darn new glasses.
I went into the Library to return my book and was offered a chance to glance on the shelves. I ordered two books by Dorothea Benton Frank at your recommendation Pati, but not sure if they can get them in. But, I took out the next two of Steve Barry that i have NOT read yet. I am behind on his Cotton Malone series so started The Malta  book last night. It is in large print which I have come to enjoy as it is easy on my eyes.
So on with another day folks. Take care of yourselves and stay home and be safe. Look for some one thing wonderful today to fill your heart and soul. You can always find it and sometimes when you least expect it!!
Today I am hoping to stay home and do some yard work

Canning and cooking

 You two make me feel lazy!  For the last couple of weeks, we've even bought our veggies pre-cut and ready to cook!  I have always thought that Auntie Lorraine's recipe for beets was just a version of Harvard beets.  I know Mom used to make them once in awhile, but maybe that was when we were quite young, and she wasn't working, as they were a bit of work--for Mom. anyway.  I love your Salsa recipe, Cathy, but  since it would be just me eating it, I buy generic Salsa from Freshco for $2.00, and the jar lasts quite awhile.  Not nearly as good though.  Funny that we're talking about this, as last payday, I declared my blue canner to be too rusted out to use anymore, and bought a cheap, big, 20 qt. stock pot to use for dyeing.  But I'm now reluctant to use it's it's so pretty.

Not nearly so busy here.  We just seem to putter around, sort of keeping up with the house work, but otherwise just putting in time.  I watched the latest The Quilt Show this morning, and found the first part of it interesting, as he was doing things very similar to the types of techniques that I was trying during my sketchbook workshop.  But the first couple of minutes of the last part told me that she was just there to sell a ruler, so I turned it off.  Then off for coffee, but we didn't stay there long.  It was too cold to sit inside, and not too pleasant to sit outside. The weather can't seem to make up it's mind.  Today is quite a bit cooler and it's trying to rain.  The prefect day for a long afternoon nap, as I found out this afternoon.

Yesterday, David's sister dropped in for a visit. She comes every few months, and just calls to let us know she's on her way, and then visits, over tea for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  She is finding the Covid lockdown difficult, as her social life has suffered.  Even working, she says she sits in her office, does the work, and then goes home, not interacting with anyone.  (Yes, she is still working/volunteering for her son as a bookkeeper and personal assistant, although part time.  Part time because, after all, she is over 80.)  It was a pleasant visit.  We sat outside and I had made, from scratch, iced tea.  We no longer have a Sun Tea jug, so I had to make it the hard way, even making a simple syrup for sweetening.  I used the last of my Red Rose tea bags.  I think I've had them since the last time Cathy and Jim came to visit.  I like the name "Catspit Estates", Cathy.  A whole set of labels cost us just over $7 for 30 of them.  I think you should go for it.

Now maybe I should put clothes on, and do a few dishes, so that  we have enough room to cook supper.  Last week we bought some small beets at the Farmers' Market, down the street, and what's left need cooking.  As well I have a package of pre-cut and seasoned squash.  So a decent supper along with some cold chicken. After that, a bit of Poker, as I haven't played since Thursday.  Be safe ladies.

Canning

You are far too busy Cathy - sit down and relax!
I have never used a 'real" canner but instead just a big pot - do you have a big pot? I have never tried the oven way but I have a feeling it might just cook every thing rather than water seal them? But I do not know....perhaps do a google search. Personally I would go for Auntie Lorraine's recipe for beets any time over pickled beets. Harry has never liked beets this way but I still make them for myself.
I have had an urge to try making crepes - especially since I am reading a cook book that is especially delightful for all types of cooking but has a section devoted to crepes - dessert and main course, and appetizers etc. I have a small Braun crepe maker which I found downstairs and have it on the counter now. So maybe in next few days i shall try - do either of you have a favourite crepe recipe that you have tried or seen?
Must go - I have been productive today so I better not loose my mojo!! However, a sit down with a goblet of wine sounds exciting haha!  I am sure i could squeeze a few drops from my almost empty cardboard box. Take care

thunderstorm for us overnight but no rain

My blog is still coming up with the old format.  I guess I picked the revert button early on and now I will be here until the old format is gone.  I am slowly working my way through my garden.  I have pulled up the peas and beans now, which gives the cucumbers some more room.  I tried one of the dill pickles from the jar that didn't seal (it was in the fridge). It was the most putrid thing I have ever tasted.  I sure hope it is only that jar, cause if I have more like that they are all going into the trash.  Jim wants some pickled beets, but I no longer have a canner (the handle rusted off).  Could I put them in the oven for 20 minutes instead of the water bath?  At about 350F??  Otherwise I will just freeze them and make them with Auntie Lorrain's recipe when I cook them (Yum!)  Jim is also checking his straight eight cucumbers everyday.  He is waiting until he has about 8 really big and ripe ones so that I can make a batch of "pickle Relish".  I only have one jar of that left and I am saving it until I can make more.Other than that I am just waiting for the tomatoes to ripen so that I can get some salsa made, and some tomato sauce and tomato"junk" into the freezer.  I go through a lot of that during the winter.  And as for our own wine label (Catspit Estate?)  we seldom even get it into bottles.  It is usually one bottle at a time straight from the carboy.  I would like to have a selection on the shelves though.  I think I have about 3 red and 3 sweet bottles right now, and California White in the carboys. But then I have been having one or two glasses every evening while sitting on the patio.  It is starting to get dark earlier and that brings the mosquitoes out.  We don't often get them, but we had a lot of rain earlier (which is what caused the berm to give way and totally drain Park Lake) and that gave the mosquitoes damp places to breed.  My animal sitting is done for the weekend (everyone gets home today) so I don't have to leave home again for a while.  Unless Sam comes over to work and then I probably have to go to town for beer.  

Rainy over the night and still a bit wet this morning

That is OK as I'll take some rain just to wet things in the garden but i do not want thunderstorms which are also forecast. I was able to putter a bit yesterday in the yard but not near enough to satisfy my need. There is much that can be done. The apple tree that I love that produces large apples, of which kind I do not know, is starting to drop the apples on the ground which it does every year. So I gather them up and had enough to make a delicious apple crisp yesterday. This morning I have another four and almost enough in my container sitting on the counter to make apple sauce or maybe some muffins. I was just out gathering them with Bailey and it was like an Easter egg hunt of sorts - walking around to see if I can spot an apple that has fallen and perhaps hidden under some plant or such.
I also just watched another short video from The Last Homely House.She has been absent again so to allay any concerns she has made a short one to show she is still there and alive haha! Pati I wonder if what Kate describes as post virus tiredness and lack of energy might have been what you described for yourself a bit back? I hope you are over it all now and sometimes by the sounds of your adventures, you must be well back on your feet- even if you do take the odd nap? But I enjoyed seeing her post again as this in one blog I try to follow.
I was horrified to hear about the deadly tornado passing too close to you folks. I know Virden is west by some few 100 Km but for me it was too close .....Cathy did you feel any of the winds/rains?
Time to get busy for the day. Take care...be safe.

Wonderful...

Love your wine rack picture Pati, and the personalized label. It looks inviting but most of all, it gives such satisfaction ( I would imagine) to see the results of your labour just waiting for you to indulge over the winter months. Now Cathy, do you have a show and tell of your wine? As for me, picture a cardboard box with a spout at the bottom... haha - that's my wine cellar, and by the looks of it, it needs some replenishing very soon.
I am glad the weekend is here but then I ask why it makes a difference? One day seems like the next but I still have the feeling of "difference". it was always time off when I was working, and always a time when I felt it could be free time for me. Harry generally goes off to garage sales early Sat morning and I start the wash, or something silly like that. No doubt i shall not still have chores to complete but I really would like to get out into the yard - been a long time since I was able to putter. The weather will determine that, as it is to be hot and humid but there is to be rain or thunderstorms throughout the days to come.
I am having some toast with peanut butter and a coffee before I head out to the dealership for car service and the when back I'll decide what direction my day will take. Most often it is spur of moment with Harry so i always have to be ready to drop and run.
Here's to all that wine....and a nice weekend for all. Take care 
ps I see that i am still in legacy format and expect until it is switched on August 24 will still be able to write in it - what do you think of the larger font in the new format?

Finally, a clean carpet

Here we go in the new format.  It looks like we have no choice.  yesterday we had the carpet cleaners here.  They did not only a deep cleaning, they did a super job of spot removing, and then added a protective stain resistant coating, as well.  They did none of this for free, but I had anticipated needing extra services, and was prepared to pay for them.  Plastic money, of course.  While they were here, David ran errands. Our local library opened with very limited services on Tuesday, but books I had ordered previous to that still had to be picked up at the library on North Henderson, so we did that, once the cleaners were gone.  Since they had left the carpet somewhat wet, and the house had a bit of a smell, we wanted to be out of the house, so actually went out for supper.  The smell appears to be gone, but there are still areas of the carpet that are wet, this morning.

This afternoon David goes back for the hearing aids that got me in such a panic situation last week.  He has asked that I accompany him, and I will, but there is no way I will try to go for coffee while I wait.  So instead I plan to take a book, some Dr. Pepper, and plan to make myself comfortable sitting in the parking lot.  I hope we can find a parking spot in the shade, as it's supposed to be very hot and humid here today.  

We had talked about our wine rack and personal labels, so I took pictures of both.  On the bottom are bottles of the most recent Pino Grigio.  This we brought home a month ago.  In the middle is the White Zinfandel we brought home on Saturday.  Above that are the last few bottles of the Pino Grigio we made at home about eight months ago.  At the top right side are the last two bottles of a previous batch of Elderberry, made about 4 years ago.  I only get about 5 bottles out of each batch of Elderberry, and I ration them severely.  But now I also have the batch I made this summer.  So I could actually drink some of it, without feeling guilty, other than about not following my eating regimen, that is.  

That's about it for today.  At this point I have no idea how to get rid of this underlining.  I'll have to work on that.p.s. well, it looks like the underlining doesn't show on the actual post, but I sure hope it never occurs again in the draftP.

Remember you mentioning it..

That's right Cathy I do remember you mentioning the different format, but it did not register in my mind until I was presented with it the other day. So now i guess we will just have to wait and see what will happen and when ...just do NOT stop writing as I love the messages that come from you folks!!
Hopefully today will be a work in home day - lots of wash and cleanup to do and one should really go out into the yard and work. Although to be fair to myself, I did cut the grass yesterday and pick some beans - i got about 12 beans ..yeah! Can't beat you Cathy. Our crop this year is awful.
Tomorrow I have to take the car in for maintenance check/oil change at 8 am but I hope to have that hour or so sitting waiting to delve into my Library book as i have not done any reading yet.I did not get my new glasses Tuesday as there was a flaw in the lens and they have to redo them so I'll hope to get them Mon or Tuesday of next week?  
I have too many cucumbers in the fridge (bought, not ours) so I plan to make a smoothie this morning with some - maybe not exactly what I might like, but I know it would use them up. I'll add some other good stuff to make it palatable haha!
When I walk past my friends house with the dog I feel sad still and almost forget that she has died and is not there watching me out the window. Her husband comes and goes as I see him in the yard or driving off so i can imagine he is still trying to find his way.  I have visited dear old Daisy and over to give her morning care the other day to help them out, but I really do not want to become too involved with that. I know my limits and although many times I am having to go beyond my desired limits, I do not want to let it get carried away. I'm not being selfish, just trying to preserve my own well being.  
Well speaking of work, I have a wash on already and so better get at it.  Have a nice day and stay cool....

New format

I mentioned earlier that I was surprised by the new format. I mentioned that I had found a button to revert to the old format but I didn’t know it would expire. Today was busy for me and I really hurt right now, but the neighbours are using us as an experiment for their new homemade air conditioner. It would be great if it works cause it is supposed to be very hot for the rest of the week. Other than that I am tired from processing the garden produce. Of course once I complain so many people tell me they would have come and picked if they had known. Where were they when I was talking about the beans! So now I am looking at the neighbours as though I know what they are talking about. I will keep you posted. I told them I want a percentage of the income of their invention but I don’t want my name on the patent just in case. 😜

Legacy format

The message on my new posting page indicates that this is the "legacy format" which will be discontinued on August 24 and revert to the new Blogger format which I found the other day. This morning I had the option to "revert" to the legacy ( which I did and you see here) but as it says, this format will be no more as of Aug 24. So I guess that answers my question and i still do not like the largeness of the "large" print choice of the forth coming "new" format. So I assume we shall have to get used to it come the end of the month.  And now you know.....

New format

I can't say that I've noticed a new format, but I have heard complaints from other internet sources.

I also recently read a book by Dorothea Benton Frank, and would recommend her for a funny light read.  I couldn't put it down and even giggled a bit.

I've now read two by K.L. Armstrong, and find them a bit gritty, but still a good read.

New format?

Has the format changed for you two or just me? it is very different and I wonder if I will get used to it?

Memories of a sort for me too...

I always think fondly of the August long weekend as it was for awhile, a highlight trip for me to come and visit you folks. Even to set up a tent and sleep in the open haha! So I do not wonder about your feelings Pati since you spent many more of those weekends at the Lake watching your family grow up there, really.I think we are entitled to our "moods" occasionally, especially when they seem to appear at these times in our lives in remembering pasts. Even if we are supposed to be looking towards the future, I have my best moments in remembering.

Yes, lots of work over this weekend for us "moving" but for the most part he and his gang are into the new place and need only to move items slowly this week eg tools, and items in the old basement and the small freezer and washer and dryer. There is a washer and dryer in the new place but Donna wants their own to be moved as well. And then his boat which is still in the backyard of the old place. At the new place in the back yard there is a wooden rack already built off the ground that looks as if it were made to hold a boat which i liked. And there is a gazebo where they have put the BBQ and table and the yard is fenced in at the back so their two remaining dogs can be let out there. All in all it is a much nicer place and I hope they can get settled now and enjoy it. We will likely be up a few more times in the next week or two to pick up garbage if needed. There is a standard $20.00 charge for Willie to get into the North Bay dump which is about 20 KM north of the city ( a fair drive) where as we have a pass and can dump as much as maybe needed.

Now I have to make an appt for an oil change for the car for this week, and also today really hoping my new glasses will be in for me to pick up. I have a new book from the Library - K.L. Armstrongs books Every Step She Takes which they just got in and of course had the courtesy to call me for first read!! I have not gotten into it yet since I had little reading time over weekend but plan to jump right in this week and the new glasses may help me enjoy it even more??

So hope your days are good there folks, and that we can enjoy a bit of summer even though August is upon us.  Take care

in a funny mood today

Don't know why the date is bothering me, but I guess it goes back to all the years that the August long weekend meant a weekend at the cottage.  I've been thinking of it all weekend, even to the point of telling Gail about it on our daily phone call yesterday.  But, we've had nothing at all planned, and no outings all weekend (other than a trip to Starbucks.)

The day started early with the workers arriving next door at 7:30, to start working on the roof.  At the same time, there were fellows working on the roof of the garage in the yard kitty-corner to us near Munroe.  We had looked at this house when we were last house hunting, but David didn't want to be so close to Munroe.  I went in with the Realtor anyway, and he and I quickly agreed that it was certainly not what I had been looking for.  Still, it was a chance for him to actually see inside, inconsideration of any future jobs.  Shortly after it sold we heard that the foundation was in terrible shape, and that there was a $50,000 law suit against the seller. It was decided in favour of the purchaser and the seller promptly declared bankruptcy.  Pleading poverty ever since, the owner of the house has been unable to repair any part of the very decrepit garage, until now.  I have to wonder if they're considering selling the house again.

Early in the afternoon we moved outside to sit.  David read his book and I stitched "paper" to fabric for my new EPP project.  Probably a very much more relaxing afternoon than you've had lately, Beth!  Did you get Will moved?  It sounded like most of the heavy lifting would be between you and Will.  

In the studio I've been working on Postcards, and made three using water colour painting today.  It's been a long time since I did much of that, even with my "Peppers" that I did for the sketchbook course.  Two of the pieces turned out fairly well, and I'm pleased.  A third one went in the garbage.  There are five others done with collage yesterday.  I had planned them all for a project that may arise in one of my Facebook groups, but also with an eye toward maybe selling them.  Some old fibre postcards have sold well in the Gallery Gift Shop.  But when I took into consideration how much time each of them took, and the supplies I used, I would be giving them away if I charged less than about $12, and that's never going to happen.  So I'm content to  write it all up as contributing to my skill as an artist, and I actually believe that there's an element of truth in that.

Tonight I'm hoping for an episode of Antiques Roadshow, always remembering being there myself once.  Then maybe some poker.  I've sure not been very lucky at the poker lately, but I guess "Hope Springs Eternal----" etc.

Hope everyone has had a great holiday weekend, and sleep well.

Mouse Hole Estate wine...wow!

This sounds wonderful and I bet you love to look at your wine rack ...full... and to give a nice, satisfied smile??? When will you be able to taste your wine - does it have to "mellow" at home for awhile? Now Cathy, do you and Jim have your own label?
Pouring rain here right now - they called for a weather alert for heavy rain for our area, and i guess we are having it. We have been helping Willie with his move from one home to another in North Bay, and will go back again tomorrow to continue after being there Sat and today. The service provider Cogeco came this afternoon to hook up all the TVs, internet and Wifi etc. in the middle of the boxes and bags and also the pouring rain! Lots of fun. And we all had to wear masks in the house while the technician was there. Still more to move so we will go up again tomorrow and see how we can help. Hard for Willie as he is doing it all on his own with his own truck and trailer, and with our car. I am sure that the strenuous work will catch up with me this coming week, but for now I am managing OK. So not much being done around here - I rush to do wash, and care for the animals, and make something to eat, and thank goodness the rain will suffice for watering the garden today.
So for now..that's it. I love reading your messages and all your activities. Pati you really have your very own exciting moments, and a descriptive way of sharing with us that makes it so interesting.Take care ...

August 1st and we have a new wine

Yesterday we bottled our latest batch of wine.  This time it's a White Zinfandel, and is different than anything we've done before, but is nice.  The colour is darker than I expected, even though I did know it would be pink.  I was expecting a blush but this is much darker.  Our big wine rack is now full.  So I politely declined when asked if I wanted to start another batch.

They didn't have any pre-printed labels to buy, but did offer custom print a set for us.  I hadn't even considered that, but the price was good so we now have our own wine with our own printed labels, indicating that it comes from Mouse Hole Estate.

This was the last chore in a very busy week.  I slept like the dead last night, not even getting up for the bathroom.  Today I'm feeling rested and much better all 'round.

Yesterday is best forgotten

David had a 7:00 am doctor's appointment, and asked me to go with him.  So up at 6:00, to the clinic at 6:45.  I knew we were a bit early and that there would be a wait to see the doctor.  As well, they were not allowing anyone to accompany a patient, unless there was a medical reason to do so.  So I dropped David off and went to Tim's for coffee.  I had been sure that I had seen a Tim's fairly close to the Clinic, and I was right.  There is one at Isobel, and, I think, Elgin.  (I couldn't find a street sign to tell me.)  It was one of the biggest Tim Horton's that I've seen.  At 7:00 am, there were, at least, 12 people (that's how many I counted) behind the counter, and they were all working hard.

Right across the street was Freight House.  I had heard of this often, but really had no concept of what it was--and probably still don't.  It is literally an old freight house.  It is a good half a block long, and the whole side facing me was loading door after loading door.  There were signs over each door identifying which activity or agency could be accessed through that door.  Each loading dock would have been about 10-12 feet wide--for about 1/16 mile.  Wow!  Wish that I had more time to figure it out.

But then it was time to head back to the clinic, and I got there about 7:20.  Then I sat on a hard chair in the lobby, waited, and paid to extend my parking place, until 8:50, when David showed up to tell me that he was going to xray, and would have to see the doctor again after that.  It was about 9:20 when we left, less than  minute before I would have had to pay for more parking time.

Getting home, we found a whole bunch of ripe tomatoes on our two small plants.  Then into the house to start the laundry and try to figure out what to do with the tomatoes.  They weren't suitable for sandwiches, so I decided to make tomato sauce for supper, but wait, we forgot to pick up an onion during our grocery shopping, yesterday.  So I had to head over to Giant Tiger for an onion.  Put an onion in the cart and found a few other things and headed home.  Unpacking, and--just a minute--where's my onion?   No where to be found, but neither was I charged for it.  Back to Giant Tiger, and the same clerk.  We both had a bit of a giggle.  At some point, during all of this, my back suddenly started to hurt.  Now I know what Daddy meant when he said his back had "gone out".  This bothered me off and on for the rest of the day.

By this time, I was more than ready for a nap, and managed to sleep for just over an hour, and felt much, much better. I had been dealing with the laundry during all of this, and have run into a problem with my washer not actually ending the cycle, after all was done, and so not releasing the lid lock.  I now have to unplug it, and re-plug it in ( reboot?) After doing that, after waiting a few minutes, the lid will unlock. PINTA!

Then it was time to make tomato sauce.  David chopped his tomatoes and chopped the onion, and I browned both off in olive oil, put them aside and browned off hamburger , then added the veggies back in, along with a small can of tomato sauce and all the spices I could find that might contribute to the cause. ( No chili powder)  Then I let it simmer for just over an hour.  Oh my, that was good!

By the time I had cleaned up after supper, my back was really bothering me, and I broke down and took a T3, along with the laxative that I take with it. This help a little, but interfered with my concentration during the poker tournament I tried in the evening.  Lost my shirt in the three tournaments I attempted, before going to bed.  Finally there was no option but bed, and I don't remember a thing after that, until I woke up about 4:30 this morning--in pain.

So today, there will be another load of laundry, and then bottling our wine at 11:30.  I have been having trouble finding  frozen cod, but have one more store to check. After we get the wine home, and on the racks. I will be heading out alone to do that ( Egad!  Superstore on Saturday afternoon.  I must be crazy!) But it's Saturday afternoon so I have my tv shows tonight--if I can stay awake long enough to see them.  Haven't even thought about supper.