Shopping day

Tomorrow is Thursday, and this is the day that we had reserved for our weekly shopping ( and don't think that isn't going to be a hard habit to develop and stick to!) I had a short list, a little 4x4 sheet of note paper, but in the last 24 hours, it has grown tremendously--to the point that I maybe have to transcribe it onto a much larger sheet, as it looks like a scribbly mess right now.  Additionally, Starbucks is having their first ever triple star day tomorrow.  So we'll certainly have to make a stop there.  I don't need a pound ( 12 oz really-375 gm) of coffee but the bargain is just too great to pass up.  I think I'll also have to buy a box of instant Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I have become quite addicted to it in that form, even if the calories are a killer.

David has arranged to have a plumber come to change the faucet set in the upstairs bathroom, next Tuesday.  He was out this morning to look at them in Home Depot and says he found one that should work, and is very similar to the new control for the shower.  We'll probably pick it up while we're out.  I'm feeling frustrated, as we seem to be addressing a massive plumbing problem in the house with a "patchwork" approach.  We could never get afford to have everything done that needs it, but we're "nickel and dime-ing" ourselves.

Someone, from the company that did the bathroom, is coming to patch the holes in the bedroom wall, on Friday, and he is supposed to come back on Monday to paint over the area. That should resolve our issues with them, and we will then pay the rest of what we owe them.

Nothing exciting going on in the studio, but I did finally finish the modern quilt that I started over  a year ago.  This has been preying on my mind, and progress has been slow, as I've found that actual work physically difficult.  I'm s-o-o-o glad to se the end of it, but then, I never really will as it's just not up to standard and will probably ever leave the house. After all, it was meant as a practice piece. I've been using it to procrastinate about a couple of more demanding projects but shall now have to face those, and I really don't look forward to it, even though I know I'll quite enjoy myself once I get started.  As they say--a first world problem.

Where did the weekend go?

 Thursday and Friday were so busy and stress producing, that I crashed on Saturday.  I was really in a fog all day, so much so that David had to drive me out to Selkirk to pick my pieces from the September show.  Yesterday wasn't much better, but I did get out to the store to buy a few perishables.  Saturday morning we discovered at least three places on the bedroom wall where the fellow had drilled right through the wall, when installing the shower walls.  David spoke to him this evening, and he offered to patch the holes, but we feel that the whole room will need painting.  There's pretty well no way the paint could ever be matched successfully.  Otherwise the shower is great. It has meant changing some habits.  There is no bathtub rim to rest books on, and no gadget attached to the bathtub to help one to stand up from the toilet.  As well, I now face the actual shower itself, instead of having my back to it. Every thing is in the wrong spot! I guess some things just need a time to get used to.

This evening they announced on the news that both the casinos and libraries are now closed again. We discovered last time that we could manage just fine without the casinos, but the library is essential!  Evidently this should last for a month ( 2 isolation periods)  I believe that we've bought every interesting sounding book from Walmart.  Maybe I'll have to visit an actual book store.

I think I mentioned that I had ordered a pattern and some papers for a new EPP project. It arrived today.  The papers really are papers and not the light cardstock that I usually use.  This means changing my method of basting them to the fabric, but that's okay.  It will slow me down a bit, but since the pattern suggests that the fabric be very carefully cut so as to make best use of the design, my progress will be much slower in every sense.  This is something I don't often do, as I feel that it wastes too much fabric'

So, not much new.  Life is slowing down again, as it should, under the circumstances.  This time maybe we even have some better coping mechanisms. H'mmm.  No-one said the liquor stores are closing.

Can it really be the end of Sept?

 Too fast ...not enough time to enjoy the Fall! But on a good note the colours are glorious this year...We drove down around the Lake to check on the lot/trailer of Harry's cousin from the city. And could not believe the beauty of the area and looking across the lake at the hills adorned with brilliant reds and oranges - it almost takes your breathe away. And a short reprieve from life to refresh your mind and soul perhaps?

Trying to get rounded up here outside and although progress is being made, it is slow going. I have tons of little pots to organize (which I have mentioned previously I know) and have not got to it yet. This weeks forecast call for showers/rain which does not improve the situation any.

Lots of unsettling news about this virus now. Today we go shopping but to North Bay instead of Huntsville. I plan to do a little stocking up if I can..on paper goods at least. I go through so much paper towel - not good I know, but I find it handy for all my odd little clean up jobs. And my previously well stocked toilet paper stash is starting to dwindle so I better check that out.

Take care folks. Hops all is well. How is the new bathroom Pati? It must be a delight! Be safe!

Wow!

 Just logged on this morning and greeted with your great pictures Pati and how nice to see the new bathroom finished and so gorgeous. You must be thrilled. And have you tired it out yet?? Thank goodness the weather was kind enough to allow you to sit outside while the inside work was being done. I love the leaves colouring and falling as you described but then i do not like the thought of cleaning them up.

Cathy you are lucky to have your eye appointment. Harry still has to follow up with Eye Surgeon for cataracts since the previous Dr retired and his referral has been sent to a new Dr. He called that office the other day and it will be at least 5 months before he hears back with a date for the initial assessment. And I have not heard either but expect it to be even longer for my assessment to this new Dr. Health care system is really backed up and rather of a poor quality anymore around here.

Lots of work yesterday in the yard and the little greenhouse now has all the shelves in ready for spring and now all the pots have to be brought in and sorted and shelved. I guess I know what i am doing today haha! Thank goodness the weather here is also very nice and allows for the outside work to be done in relative comfort.

I hear on news that Winnipeg is in Code Orange and Manitoba rising in numbers of Covid cases.  You folks stay home and stay safe. I do not expect any of you were the culprits accused of bar hopping and spreading the virus??  Take care

Finished!

The bathroom is done.  We have our new shower stall, complete with corner seat, a new telephone shower, and grab bars.

This is what it looked like before the demolition.

This is what it looked like after the first day.

And this is the final result.  It goes all the way to the ceiling, and the window is very well sealed within the new frame, but still quite operational.

While he was working today, I spent some time in the garden.  David had spent the morning gathering leaves with his vacuum/blower, so the area had been fairly clear, but suddenly there was a somewhat gentle gust of wind and there was an absolute "rain" shower of leaves.  Even the fellow working in the bathroom saw it and made a remark.  I giggled and let it fall around me, even in my tea. What a delight!

Then I noticed the corner of the yard where we hide things we don't want to look at.  Again a delightful display of a complementary colour scheme of blue and yellow/orange.  I just had to take a picture.  That lead me to my little Maple Bush--not so little anymore but what a wonderful deep red colour!

Finally, the beautiful display of my Petunias, and a couple of Geraniums in the old plastic sink. We had Petunias planted in two other areas and just got a few spindle little blossoms, but I don't know what happened here.

 

Good news from the optometrist

 I saw the optometrist today. There is no sign of macular degeneration and although there is indication of cataracts they are so small he felt silly mentioning it. And I don’t need new glasses. The tomatoes are ripening, but there are so many!  I never thought I would have that complaint. And I guess I am not alone in not getting many peppers this year. It seems to be a common complaint around here. Jim used some of his potato money this year to buy himself a new chair. The one he had used to belong to Doug Paterson’s mother. He is the lawyer I worked for over 20 years ago. He brought it into the office for clients but we were afraid one of the elderly clients would get in and never get out!  Kris took it and when he moved we got it. It really needed replacing. It rained all day today. Not heavy, but steady. It was enough to settle the dust. I roasted a chicken for supper. I have been craving it and today was cool enough to have the oven on. Yummie!  Mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing and gravy. How can I ever top that. And the veggies were from our garden. Even better. Rrain is making masks for Mike and Willie right now. Since the boys chose some of the patterns themselves she is excited to make them. She really hopes they like them. We were supposed to have pickeral delivered around 3 pm today but they never arrived. Jim texted and called, but no response.  We left the money at the legion, but it closes in 15 minutes and we heard nothing. Hope nothing happened to them. Hope you have a great week. Love you

Pumpkin Spice Latte

 Wow!  I don't know what to say.  Pumpkin Spice Latte is the house specialty at Starbucks.  It is a sweet milky flavoured expresso coffee, usually served with Whipped topping, and very nicely spiced--IMHO.  I believe the flavour comes from "flavour shots" as do most of the flavours they serve, but there is also a sprinkle of something on top.  I don't buy it often, and usually order it without the whipped topping(I LOVE whipped topping, but don't need the calories).  I half think the flavour is better without the Whip, aseverything is in the coffee, or maybe I'm just fooling myself.  If you can get back any time soon, mention the problem, and they may rectify it.

We're settling in to our social isolation gradually, and may never make it all the way.  David has decided to get a hair cut today, and my friend Geesje is going to drop in a little later to return some books.  I'm still trying to get some stitched pieces finished to go into the Gift Shop at the end of the month, but can never seem to get the time together to work on them.  I keep telling myself "Maybe today".  Well--maybe today.

There was along article in today's paper about the murder of Irene Smith.  Always a little disturbing to read about it again.  This time they mentioned that her father was a detective.  I remember him kindly coming over to help Mom bathe Grandpa Hughes, when he was living with us, as Dad wasn't able to do it.  That was a Good Neighbour!

Shopping yesterday

 Another trip to Huntsville yesterday to shop and fill the tank with gas. Harry likes to go to the Canadian Tire gas pumps and unlike other trips, I decided yesterday to go to the Starbucks right beside the pumps, and treat myself. I ordered the Pumpkin Spice Coffee and although it was a long wait, as they were very busy, I carried my cup to the car to wait for Harry who goes into Dollarama by himself - I will not go in there. Isip or two and I wondered what all the fuss was about. it had no flavour at all ...I expected delight but found only warm milky coffee. When I described it to Mike later in the day he suggested that the coffee must have been made wrong because he always heard how exciting and delicious this seasonal specialty at Starbucks is. I wonder if I got the spicy pumpkin flavour added or if added in only a small quantity? Pati, you said this particular flavoured coffee is strong ... so did I get fooled or are my taste buds gone haha!  I will go back to my tried and true Chai tea Latte on my next trip. But I did stock up a bit on some items trying to follow you both on what you are doing to stock up. My problem is space to put it all and also the "logging" in of each item when i get home. It is tedious to do but Harry still collects the points on the Nielsen web site and does surveys to accumulate points so I still have to log in every purchase.

The temps are better now this week and hope to get out into the yard again today to work. Harry took two loads to the dumps yesterday to tidy a bit, but there is lots of garden work to do. One is the water barrels which i will have to empty and store. Harry is getting his new garlic planted though for next year, and one of the jobs I had was to clean all the buds of the garlic harvested this year so that he could dehydrate it. i wear gloves to do that and somehow my hands have been affected with a red rash which really bothers me - lots of cream is helping a bit. maybe the gloves affected them??

Time for coffee and breakfast....hope your days are going well. The colours of the leaves is changing quickly here and driving down to Huntsville yesterday really highlighted how fast bu the gorgeous colours - soon all the tourist buses will be travelling along on their "Fall Colours Tours" if any are running this years\, that is.  Take care

It changes unexpectedly for me too.

 Please don't assume you're doing anything wrong.  Feel welcome to assume that it's a screwy system, full of flaws, that we just have to deal with.

I am having trouble with new format

 For some reason the font changes on its own? I just published my last post and the font is different sizes although while typing it and reading it it was all the same? What am I doing wrong?

I am just frozen....

..shivering with the cold as I had the dogs out early and the night temps are still low. I look forward to this week coming as the temps are to rise during both the days and nights and maybe bring some sense of comfort. But I have my coffee and a toasted bagel with peanut butter in front of me as i write a few words. I am also sitting in a much more comfortable computer chair - Harry finally gave in that the one we had was awful so i had another one sitting idle that we exchanged and the old one went down to the dump.( the joys of having a house full of stuff just waiting to be used haha!)

I am happy to hear all your news - both of you - about stocking up and filling freezers and power cooking etc and wish i could be the same. Actually my freezers are already full and every shopping trip i go through them to cull what I can in order to put more in. Terrible habit! And what to do with garden produce - I have little green tomatoes to do...I wonder what green tomatoes are like juiced up in the blender??  And damned if Harry didn't bring home 4 zuchini from the little stand on the road. This man gardens but has too much so he sets up a stand at his driveway and offers free vegetable, which of course, catches Harry's attention. Harry already has hid garlic bulbs ready to plant for next year and this means preparing the garden plots and then getting straw to cover them up. I saved the straw from this spring but do not know if it will be ok to use again. In which case I have a yard full of old straw to deal with haha!

I have put my name on the wait list at the Library for the new Gamache book although I do not know how soon I may be able to get it. Hopefully it won't take too long...but please, do not tell me anything about it after you two have read it! I can hardly wait because I have not been reading again for awhile - not interested in what I have but the anticipation of this book intrigues me...

So on with the day. Take care of yourselves. Stay safe.

Shopping Finished

 We did it!  We made lists and power shopped so as to fill up both freezers, the pantry, and the fridge.  The small area under the basement stairs is also now full of paper towel, toilet paper, and soft drinks. There is more power cooking scheduled for the next couple of days, as we found nice looking beef stew for a really good price.  We also found a couple of nice roasting chickens on sale, as well as some mild Italian sausage--something David can eat. Then he treated himself to several old fashioned Hungry Man tv dinners.  The only thing on the list that we couldn't find was the special toothpaste that the dentist has recommended for me.  The pharmacist checked for us and let us know that it isn't even listed in the book of things they can order from their wholesale sources.

So we are now in a position to hunker down and self isolate, to a certain extent, for the next couple of months.  I'm not looking forward to it, but we'll still be able to go places like the library and pharmacy, so we will get out once in awhile, and I have my Zoom meetings.

But there is a lot of work piling up in the studio.  I just haven't really been in the mood enough to give it priority over the little things that pop up as part of life.  Some how I need to find that energy, and get on with it.  However, it mostly seems to be housework that is demanding my attention.  Maybe I just need to give myself a strong talking to about finding the joys in life.

Tea and books

 Yesterday I sat with Earl Grey tea, my Duchess mug and Louise Penny’s newest book. I requested it last July, before it was  released and mine was the first request!  I’m usually something like 27th. I was expecting Jim home around 3pm but they ended up having beer at work so I picked him up around 7pm. As a result I got in an extra 4 hours of reading and finished the book. I want to read it again but I know there are more people waiting. The library holds books for 3 days before checking them in so if I take it back today the next person can get it Tuesday. If I reread it they won’t get it until Thursday. To be nice or to be selfish. Decisions decisions.  With the potato harvest done Jim is just resting today (and groaning cause the aches have set in). Tomorrow will be different since the weekend is supposed to be beautiful and I have a number of outside projects in mind. Our region has been lowered to yellow status so masks are no longer mandatory, but most businesses In town are still requiring them. I am going to keep wearing mine anyway. They are also allowing gatherings of 50 indoors and 100 outside. I am surprised. I think I will still avoid crowds. Rrain is still making masks but I told her I wouldn’t be helping her tomorrow. With the nice weather and Jim at home I want to be here. Hope you both have a good weekend. 

Cold nights for two more ...

 ...and then it warms up. Good thing as i really want to get out and do some chores in the yard. I hope to take some loads to the dump today but time will tell. Bags of leaves etc that I have raked up, and odds and sods of other "garbage".  I picked some beans off those nasty vines yesterday so today i would like to give it another once over to see if any more will jump out at me.  I have lots of little green tomatoes in the house to do something with so will think of that, too.

The neighbour down the street came by with her dog and spotted two pink flamingo ornaments I had in one of the beds. She said "could I borrow them?" Her sister is coming to visit this weekend and will be her 60 birthday and she wanted to decorate the yard.  Please, tell me the significance of pink flamingos and special birthdays? I cannot remember , if in fact i ever knew.

Time for my coffee and then on with it. Take care 

Wednesday afternoon

 And what's going on around here?  My 3 hour Zoom workshop yesterday was a worthwhile experience, and I would try one again.  The organization may have a couple more in the works, and I'll look forward to being able to participate.  Most of it consisted of things I had heard of before, but this time there was a slightly different twist on it, and a welcome reminder of things I have done in the past and forgotten over the past couple of years.  Most were things that I will be quite willing to try again.  However, between the anticipation, and the concentration during the workshop itself, I was exhausted when it was over.  Thank Goodness, I had warned David that we would be going out for supper.  We tried a new stir fry place that has opened in the same place as the stir fry store that we had patronized before. I don't think we'll be going back again.  The food was passable.  The atmosphere was almost freaky.  In all the time we were there only one other person came in and she picked up a menu.  There were three staff, of whom only one spoke acceptable English.  the fellow who actually served us wasn't the one, which was exacerbated by the fact that he spoke softly and was wearing a mask.  The other fellow didn't speak to us at all, but just followed instructions given in some sort of language mix. While we were eating a lady showed up, who appeared to be in charge.  The service was not even bare minimum.  Our raw food was served off a buffet, according to our instructions, then taken to a Mongolian grill.  We were not offered any sort of drink container although there was a fountain drink display.  We were not offered any sort of utensil.  I had to find a tray by the cash register and pick up forks and napkins by myself.  Then, rather than plates, our food was given to us in take out containers, which we took to a table, opened and ate.  While I used a debit machine to pay, it didn't contain any method of not paying a tip, so they got the bare minimum tip, and the total cost was still extreme for the quality and type of food we had.

Today, I somehow managed to delete all of my archived storage folders off my e-mail.  This wasn't a job for the Geek Squad, but rather Shaw, and I just didn't have time for a four hour call, just then. At first I had no way of creating more storage folders, but found it after a lot of fooling around.  Then we tackled washing the kitchen windows.  This requires that they all be removed from the frame and get washed individually at the kitchen sink.  That all sounds bad enough, but then comes the task of putting them back in.  Much more difficult than it sounds and it took David almost two hours.  This was followed by the decision to discard the Venetian blind over the sink.  There had been a problem when it was first installed, and it has never worked at all.  Good riddance.  However, discarding was more difficult than first thought.  David spent an hour cutting it into smaller pieces, so that it could be fit into a green garbage bag.  Of course, this had to be done in the middle of the kitchen, so lunch consisted of a hard boiled egg, two cookies and a hand full of trail mix.  Not good.

So now it's supper time, and I haven't even been downstairs today, let alone spent any time in the studio.  However, I did get to watch a video from the Last Homely House.  There are three new ones on the site, but for some reason I haven't been getting notifications.

Tomorrow the plans start with a 6:00 am doctor's appointment, followed by a 10:30 meeting our in Selkirk, that may last well past noon.  Then there is an important shopping trip to the other side of the city.  We desperately need new batteries for our in house phone system, before all four of our phones go dead.  And how's your day going?

t

Freezing weather

Seems that the night temperatures are close to freezing lately enough so that Harry asked me to set up a heater in the little greenhouse last night. The peppers in there are producing right now which seems a bit late but nevertheless, requires some additional care. I have never set up heaters in the Fall so hope this is not going to be a new thing around here???

We too, went shopping yesterday... in Huntsville, and i was tempted to visit Starbucks but the regular routine was not the same and so it never materialized. I only imagined sipping on my Chai Tea Latte haha!

But I bought a new type of Kcups for the keurig in Dark Roast flavour and as I type I am sipping on a coffee and quite enjoy it.. I only use the keurig lately - it is too easy to press a button and get a coffee. maybe i am showing a bit of laziness as well?

Trying to tidy up outside a bit but not much progress. Seems the more you work, the more work you have ( or see that has to be done!) The big apple tree at the back of the house died this year and was cut down leaving the space clear which I am loving. The brush sat on the side of the road for a week until finally the town truck came by to pick it up. I was afraid we may have had to put it in our car and haul it to the dump ourselves. 

I think I am not liking this new format. I can hardly see what I am writing in "medium" font. How are you two feeling. What if I used large font - would it bother you both at all? Let me know...Take care for now.

What's on my mind

 Every time I open Facebook, it asks me what's on my mind.  Well, we went grocery shopping this morning.  The first step in our plan to stock up on things so we can socially isolate to a greater degree over the next little while.  Then we power cooked and put away 25 individual meals for David.  We also plan to put away a few Turkey pot pies using leftovers when we cook our Thanksgiving turkey.  We also bought a little bit of liquor.

This morning I watched three videos on EPP by Tula Pink.  She evidently does quite a bit of EPP, and has a whole website devoted to this past time.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzTBbxHsj9Y  I actually learned a lot more than I had thought I would.  She does her hand stitching a very different way than I have done it for the last 65 years.  I tried her way this evening, and found it easy to change to, and easier on my hands as well.  I also bought one of her patterns and all of the pre-cut paper pieces for it.  I guess my next project is planned.  This also gives me a reason to do a little fabric buying, slowly, over the next few months while I finish the one I'm working on now.  I have an idea of what to look for, but doubt that I can afford any of her own fabric lines.  I'll just have to find  similar stuff on the cheap table.

My Morning Pages are evolving into a means of journaling my struggles with eating, and any other concerns that clog up my brain.  I certainly don't want to go into any further detail here, but the process is still useful to me, and I plan to continue.  Tomorrow I have a 3 hour Zoom workshop with an internationally known instructor--Lyric Kinard.  The total fees for this are $20, and the class is limited to 20 participants.  There is no way in H--- that I would ever have had to opportunity to study under someone whom I have have followed for years and highly respect, if Covid hadn't totally changed the way the world works.  I'm so looking forward to this and warned David a week ago that we would be going out for supper tomorrow night.

But, you ask, will there be no housework done, shouldn't that have priority?  Hell no!  We even put the dirty dishes from our power cooking into the dishwasher and turned it one half full.  Tomorrow will be housework free.  I have decided that I am taking the day off.  Period.

Churchill High School.

 I, too, saw the articles on Churchill.  I wish my memories of high school were better.  But I was always a bit of an outsider during those years.  And even then there was Mom to deal with, but never to the extent you two experienced.  Rather, I was thrust into the role of "mother" far too young. so the articles brought back that sort of memory. The good part of those memories was that we felt so safe in our own neighbourhood, walking the streets at all times, night or day.  I used to walk home from what is now Osborne Village, often late at night, and never felt threatened in any way.  But then, I also walked most of the way home form HSC, while in University, and never felt threatened.  Maybe I should have. I would certainly never do that now, even if I were physically capable.

Thinking about more current threats, David and I are considering moving back to more of a self-isolation state than we have been living recently.  David reacts very badly to the any flu vaccine, and usually chooses not to take it.  Given his age this puts him as double the risk with the approaching flu season overlapping the Covid 19 threat.  Everything we hear involves concerns about the possibility of someone hitting the hospitals with both, and utilizing  resources that could go to others.  David's age is also a third strike against him.  So, we're going to stock up on non-perishables items, and try to reduce trips for perishables to once a week, with me doing the shopping and running the errands.  I know this still leaves the possibility that I might bring it home to him.  I also know that we've talked about it before, but now we have a plan.  I am dreading it, as I really don't want to be going into these stores, but maybe my fear will help reduce the number of trips we make.

Otherwise, we, too, seem to be doing an awful lot of "pacing" of our physical activities.  Funny, but I've always used this as a strategy for energy conservation, especially since my knee surgery, but now David is one board, although not necessarily as an intended change in behaviour.  He's been practicing it for awhile.

In the studio, I've been finding started but not finished pieces, or samples that have the potential to be  turned into a finished piece.  I'm trying to finish these to the point that I could submit them to a Gift Shop for potential sale.  Not getting too far with this as the need to cut more papers, or more fabric for my EPP keep getting in the way.  But after three days of frenzied work, I now have enough of everything to keep me going with that for quite awhile.  And most of the tv programs we follow start  a new season next week.  More time spent sitting and doing nothing, or maybe I should saying pacing our physical exertions.

Looking forward to an evening playing poker.  I don't think I've done that for over a week.  Keep safe ladies!

Churchill High School

Just a quick note to say I loved the headline on the Free press this morning with picture of Churchill High front and centre.  It was about Covid 19 but nevertheless, still exciting to see the old place. 

Now on to my first coffee and get set for the day.  Stay safe, and take care. 

Breathing

 Today I am taking Beth’s advice and I am pacing myself. I set things that I wanted to get done and then things that will need to be done eventually. By 12:30 I had done all the things I wanted to do. I thought about the things I should do and then, because Mother Nature has blessed us with such a beautiful day, I took my book outside and read. I think I will do the same tomorrow.

Here it is...new format defaulted on me

 So I am now into the new format.... obviously. And this is the "medium size font" Lat me know if it is OK to read.

Not too much new around here besides trying to make it through each day. Perhaps that is enough haha!  I read in the messages of your days and do not think either of you are "lazy" beings. I think it would be nice to relax a bit - to watch TV and sip on wine. It would be good for the soul. I have thought of setting up our TV again even if it only has a poor quality of only one channel but it may be enough. I shall have to think on that for a bit. I cannot even seem to get into reading again the Cotton series - I barreled through Dorothesa and Erin books so maybe I should stick with them. Mike pre orderd the third of the "Paradise" series for me and should get it sometime in October. I shall look forward to that. I could always order from my local Library more of the Dorotheas books,  as you just recommended her again Pati . Just do not seem to be motivated lately..

The garden has not been good this year as I have mentioned previously - not like yours Cathy which seemed to flourish before your eyes.And give you lots of work... right? It is raining again today and i think this kind of weather causes me to wane with enthusiasm for doing anything ...although I like to take the dogs down to the lake for a walk. it is glorious to look out onto the water. And I think how lucky I am to be living near a lake. 

Anyway Harry just came in with the mail and an order for a coffee so I shall sign off for now. Hoping you are all well and staying safe. Take care 

The lazy life

 If I get up early, I usually have to creep around, quiet as a mouse, so as to not wake David up.  The last few days, our roles have been reversed.  For some reason, since my problem with the muscle spasms, I appear to have relaxed, and accepted that I don't have the energy I did even a few months ago.  I've been sleeping like a log, well into the morning.  I've also had more energy during the day, probably as a result of a good night's sleep.

Yesterday, I sort of farted around all day, until it was time to watch the evening news.  ( I had over-caffeinated myself early in the day and spent a lot of time sorting out and re-organizing the studio.) Then David discovered a movie made of the 1967 Newport Folk Festival, at 5:00, which we watched, that morphed into a 7:00 running of the movie made about the 1968 Monterey Music Festival.  Immediately following that was the 3-4 hour film made during 1969 Woodstock.  I got a lot of hand stitching done, drank some wine, and went to bed late.

Today, I had an appointment to get the foot orthotics I was assessed for a couple of weeks ago.  They are only letting a few people in the store at one time, so there was a short lineup outside.  I told the lady guarding the door, that I had an appointment with Marianne.  She asked me to stand on one of the social distancing marks, while she went in to let Marianne know.  The fellow ahead of me in the line was immediately asking me how I got an appointment to buy shoes.  He was a quite disappointed when I told him the appointment was with the Pedorthist.  Then David dropped me off at Starbucks, while he went into the grocery store.  It was now about 3:00, and neither of us had had lunch, so I had some eggs, and David went to McDonald's while he was away, then had a drink and a brownie when he joined me.  Neither of us was the least bit hungry after we got home, and supper was skimpy and very late.

My next task is to read my book, and maybe sip some wine, ( I'm very much enjoying the latest batch--white zinfandel) and try to get to bed a little earlier tonight.  I've just finished the Dorothea Benton Frank book, "Full of Grace".  I found myself both moved and inspired by it, probably moreso than any other of her books.

Frost

It finally happened.  My garden needed another few weeks but it was not to be.  Yesterday I picked all the tomatoes and peppers and the few remaining cucumbers.  7 milk crates of a variety of green tomatoes.  I made another batch of salsa and froze another 16 hamburger patties.  I am sure we will get in another couple of barbecues this year. Now what do I do????  Tomato junk is next on my list.  I use it in soups and stews and tomato sauces so I go through a lot in a year.  Rrain is caught up on her masks.  She still has orders, but the numbers are manageable.  Many of them are repeat orders so they have masks to use.  They just really like them and want more.  The potato harvest is going well this year, and there is little, or no rain in the forecast. (Unlike last year when they couldn't get the potatoes off because of rain).  Barring breakdowns, which always happen, they should finish within a couple of weeks.  I think this will be Jim's last year.  He is finding that the roughness of driving over the fields is really shaking up his back and hurting.  With the cool weather coming I am starting to think about stocking up on freezer meals again.  We never seem to eat any homemade soups or stews or casseroles in the summer.  Just too hot to turn the oven on. I'll see how long this enthusiasm lasts 😜   Today I feel really lazy.  I guess I was so busy yesterday I just want to sit around and read today.  I do have to do some shopping, and the garbage has got to go to the dump, so I will leave the house.  But not for a couple more hours. This getting up so early in the morning throws me off.  By 8 am I have done all sorts of stuff and I still have the entire day ahead of me! And now I will go and put all the things I froze yesterday into their proper spots in the freezers.  Have a great day 

Again, not doing much (long)

Right now we're just sort of drifting.  There's little needing to be done, of a serious nature, so we're enjoying some down time.  I've been working on the FMQ'g of my small modern quilts that I've mentioned before.  I think I've been going at it too hard as Saturday evening my shoulder and neck muscles went into a spasm that resulted in a monstrous headache that went from my shoulder blade over the right side of my head and almost into my face. I just couldn't find a position to sleep in, even trying to sleep in David's recliner.  Finally, about 4:00 am, I took a T3 and then dozed until 7:20, when the phone rang.  Our regular Sunday morning automatic sales call.  Back to bed and slept like a log until 9:30.  This was a bit scary as you think of all the terrible things that it could be for an older person, including brain cancer ( a one sided vicious headache).  But the stiff muscles and low grade pain was a nuisance yesterday, so I took it easy, spending 2 1/2 hours with Gail at Starbucks, while David did a large grocery shopping. Gail, bless her heart (small snark) spent the time polishing my big silver tray with Twinkle--on a table in Starbucks.  When David got back to us, she brought in her whole  pendant display, and we had a long conversation about what whether they were better with cord around the neck or chain ( chain, definitely) She is carefully cutting out circles from broken fine china for the pendant piece.  I now have one in my jewel box.

It's always a bit of an adventure when David goes grocery shopping on his own.  I don't think I'll ever run out of either toilet bowl cleaner or dishwasher pods, but both will keep quite nicely, in the basement, until they're needed.  He did find out that our Walmart has re-opened, including the pharmacy, and was finally able to return that silly little Starfrit chopping device that we couldn't figure out how to work.  

I read today in the computer news,(MSN) that it is looking like the general working life of the daily office commute will probably be changed forever as a very good percentage of workers will continue to work from home. It is both cheaper to operate, and far less stressful for both the workers and the companies that they work for. The article expressed great fear for the smaller businesses that support the office workers, from restaurants to dry cleaners.  Just think of the effect on society as whole!  It made me think about the changes for me as a consumer, and how much more dependent we will have to become on our electronic communication skills.  This is a little scary.  The other emerging group will be less-skilled workers out of work, and the suddenly emerging demands on social welfare systems, both manpower wise and cost, especially to the tax payer.  There will also be advantages in terms of less pressure on the environment, which would be a good thing.  

This all leads me to worry about my ability to exist on a fixed income, as a property owner.  But--when I think of the changes in society over my life time, I realized that I have witnessed some of the greatest societal changes ever to occur.

On the other hand, I continue to read books by Dorothea Benton Frank.  They are somewhat formulaic, as they all deal with significant positive changes that happen to middle aged women in the Low Country around Charleston South Carolina.  But they are full of optimism, hope and faith--all uplifting and hopeful in their own way.  something I think I need right now. The various characters are amusing, and demonstrate that no family is perfect, and everyone has a lunatic in the background, somewhere.

This is long enough.  Time to get on with the day, even if that means another cup of tea and my book.  Maybe I'll get dressed later.

Really cool in the early mornings

Taking the dog out in the early morning is changing now with these really cool temperatures. I should put on a coat but as is habit I just rush out with my housecoat only and then wish i had put on a coat haha! Add a bit of misty drips /quasy rain and it is compounded with discomfort. And winter is not even here yet ..yuck.
Yes, I looked up that book on my site Fantastic Fiction  and it is to be published in October 2020....I must keep my eyes open for that opportunity. So it is back to dear old Cotton Malone and The Malta Pursuit and I have others that i can fall back on in meantime.
The dehydrator is working full force here in the kitchen and Harry is producing lots of little jars of spices and veg eg leeks, red peppers, onions, parsley, and of great interest he is doing sliced green tomatoes. He read on the net that they can be dehydrated and then rehydrated later (within 6 months) to use for fried green tomatoes which he loves right now. We trialed some and sure enough last night I fried them up with some fresh green tomatoes and they tasted just about the same. So we have discovered something new and he bought two more boxes of green tomatoes yesterday at the market.! And in the garden we are still picking smallish cucumbers and Harry found some green beans on all these vines that I had wanted to pull out because they were too unruley. So they are still in place and are expected to produce more beans because they are covered with flowers. What I will NOT do, is go out with any Qtips to try to pollinate haha!
Long weekend and all I hear on the news is about the number of people disregarding precautions and going out to Party - what they are calling "super spreaders'! And then schools here in Ontario are opening Tuesday, and people expect more issues. It is so uncertain.
On that happy note, I must go and start my day. Hope all is well with everyone, and you are taking some time to stop and smell the roses??? Pati, I like the idea of your morning pagers helping you and glad you started back at them. I sort of so something similar but not to the extent of them being like journals like you described.  Take care and be safe.

Saturday update

 I think you may be looking for "Troubles in Paradise", Beth. 

Not much exciting here.  Just a few days of being reminded that we're aging, as we deal with memory lapses, and funny behaviour.  Small things become big when you drift from day to day without any changes in rhythm of activities. We both worried about where David had lost his glasses, until I realized I was wearing them.  What can I say beyond that.  But we thank Goodness when we're reminded that we enjoy mutual laughter, when silly things happen. 

My daily journaling has taken on a life of its own, as I realize that what I'm doing is more a daily journal that anything related to "The Artist's Way", or the "20/20 Diet".  Basically, if it feel right, I'm going to try to continue doing it.

Nothing from me...

Not even a peep from me as I read your message. ( well, hardly !!) But the visual in my mind was worth the price of admission! Like I have mentioned all along, your adventures Pati (and Dave) fill my mundane life with great pleasure. Keeps me coming back to the blog to read the next installment haha!
I finished the book by Erin Hildebrand called What Happens in Paradise and it ended abruptly with lose ends for all the characters which mean of course that a third book is forthcoming - I hope. I kept turning the last page thinking there should be more. I shall have to check to see if or when that next book may be published. Perhaps it already has in which case i will order it from Library if I can.
Have a great weekend folks, and take care of yourselves. Days are getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change which is a good sign that Fall is approaching. So much to do in the yard - frightening! I guess i better make out my To Do list real fast haha! 

A giggle (but don't you dare laugh out loud!)

 Yesterday we followed our usual schedule by finding some time for David to drop me off at Starbucks, and run errands.  I suddenly realized how long it's been since I actually went into the grocery store.  Oh well, there are still stores that will only allow one family member to enter the store--period.  I'll just ease my conscience by assuming that all stores require that.  Some time over the weekend he did find large bottles of Diet Dr. Pepper.  Never thought we would see that again.

Then it was home to sit in the garden for awhile, followed by a decision to go out for supper.  A pleasant day, but I was out of the house so much that I missed a call from Gail.  Perhaps today.

During the shopping trip, David discovered that he could no longer open the trunk of the car.  Not with his keys, not from the button inside the car. So he put down the back seats, and climbed in  to use the emergency escape handle to get it open.  This didn't really work well, but with some physical effort, finally did the trick.  Then he discovered that he couldn't get back out of the car.  He was on his stomach, with his head and upper body in the trunk and his legs out the back driver-side door.  I heard him calling for help, and with a lot of physical assistance, and over a bit of time, we finally got him out.  Did I hear a giggle out there?  Anyway, he took it in this morning, and there is a part on order, to be installed next Wednesday.  Kaching!

Legacy Format still active...

It seems that I am still defaulting to the legacy format so do not know if this will last. Funny to see Pati's last post where it seemed to jump from the one to the other? 
A little rain overnight and more expected today.  The garden is waning and yesterday I pulled out most of the kale which grew wonderfully well this year. Harry dehydrated it and i will use the leaves for myself, and some of it will be made into powder for spices. harry bought many little bottles at Dollarama and has all this years dehydrated and powdered veg/spices/herbs etc labelled and stored into them. Now we have to be sure to use them up over the winter. For example, Harry is eating green fried tomatoes now so I make the flour coating spiced up with many of these offerings. It makes for a nice taste. And I have been enjoying toasted cucumber or tomato sandwiches - nice tasting when fresh. The Farmers Market stand will be in place here in Sundridge until Thanksgiving weekend and Harry has been buying nice veg, and fruit from there. Our consumption of meats has basically stopped since Harry does not eat any anymore and I tire of trying to make something for myself of that nature. I did buy two frozen in a package 'salmon burgers" at the store this week and a package of buns, and tried one the other night as a burger with tomatoes etc. As much as I like salmon, I did not like the flavour or texture or taste of this at all.
I have some shelves from Willies move that he did not want and have an idea to put them in the storage room downstairs to try to organize a bit. I hope to tidy the little room that houses our water tank and pump etc and make room there. Harry has been active in doing preserves lately and I need someplace to store them. Actually i need to dispose of older preserves that we do not use, and that might help too..haha!
Well on with another day. Hope you folks are well, but refreshed after your visit. Pati, it was wonderful to hear that you shared your sketch books, and as much as you might have felt a bit anxious about it, I am sure there was also much pride of accomplishment also attached to the showing of your work. You may also have touched a cord with Rrain from the sounds of it and passed on a whole new family thing? 
Take care and be safe. ...

Catching up

 Yesterday was great!  Not so great to get up early, but since we were both awake before our alarms, maybe not so much of a conflict?  Two stops on the way up, for washrooms, newspapers and Timbits. Thinking that everyone would share in the Timbits, I bought a box of 50, but then none of the ladies helping to hang the show ate any!  This left 50 for the family. It took a little bit longer than expected to hang the show, as the ladies were determined to have every thing level and looking even.  I t wasn't necessarily a good day for me physically, and I couldn't help as much as I would have liked. There were only 18 pieces, which didn't quite fit the space available but it turned out that the pieces were too wide to fit between the windows on the South wall, so that space was left empty. After everyone left, Jim and Dave went for pizza, and Rraine showed me through her work room.  She has a deal with her Board allowing her to work in the space there.  She has space to work, and customers for masks know where to find her. I was very impressed with her layout, and the amount of supplies she has.  Quite an efficient set-up. We bought one, plus  spare, each and find them much more comfortable to wear than the ones we've been using.

While we were waiting for pizza and for a bit after eating, I showed Cathy and Rraine through my sketchbooks.  It was the first time I've wanted to share them fully with anyone,  (Gail has seen parts of a couple of them), and it turned out to be a much more emotional experience than I had thought. I was exhausted, something I certainly hadn't anticipated.  I couldn't keep awake driving home, although I definitely tried.  Still, David says there was one stretch on hwy #16 where I was deep asleep for about 15 minutes.  I never sleep in the car!!

Overall, it was a great day, with seeing everybody, talking to Beth, and even including  Rraine in one of our "get-togethers".