Well, hot damn!

 Now that you mentioned it Pati, and not wanting to ignore your challenge haha! I just came in from drinking a nice cool wine served in my Royal Dalton China Mug - Duchess design. Every sip was toasted to my two sisters whom I assume were doing the same as i! I was more afraid of dropping my special mug and shattering it on the cement of the patio stones so was very, very careful to hold it just so....I shall be covering again tonight as the temp is iffy and at this point do not want to take any chances. But I had to uncover, and pull out tomatoes from the greenhouses for the day, and just put them all back. Later I shall go out and secure the covers and close the greenhouses tight for the night.

Here's to another day of thinking of you both.. Please take care of yourselves...Love  👪💓👪

What can go wrong, will go wrong

 And that pretty well describes our day around here, yesterday. It culminated with me getting an e-mail telling me that the appointments we made for our second shot of vaccine were being cancelled because I had given incorrect information when making them.  I called back and when I finally got through, found out that the whole thing had been a system blip, and we were fine, and our appointments will stand. (I got another e-mail over night confirming this) By the time I got of the phone, I was in tears, and this was in front of David for, I think, the first time since we've been married. So-o, for the first time I can remember, we celebrated "Happy Hour", before supper rather than later in the evening.  Then, David discovered that the supper he had taken out of the freezer, was so old that it should have been thrown out a year ago.  All I had was 3 oz. of cooked chicken, nothing to go with it and not enough to share. But we sure enjoyed the Teen Burgers, chips and onion rings he went and got from A&W.  Found out that Zinfandel doesn't go that well with hamburgers and chips. We watched one but not all of my Saturday night tv shows, on PBS from Detroit.  And, I did NO had stitching while watching it, but DID, enjoy a little more wine.    Then, we gambled a bit on the playnow.com site.  This turned out to be worthwhile as David's luck increased our "playing stack" enough to keep us going for another week or four, without adding any more $$$.  The site keeps us on a tight budget, and doesn't allow us to add more than the limit set, even if we cry and moan a lot, so winning a bit will let us keep playing.

Right now I have no plans for today, other than to eat that cold chicken, at some point.  I may start another small donation quilt.  The one I have in mind will take a lot of preparation work, and that just might be something I'm in the mood for right now. (donkey work!) I have a second one in mind, but am quite willing to let that one percolate for awhile, as preparation will likely involve cutting up good fabric to augment the remaining scraps I have in the laundry basket, where they're stored--right in the middle of the floor, between my ironing board and my sewing machine.  I finished a third one yesterday, but not without a bit of anguish. (see other blog)

My main plan is to take one day at a time, while not stressing myself physically, but keeping my mind active.  My walking ability and activity tolerance is not improving, so I really have no other choice.  And-if that's the case, I want to enjoy whatever part of life available to me-even if, at times, that is limited to watching Time Team videos on Utube.  (David now has the site bookmarked on his machine.)  

So enjoy whatever life sends you.  For both of you that includes dogs, right now. But I urge you both to try to enjoy a meal at A&W, one day, or alternatively, enjoy some wine--but use your Duchess mug to drink it.  Stay safe, ladies.

To Cheer you up....

 A quickie this morning as I just got in from taking my dogs down to the Lake once again. So I share my thoughts as I gaze out onto the water and surrounding shores of greens of all colours and ducks and geese and of no one else there but us. Totally serene, peaceful, calming, and generally a sense that all is well ... This makes such a difference to me as I start my day. And while there, thinking of you and wishing you the same wonderful feelings and thoughts to carry you through your day. I am about to take a coffee outside and sit by my pond for a moment to collect my thoughts and plan for the day. Of course I shall have to put on my jacket and hat to keep me warm. One more night of frost and we should be in the clear. i will not uncover the plants that are outside and covered, but I shall have to go into the greenhouses to check for watering for sure. I am making some salmon steaks with homemade french fries for my meal along with fresh picked Kale from the garden, and some brussel sprouts bought at the store. And I have a full cardboard box of wine to get into this afternoon - I have one ( and only one) goblet a day and have kept this practice for awhile now and it seems to please me. 

Take care my sisters and be safe...❤❤

Down Day

 I've talked about my "stupid" days since this Covid started, and yesterday evening and today were more, or less, lost time.  It started with very poor sleeping the last two nights, and resulted in me getting up for breakfast this morning, getting dressed, reading the paper and watching The View, before getting undressed and going back to bed for over two hours. "Bed" is figuratively speaking, as the bed had been stripped and the sheets in the wash ( Thank you David), so I just covered myself with a light quilt. So I'm reconciled to a slow easy day today, although I did get 4 seams sewn in the latest charity quilt, while watching Dr. Phil.  Five more seams and it'll be ready for binding.  I pulled out a "Golden Oldie" in terms of construction for the piece, and used the Sharon Pedersen reversible quilt technique, something I haven't thought of in years.

So I shall watch another episode of "Time Team"  while eating a simple supper, and see if I can get an early but restful night, before attempting anything else.

Day to day life

How do you break down your day?  Today wasn't normal, but here goes.  I woke up at 4:06 am. That was not what I wanted but I stayed in bed until almost 7am.  Except for a few minutes at 6|:15 when Lucky was whining to go out.  Normally I would ignore him but since I was awake I got up.  Sir Poops-a-lot lived up to his name.  He peed and pooped and wanted back in.  Me, in my semi -awake status let him in and went back to bed.  That lasted about 15 minutes and I gave up. 

 Today was the power cooking day, so while  Jim slept I cooked up 4 chicken breasts and 3 pounds of hamburger (I am almost out!  Prices are insane!)  So, today I made 3 meals of chili, 3 chicken broccoli casseroles ( I added some cubed ham for variety), 3 baked macaroni hamburger casseroles and some Chicken Cacciatori  (not sure how much since it is cooling right now before I freeze it) I use it as spagetti sauce.  Jim is making lazy cabbage rolls tomorrow (they are not my favourite so I let him make them) Tonight  I have a chicken casserole in the oven.  It would have been a chicken pot pie but I ran out of pie crust.  I cannot make a pie crust to save my life, so I buy the frozen ones.  This casserole is the last of the freezer meals I have, except for one quiche.  If I make supper tomorrow it will be soup and sandwich!! 

 Poor Lucky.  He is used to going for a walk at about 8am and then coming home for breakfast.  It was 9:45 before we went out this morning.  But he ate his breakfast as soon as we got back.  John came over with his dog this afternoon. (yes, I know it is illegal but he lives alone and is lonely!)  Lucky and Heddy played for quite a while so Lucky won't need a walk later.  Lucky took off and headed down the road and miracle of miracles, as Jim got the car out to chase him, I called and he came back!  First time for everything! Tonight is our last night for a danger of frost in the next two weeks so tomorrow morning I am planting all our bedding plants, except the Manitobas.  They need a bit more growing.. It is going to be such a relief not to bring them in every night and take them out in the morning.  I really sympathize with Beth! 

So now, from shear exhaustion, I will eat supper and probably be asleep before eight.  How sad, when we wait all year for those long, summer evenings.

Watching the weather...

 It would seem that we are all watching the weather these days with plants hidden in the garages, or greenhouses, just waiting to be brought out and displayed for the summer. Will these low temps ever improve? In my case it has been already 4 months of worry about plants and apparently these worries are not over yet. I prepared best i could for last night and fortunately it looks promising but now at least two more nights to get through before we can take another breath. With what i see forecast it looks like my boxes of covers will be put to use tonight for sure, and possibly the heaters on in the greenhouses where i can hide some of the already potted and laid out tomatoes.  But, I have my eye on the rhubarb patch and I can see myself breaking down and making a batch of Rhubarb/Pineapple jam in next day or two. I have been hoarding the ingredients just waiting and I can taste the jam already haha!  What is your Rhubarb looking like there - going to harvest some soon?

The other day when it was mostly inside work because of poor outside working conditions, I managed to finish sewing a border together to attach to a quilt that i am repairing for Mike. The quilt is big so now I have to wonder (related to space that is) how I shall sew the new backing on (just a big sheet actually) and then actually attach the binding around the quilt but that will come I am sure. I bought new special thread from the outlet that you recommended Pati, and after pulling out my User Guide as a reference, taking time to clean my machine, and change the needle and check the tension, I forged ahead with sewing the binding. it worked well and I am happy with these results but, I am so aware of how I have regressed related to any level of skill or technique, and in fact any level of confidence in what I am doing....it has been too long since I was last able to sew. This is when it would be so nice if we were all closer...to help each other. We could all walk together to keep up endurance, which is necessary to ensure we do not fall behind such as you described Pati. Keep walking by the way as that is the only way to maintain your strength. We have all become a bit complacent in our stay at home routine as mentioned...I wonder how I will manage when and if we ever come out of our cocoons. Taking walks with my dogs and encountering people makes me very uneasy these days. and this upsets me. Oh well, most likely just me???

Anyway, time to stop this rambling and get on with the day. Take care all.. ☺❤

Quasi house arrest--good or bad?

 Since we're all under some form of lockdown, we appear to be sharing more of the minutia of our lives, and somehow, I like that.  I'm starting to feel closer to both of you, with having a glimpse into your daily lives.  I wonder if we're not all starved for some form of human contact, aside from those we spend all of our time with. I'm certainly concerned about how much I've settled in to my isolation.  But somehow, I manage to get my Starbucks coffee just  about every day. So all's right with my world.  However, I'm finding that I appear to be declining physically.  Certainly my walking tolerance, even with my cane is diminished.  Less than two weeks ago, I walked outside, down the block, and covered about 900 feet.  Yesterday, I had difficulty managing 300 feet.  That's 3 houses down the street and back--not good. Now, I'm dedicated to walking every day, and trying to increase my distance.

Last weekend, I purchased, on line, some fabric from a fairly large quilting store close to home.  I don't usually patronize this shop, as they carry a different brand of machine from the one I prefer. But I do keep track of them, via their website, as a couple of times I've found some interesting events and sales that are just too good to miss.  They have been closed for most of the past year, but still operate on line.  Once I had purchased my fabric, they acknowledged the purchase and asked me to choose a pick-up time from a calendar, which had been divided into 1/2 hour appointments.  Mine was at 9:30 this morning.  We had to set an alarm, but were up in time and arrived at exactly my scheduled time.  There was a big Rubbermaid tub on a table outside the entrance, and my package was put in the tub, for no-contact pick-up.  There was someone in the shop, who opened the door and verified my name--at a distance.  Pretty slick.  But, there was another fabric that I need, and I'm sure they had, but I couldn't remember the name for ordering.  I would have had to have been able to match a sample, which was impossible with this system.  So I guess it's going to be a trip across the city, when the time comes.

David was out to the nursery, way down St. Mary's Road, yesterday, to return the Hydrangea we bought last year, that had done very poorly, and didn't survive the winter.  They had  given us a guarantee, and we had been smart enough to save all the paperwork, just in case.  They were very helpful in choosing a different variety of the plant, that is more hardy in Manitoba.  He also bought some fertilizer that they recommended.  However, on the way home he stopped at Home Depot and picked up a bunch of soil, two tomato plants to plant in our tubs, and two hanging baskets.  This means sacrificing one bird feeder.  But after discussion, we ordered another pole, from Gail.  She had told me about acquiring several poles, some time ago, and still having them in stock.  Evidently they are custom made for her of good quality metal and well made, but they were painted, and the paint turned out to be poor quality, and it chips off quickly.  But we'll have the pole without yet another store visit. Wouldn't you know it, freezing temperatures were predicted for last night, and again tonight.  So the poor plants are in the garage and will be staying there until things warm up.

That's about it from the Findlay household.  Things are humming in the studio, and I'll document that on the other blog.  Stay safe.

Life continues...

 Hello to all,

I just viewed the Mouse Factory Blog and I must say Pati that you have been very busy in the studio and for that I am happy for you. It is also nice for me to see some of your work that you have mentioned. I love seeing all the pictures.

Not nice weather here with lower temps and very windy but I managed to uncover the lawnmower from its winter rest, and clean it up and cut the grass. Fortunately for me it gave me no trouble and started without  too many pulls on the cord which is always a good sign. I had no choice - the neighbours have all cut their lawns and mine was looking terrible with spent dandelions blowing all about. I had to divert the mower a few times around a batch of milkweed that grows each year at the corner by the road. Someone told me the other day in passing that the Monarchs were all killed off in their migration North by the wild fires in the States but i have not heard that nor verified that statement. I hope it is not true, because I love to see them arrive and we always have milkweed growing protected in our yard.

I have been eating Kale salads every day for the last few days and expect to have to continue as we have so many growing now and getting bigger and bigger. They are tender and tasty having had a bit of frost earlier. Tomorrow I shall be having liver again as Harry went to the store today to buy some needed items and brought home two packages of liver for me knowing that I like it and also to share a bit with the dogs which is good for them.

Almost time to get the house organized for bed - always a big deal with cleaning bird cages, and feeding them, and the rabbits and rounding up cats etc. I did wash both Sat and today since I had neglected the wash for too long having been outside all day for the past two weeks doing gardening etc. but 'tis done and ready to be dirtied again haha! Yesterday I washed the kitchen floor and as you know I use a bucket and get down on my knees but when i went to empty it in the sink it slipped from my hands and spilled all over the counter so needless to say (after a few choice words) I had to take everything off the counter and clean up really good. Maybe it was a good thing as now my counters are all clean and organized haha! But then to add insult to injury, I poured a goblet of wine and went into my room to fix the shade on the window and accidentally spilled the goblet all over the dresser. So.... I had to take everything off and clean that up as well. I think I had had enough by then...too much work and too tired to manage????

Take care you folks in Manitoba as the news is bleak. Stay home and see no one outside those that live with you!!! 😅 

It's scary out there

 So we'll just stay at home for a while  At least until the groceries run out, and right now, the freezer is full.  Thank Goodness, I have those charity quilts to work on, 'cause it's not nice outside.  This will be day three of cold dreary weather.  They keep promising rain, but none has materialized around our house. After two days of wearing sweaters and sweat shirts, we turned the furnace on this morning, as the temperature in the house was down to 65.  We've closed all of the windows that were wide open, in the heat, only a few days ago.

So no plans for the long weekend.  I have the first small quilt ready for spray basting and stitching.  I really enjoyed doing totally abstract improvisational piecing for the blocks.  It's been awhile since I had so much freedom in putting a piece together.  I believe I may be able to put together another one the same way, but in a different colourway, and will likely give it a try this weekend.  I plan to use programmed stitches for the quilting in the current one, and in straight lines, so that should go fairly quickly.  Then I face the challenge of using all of those pre-cut squares and rectangles that have been haunting my storeroom for months.  It will be good to finish up with those.  Had the local quilt Guild been having face-to-face meetings, I could have taken the bags, labelled with the size of the squares, and put them on the "Touch'n'Take table, and good riddance, but not possible right now.  I got rid of a lot of pre-basted hexies that way.

The only thing of interest in the garden is a small Nuthatch that has been visiting.  He mainly hunts in the Elm tree, but will also visit the feeder once in awhile.  He doesn't care that I'm sitting at the table right beside the tree.  The Blue Jays show up shortly after David puts a few peanuts out.  How do they know?  They will come right up and steal a nut off the table, but not often.  They prefer to wait until you stand up, turn your back, and go into the house.  David has taken to putting the peanuts under the feeder, and they will willingly go there.  Then we can watch and laugh at them, as they swoop down, grab one and fly off.  Once in awhile the big male will stuff one unshelled peanut in his mouth and then grab another in his beak before flying off. We're wondering if they might be nesting in the big cedar tree next door rather than down at the corner of the block.  The tree is right at the corner where four lots come together, and well away from any buildings.

As you can see, small things amuse us during these difficult and isolating times. Hope is fading for a relaxed free-er summer.  Stay safe, Ladies

Anyone want some tomatoes or peppers?

 So many plants, so little space. And with this recent hot spell, so much watering to do. Keeps me busy and off the streets. But i do have to say as well, that this years crop is the best looking in many years. So healthy and big and fruit already on the vine. Today I must pick some Kale that was planted a few weeks ago in a new rock garden in the back driveway. I think I mentioned that a lady on Main Street was wanting to remove her landscaped rocks and replace with grass so opened up the taking of rocks for who ever wanted. Of course, we made maybe 6 or 7 trips to retrieve these rocks and then built this new rock garden. But Kale can withstand a bit of frost/cold so harry planted our little plants there. It has flourished and the taste of the new leaves is wonderful. I shall make a salad today and enjoy every mouthful. In meantime i am trying to clean up other beds and still raking leaves from the Fall that got left behind. I keep an eye on my rhubarb and yesterday cut enough to make a small Kuchen, I know it was a bit early but I could not wait. Now i shall be patient and let it grow a bit bigger before i cut more for our famous Rhubarb/Pineapple Jam.

I watched the family across the street yesterday clean up their in ground swimming pool and then by the early afternoon could hear splash..splash...splash and hoots and laughter. They have two boys 12 and 10 years so I guess it was a priority. This is the same family who are cutting down all the huge trees circling their property. I notice though that the trees in one corner have been left... and you guessed it...the corner that provides a bit of privacy to their back yard and to the swimming pool.

It has been two weeks today since we had the roof done and today and tomorrow are the first days calling for rain and maybe a thunderstorm. I am anxious to have the roof "tested" for that leakproof guarantee haha!   And today i shall try to set up our air conditioner as it is too hot in the house and bothers Harry quite a bit. It is quite easy to do as i set it up originally last year, but just awkward to install into the window. other than that it worked great last year so hoping for same this year.

Take care folks as I hear things are still not good in Manitoba. The US seems to be opening up too quickly with big celebration in New York as everything opens without having to mask or stay apart and wasn't it New York that had such a terrible time in the first wave? Have a good long weekend - May 24th already.

Another day come and goes

 I started by taking Lucky for a walk at 8am, before the heat hit. Got home about 8:45 and cleaned the bathroom. I washed some of the floors. Jim always takes his tea downstairs in the morning, and he always spills some. It also splashes up on the wall!  I headed to town for a totally unsuccessful mission. The stores were sold out of all the items I wanted. 

I had to sign a check for Whitemud  Comedy.  It has been so long since we were able to do anything, I have no idea who is the executive. I just know that I am still authorized to sign. Not a good thing for an organization. 

We went back to town and I spent way too much money on flowers. If I have to be stuck at home all summer at least it will be pretty. I also bought some Roma tomatoes and had to transplant them. They were way too leggy and needed more room. I can’t put them in the garden yet, cause there is snow in the forecast!! And Manitoba tomatoes that really needed to be in the greenhouse for another week or so, but they let me take them and nurture them.

 Supper was easy!  Did you know that stores sell ready made potato salad, macaroni salad and green salad!?  I will get ambitious when it cools down (like friday when it snows!)

The wind is really blowing right now.  It may cool things down a bit, but it makes it unpleasant to be outside.  We were going to water the garden this evening, but it would be a wasted effort with this wind.  There is a large fire south of us right now (15000 hectares already burned.  The smoke has been blowing in all day.  At least it is south of us and not here. There is rain in the forecast again.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Maybe this time it will really happen.

It's hot today

 Which makes it a somewhat stupid day for power cooking, but nevertheless we tried.  Thank Goodness for slow cookers that don't heat up the kitchen too much.  So David has 8 meals of meatballs in gravy, and we also produced 6 servings of chicken thighs in gravy.  Now it's almost supper time, and the kitchen is clean.  David had chopped up a cauliflower, which he'll cook for himself and I'll eat raw, so as to avoid the butter and parmesan chees I usually add to it.  I have some cold chicken, and a cucumber that will make a nice meal with the cauliflower.  And--ta da-- we found some more cans of Diet Dr. Pepper, so I can have that more than once a day, although the caffeine can be a hazard.

While sitting here I had to think about how fortunate we are with today's labour-saving devices.  I'm communicating with my sisters, using my computer, while the dishwasher is washing, and the Crock Pot is cooking.

In my purges of the studio, I found 5 partially made and finished quilts that I could use as donation quilts.  I have found out where to take them and they were delivered this afternoon. Then the lady offered me two commercial battings to use in more donation quilts, along with some donation labels to put on them.  Guess I'm making more--well I sort of knew that--based on the scraps I have cut and organized ready to sew.  I'm also interested as the batting is "Quilters' Dream" brand, and I've been wanting to try that, as I've heard good things.

Otherwise life goes on.  Other than the mess we made  cooking, today, the house seems to be just fine, despite me spending so much time outside.  I can see a good vacuuming in the near future, but, with us being out side, the carpet isn't getting dirty so fast. I mentioned my "to do" list, and it's still sitting there.  I make a "task" in my BuJo of "one item from the list", but without any accompanying time frame.  So, when one task is done, I can record it and feel good about myself, although if I don't pick "clean out and wash the fridge" soon, we may have a problem.

So we are managing fine.  We go out if needed, and wear our masks religiously.  I'm so anxious for that second shot.  Stay safe, ladies!

Nothing-that's what I did yesterday

 Friday was so busy that I had difficulty sleeping that night, and gave up the fight to get up just after 6:00. Then I read the paper, until David got up, made a simple breakfast, and sat in front of the computer until min-afternoon, with only two breaks to change the wash.

I have discovered a production, out of England, that was probably meant for tv, but is now on UTube.  It's called Timeline, and shows short term, archeological digs throughout Great Britain, each one only three days long, from start to finish.  This is not so say that someone might not take over for a more long term session, but not these guys.  I have become fascinated with this, and being on UTube, I can binge watch it.  Each show is well under an hour.  Yesterday, David even sat down to watch with me for awhile.  Then, after a very simple supper, I had my special Saturday night tv shows, on Detroit PBS.  More sitting and not moving.

Again, breakfast is over, so time to move on, even if that only means ready the Free Press, on line.

I hope to do better today.  I still haven't finished binding the quilt I got back from Geesje.  I had it half way done, and my back and shoulders were so sore from pushing it through the machine, that I just left it sitting there.  It can be taken up again, at any time.  After the stitching, I'll have to use my lint roller on it.  I also have a black T-shirt to lint roller.  I bought a fluffy off-white sweat jacket to wear during the cooler days we had recently, that sheds terribly.  The jacket only cost $24 at Walmart, so a problem like this isn't really unexpected, but it means using up the lint roller quite quickly.  I've also started stitching together the large pieced hexis of my EPP quilt.  I may not have enough, but I won't know how many large hexis and what colours, until I get a better idea of how well it will cover my bed.  Geesje has agreed to machine quilt it for me.

Saturday

 Once again rain was forecast but nothing happened except noise and a sprinkle. There is supposed to be a good rain next week. We’ll see. I went out earlier today to work in the garden while it was cooler. I could hear Lucky whining in the house. Finally Jim brought him out to the garden. He was so excited and bouncing and barking that I had to take him for a walk to settle him down. We took a different route today that didn’t end up where I expected. I thought we would circle the bush and come back to the path. Turns out the bush I was following went almost 1/2 mile North before I was able to turn back west. Then we had to go through the field to reach the bush that I originally thought we were following. So, short story made longer, we ended up walking a lot further than intended. Lucky did settle down in the shade after that, but I had used up a lot of my morning energy. I did get a lot planted, but still have more to finish tomorrow. Then, this afternoon, I guess I didn’t shut the patio door all the way. Lucky had managed to open the patio door by pushing his nose through. We had no idea where he was. Jim took the quad to the east and I walked north-west to the field next door.  Then the neighbour phoned. Her husband and son had been heading to town and spotted Lucky almost to the highway. Miracle of miracles, Al whistled and called Lucky and he came. So, by the time Jim got home, got the car and picked me up on the road, they were sitting in the middle of the road, having a drink and holding on to the dog. But by now I had walked Lucky in the morning, then out to the field, then back to the road. I’m just so glad they saw Lucky and that he came for them. Somehow the entire day passed and now I am sitting on the couch with a glass of wine. The perfect ending to a busy day that saw little accomplished. 

My yesterday

 Doesn't that title sound dramatic?!  A busy day.  At least it seemed that way.  I was out early, on my own, to the credit union to get some cash, as Geesje was planning to come over later in the day with the quilt she has been quilting for me on her longarm machine. When she arrived, I couldn't believe how much the quilting had improved the look of the piece.  The darn thing has been hanging around my studio for almost two years.  I wasn't looking forward to quilting it myself, as it's a little large for my machine, but my frustration in wanting it done persuaded me to find the money to pay someone.  I am well pleased, and plan to bind it today.  This will make 5 quilts for donation, since we started the latest purge in the studio.  Later in the day, I found the information on how to contact someone in the local quilt guild, so that they could be delivered.  There will be more, but not for awhile.

During the Fibre Art Divas virtual meeting Wednesday night, we discussed my latest piece ( see other blog), and I was able to finish that yesterday, as well.  So overall, it was a productive day.  I'm quite committed to cleaning out the junk in the studio.  Everyday I find treasures that I had forgotten about. While I hate sending stuff to the thrift store, no-one in the family wants it.  Some things will not go there, such as my beads. I'm in the process of culling those, but then I have some people interested in buying beads from me. The problem is that I don't really want to part with any of them.

The neighbours across the back are renovating their backyard "shrine".  It may not be anything of the sort, but it is a construction containing a fountain and a large statue.  David says that the impetus comes from her, and I believe it.  The fellow comes home from work and spends the rest of the day working in the garden.  She supervises, but does put in a bit of work as well.  David says she is waiting for bilateral knee preplacement surgery, so perhaps there's a reason she doesn't kneel down like he does.

Now, on with the day.  I'll take a picture of the donation quilt once it's bound, and post it on the other blog.

Keeping the ball rolling...

 Friday morning and all is well. The weather is being nice for a change and that means day time temps in the teens ( nights are still hovering around zero but that will change soon). As predicted we in Ontario have been given an extension for "stay at home" restrictions now until June 2 and then maybe longer (Premier Ford so announced yesterday) . So much controversy about outdoor activities having to stay closed - I guess all the golfers want out onto the links.

The house across the street finally sold yesterday - I knew there was some serious activity when the Home Inspection truck came the other day, and then a few cars the next with strange people milling about. So I guess i missed out on this opportunity - it was listed for $598,000 but who knows the actual selling price. They tried to sell it a year ago without luck. It is a huge "Cape Cod" style with a two story garage with studio/office upstairs and three bays ( he has 2 vintage cars) and a travel home. I have never seen inside but others have told me it is decorated with all the finest wood and stone. Not for me.... although think of all that space we could fill in the garage haha!

My next quest will be to make an appt with the Dentist. My teeth are needing help and yet I have been hesitant to go with all these restrictions in place. Interesting last week to get an invitation from my Family Doctor and associated Health Team to register for an online Portal. This is supposed to accommodate communication in messages and making appointments and apparently to access my health records as needed. Have you two something similar with your medical teams? i did resister but with some hesitation / worry about internet use, and plan to access weekly to check ( uses passwords and pins to get on). One thing i did learn was that the office has moved into a new Wellness Clinic just built in Huntsville that accommodates several Medical Health Teams. Truly, the health care system has become a business hasn't it??

Now for my coffee and breakfast an onto the day. How are things there and are you able to get out into the yard to sit and enjoy? Take care folks and have a nice weekend. 😁😁

Thanks Pati for the prompt..

 It seems like maybe we are becoming a little introverted? As well, not much to talk about these days except the poor weather up to this point, and the damn greenhouses haha ! I always think that you folks are tired of hearing about my woes with the greenhouses but then, it is my life right now isn't it!

I took the car into the dealer for service early yesterday - was for tire changeover and oil change.  I took a book and settled into the waiting room they set up in the drive through service garage ( the inside waiting room was closed). Chairs spaced apart and table with sign in book and hand sanitizer etc. I was looking forward to some time alone. After a bit the Manager came in to say that on inspection the back brakes both needed to be done ($$$$) Of course i gave approval, and since they had to order parts that were not coming until after lunch, they gave me a loner car to use. It was a Lucerne - nice looking car but what a shock to get into it and sink to the bottom and feel as if my bum was dragging on the road. i could not adjust the seat so struggled home - thank goodness we live close. I am so used to the height of the Equinox after having that make of car for so many years. So as it turned out I had lots of time to work in the yard since the day was turning into the best day for some time. And i love to get some of the "maintenance work" done. It is one thing to plant in the greenhouse and manage them, but there is also the rest of the garden and yard that needs maintenance and that is most often my territory. So it was putter putter putter for me and I loved it. Made good headway with cleanup and primping. I had a sit down over by the fire pit and dreamed of having some nice fires soon. It often is just a dream but what the heck! And i set up some chairs at the back and again had a nice sit down with the dogs. By 3 pm I had picked up the newly repaired Equinox and was back home. i did not budget for such repairs so I "stung" a little bit pulling out the "plastic" at the dealership haha! C'est la vie.

So today i am hoping to get out there in the yard again and keep plugging along. It feels good for the soul but a bit tough on the poor old hands and body. It is my hands that bother me the most after i have been working outside. And i find it hard to get back up once I have gotten down haha! Make sense? Just picture it in your mind.

Hope all is well there - so much on the news about the Covid restrictions and vaccination it becomes a bit of "overload". Take care folks❤❤ 

Here it is Wednesday

 And all's been quiet since Saturday.  I wonder if we're all suffering from lockdown fatigue, and becoming more comfortable in our isolation.  I am starting to believe that I am.

Last Saturday was World Collage Day.  I had totally missed that.  Sunday I signed in for my Facebook sketching group for what they call a "draw in person", or DIP Session.  In happier times some of them would arrange to meet at some public place on some Sunday afternoon (often on along weekend) just to sketch, but now meet on Zoom for a couple of hours.  It is very much a come-and-go event and quite companionable. I had planned to make a collage, as, it turned out, everybody else had.  I felt like fool when I asked what might have happened to create such a coincidence. Still, I was pleased to do more work into some of the sketchbook pages I had started, while taking the first internet workshop.  The one I finished last spring, and haven't touched the sketch books since. It was very gratifying to actually be using these original sketchbooks, as they had been intended to be used, although perhaps more on a daily basis than yearly.

Monday morning, there was an early  grocery shopping trip, to stock up for the week, but I have a hunch there will be another one tomorrow, as the list is getting long.  I think early morning is the time to go.  I can no longer stand in line for any period of time. 

As well, I spent one morning  over the weekend, making prints on fabric, using the fabric paint that I've had for years.  And I didn't hold back when using them.  Then, on Monday, I started to cut them up and stitched them back together into what I hope will be a wall hanging.  I finished stitching it together, but wasn't sure about the design, so left it on the design wall until Tuesday morning.  Sure enough, Tuesday morning I took one look and decided to take it apart, and start over.  Not completely apart, but enough apart to be a PINTA.  David helped with the ripping, as he often does.  It's partially back together, and I hope to get the job finished today.

Tonight is the Zoom meeting of my fibre art support group, The Fibre Art Divas.  I have posted pictures of the prints on  their blog site, but not the finished piece.

There are no more plans for the week.  Maybe to Starbucks for coffee today, so I can sit outside and drink it, as the weather is supposed to be nice.  I had a nice telephone conversation with Loren on Sunday, and a short e-mail from Amber.  

Breakfast is done.  Now, I guess it's time to get dressed before watching The View.

The humorous side of lockdown

 Today Jim’s son, Tim, phoned. He was trying to get a hanging basket delivered to his mother for Mother’s Day, but everyone he called was overbooked. So tomorrow Jim and I will be picking up flowers and taking them to his ex wife😊. In case you are wondering Tim always acknowledges me on Mother’s Day so he wanted to send me flowers too. I just find it amusing. Good thing Judy and I get along! Jim called Twilight Colony and they have hanging baskets and we can go out there at 3pm or so and get a couple. Since I have decided to get myself things that make me happy I just might get more than one!  Today I got my ‘emergency’ haircut. When the lockdown was announced Angie posted on Facebook that she would be open on Saturday and I managed to get an appointment. So even though no one will see me, I feel pretty😊. I somehow hurt my leg yesterday and couldn’t walk Lucky today. I feel so guilty cause he keeps looking at me at getting excited when he sees me ☹️  I will try for a short walk tomorrow. Rrain really likes her new job and says she is still excited by it. I am happy for her. She also told me that a show on NACTV that was labeled as World Elder Abuse Awareness was actually a play that Lynne and I did in 2014, called “Lost”. So if you are bored at 10:00am (or pm), Manitoba time, on Monday, you can see me in action at nactv.tv/live. Though from what I remember we made a few mistakes! But then it was a comedy play about memory loss as we get older so what do you expect!  I am sorry about your show, Pati, but you did get recognition from what I hear. So today I missed my daily walk, but my leg is slowly feeling better. There is always tomorrow. And now I rest. 

What i thought...

 Pati, sorry that your Show was short lived but when I heard the news about the lockdown, I thought this might be the result for you. What i love is that i have read the article of your Show and seen the pictures so i feel that i visited the show myself. And others have seen your work now, albeit, briefly. Hopefully when things settle down  (when??) the Show can be reinvented and carry on. Take care folks as the dreaded midnight hour approaches and restrictions come into force. We still are in lockdown until May 21 and then who knows what?

I read the article in the Free Press about the Committee that formed to replace the dead and removed tress along the streets in Riverview. I had a close look at the map that was drawn showing the extent of damage. To me, Maplewood Street seemed less affected than others or maybe i was reading the map wrong? I expect that if we were to drive up and down in the old neighbourhood, we would be shocked at the difference. But then with new little trees being planted, it would look more like the place in which we grew up..... small trees along the boulevards.

Time to get ready to close up the house for another day and by golly, another bubble bath planned for me before bed. Thinking of you...and Happy Mother's Day to you both XX

 This was a very busy day, and now I'm feeling it.  I just had to sit down, and what better way to amuse myself doing that than to blog.

This morning I was up early and off the the grocery store.  I didn't even stop for breakfast.  Last night we saw video of the crowds at Costco, stocking up for three weeks of lockdown.  Well, there was no problem.  In I went, got the job done. and then out again.  Once home, there was the laundry to finish--another three loads to day--and then another for tomorrow.  I have had many of my sweat jackets and sweaters together in the hall cupboard, and used them as necessary all winter.  The same with a couple of heavy pullover sweaters.  I'm wanting to wash them all before putting them away.  I'm using my drying rack for something else, so only wanted to wash, today, things that could go in the dryer.  The others will have to wait until tomorrow, when the drying rack is free.

The drying rack is being used to hold fabric that I had used to make prints.  I use fabric paint, on a flat surface, to make a design.  I lay fabric gently on top and rub it to transfer the paint.  Then I have to hang it to dry, using clothes pins to hold it to the wire on the drying rack. I wasn't making very complicated prints, as I want to cut them up and mix them up in an abstract design, which I will embellish further.

The lockdown that starts at midnight tonight, has closed the Gallery in Selkirk.  It was decided that we would take down our show, as it was intended to come down on the 22nd, in any case.  So this afternoon we drove out to Selkirk and picked up my pieces.

So I have been going pretty well steadily since 8:00 this morning, and I'm bushed.  David dropped me off, and took the car to the car wash.  This is a good chance to take a nap.  Stay safe , ladies.

Housing issues

 So glad to hear that your roof is done.  It has been a nightmare for you for years.  Sometimes the mental relief is just worth the cost, even if you have to "bite the bullet" and take the blow. David and I justify it to ourselves by calling it "an investment", but that may not be the case in more rural areas. And I think we all need to enjoy a private bubble bath and goblet of wine, to congratulate ourselves for facing our demons and winning, more often.

Yesterday was my best day in a long time, certainly in a couple of months.  I had energy, my brain appeared to be functioning, and this lasted into the evening.  Now, I pray that this continues for awhile.  Of course, it may just be that my mood is in an up-cycle, as often used to happen when I was younger.  And that's okay.  Much better than the alternative.  I spent the day volunteering out in Selkirk.  We had few visitors, but some lively conversation regardless.  David drove me both ways, and had a long list of errands to run between trips.  He says he only had about half an hour of down time all day, and promptly fell  asleep in his chair as soon as we got home.  The best part of his running around was that he bought us a new laundry basket.  One of our ancient ones broke awhile ago, and missing it has been an annoyance for the best part of two months.  Thank you David.  Sometimes the smaller things can mean a lot.

Today is laundry day, which means that I get to spend a good part of the day in the basement.  I've been waiting for some art supplies that I ordered on April 26.  The shop is just across town and promised 2-4 day delivery.  No sign of them yet.  More postcards are on hold pending this delivery, and the Gift Shop out in Selkirk has a complete change-over of stock next weekend, so I sure hope the stuff comes soon.  But I have other things to work on, so should be able to keep myself amused while tending the laundry.  We throw our facemasks in the laundry every Friday.  Those masks that Keri made are holding up beautifully.  Isn't it good to have family?

Happiness

 I am so glad you got your roof done!  It is comfortable to trust what has been done, even if it costs a bit more than the “fly by night” companies.  Our roof looks good, but unfortunately we haven’t had a chance to see if it leaks☹️   The long term forecast is for a serious drought. Our garden is tilled and we will plant, but the long term forecast sucks☹️  Life goes on. 

Breaking News....

 It is with great delight that I announce that I have a new roof. Installed today - the best company, the best of products, the best of workmanship and the best guarantee that it will not leak! What more can i ask for. After years of duress, i feel as if a boulder has been lifted from my shoulders. Thank you to Cathy who led the way with roof repairs and changes for the good. I struggled with this but it is done !!! it is surprising how much it has affected me. The first thing I did after the workers left at 5 pm today, was pour a goblet of wine and pour a hot bubble bath and disappear into the bathroom to luxuriate alone!! Felt great. Now back to reality haha! Lets move forward now.. Lets look at what i can do to improve things now that the roof is fixed. Lets all celebrate ,,,,yeah , yeah, yeah ☺☺!! Take care XX

Trudging along

 Things seem to be getting a little better.  I'm able to carry out basic household tasks, although I have to pace myself and sit  down regularly.  I'm sleeping fairly well at night, and I think my mood is getting a little better--at least Gail tells me it is.  We were out to the grocery store and Starbucks today--my first time out since last Saturday.  I think I'm getting a little bit too used to being in the house.  This might just be a positive change that has taken place during the lockdown, as I know I used to crave getting out, if I didn't have the chance regularly.  Studio time remains quite "putter-y", but considering how frenzied some of my time there has been lately, maybe I deserve that respite.

I've also been doing more purging, and re-organizing. Who knew there could be so much satisfaction in having my underwear neatly rolled in the drawers, instead of being thrown in in a pile?  I've been finding treasures that I had forgotten I had.  I found two such treasures this week.  They are not the same. but similar enough that I felt I could send one to each of you.  They will be in the mail this weekend.

Tomorrow I'm out in the Gallery again.  Once a week for 4 weeks.  I'll be somewhat glad when that's over.  As far as I know, nothing of mine has sold, but the other ladies have all sold something, and not a small something.  Good for them.  I have resigned my executive position on the Board there, but not my position on the Board.  So there will be another year of monthly meetings for me to go to.  I sure hope I'm up to it!  Right now David is driving me, as I don't think I would be safe driving home in rush hour, when I'm so exhausted, by the end of my shift.  Than shouldn't last much longer.

So now supper, and The Masked Singer is on again.  Gotta watch that!

Progress?

 One step closer to Eye Surgery perhaps? I received a call from the Eye Surgeons office to say that my "pretest" results (April 19) had been reviewed by the Surgeon and that I would be given a "Consultation" appt to be seen. The appt is booked for September 23. No sense in rushing things I guess haha!  At this rate I may actually have surgery before the end of the year??? Here's hoping. Hope all is well ...Take care 

Early Sunday Morning

 Greetings all...,, hope everyone is well and happy? I am hoping for some nice weather but rain is in the forecast, which would be just fine if the temperature was nice and warm. I am tired of bundling up to take the dogs out and certainly tired of the snow which appeared this last week. But it is now May and so we have so much to look forward to. The greenhouses are flourishing with the green of tomatoes and peppers and basal. Every time I walk/crawl into them I am reminded of how much work and effort (and a bit of worry thrown in ) has gone into bringing them to this stage. Flowers are on the plants and we can see little peppers developing already. Too early to take them out, but once the temps settle to realistic numbers and there is no need to heat and worry every night, it will just be a matter of management.  I found a package of sweet peas that i would like to plant and see what develops. I love sweet peas and often reminds me of home. Also zinnias remind me of home. i do not have any of those seeds but I might look for them in the store (whenever they open that is haha!)

The neighbours across the street continue to cut down the big stately trees along the road and I was told that they plan to cut down the ones along the back of their yard as well, bordering on their neighbours yard.  It makes a huge difference in appearance of the corner. Gradually they are cutting out the the trunks as well. Every so often I'll hear the chainsaw fire up and know they are attempting to dig up the big stumps. The house across the main road is for sale again ( tried last year but then took down sign) It is only $549,000.00 - should I bid on it? Would be lots more room for us to expand haha! And the little park where i take the dogs now has been staked up in preparation to building a family play park with what I am told will be a skate board track. and other such amusement and benches and tables and ? No longer will be able to sneak in there with Bailey and Lily.  Our little village is expanding.

Well, better get back to the work of the day. Start with some breakfast and work up from there. Take care folks. Hang in there...