Here's a picture

 I've never tried this before. I took a picture of the bird feeder through the kitchen window.  So, here's our new bird feeder and the Downy Woodpecker that has been around for the last few days.

Happy Hallowe'en to you...

 Just felt the urge to wish you all a happy day. It is supposed to be nice weather today so i am glad that my decorations will survive and also hoping that i do not have too many little children at my door. I like to see the smaller ones as they are always in awe, but then the bigger kids come and all they want is candy.

Next week's weather promises a few sunny days so this is when I shall attempt a bit, but end my outdoor work and after that  what is left will be left for Spring. My eye Sx is Nov 16 and I am focusing on that now.

So happy day all... boo boo to you...👻👻👻

A real boost ..

 What a great feeling to log on and see messages from you both...and to read about all your adventures. I must say Pati that your regular updates of your outings and events always brings a big smile to my face and wonder how much fun it must be for you both even if it means a bit of a drive here and there. But then there is always your Starbucks to treat you.  I expect Cathy that your love/hate about driving in Wpg must make your hair curl when you read all about Pati and Dave .. or maybe not???

Well, both Harry and i got our flu shot yesterday at the Pharmacy. It is so easy to book an appt and stroll in and have the Pharmacist deal with it. No fuss, no bother, and now it is done! 

You speak of taking advantage of the last nice weekend of good weather and I am trying to get the outside done. Yesterday I cleared away more hanging baskets and ornaments, and then decorated for Hallowe'en a bit. I had brought the boxes from the storage unit last week. That poor old standing witch is on her last legs I am afraid but I managed to tie her to a post so she is standing upright. The battery powered talk and noise she makes is not functioning but maybe she can scare a few dear children haha! It is supposed to rain Sat and Sun so it may wet the ornaments but it is done and I am ready. like it or not.  I will dress up with a wig and witches hat and of course have a mask on the whole time. And with luck, there will be bags of little chocolate bars left over and i can indulge for days to come.

It was a hectic week starting with Monday when we drove up to Kirkland Lake to partake in the "laying to rest" ceremony of Harry's brother Ted (who died Christmas Day) 10 hours on the road and we had to bring the two dogs who were absolute darlings the whole time. We are fortunate that they travel well. And Wed we went to Mike's to cover his car for the winter as he had to be in to the campus for classes. He had driven it on the grass and Harry and i then proceeded to cover it with the plastic role and tuck tape and secure under it all. So it is now gone to bed for the winter and Mike has his truck to drive until he can have his beloved Challenger back again in the Spring. He chooses not to drive it in winter which I think is wise. 

So today i do wash as well, and putter more in the yard as the weather is favourable today. Hope all is well there and you are taking care out in this world of uncertainty. The prices are skyrocketing without apparent changes to COL or interest rates at the present time by government - we paid $1.52.6  for gas - what is it there?

Bye for now....❤

Today'$ adventure$$$

 Today's trip to the library ended up with both of us getting new clothes, a trip to the Lorette Red River Co-op store, buying gas from the Red River Co-op in Winnipeg, replacing our old reliable bird feeder ( over 20 years old), a visit to the car dealership, a pleasant visit to Starbucks for lunch ( at 2:30), and a drive out into the country, only to arrive back in Winnipeg at the height of rush hour.  All not necessarily in the order stated.

The first thing was a trip to the Transcona Library.  This is where I realized that I had not brought along the book I was reading, and had planned to read during the trip, and the books we were planning to pick up were not for me.  David took my library card as he was concerned that they wouldn't give him the books off my account, using his own.  But, thankfully, there was one for me that we hadn't known about.

Then it was back closer to home, via the Dodge dealer to find out if they sold a connecter that would allow us to charge the phone in the car.  They didn't.  Next to Mark's Warehouse.  David needed to replace the light quilted jacket he uses in the garden, so had decided to throw the old one away ( He has been using it since his days with the Highways Dept), and demote the similar one that he has used for almost as many years for various trips out in the car, and then, find one to replace that.  He did.  The very same jacket, colour and everything, as the old one, and at the price he paid back then.  Then I found some very nice cardigan sweaters, regular $59.95, on sale for 60% off.  One came home with me.  It is a dark rusty brown, and not at all my regular colour scheme, but I plan to make it fit-somehow.  Then to the grocery store , and David dropped me off at Starbucks while he went to Walmart and Superstore, to look for screw lids for canning jars.  Nope.

This weekend we hope to make some Bramble Jelly.  I have the fruit I need, and enough jars (just), but not enough screw tops.  Gail had found me 2 boxes of Certo in Lorette, but forgotten to give them to me at our craft group meeting yesterday.  So I called her from Starbucks to ask if she had seen screw lids, when she picked up the Certo.  No, but she had some she could give me.  So after buying gas, we were off to Landmark.  We got 11 jars with screw lids, and most of them had my name on them.  So bringing them back home, through Lorette, David suggested that we check the store where she had found canning supplies, just in case she had missed the screw lids.  Yep, found them, and I now have 24 new lids and screw tops, as well as two more boxes of Certo.

Another stop we made was to the bird food store to buy a new feeder, as the old one is rotten.  OMG!  Have either of you looked at the price of bird feeders? But, we got home and while making supper saw the Downy (sp?)Woodpecker in the yard again.  For some reason he was pecking on the downspout of the garage, but he was back in the yard and this probably justifies the cost of feeding the little things.  We enjoy their activities so much.

So laundry tomorrow and it looks like we're making jelly on Saturday.  I just have to remember to take all of the fruit out of freezer tomorrow morning.

So, what do you have planned for what could be the last mild weekend this year?

Life

 I am helping Rrain move, so I will be sort of busy until next week. We may disagree with how they live, but they are our children and we love them. We will do all we can to help. I have been so disappointed with myself that “ the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. I want to help but physically I cannot do all I want☹️  Next week I will rest.  She is so busy at work this week so she is gone all day. I can only do what she sets out while she is gone. So much is resting on her shoulders and the limited time she has. Tomorrow I’m hoping to haul garbage and  take some mixed boxes to the new place. Unfortunately my work depends on what she can get done between all her work obligations. She told them she was moving and asked for a break this week but she has three evening interviews and editing to do as well as her 9-5 job!  Best laid plans.  So now I will rest until tomorrow calls. 

Eyes

This is great news Beth.  It will be easier for you knowing the dates and being able to plan your life around them.  The lady across the back has just been given the date for her 2nd knee replacement, and I think they were excited a bit, because he came right over to fence to tell David.

Yesterday evening was the Volunteer appreciation dinner I mentioned. A pleasant evening I think.  As is our custom, we stopped at the casino later and came home with a little more money than we went with, so no complaints there.  As is my custom with unexpected $$$, I spend a little foolishly or selfishly, while the rest goes into the household accounts.  I think I shall buy a new iron for the studio.  I had bought a cheap one several months ago, and it just isn't working out.  Among a few other things, it doesn't turn itself off, if left for any period of time.  All of the previous ones have had this function, and I've become quite used to it.  Lately, it has been left on over night, a couple of times, and that just isn't good.

Today there were 2 errands to run, so David dropped me off at Starbucks, and went on his way.  Awhile later he came back to let me know that he didn't have his wallet with him and would have to go home before running the errands.  I suppose I could have offered to take over driving, go into the stores, and pay with my debit card, but I just didn't think of it before he pulled away.  So I had a good length of time to myself, had two coffees and got some reading done. After he picked me up we went to the grocery store and that's when the trouble came.  Confession time, we bought a bag of small Halloween chocolate bars that were on for half price--Oh Henry! Level Up.  I had no idea what they were, but we both like Oh Henry!  Well, they are delicious.  Rather than a lot of nuts, there were about half as many, but a bit more peanut butter and some crispy things--much better for old teeth and so much easier to eat-physically.  Of course they are far too easy to eat-again and again and again.

Not much going on except paying bills, and we don't want to dwell on that.  So I'll just say "Good Night", and beg you to stay safe.

 

The stars have all aligned...

 Just received a call from the Eye Surgeon's office. I am happy to say that my Sx has been scheduled... left eye on Nov 16 and right eye on Dec 7.  Now I am content to know it shall happen, and sooner than I had been expecting. No more what if's or when's. Just thought I would share with you.... take care 😆😆

Books

That Penny/Clinton book has been on my "hold" list at the library since it was first released.  Number 152 on list, I think, but it was much higher when it first went on.  It's selling in Walmart now, but a bit pricey, besides we've bought so many books over the last couple of years that there's no more room on the bookshelves.  Our library is closing for renovations this weekend.  Out holds are now going elsewhere, and we have to pickup our books in Transcona for the next 6 months.

Attended the weekly Lorette Craft Group meeting yesterday.  Last time, one of the ladies had asked if I would take the "Cats" wall hanging that I had been working on, at the group, before Covid.   It's been hanging on the studio wall, in the actual work area, ever since it was finished 2-3 years ago.  Surprise! Gail bought it, on the spot. She is really only paying for the supplies, so I don't feel guilty starting another one with the second panel I have tucked away downstairs.  Since most of my work is with the machine, planning for work during these meetings is tricky, and it's nice to have a long term project.  But first there is the project that was started last weekend, for work to do while watching tv.  I'm sort of "pumped" about that one, and it turned out to be very portable.

At these meetings, some of the ladies take "treats".  This time it was an "Eatmore Bar slice"  Have either of you ever heard of it.  The other ladies were quite excited about seeing it, and I tried a small piece.  Very rich, but not all that much exciting.  Then she told us what was in it.  If memory serves there were 2 cups of chocolate chips, melted with a cup of peanut butter, a cup of corn syrup or molasses, sugar, a cup of oatmeal, and some chopped peanuts.  Not for me (thank Goodness). The other treat was 2 packages of mini "Oh Henry" bars.  I know that I'm going to have to take something soon, and am thinking of my Melting Moments.  They're usually well received, and I know I will be making some soon.  It'll be good to have someone else to eat them.

David is now up, and I can cook breakfast.  Today is a Starbucks Triple Stars day, and we plan to head out and get more ground coffee, though we'll wait until after noon, when we can get books from the Transcona library.  There is a Starbucks just across the street.

I ordered a book from Amazon

 First of all I thank you for the reminder about the blog Pickled Gizzards Pati as I had deleted it from my favourites a bit ago when things were sort of dormant. Now I can catch up again. I am still not attached to the new format for The Quilt Show and seriously thinking of not renewing - I have two months to reconsider.

Today I heard the most delightful and fun and interesting interview on The Next Chapter (CBC radio) with host Sheila Rogers and two authors who have joined forces and written a new political fiction novel called State of Terror. And these two authors are : Louise Penny and Hillary Rodham Clinton !!! The interview was all about how they became friends and then decided to write this novel together. I ordered it immediately from Amazon and it should be here on Thursday. I can hardly wait. The one aspect of the interview that struck me personally was the free flowing interactions between the two and the laughs and humour and stories they were relating. It made me feel good...I would love to have a friend and to laugh. It is good for the soul.

Anyway, not much going on here as it is 5 C and rainy and I am frozen and really feeling the chill. I would just like to jump into bed and cover up with my quilt. I bought a tin of pure pumpkin today at the store ( we went shopping to Huntsville) and this afternoon made two baked pie shells. Tomorrow i shall be making two pumpkin chiffon pies ( from my very old but ever loved Purity Cookbook that is torn and soiled and held together with an elastic haha!) Think of me as I shall devour it with whipped cream piece after piece. Of course harry will be helping with that i am sure.

Bye for now - send some of your heat! 😞

Trying to remember-----

 Life has been busy lately, but trying to remember the details, so I can blog, isn't easy, as much of it a blur.  But there are definitely no apples, so don't worry Beth, I won't be sending any by bus. 😉

Friday was laundry, of course.  Saturday, we were off to pick up some needle threaders that I ordered from the local needlework store.  I've spoken of these before, as they were ordered several months ago. When I got tired of waiting, and was using my last needle threader, I called to enquire, and was told firstly, that they couldn't find any record of the order, and secondly that yes it was there but they hadn't made any supplier orders over the summer, as they were renovating a new location and were short of money.  Great way to inspire confidence guys!  But Thursday they had phoned saying that the order was in, and how many did I want?  Well, "how many do you have?"  They had 12, and weren't sure how many I had ordered, so I told them to put away six for me.  David and I discussed the situation and decided that I would buy all 12, and hope to never darken their door again.  We got there, and they couldn't find my order of 6, anywhere.  Oh yes, she remembered phoning me, but then couldn't find the order.  I had been wandering through the store a bit, and saw 6 needle threaders on the wall for sale ( the price had gone up by 33%), so finally asked if I could take the 6 off the wall, and come back for the rest once they were found.  I haven't yet heard that they have been found, but will phone today.

Then Saturday night there were my tv shows. Both are British murder mysteries, and this means that some things (most things?) happen at night, and many things are conveyed by the twitch of an eyebrow, or a special facial expression, but no dialog.  So I have taken to watching in the dark--no hand sewing.  I'm amazed at how much more I get out of them.

Sunday, I had an early meeting in Selkirk, and, as I really didn't sleep well Saturday night, David offered to drive me.  Not many showed up for the meeting, and it finished about noon. David arrived, to pick me up, just in time to be invited to join an after-meeting tour of the basement.  The basement tenant has recently retired and given up the space, which has been newly painted, and is waiting to have the floor replaced.  I had been in parts of the basement before, but this is the first time I've seen the whole space, and my mind has been able to sort out what's what.  When I worked out in Selkirk, the basement space was a wonderful restaurant for lunch, but has changed a lot since then. Previously, I had thought I had things figured out down there, but now have had to re-think significantly.  As a Board, we have to find a new tenant, despite the area not being wheelchair accessible.

Then David and I took a leisurely trip down Henderson Highway (Prov. Highway 204) to Lockport, and lunch at A&W, as we had coupons for Chubby Chicken Sandwiches, chips and root beer.  

Gail has been busy this weekend at "Scattered Seeds", a local art and fine craft show and sale, at Exhibition Park, next to the race track.  Her hopes are on this show, to make up for some of the income she lost during Covid.  So I haven't talked to her or seen her since last Wednesday. I've been worrying and thinking of her all weekend, and hope to hear from her today.

The weather has been beautiful over the weekend, and I managed to sit outside and read both days, with the addition of a jacket.  Today is supposed to be even nicer, so my hopes are up.  This week Starbucks has a special deal on, with a drink special every day of the week.  I plan to participate as much as possible, even if the diet has to suffer when I order a Pumpkin Spice Latte-today's special item. Otherwise , since I decided to not worry so much about what I eat, I've managed to maintain within a 4lb range for several months now.  

During my down times I have been reading a new series written by Karen Rose. She has several series, and I hope to be able to read all of hem. I suppose they are, at the core, romances, but disguised as police murder investigations.  They are thick books, but I just can't put them down--maybe the reason I don't get much sleep at night.  Not all of them are available through the local library, unless I wanted audio books, and that certainly isn't my preference, so I may have to go further afield.

Sorry this is so long. Beth, Pickled Gizzards has some new posts.  But, David has decided that it's time to start the business of the day.  Best I move my butt.

Apples, Apples and more Apples....

 Sounds as if it should be a song but i am not singing about it. Yesterday Harry and I drove to Trout Creek Feed Store to buy some deer apples ....not for deer, but for making juice. We had made juice a few weeks ago with our tree apples on a new used machine and it worked wonderfully well and made some real nice juice. So why not make more....We did just that with the first bushel, after we got home with the apples - 2 bushels of Macs which were in perfect condition. But, for some reason the machine was not functioning as it had done previously. It made juice  after we put it through the cheesecloth  but also a thick saucy like substance that did not go through the cheesecloth.  So this was heated and put into jars as an apple sauce, and then the juice processed as well. Today we attempted the second bushel and same thing - the machine is not working right. So it was put aside and up came the dehydrator and we started to do the apples this way. We ended up with all sorts of apples left over so I have some in bowls in the fridge, and took about 1/3 bushel over to Daisy's for her granddaughter Michelle to use. She had phoned me the other day to ask how to make apple sauce and was thrilled to tell me today that it turned out great and she wanted to get more apples. So that solved one problem of too many apples. I still have to clean up the kitchen and the dehydrator will be running for a day or so and this always messes up the kitchen space.

Today I went out to clean up and tackled the grape vines that had grown up into the trees on our property as well as the neighbours trees. I pulled and tugged until they released from the branches but i was very careful not to break any tree branches. Those that would not budge, were left. But the thrill was that up on the ladder i spotted more clumps of ripe grapes that were missed when i originally picked them a few weeks ago. So picture me high up the ladder and eating grapes one by one and savouring the delightful flavour of each one as i popped it into my mouth. Wonderful.

Tomorrow morning at 9 am we have been invited to visit a local farm where they make all the jams that Harry has been buying all year, but where they feed not only deer, but also wild turkeys providing a sort of safe haven for them all. Harry has been fascinated with the wild turkeys and mentioned it to them so she wrote him today to come and meet the turkeys. Who says we do not have interesting activities and fun to fill our days haha!

Take care and be safe. Have a nice weekend...hope I win the lottery.

Time to put the animals to bed and then myself.

Each to our own...

 And we each enjoyed our Thanksgiving but i can guarantee that at some point we thought of each other fondly. 

Here is something to think about... I checked the net last night and was absolutely thrilled to log onto Ontario Northland Bus Service to see that they now come to Winnipeg. Who knew?  i had gone on to check because Harry had heard that this current Ontario government was going to eliminate the Bus service completely. In a way i could not see how they could do this but nevertheless i checked. I found no news flash or other note to indicate this decision but... i found the memo that indicated they were now traveling to Winnipeg. I immediately went to all the schedules and printed them all - there are four transfers but the bus does come to Wpg within 26-27 hours. Same as before. The end terminal in Wpg is unclear. it stated a stop at Southdale Mall which they then stated was closed at the moment. The other stops were the Hospital and the University - still not clear where or which.  But, it got my mind in a whirl thinking of the possibilities. What if...what if.. and when...and how.. and for how long...could it be possible.. See what I mean haha! So much to think about... Anyway, it does open a door, and i shall continue to ponder. Keeps my mind busy and functioning. 

Anyway, it is rainy but i still plan to get outside to continue with the work. First i must do down tomatoes and other veg - I am being inundated with those damn little fruit flies. i have traps up all over the kitchen - i hate it.   Hope all is well...take care. 😚

Talk about lower standards!

Our Thanksgiving was Sunday, but there are no pictures.  We had take out from the local Sobey's .  A very nice roast chicken.  We got our dinner from it, both lunches yesterday, and then I made my infamous Chicken Rice Casserole for supper yesterday.  I haven't made that casserole in years, as the family almost staged a revolt against it, and David's Father almost begged me not to make it again.  Yesterday I put French Fried onion salad-topping bits on top and the casserole benefitted from them. We got coleslaw with our roast chicken, and deep fried onion rings.  There really is nothing like take-out, cold, greasy onion rings.  Really. Nothing like. It was a large box and at least half went in the garbage.  But the two of us enjoyed our dinner, tarting it up with real plates rather than paper, and stainless steel cutlery, instead of plastic.

Making the casserole I discovered that there was no mushroom soup, and no milk to make a white sauce with, so off to the Giant Tiger for milk.  While there I found the wonderful long sleeved tops that I bought awhile ago on sale, and came home with three more of those, as well as four pair of furry socks ($6)to wear in bed.  Anyway, I remembered the white sauce from grade 8 Home Economics, and tried to make it to use in lieu of the usual mushroom soup.  I used olive oil instead of butter, and corn starch instead of flour.  Cooking everything up, on the stove, stirring constantly, and nothing was happening.  Oh Oh. Then suddenly it all came together into a smooth blended sauce.  Thank Goodness! And that is a heartfelt thanks.  

We had enjoyed pumpkin pie last Friday, with left overs on Saturday, and Sunday, and were finishing up a second pie last night.  Right after dinner, I started to feel unwell, and suddenly realized that I was having a mild allergic reaction.  Most of my allergies are cumulative.  A little bit is okay but that little bit, taken more frequently, will set me off.  I think it was probably ginger in the pumpkin pies.  It's been years since I reacted to ginger, but then, I usually try to avoid it.  We had no Benadryl, so I took a Claritin, and a couple of Tylenol, and soon settled down, but left the rest of the pie to David.

As usual, on Thanksgiving weekend, we had a "Lion Ceremony".  David loaded the lion up in his newly painted wheelbarrow, and took him away to the garage.  Not much of a ceremony without family around to participate, but the deed is done.  Next year we'll probably move his throne ( a cinder block) to a different location in the garden.  I remember when he first came to us, he had a special place in with flowers, while this year he was isolated and alone.  I have a place chosen, where I'll still be able to see him from the kitchen window.

So, now to face the week, but I'll take each day at a a time.

What a nice post to see first thing...

 It was lovely for me to see the picture Cathy and everyone smiling and having a good time. The table looked inviting as well so you were well fed with both love and family, and food. Very nice XX

Thanksgiving

 We had a wonderful day in Killarney. Lots of family, food and fun. Truly a lot to be thankful for. 

Winnipeg

 I don’t know how you do it Pati!  Winnipeg is so busy!  What would I do in New York or LA?!  We went in for my MRI yesterday. We left ourselves extra time since there was construction on every road into Winnipeg. Guess what!?  We slowed down to 80k twice and that was it. I wasn’t sure exactly where the PanAm clinic was but I knew we had to go in on Roblin/Grant. It didn’t help that despite telling Jim we had to just keep straight, every time we came to a major intersection he’d ask ‘ do I turn here?’  We found the clinic but we were two hours early. I knew Grant Park shopping Centre was nearby I didn’t know what was there. Jim wanted Walmart. No Walmart. So I am trying to search, on my phone, for the nearest Walmart. Again, Jim is saying “you’re from Winnipeg. You should know where to go”. Jim!  It’s been almost 40 years!  We found a Walmart super centre on Taylor.  Got pet supplies. Only self checkout available!  Fortunately we must have seemed very confused cause a worker came over and offered to help us. Then supper. We went to the Pony Corral on Grant…..temporarily closed!   So we went to Applebee’s. got fish and chips. 2 huge pieces of fish, but it was 70% greasy batter. (Our dog actually got the doggie bags). I wouldn’t recommend it. Jim was so stressed by trying to find our way through Winnipeg that he decided to just sit in the parking lot while I went for my MRI. I was in there for about an hour and a half. ( only 20-30 min of actual MRI). And off we go. Jim knew how to get out of town but I think he was on autopilot cause at Portage he ended up in the lane to go through Portage. But when all was said and done we got home just before 10pm. Lucky hadn’t eaten any of the food we left so I added some of my greasy fish and fries and he devoured it. Today I puttered. Both of us were very sore from spending so many hours in the car, so not much got done. Tomorrow is Rrain’s birthday, but the neighbour’s have invited all three of us over for smoked turkey. I told them we always have pumpkin pie for Rrain’s birthday, so I am in charge of dessert. Then Monday to Killarney. I could get used to other people making food for me😊. Bedtime will be early tonight

I will try again

 Sitting outside, we amuse ourselves with the bird feeder.  We've identified a few birds other than crows or sparrows, such as a little nuthatch that's become a regular.  I had thought that the day I saw the merlin, it was a rare and unusual sighting, but he's been back a few times.  He just sits on the fence, rarely moving at all, and no other birds are seen as long as he's there.  Even the red squirrel makes himself scarce.  It's our secret hope that the Merlin catches him and eats him.  There is a big grey squirrel, who is very timid, but tries to come every day.  However, the red squirrel takes great exception to that and runs him off.  Even if the red spots him on the fence across the yard, he goes after him, and we don't see the grey for a couple of days. Right now the Juncos are back for their semi-annual visit.

Wednesday afternoon, I was out to Lorette for a craft afternoon at the seniors' centre.  They used to meet at the Chicken Chef restaurant.  I believe I mentioned this group  a couple of years ago, prior to Covid.  well, they've started up again, but at a different location, so that they can take goodies.  It was wonderful.  Lots of joking and good natured teasing.  There were about 8 of us.  Since it was the first meeting, the recreation person from the municipality came to introduce herself and tell us about the meal program they have there.  She also had to check our vaccination passports, but had never done it before, so one of the ladies had to show her how.  We found out that two of the ladies had been married on the same day, and both were celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary this week.  I was stunned.  I would never had figured the two of them for being that old.  At the beginning, I would have figured myself for one of the older ones there. Glad I kept my mouth shut.

Most of them were knitting or crocheting, but there was a beader working on a pattern for some moccasins.  I took a picture I'm working on using the techniques I learned in a Zoom workshop about using Inktense pencils, I took recently.  I hope to have the colouring finished tomorrow, and should be able to take a picture then. Between that and trying to prove the pattern for a small quilt I'm making out of my Kaffe Fassett- designed fabric, there is enough to do in the studio.  I thought I had the quilt started, but after trying to put two squares together, and not being able to, I knew there was a problem.  When drafting a 12 1/2" square, I had drawn two parallel sides of the square only 12 1/4" long.  It's a complex pattern, so there is a lot of ripping stitches to be done, but that's turned out to be something I can do easily outside!  There isn't enough fabric to just start over, so I have to re-use as much as I can.

In terms of Thanksgiving, we have found out that Sobey's is advertising a meal to feed four, with a roasted chicken, a 2L bottle of Coke, rolls, and two sides dishes, such as potatoes or salad, for $16.99.  Since the chickens we found for sale were close to $30, and the turkeys twice that, we figure we can't go wrong.  Just add a pumpkin pie, and we might even have leftovers.  David found out that, rather than running around the store looking for all of the parts of it, I can just call ahead and it will be ready for me when I get there.

On a family note, after Amber and I had a lengthy conversation Wednesday evening, we ran into her and Jessica at Walmart today.  After leaving them both, David and I acknowledged that if we hadn't   been told, and seen her with Amber, neither of us would have recognized Jessica.  It's been almost 3 years since we've seen her,  she has slimmed down, and girls her age change quickly.  She is graduating from grade 12 this year, and Samantha has started grade 9, which means that she's moved over to the high school.  It was nice to be brought up to date with what the two of them are up to.

Otherwise, it's still "same old, same old", in terms of how we spend our days. I'm not sleeping well, and have found out that I need the 650mg Tylenol pills, rather that a generic 500mg one, that I bought by accident about a year ago.  We asked at Walmart, and the 650 generic one I've been using for years, is no longer available.  A bit of a kick in the pocketbook, but that's just how old age seems to work.

Goodnight for now.  Be safe ladies.

Friday and here I am with my coffee

 It is early of course, but a few words before the Thanksgiving weekend. I read your woes about posting your message Pati and sorry that it has caused so much trouble. I am still not sure what to do with the blog when it acts up with me but far more comfortable now to go back in to change it to a draft and then to correct errors ( mostly the change of font in a message) before i resend it again.

Yesterday Harry went on the net to look for trails close by for us to walk our dogs. Always looking for an alternative to using the road with is very dangerous with fast cars and full of people and dogs. Up came the Almaguin Highland Trails adjacent to the new High School. Open to the public.  So we went there in the afternoon. We have to park in the school parking lot, but skirt around to the side and there are the trails. it is all season according to the Info Boards posted at the entrance, for walking, or snowshoeing or cross country sking. We walked for a bit to check it out. We took a wrong turn and ended up on the site of the septic system I think, but made it back to the right trails. We travelled only a short distance but can see how vast the area is - all in site and sound of the School and football field areas. The new school has been there for a few years now and we have never ventured near it until now, so I was actually amazed. We shall try it again and try to time it not for the end of school day and the line up of buses in the parking area..haha!

The Village works dept cut down the trees and bushes along the grassy area between our fence and the road yesterday. Did not see or hear them but discovered it in the afternoon when i was working over there. I liked the cover for privacy to our back yard but now it is very open and visible. I know they did this to increase visibility at the stop sign on our street at the entrance to the road but it bothers me that they do this to us where as i see other areas that are not touched. I often think it is vendetta for me making a formal complaint a few years ago about dumping ice and snow on our pine branches along the side of the road. The Manager came to speak with me at that time, and said I should be aware that they may have to trim branches at the corner for visibility which I knew they had done previously,  but to cut all the trees at the side yesterday I think was overkill. Maybe I am being too sensitive and getting myself all worked up. it is done so I better just move on,,,right???

So here is to Thanksgiving and a glorious weekend for us all. We are having Turkey on Sunday... and I must say looking forward to it. Take care and be safe. Happy Thanksgiving👋😄

You are right...

 It is Midsummer Murders that you watch now. But if you did watch Murdoch Mysteries then i was not too far off haha!  I shall continue with what i can get as a little down time before bed, after all is said and done, has been good for me lately.  Time for my meal which is stir fry veg and rice ...yummy ...oh, and a goblet of wine. XX

Miscommunication

 We've started using that word around here.  Which is only right as that's what seems to be happening. Sometimes the miscommunication is hilarious, but if it isn't, sometimes we just pretend it is. And sometimes we don't.

Beth, I don't watch Murdoch mysteries, on CBC.  I did the first season but not since.  I have to pick and choose my tv watching, and have chosen Midsomer Murders instead.  They are often re-runs, but the plots and photography are so detailed that I get something new out of every one I watch.   I get them on PBS out of Detroit.

Got some grocery shopping done yesterday, but came home somewhat exhausted.  I'm finding that sitting and reading, or sitting and dreaming leaves me wanting to sleep.  I studied arousal theories years ago, and very much believe in them.  If you want to move more, start moving.  A "rolling stone----" and all that.  Regardless, I ended up napping yesterday, and the hamburger and chicken breasts we bought are still in the fridge, waiting for me to do something with them.  We had planned to make up meatballs yesterday, have some for supper, and freeze the rest.  Guess that happens today.  We shopped at Freshco and got both hamburger and chicken breasts for a reasonable price.  The chicken breasts will just be re-packaged and frozen, but again that will happen today, before I step outside, or start sewing.  But the outside time will happen, as the forecast is for 27 degrees.  I may even give myself permission to wear a short sleeved shirt.

Had some thoughts yesterday about the difference between jobs that need to be done, and jobs that I think should be done.  Along with that were thoughts about changing standards, and letting go of standards that make no sense. Yes, it all started one day when I was just too tired to iron tea towels.  I guess you could say that my housekeeping has gone downhill from there.  But has it really?  I will hope to vacuum weekly.  It cost so much to have the rug cleaned that a little more attention to it makes sense.  I try to hand wash dishes once a day, as I can't stand looking at dirty dishes for more than 24 hours.  I've never been without a dishwasher, so can't say what my standard would be without it. So my question to myself, could this be a loosening of standards or a natural part of old age? This all goes back to when I worked and how we judged if some one, usually a woman, was capable enough to go home and live alone.  I remember a nurse, who was adamant that, because a woman only flushed for serious toilet use, she shouldn't be sent home.  My days, admittedly awhile ago, at the lake told me that this habit was a natural for anyone who lived with a septic system.  ( She was released)

I think I'm babbling.  David has started to process the meat, so best I get dressed and do my part.  Be safe ladies!

Me, too...maybe i can sit in the sun

 Next few days here call for sunny and warm so maybe i can plan a sit down and we can all pretend we are together having a few laughs. i did some more work outside yesterday and managed to clear out the one white greenhouse of the tomatoes in pots so now just have to sweep it down and bring in the hay! (I store my hay bales in there covered up and take what I need for inside here to put in the rabbit cages. i clean the cages every night so need hay to be handy)

The other evening I was cruising in Prime Video looking for an interesting movie or show instead of a Time Team episode. Oh, I still love Time Team but was just looking and out of the blue up popped Murdoch Mysteries TV show. Pati you speak of it as one of your "go to" shows and i never knew I could access it. So since then I have viewed Season 1 Episodes 1,2,3 and 4. very much fun. The first Episode i sat and racked my brain wondering where i had seen the star who plays Murdoch until it finally hit me ...years ago when I had TV, I watched a show called Sue (something) FBI about an FBI agent who was hearing impaired and used a guide dog. The other agent was this man who now plays Murdoch. So I am now also enjoying this show just like you. Cathy have you seen this show?

You folks probably experienced the Facebook shutdown yesterday, but since i do not go on I did not know or hear about the cause.But Harry was in need to see it so I had to troubleshoot the computer to see why he could not pull it up. Finally I just told him it was probably off because i could get all other stuff on the net so thought it was not our problem. Then by about 4 pm he was insisting i call our Geek Squad to get it fixed. I still had not heard anything on the news nor had he apparently, so i called and got a most understanding man to tell me it was Facebook and that all access around the world was shutdown. i felt a bit silly for calling then but was relieved it was NOT our problem for me to fix haha! Harry will be thankful now when he gets up that it is back on according to the radio news. I am glad I am not addicted to it as many others are.

So on with the day folks.Take care and be sure to sit and pretend. Be safe...💞

I hate to say it, but....

 While you two are so busy closing your gardens, and getting ready for winter, I'm spending as much time as I can sitting in the garden, watching the birds and squirrels, and dozing off periodically.  I'm also worrying about the price of meat, and how to deal with it.  We're almost out of chicken breasts, and there is no way I'm prepared to spend as much as $9.00 apiece for them.  We don't even look at beef anymore, but are discussing getting a package of hamburger  to make meatballs with.  With Thanksgiving next weekend, David would like us to have a special meal, and we're considering roasting a chicken. The small fryer size ones were just under $20.00, but maybe we'll just pick up a B-B-q'd one for $12.00.  They used to be $6.99.

Tonight I cooked four of the breasts we had in the freezer.  We cut them into small pieces which make it much easier to use them, in Dr. Phil recipes, over the next few days.  We were lucky, as I ended up with six portions, out of four breasts.

But enough of that.  I decided to make a small traditional quilt, using my treasured Kaffe Fassett fabrics.  There was just enough fabric for the pattern I had chosen.  I put together one square to make sure that pattern was true.  It wasn't.  So I worked backwards to see where the problem was, and didn't find it until I made it all the way back to the square I had drafted to guide the cutting of the pieces.  Somehow, I had made one side of the actual square only 11 3/4", rather than 12".

So I have re-drafted the darn thing, but need to salvage as much of the cut pieces as I can, so am laboriously taking my finished square apart.  A couple of pieces have sides cut on the bias, so it has to be done very carefully. I figure the taking apart is justified penance for the mistake I made.

No plans for the next week.  The weather forecast predicts lots of sitting time in the garden, and I plan to take advantage of every minute of it.  I know that there will be, at least, one trip to the grocery store, and that makes me sad, but it's necessary.  This may be our only blessing right now, so I plan to enjoy every minute of it.

The garden is empty

 We picked all the tomatoes yesterday and pulled up the plants. Jim took three full boxes of tomatoes to the SalvationArmy and people were taking some before he finished dropping them off.  Unfortunately our fridge went on the blink yesterday. Aaron (Appliance person) gave us a couple of suggestions to re-boot it. If one of them works, Great. If not he will come out and check it. Worst case is a new fridge, but they are making them so big now it is hard to get one small enough for our kitchen. Meanwhile there is no room for the beer and wine in the downstairs fridge😜.  So Manitoba moves back to orange on Tuesday. None of the new restrictions really affect me, except being able to visit with Barb (anti-vax). We will all go over tomorrow and visit outside but that will be the end of it. She really fixed up her sun room so we could get together inside but that is out now. Rrain officially gave notice on her house and will be moving by November 1. Nancy is giving her the keys this week so she will have a month to move in. It is still only two bedroom but there are more cabinets in the kitchen, plus a basement and studio. And her own washer, dryer and freezer!  And now I will do my hourly rounds with the flyswatter. The more you kill the more arrive

Raining again...

 Good Saturday morning and welcome to October. And surprise... it is pouring rain here again and will be apparently for the next few days. I was jealous of you folks with nice warm days and sunny backyard sits. Although to be comparable, we went for a ride around the Lake the other day to see the coloured leaves. They are almost at their best. Yesterday we took the dogs to the South River/Lake for a walk and was awestruck with the gorgeous view across the perfectly still water and of the landscape on the other side showered with the sun and reflecting into the water like a perfect mirror image. I could not take my eyes off the beauty. Some days can just take your breathe away. I store these times in my head to bring out when i need a lift haha!

Gradually getting some outside work done. More tomatoes out of pots and stakes and tomato cages carried and stored. i cannot move the pots and dump the soil anymore like I once did, so I pile them along the fence ready for next year. And the pots that were along the driveway have been piled in the garden the same way. As long as i can have access to the driveway to do the shoveling this winter, then I am ahead. And will deal with the Spring planting panic when it comes. Since it is raining today i shall do wash and hopefully vacuum. I love my new "Beast" vacuum so do not mind this chore anymore. 

I pulled out some liver from the freezer and that shall be my meal today - I love it done gently with bacon and onions in the fry pan and since Harry does not eat it, i can make it to my satisfaction.  Also have some fresh veg that was purchased from the Market stand set up on the highway - this fellow comes around May/June and sells fresh veg and fruit until Thanksgiving. There is always a line up for his offerings and i think he come three times a week here. Do not know from where he gets his produce, but obviously down south somewhere.

Now for my coffee and some breakfast as i greet another day . Hope all is well there and that you are still enjoying some nice weather. Thinking of you.. take care ❤