So life becomes "interesting"

 Not the greatest to write about our ailments and aging bodies, nor to read about others either, but that seems to be life as it is, and reality for us, isn't it. So I hear your comments, and feel your feelings, and all the time I wish so much that we three ladies could be closer. It reminded me of Auntie Ruby always dropping by to visit with Mom although I am not sure Mom always liked it. And how we always seemed to visit Auntie Flo as well although again, not sure with her busy days whether she always appreciated it. So this blog will have to serve as our connection and our "visits" with each other. And believe me...I do like it..very much haha! 😁

Garden work and running the roads takes up much of the days here. My little Lily dog does not seem to be improving much with the antibiotics so I think i shall have to make another appt this week. Last night she started in with her coughing and heaving and it takes a real toll on me to endure as I cannot help her. It is the breed (chihua hua) that tends to have this symptom ...either collapsed trachea or maybe the heart..or maybe pneumonia which the Dr wants to pursue if the medicine does not work.She was wheezing on auscultation so maybe a bit of infection? 

Thanks to Dave's suggestions about the Maplewood cactus, I have transplanted it into a nicer bigger pot and now hoping it will survive my attentions. There is also a slip that I have planted and would love to see that survive as well. I'll let you know how I make out - maybe a picture if I am lucky haha!

Time to get on with it...Take care please, and thinking of you.

On the road to the land of the elderly

 Life has been a steady, but seemingly, endless, preliminary journey into the life of the elderly.  We have both decided that we don't want to make that journey again, although we have experienced some glimpses of the ridiculous along the way.  David has been pretty well limited to bed, his recliner, the bathroom when absolutely necessary, and a chair in the kitchen.  This morning was the first time he dressed by himself.  It took awhile and he needed a long handled reacher, but he got'er done!  The worst for me is difficulty sleeping, for both of us.  Last night, we finally got to bed/recliner, about 11:00 and both slept round the clock.  We both feel a little better today, but have still declared today as a day of total relaxation.  I made a pancake for  brunch, plan to run the dishwasher and then play downstairs.  David will probably watch the old movies he loves, and we have planned an excursion to the mall across the street for Chinese food at supper time.  A mix-up in days resulted in our garbage bins being put out onto the street last evening, so we don't even have to worry about that tonight.  And because I managed-somehow- to get the entire laundry done on Friday, we have clean clothes.  Isn't that the old saying about housework--" a hot meal, a clean shirt, and all's right with the world".

By way of an update, I do have to say that our doctor, for all his faults, is on ball, and I received a call from Home Care Intake on Friday.  We had a good chat about what's going on, and she decided that a geriatric assessment, in home, was maybe more indicated than a straight intervention, on her behalf.  So that's the plan, at this point.

Ahhh....'tis Friday

 And good thing as reading all of our messages over past while it seems that life is taking us all in odd directions. No straightforward  routes to destination anywhere it seems. Perhaps we could create a documentary or blog or what ever they call them about our adventures, and post it and make lots of money like others have done?? I agree...not going to happen ....so I am content to just communicate with you two on our very own personal space, and be happy about it. But I sure enjoy reading about all that is happening in your lives. And Pati, you are one busy lady with your activities and driving about, and  Cathy, watching you read the news makes me all the more proud that I am a sister to you both.  

Rainy these past few days so some outside work and some inside work here. I made my first batch of Rhubarb/Pineapple jam yesterday and plan to have it on toast this very morning for breakfast. The rhubarb is growing well, so I shall be making more I am sure. Have planted many Herbs again this year as well, and I have already picked and used some fresh Basil in a meal as well as parsley. Some of the Kale is growing exceptionally well and I could pick some of that too if I wanted but intend to let it get bigger. 

The early morning closes in on me too quickly so I better cut this short and get on with the day as I hear the rumblings of action. The house is awake haha!  Take care both of you and be safe out there. Thinking of you ...👪❤ 

And life goes on

Finally, after 3 unsuccessful years, the gallery in Selkirk was able to schedule an AGM.  Only 25 people showed up, but the work got done.  I had prepared what I thought was a reasonable report, and had received an e-mail with the appropriate documents to have with me during the meeting. Tuesday was planned as a very relaxing day so as not to be too exhausted for the meeting, considering I would have to go from my 1:00 meeting in Lorette, home for only a few minutes, and then straight to Selkirk during rush hour traffic. Tuesday evening, I tried to print these documents, including my report.  Well, the printer wasn't working, and after a bit of trial and error, I realized that it wasn't connected to our wifi network.  So I called Geek Squad, and was connected to a reasonable fellow. We worked on the problem for about an hour and a half, and were getting nowhere, so he accessed another fellow to take over.  We knew quite well that the issue was probably that our router had been changed as part of our upgrade, the previous Friday, and we were finally asked for and "administrative password.  Nothing worked, and after over two hours, Geek Squad admitted defeat. But I still hadn't been able to print my documents, and I would need the report, so it could be read at the meeting. I also realized that our efforts to save $11/month for 2 years, has now cost me the $12/month for extra channels, and a $400 for a piece of junk printer that's sitting on the desk

I decided that I would e-mail the report to the gallery, and hope to print it off, just prior to the meeting.  Just before leaving for Lorette, I re-read the rest of the documents and realized that the meeting wasn't being held in the Gallery itself.  Of I went hoping that there was a printer at the Senior Centre, where the meeting was held.  There was, but we found that it had no USB port to plug in my USB stick. Now I'm getting worried.  So, as I left the Senior Centre, I called Amber to see if I could drop in to print only one document.  Not home.  So I "bit the bullet" and dropped into Staples on my way home to print a one page document.  Wouldn't you know it, I couldn't get the printer to work from my USB stick, and had to ask for help.  The clerk was very gracious and we had a bit of a giggle about it being a ONE PAGE DOCUMENT so I offered to print two copies just to make it worthwhile.  The total including tax was $0.36.  But I had it, and was able to look good at the meeting, even with taking minutes as the secretary didn't show up.

During my quick stop at home, while I was making a "peskie", I heard a crash from the basement.  David had somehow fallen into the dryer.  The only obvious damage appeared to be to his dignity, so with him set up in his recliner, with a drink, his book, his glasses, and the tv remote, I felt comfortable leaving him.  By bedtime, he was sore and stiff.  With Tylenol, and a bit of a hand, he managed to get to sleep.  I checked on him a few times during the night, and he appeared to be sleeping like a log, but by morning the bruises had shown up and he couldn't put any pressure through his right arm, so, together, we got him dressed, (and that must have been a sight to see-hehe), and took him straight to the doctor.  Some nasty bruises, and a lot of pain, but after x-rays (plural), at about 1:00, we headed off for breakfast.  And that was about the end of any productivity for today.  We're both exhausted, and more than ready for bed.  

And tomorrow we do laundry.  The fun never ends.

T

A mixed Blessing

 This weekend turned out to be a bit of a mixed blessing--some good, and some not so good.  After up-grading our internet and tv service, David was quite upset about losing his Turner Classic Movie channel.  I also lost PBS out of Detroit but had reconciled to no longer having it.  Saturday, David called Shaw and arranged to get both channels back at a cost of $6 each.  So, our effort to save $11 per month ended up costing us $1 per month more. But I have to say that the last couple of days he's spent a lot of time exploring the channels we've gained, and that keeps him off the streets. 

However--ta da--after sorting that out with the fellow, David was asked if there was anything else that they could do for him.  They really shouldn't have asked that.  David has been without Shaw e-mail since March, and asked if it would be re-activated.  I don't know what went on after that, but I do know David finally arrived at the kitchen door demanding that I speak with the fellow.  And so I did--for two hours, with both mine and David's computers side-by-side trying to--would you believe--change the password?  Finally, after trying everything the fellow could think of, the job was done.  I have to say that I don't think I've ever talked to anyone at a problem-solving service like this, with such patience and good humor.  I said this in the notes when we got an evaluation request from Shaw, the next day.

But--the next morning, I was asked to supply a password for MY Shaw e-mail. My heart almost stopped.  Having memorized the damn password thoroughly, I gamely typed it in--and it worked!

Sunday, we decided to go out, David to Walmart, with me dropped off at Starbucks while he shopped.  On our way out we checked the Lady Slippers.  There are 6 up, and they look healthy.  I turned to head for the car and was half way across the patio when I heard a crash.  There was David, flat on his back on the ground, with his legs all mixed up with the extension of the downspout.  The extension is toast, but David survived, with a big piece of skin off the side of his head.  Thank Goodness I had some oversize Band-aids in the closet, from last time this happened.

Do I really think a cup of coffee is worth this worry?  Well we're going to try again today.  He's out now getting an appointment for an estimate for the little scratch I put on the car.  Then he'll pick me up, drop me at Starbucks, and head for Walmart--to buy more oversize Bandaids.  A previous, rough estimate, of car repairs, was $2000, but now I have a claim #, we need to get down to details. Gonna' cost me in the long run, with extra charges on my license,

Best get my shoes on, and find my jacket.  Be safe ladies.

My Sunday

 What a beautiful day!  About time. In my excitement I overdid it, so now I am waiting for the Tylenol to kick in☹️  We made a rush trip to Brandon yesterday. Jim’s son was given a free pool for us (a quickset like we used to have) and a friend of his just happened to be coming to Brandon so we picked it up. We sat outside this evening after supper. It was such a nice change from the last few weeks. Jim and I went out for lunch yesterday. We went to Blue’s Brothers Bistro. It has a limited menu but everything is homemade and delicious!  We went shopping and then to the legion. (What a surprise😜). There were only a few people there but we knew all of them so we had a good visit. Lots of laughs. Tomorrow I hope to get the tiller running and start on the garden. It is already much later than usual for us. We don’t have any potatoes in yet!!  In less than a month the days start getting shorter😤. I sure hope summer is finally here. Love you guys♥️

To grow anything is exciting

 Hi to all, Well I love your bags Pati. You have always made such interesting items such as these, and I have a few of them that I use always. Little purses and zipped bags and wallet like purses have all found a home with me. 

I will be interested in the progress of your seeds as well. Anything that is growing becomes an obsession of sorts. I need to ask Dave about my Maplewood cactus though. It is healthy and produces flowers on occasion but my concern is the very long (very long indeed) branches that are coming now and hanging down well below the pot. They are nice and green but the length is surprising me. i am almost tempted to cut them but do not want to jeopardize the plant. I have it sitting on the top shelf of a wooden unit in the back room so it gets nice light. I have not seen this happen so far in the long history of this plant since I got the slip 100 years ago from you folks. Always something to think about eh?

We have far too many tomatoes which happens every year. So Harry is again putting out the call for people to come and get free tomatoes. Not to my liking.

I got a Rapid testing Kit from Michelle ( Daisy's grandaughter) to test Harry and I as I am now curious to see if what we have is Covid or not. I am mostly over the worst of my symptoms but curious nevertheless. Not likely to change our habits any but it might be interesting to see. I shall read the directions this morning and try it out. 

Well, gardening seems to be on the agenda for today (again) so i shall get myself in gear now. Take care and be safe. (apparently there is a new virus for us to watch for called monkeypox - what next? ) 

Be good....👍

accomplishing more

It seems that I may be getting my "mojo" back.  I have more energy  and better endurance.  If my recent low energy, foggy brain experience was a result of Covid, and reappeared after every vaccination, I worry a bit about getting #4 in July. Still, I plan to enjoy it while I can.

Over the past couple of days, I've been making zipper pouches based on a video workshop that I purchased from DesignMatters.tv.  Here's what they look like.  The basic dimensions of each side are 8 1/2 by 11, as I used piece of paper as my pattern.

Today we had a fellow from Shaw come in to upgrade our service.  All of our equipment was pretty well obsolete, and had to be replaced, but all of our channels were either moved or deleted.  While he showed us how to use things, using the remote is mostly trial and error. Keeps us busy and off the streets, I guess.

Awhile ago, when David bought a bottle of rum, it came with a little paper collar that said it was impregnated with mint seeds.  So today, David brought me in a bag of soil, and a small pot.  We now have mint planted, and set on the table in front of the living room window.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Not sure what I might do with it, if we get some, but it will be fun to see.

No infuser, but a bit more energy would help

 Good morning, I have had a cold for days now and tiring of the feeling and lack of energy but still having to produce regardless. A nice 24 hours alone to recover would be helpful ...maybe.. haha!

Rainy again here but I should not complain compared to your persistent poor weather there. But yesterday was nice so outside work prevailed. That is, after i had the car to the Garage for oil change and tire change. Worst part of that is the manager told me that they had to discard the four winter tires as the tread was totally worn. This means I look forward to buying four new winter tires in the Fall. i will have to look out for the usual tire sales.  The nice part of going to the garage though was that i was able to read in a nice quiet rest area all on my own for about an hour. I am reading the latest Rockton novel so I appreciated the time to do that.

I am going to vote on Sunday at the Advance polls here in Sundridge for our Provincial Election on June 2. I listened to the debate of all four Leaders on the radio and was no further ahead in my decision but I shall make my X on the ballot and so be it.

We take the dogs every day down to the lake lot owned by Harry's cousin from close to Hamilton. The lot is vacant most often and a good place for us to go, and they like us to be checking on it as well. Yesterday morning as we drove in we were surprised to see the fifth wheel parked on the pad again and there were his two cousins Mike and Kevin bracing it up and balancing it ready for another summer . They remove the trailer each Winter and store it down south. Some of the family are coming up for the long weekend including their Mother Aunt Muriel ( one of Harry's Mother's younger sisters and one of only five remaining children of that huge family of 11) They invited us to visit again for the day on Sat but it is doubtful we will go, We now have to be careful if we take the dogs there that no others are camping as sometimes their friends also use the site in summer. 

Well another day arrives so I'll get another coffee and be on with it. But it is Friday, and a long weekend - good time to stay at home haha! Take care...❤👌

Anybody need a tea infuser?

I now have four brand new ones and a new one in use for only a few days. I thought I had ordered two of them, when I opened the one that had been stored away in the tea cupboard, but it seems that I made a duplicate order and four of them arrived yesterday. I called David's Tea, in Quebec, yesterday to find out how to return it, and the instruction was to take it to UPS and send it back.  So, this morning, I googled "UPS drop offs" in hopes that there was one near by, and that I didn't have to drive across the city.  There's quite a few of them, actually.  Starting to pack up the box, I found that I didn't have a return address, so called Quebec again this morning.  This time the lady seemed a little more knowledgeable than the one I spoke with yesterday.  I explained my problem, and after putting me on hold for awhile, she came back and told me to keep the extra, and they would issue a refund right away.  And yes, after returning from shopping I found the message that the refund had be arranged.

Today I shopped.  Started at the quilt store in St James, where they have been holding a FMQ'g foot for almost a month.  Didn't go in expecting to buy anything, but walked out with two bags full.  Then it was to Jacob's Trading Co/ Ye Olde Rock Shop, close to home.  I was looking for small charms and they had them for $1.99  doz (or more!)  After a relaxing lunch stop at Tim Horton's, we were off to Micael's ( across the parking lot-a short drive)  I went in there looking for charms a little larger than the ones I had found earlier, and found them, as well as some beads that just had my name written all over them.  Finally, it was Fabricland, somewhere that I haven't been in over a year, for three zippers.  Then the library, and, finally, home.

This had been planned as a short relaxing trip, based on my horoscope this morning.

    "Today your energy level might be low, which is why you should not push yourself too hard.  It will be easy to physically exhaust yourself, so be careful.  Guard against infections and food poisoning.  Don't start anything new."

I'm going to declare my "Purge Challenge" done.  I'm done, so it's done.

On with another week

 Early Saturday morning message to get me rolling for the day. Enjoyed speaking with you both yesterday and to hear all about our lives as we live it. Just checked my Lotto Max and I did not come even close although apparently someone won the $$$. Was it either of you✌

Today is more garden work and if that forecast thunderstorm comes I still have tons of wash to get at here inside. When outside all day the inside day to day chores often take second place and tend to pile up for some reason haha!

After your accounts of reading and of new and interesting books, I have decided to get back to it if I can. Usually by the end of the day i am so bushed I just crawl into bed, but I used to at least read for a awhile before lights out and I am going to try again. it always tends to relax me a bit so that sleep will come easily.  We'll see....

Take care my sisters, and keep in touch. 💖

Wet.....

 that's about the only answer to the question "how are you?" Yes we've enjoyed a few showers lately.  Never at a loss of something to say, in Manitoba.  "Nuff said!

Through out the day things happen and I say to myself "I'll have to blog about that",  but when I get a chance to sit down and do it, do you think I can remember?  Saturday I went to the mall to buy soap.  It was a zoo!  I ended up in a short dead end row in the parking lot. Discovered that the empty parking space was too small to get into, and had to back out the full length of the row.  I would never of been able to back out of the row itself, if some nice man in a truck hadn't stopped for me.  Then I drove out, and straight to Starbucks. I'll try for the soap today.

Amber and Jessica popped in last evening on the way to get her grad dress altered.  Oh My how things have changed.  It is floor length with a fairly full skirt, and the neckline plunges to the waist.  Did I mention that it's backless?  Oh yes, and bright scarlet as well.  Amber says that they've learned how expensive shaped stick on cups are as well as 2 sided flesh tape.  But I think it will look fabulous on her, especially with her waist length dark hair.  I wonder if Darren plans to go to the dance with her, taking his long gun along.

Yesterday was a coffee date with Gail and her friend Laurie H.  Gail's friend Lorie from Lorette was there for a bit.  She and Gail had arrived in separate cars, as Lorie had to leave early.  Gail and Laurie H. had a wonderful time conversing, with me struggling to get a word in edgewise.  This has given me a few minutes of thought, since.  The three of us had a wonderful visit, at Starbucks, before The Big Covid Shutdown, but hadn't been together as a group since then. ( lunch after the shoveling was different)  The two of them have obviously re-joined society and were chatting away, almost without taking a breath, but I had little to contribute.  Is this a side effect of my time shut up at home over the past 2 years, is it a part of "long Covid"? Or does old age play a role?  Maybe all three. The previous time we were together all of us had frequent, humorous input to the conversation.  I have a bad feeling about this.

This morning I had to admit that my tea infuser was "toast".  It was time to get the new one out--the one I bought on the internet early in the Covid shutdown.  We have become very cautious lately, wanting to make sure there is an extra of everything, just in case.  ( This is why I have 5 bottles of Maple Syrup in the pantry.  Memory problems?)  Now I need to find a source of another tea infuser.  My task for today.  I'm also in the process of selling a few of my no longer needed items from the studio.  I got rid of all the wool roving I had around, to a woman who teaches hand felting and needed some cheap stuff for her students.  She has also indicated an interest in my embellisher.  Sure hope that works out.

Best get on with the day.  Be safe, ladies.

Just for us...

 Thinking of you both on this Mother's Day. Hope you have a very pleasant day doing exactly what you want to do. Best wishes...💗

Small pleasures

 So good to hear that you've decided to embrace small pleasures, Beth.  We all need one or two (or more!) to help us carry on.  And even the obvious joy Cathy is experiencing in planning a party for Jim, gives both Beth and I a moment of pleasure.  We wouldn't give pleasure to others if we don't feel a part of it for ourselves.  My small pleasure was sitting in my yard drinking my coffee yesterday.  While I went to the craft group in Lorette, yesterday afternoon, ( another pleasure) David spent the whole time outside puttering, mainly in the garage.  The table and three chairs is now on the patio, and we both managed to get the umbrella stand set up in conjunction with the table.  This really is a two person job with one leaning on the table to hold it in place,  and peering down the central hole giving directions, while the other sits on a chair and tries to kick the very heavy, base into the proper position.  The hose reel is also in position with the hose neatly wound around it.  The hose had been out and lying all over the yard, after being used to pump the back yard out.

David had also put out the new "squirrel" feeder, complete with peanuts.  Neither of us was too pleased to see how quickly the squirrel found it.  Yes, I know that we've been asked not to have feeders, but David is too attached to his birds to do that.  I don't think we're going to be arrested, but if we are, I'll blame it all on him.

This morning I'm going to put the bread machine on, and then get back to the basement.  I'm supposed to being doing something every day, no matter how small a task, just to be able to say that I completed the 100 day challenge, with my 100 day deadline coming up soon, as the challenge started March 16th.

Security measures!

 I just had to go through password and verification measures to log in!  Good thing I wrote it down 😜.  So, hoping Jim will never access this, his son and partner are coming for his birthday,  his granddaughter is trying to get the time off and one of his step-granddaughters is working on it. His sister from BC ( the one with the intelligence to marry a McGrath😜 is coming.) I have invited Kris and family and Kik. I guess I better start making plans🤪.   I sure hope other people show up. Jean says to ask for meat trays for 50and then have extra on hand. I have convinced her that I will pay to have ShopEasy make the trays.  We on the other hand, finally  made it to Killarney for Easter. We went to an art show opening and Chloe really seemed to enjoy it.  I just don’t how to get the word out about the birthday without asking Jim. I think it will be word of mouth. I will tell someone, and ask them to tell anyone and etc etc.  my mind is wandering. Sorry☹️  I will post again when the adrenaline rush is done. Love you♥️♥️

A little bit of pampering

 I might have mentioned that I went back to Starbucks the day after my B'day to check on their offer for a gift treat but that it did not accept my request as it was one day after the actual B'day. It had been months since I had gone it to the Coffee Shop. So I paid more on my card and bought a Chai Tea Latte as my gift to me haha! I realized that I enjoyed it so much that there was no real reason why I should not continue to treat myself when we went to Huntsville each week. The Starbucks is right beside the Canadian Tire gas pumps where we fill up all the time and from there Harry goes into the Dollarama which is also beside the Starbucks. So... I have been back twice since then today being one of those visits. But today i got really brazen and also ordered a chocolate chunk cookie to go with my Tea. I walk from the Coffee Shop over to the parking lot at Dollarama and sit by myself in the car while Harry is in the Store, and I am able to enjoy the time and the deliciousness of my Tea. The only thing missing is the both of you sitting with me and the fun and laughter we could have 😇😉😂

We bought a new outdoor table umbrella at Canadian Tire with the rewards money we have earned buying gas at their pumps. Amazing what you can save up collecting it each fill up. It paid for the umbrella and also a grave ornament for us to take to the Burying Ceremony for dear Daisy to be held on Monday May 9. It will be directly at the Cemetery in South River beside Eagle Lake where Daisy was born and raised and the family still has property there.

We needed the new umbrella since over this past horrid Winter the gazebo over top of our current umbrella collapsed and subsequently broke the umbrella which was under it. I know we should have taken both down for the Winter but that did not happen so we bear the blame i guess. We will not put up another gazebo but instead have this new larger umbrella over the table and it should protect us nicely if weather is inclement. When time allows, I love to sit here facing the garden and the little pond and sip at what ever I am sipping at, and enjoy the peace and quiet. usually this is in the early morning when i am alone and able to spend a few moments in the calm of the morning. Now that the weather is becoming more favourable to this, I am looking forward to it. Consequently i was out there this afternoon in the drizzle trying to tidy up. I shall need Harry's help to remove the bent frame of the gazebo but I should be able to do the rest myself. I am anxious to get it done. 

I am still following the news as best i can related to the flooding in Manitoba but most I get is on the CBC news and it's focus lately has been on the Pequis Reserve off the Fisher River North of Winnipeg relocating to Hotels in Winnipeg. Seems like a yearly event for those folks.

Time to put the birds and cats and dogs and rabbit to bed for the night and watch another Time Team before bed myself

Hope all is fine there and thinking of you...💏

Time to re-think

 A bit of navel gazing, which I know is usually done on the other blog. The sale was a mixed blessing.  It was good to spend a day in the company of friends, all devoted to the same pursuit.  Unfortunately, the ladies appear to have decided that we need to do it again, probably just before Christmas. I was able to bring home enough money to pay our expenses, to wit, gas for 3 return trips to Lorette, all accomplished in pouring rain, and pizza for supper.  But, at the end of the day, I was exhausted.  While I slept well, I woke up this morning, had breakfast and went back to bed for 2 hours.  This afternoon, I put together, again, the small quilt that David took apart for me last week.  Glad to see the end of that.  

While I know it may be just emotional exhaustion, it is also telling me that I maybe need to reconsider my almost endless attempt to "purge" things from my life.  I'm very aware that this "urge to purge" is moving into other areas of my life.  While I'm finished with my wardrobe, today I started to purge my tea cupboard.  I had absolutely no idea how much tea I own.  Still not sure how much is hiding around the kitchen and in the two freezers.  Fortunately, I recognized that if I'm fuzzy-brained, and unsteady on my feet, perhaps I shouldn't think about getting a stool and taking a look at the higher shelves in the cupboard.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

But, for the rest of the the day, I've been non-functional.  David cooked supper, and I watched 2 1/2 episodes of Time Team.  The only decision I have to make is whether to have a bit of brandy before bed.  It helped last night, so maybe tonight as well.

p.s. I won $50 on 649 extra last night.  Some parts of the weekend were great!