Almost December !!!

 Where has the time gone?  We went to the big craft sale on Saturday.  I was intending to get Sandi new mittens but there was not a single pair of mitts in the entire sale.  I drowned my disappointment by buying a tray of fudge😊. I also walked past Rrain twice without seeing her!  She had to call to me before I noticed her sitting in a booth. A new store opened in town. A toy store. I am going to check it out this week. It sounds like they intend to expand as they renovate the building, but they have stock in for Christmas. We had a skiff of snow today. Yesterday’s forecast called for up to 10cm. Today they reduced it to less than 1cm. How can they be so wrong. It’s like crying wolf. They will predict a storm and no one  will believe them…. Then boom!  This is the week I cat sit for Rrain while she flies east for a conference. Two days of travel for a two day meeting. At least she doesn’t have to pay, but her flight leaves early Tuesday morning so she will have to be on the way to Winnipeg by about 4am, and she is definitely not a morning person. Barb has also asked me to cat sit for her when she goes home at Christmas. Her cats are pretty independent so it might be nothing more than topping up their food and water. So, basically nothing is happening in my life. No adventures for me.  

Weather

 You may have more heat coming Beth.  We've been basking in above zero temps all week, although it's cooling down now.

At DH on Thursday, David was told that he'll have an extra week, to facilitate a Physio and OT re-assessment, probably as a measure of progress.  He asked if I could be there to observe, so I've been invited to attend that day as well.

Today, Saturday, we were out in the gallery in Selkirk, all day.  It was a long day, and we both came home exhausted.  David helped out at an event called Easel Wars.  I may have mentioned it in the past. Basically 5 people (all ages, and some were quite small) are assigned easels out of the sight of each others.  They are supplied with paint, brushes, a blank canvas, and an apron. When all are ready, they are given a silly topic, (a giraffe on ice skates or a fish with a cane etc) and a closely timed 20 minutes to complete a picture.  Then the observers or assigned judges, pick the best of the group.  Ability to paint is never a consideration, rather active participation, or a twist on the topic, or even the ability to cover the whole canvas are considered.  There is kibitzing allowed from the audience, and everyone has fun. The participants are told these criteria ahead of time.  There are usually several shifts, followed by a grand championship round when a prize is awarded.  Participants may pay to join, or the audience may vote with loonies, making it into a fund raiser, but this time it was just for fun, with the prize being a $25 gift certificate to the gallery.  So David helped set up all of the rounds, making sure each easel had enough paint, a brush, a canvas, and an apron.  He was really kept quite busy, while I helped look after all of the visitors--and there were a lot.  We also had a camera crew filming the event, so you may soon be able to view it on the website.

I was tired and struggling fairly soon, but sat when I could, did what I could, and made it through the day.  David was tired, but made it through the day, and then drove us home--at twilight--dark by the time we got back to the city.  A quick supper at a sit-down restaurant, and then home.  Both of us have just zoned out in front of our computers since we arrived home.

I thank Goodness for the nice weather--dry highways and good visibility.  But now it's time for bed.

Crazy weather

 Hi,

Is this going to be the changes in weather that they predict? Our snow is basically gone and the temp is above freezing and we have green grass., and the next week or so is calling for mildness and rain. I can remember only one Christmas here in Sundridge that was "green" and that was I think in 1983. I would like a bit of snow on the ground just to make it delightful, but not stressful for shoveling. Do you think I will get my wish??

Talking about stressful.. I just completed today's exercise program for the strenghthening of my left leg as programmed by the Physiotherapist at my first appt on Monday. So this is the sixth day and I am happy to think that I see some positive results. The first few days were torture but I am getting used to it now and although some of the specific exercises really hurt eg the hip abduction laying on my side and raising the leftleg up and holding is still stressful but I endure. I am dedicated to my improved health so give me some hugs and kisses please.👏💋

Today is the annual local Christmas Sale at the Legion and although I am not going, Harry has already left to browse around. I used to like to go to these events but lately with all the stay at home rules and also now with my mobility issues, i choose to remain at home. I am attached to my home now and Pati you have mentioned this feeling a few times in your blogs so i think you both may understand as I know Cathy you also like to be home and relax... 😆😆..am I right?

So with house work on the go right now, I am also thinking about sewing a tree skirt for Michael's tree. He is all into Christmas this year and i like to encourage him if i can. It is nice to see him enthused.  I have that large bolt of red fabric which I just pulled out and cut out a few trial pieces of felt in Christmas shapes to attach as decorations, and think i can sew one that will fit the bill nicely. That will be one of my projects for this weekend if I can manage it between other called upon duties haha!

I was a bad girl yesterday and bought myself an Egg Nog at the Lottery Store when i went to get my tickets. I have always tried not to give in to this urge as I love it so much...but hey...why not! It was $4.98 and gulp..gasp... I bought it anyway just for me. I had a drink last evening and plan to do this same this evening. Cheers....

Well the housework beckons me..Have a nice weekend both.. thinking of you... XX Take care

it just so happens----

David tried the socks on.  They fit quite nicely and are now part of his sock wardrobe. Fortunately, they can't be seen when he wears his boots.

Quiet times now.  Out Thursday to take David to DH.  He only has two more weeks, and then they send a report to our doctor, but offer nothing to us.  Spent my "respite" time catching up with housework, and then it was laundry on Friday.  I had a few minutes to play with the stencils I bought, but so far have been a little disappointed with the result.

Given how very busy the days were leading up to the craft sale, yesterday and the pending weekend, appear to be casual relaxing times. Of course David has a football game on Sunday, and that may allow me a stretch of quiet time in the studio, or reading.  After the way we managed during Covid, I now treasure quiet time at home, even if I just drink tea and read a book.  Although there is always the option of drinking whiskey.  I've never liked whiskey, but I've probably never had whiskey, after determining that I did not like Rye. (Don't ask.  That's another mis-spent youth story for my memoirs)

So, time to put the kettle on and get back to my newspaper.  Definitely a Saturday morning tradition around here, and one I look forward to all week. Staying at home is one way to stay safe, even if it can't be maintained for the long run--or maybe it can?

Perhaps so....

 But fortunately for you , there is a full bottle of Crown Royal to ease the pain of "all that weirdness" around us these days!  Or maybe, you have to wear those hockey socks, and put your feet up....and sip away???  Enjoy XX

H'mmm

 Today we went to the liquor store, and David bought himself a bottle of Crown Royal.  There was a tiny box attached to the bottle, which contained a pair of socks--ugly.  Is it just me, or is it getting awful weird out there?

Am I awake yet?

 Since Saturday I seem to spend most of my time sleeping.  Get up, have breakfast, have a nap.  Lunch and a few minutes in the studio, and then a nap.  Supper and early to bed. Repeat.  I tried to work on Long Time Gone, but ran into a series of problems, mainly with the various checkerboards not matching when they were to be sewn together.  This is not easy to fix, but it was finally done.  Giving it a final iron before putting it away, I discovered another tiny area of checkerboards not matching.  Said "S---w it.  It will just stay that way.  Maybe if people notice it they won't notice the other areas that are a tiny bit wonky"

So now I have two quilt tops that need quilting, and I'm going to have someone else do them.  It will cost a bit, but I'm in no hurry and can slowly put the money away.  I'll have to buy backing for both, in any case.

But most of my time has been spent with David.  Yesterday we got a call that the forms for MPI were ready to be picked up.  They were very expensive, but we "bit the bullet" and paid it.  While at the clinic, we looked to see if the cape I had been looking at was still there but not so.  Eventually we bought a different one.  So I can't complain about having no money if we are spending it foolishly.  Still, I'm wanting to start looking a little more my age and less "raggety".  This cape is very lady-like and David says I look good in it.  So did the sales lady but I'm less inclined to believe her.

So David's papers are in, and we wait to see what the future holds.  We have copies, and access to all of the info.  So we're somewhat apprehensive, although we must always hope for the best.  I'll let you know what happens.

My fibre art support group will be coming to my house next month.  After agreeing to this ( I invited them) I was asked if it would be alright if they came in the afternoon instead of the evening.  The group leader said that, during the last meeting, everyone had agreed to afternoon meetings.  Today I was speaking with my friend Geesje, and she let slip that it was to accommodate me, but all of the ladies who live in the country are very much in favour of the change.  They travel long distances and would much prefer not to be driving at night.  So I have decided to be grateful and not upset at being the focus of the change.

All of the above has occurred over yesterday and today.  As well, David had a massage this afternoon, and I went along to the Timmy's across the parking lot of the Physio office.  I took a book, but most of my half hour alone was spent sipping coffee and looking out the window.  Tomorrow is out to Lorette again, but then there are two or three days with not much on the schedule.  Thursday I drive David to DH, and may just check out a sale at the local quilt shop (the one I rarely visit) to check out extra wide backings for the two quilts mentioned above, on my way home. Given our pace over the past few weeks, a couple of slow days will be a pleasant interlude.

But regardless, it looks like we need to consider wearing our masks again.  Please be safe ladies.

Never too much to eat...

 Enjoyed your story about the Show in Lorette, Pati, and never too much to eat... as long as you try something and by sounds of it you had plenty from which to choose haha! I was especially taken with your comments about the social aspects of your group and how you feel welcome and a part of it all. That made me feel good as well and I often think about both you, and also you Cathy, and your group involvements. I think I miss that. I had my work associations which is not like a social group at all although I have been able to perpetuate relationships with a few such as my friend Sue with whom I have a luncheon on occasion. But my world is very narrow and perhaps this is why I look forward to hearing from you both about what you are up to. So keep it up and make me happy...haha!

The weather is teasing us right now with a few flurries and cold temps but no real pounding yet...I should not say that as you know what will happen now. It's just around the corner though so lets all get ready.

I have been feeling a little more in the Christmas mood with seeing a few homes with lights up already. I have my laser light with green trees and red stars that covers the front of the house so think i will maybe get that up soon. Otherwise no other decorations. And I will eventually bring up my little 3 ft laser tree and set it up. It always brings me pleasure. Gone are the days of the big tree in the corner all covered with lights and balls and all sorts of other little bobbles. Not sure if i will bring up the movies this year but in the past have always had a select few of favourites to watch just before Christmas. But of course my CD music will be good to start to listen to. I have alittle player in the Kitchen that i have playing most days as I putter around so a bit of Christmas might suit me to a tee.

Well, Winnipeg is about to make history with their third Grey Cup win (I hope)  I have no means to watch it on the computer as I did a few Years ago, but I expect both your households will have it on. Have fun watching.

Time for another day to begin.  Take care and wear your masks. It sounds terrific in the world of health care these days. 😍

Too much to eat

 Yesterday was the sale in Lorette. Slow but steady, with a bit of a lull around noon.  But the fellow in the kitchen was selling homemade beef soup and a very small loaf of bread for $5, and most of the vendors enjoyed a hot lunch.  He was also selling the same type of cinnamon knot as last year.  Perfect for dessert.  Did I mention that I was sharing a table?  She (Barb was her name) was selling home baking.  I brought home cinnamon buns, home made whole wheat bread, butter tarts and matrimonial cake. Today we out out the garbage and whatever is still around the house will go too--except maybe the bread.

My stuff didn't sell well, nor did I expect it to.  But for some reason I sold coffee cuffs.  It was the cheapest thing on my table, except the book marks, and I sold 3 of those at 3/$10.

But the main benefit of the day?  The support and fellowship that was obvious amongst the women of the group--most from the Wednesday craft group.  Most of these women have lead a simple life, and they have experienced physical work--moreso than I.  Several of them have been school teachers, so they aren't uneducated, but rather, have perhaps chosen a life partner who had chosen to live on the family farm.  Several are widows.  But I feel comfortable around them.  I don't have to carefully choose every word and comment--although sometimes I choose to keep my mouth shut.  
When I was first there, it was as "Gail's friend", but over the summer Gail has not been attending, and now they know me as a person, and I felt, yesterday, that they like and accept me.  They even accept my weird sense of humour, and I understand their somewhat "earthy" humour.  This was a good day.  And to top it off, it was Saturday, and my shows were on PBS from Detroit.

From Mouse Factory Blog...

 Must write a few words on your latest post and the wonderful pictures Pati, of your quilt Long Time Gone. I marvel at your workmanship and dedication to keep going on with each of the many different blocks. When i see this quilt i think...."who would ever try this" ....but here you are  proof of it being done so beautifully. I know there are many others who have also done this quilt but you are very special in my minds eye.❤👀  

Thank you for sharing and anxious to see what develops with the execution to completion. Also very interested in your next endeavour - I have so many stencils here I wish I could share somehow. But I guess they are destined to be hidden away with all the rest of my "treasures" haha!

Take care everyone... and please keep your snow there for awhile. I am not ready for snow yet 😎

I’m back😊

 I’ve been reading the posts but procrastinating in posting myself. I’ve been taking things slow since I fell. Tylenol and voltaran, and repeat. I try to get some sort of walk in with Lucky every day but I am not up to our usual walks. Besides the fact that there are hunters out and we are avoiding our usual bush wanders. Nothing exciting is happening here. Looking out the window depresses me, but when I remember how deep it was by this date last year I feel a bit better. We have had all our COVID shots and our flu shot so, hopefully we will survive the winter. It is hard to remember what life was like pre-COVID. I feel sorry for kids that don’t remember any other life.  We had a suicide in Neepawa this week. A happy, outgoing, friendly, helpful teacher and community member. You never know what is happening in a person’s mind. We have had other suicides, but there has always been outward signs. This has hit the community hard.  I wish I had concerts and trips to tell you about but it seems I only leave Neepawa for doctors appointments. Tomorrow is haircut day😊. Then a 7pm board meeting☹️  Ups and downs.  Rrain is weighing the ups and downs of going to Ottawa for two days. No time to sight see…. Just seminars. She had a zoom meeting today to talk with all the other potential participants. (She had the entire meeting while sitting in the doctor’s waiting room). I have yet to hear of her decision. Friday we will be going to the Remembrance Day banquet. I am not sure if we are going to the service and luncheon. We are still discussing it. Other than that my week is empty. If the pain in my hip doesn’t ease up by next week I will go back to the doctor. Hopefully I won’t have too. And now for supper. We will have “meat and potatoes” tonight but tomorrow will be hamburger soup, as I have to go out again. Such is life. Love you guys

Happy to see your review...

 Glad to read your synopsis of the Concert with Randy Bachman. I so enjoyed listening to his show on CBC for years before they cancelled it. I loved his stories and it always brought me back to our early days in Winnipeg. And in the Free Press today they have a picture of him with what I presume is his long lost guitar which he must have shown at the Concert. One of my favourite songs is Prairie Town which he sings along with Neil Young all about Winnipeg ..."Portage and Main 50 below" in the lyrics remembering the sign atop the streets at the corner of said streets which gave the time and temperatures. I was never much into his time with BTO but some of those songs are nice as well.  So what will you do for an encore Pati - any future Concerts to think about?

It appears that your areas are seeing the snow now - Cathy your weather indicates same and yet Wpg suggests "not quite yet? Is that true?  The end of this week indicates some wet snow or flurries for here but that always changes and I am hopeful it will. Although I have done just about all I can do for outside to prepare for the winters snow. I have the shovels out and the sand bags ready and the driveway and a few paths clear although I have some leaves to move yet. The winds have been very strong these past few days and I see where my neatly arranged piles of leaves out of the way have now blown in all directions so there is some work left to rectify that.

I had to do some sewing yesterday to shorten a pair of Harry's slacks. Actually i made a mistake the previous day in making them too short with hand sewing so to cover up and make them a bit longer I had to use the sewing machine to do a very small tight seam at the bottom. It has been sometime since I enjoyed using my machine and once again that old feeling of "...i wish I could sew more.." came back to me. I had great difficulty with this project and made mistakes that required some seam ripping and then the needle broke and had to get the book out to figure that out. All is all a real disaster but ..eh. live with it.. haha!

We get our flu vaccines on Wed at the PHU clinic and hoping the line up will not be too long - runs from 3 to 6 pm at the arena but usually these PHU clinics are very well organized so I anticipate no issues.

Love hearing about your days and adventures Cathy and Pati. Keeps me connected with you. Take care all... be safe. XX

Evening out

 Yesterday was our evening out, attending the Randy Bachman concert at Club Regent.  As we were both intending to have a drink, we took a cab, getting there a little early, but not much. As expected, the audience was full of people our age.  Unfortunately, David was sitting behind a tall guy who like to wave his arms in the air. I was next to a large woman and with the very small seats, we were literally "jammed" in.  I had been worried that the stories would just be a repeat of the ones we had heard the last time we had seen the show, but while he did repeat about 4 of them, he put a different  twist on them.  The new stories were about growing up in Winnipeg, and back stories behind albums such as "Wheatfield Soul". An emotional moment came when we found out that the song "She's Come Undone", was based on an actual person who took something strange at an after show party, had a seizure, was taken by ambulance immediately, and died a week later. It was interesting to see that, when talking about his time with The Guess Who, when there was singing of songs that had originally been sung by Burton Cummings, other band members did the vocals.  Probably a good idea.  I have to say that he looked a little "frail".  While he sat for  most of the concert, if he did get up and move, there was someone, from the band or out from off stage, quickly beside him. But, he is 79-the same age as David, as well as probably half the audience.

Today, David is off to buy a hand-held vacuum for the basement stairs, and probably a lot of more chores that we haven't identified yet.  I get to scrub out the bathroom.  I wonder if this is penance for enjoying ourselves a little too much last night?

Be safe and do something unusual this week.  H'mm, I wonder if  I could call cleaning the bathroom "something unusual"?

very busy week?

 It seems as though we've been running all week trying to catch up with ourselves, but darned if I can figure out what was so important!  We did volunteer in the Selkirk Gallery on Wednesday.  It was one of the most interesting days I've had out there.  Another woman from the Board was with us, and her husband, also a Board member, was in and out all day.  She did a demonstration at 1:00 on painting on wine glasses, and there was a second, very interesting, demonstration a little later on wet felting. This was given by a fellow, a professional felter, who was at the last Board meeting and will likely become a member as soon as there is an opening.  Since David is no longer required to make up numbers ( a legal point in the Articles of Incorporation), he will likely resign at the next meeting.  The very best part of the day was in the quieter moments when this woman and I had several in depth conversations about art and artists.  Two more members of the Board showed up for the felting demonstration, and everyone stayed until closing for a good general getting to know one another.  It was very tiring, and we had to be up early Thursday to take David to Day Hospital. Then I spent the rest of the day in the studio, other than picking him up.

Friday, was an emotional day.  Amber and I arranged to meet at Starbucks for a face-to-face conversation, the first since the beginning of Covid.  David was there at the beginning, then went off to do errands, including grocery shopping, coming back later.  Amber and I took up a table there, with and without David, for 2 1/2 hours. It was a emotional conversation, but congenial, and we discussed several tricky issues.  We also agreed to meet again.

Since Friday is also laundry day, and the groceries had to be dealt with once we were home, by about 7:00 I was exhausted, more than I have been in months.  So a quiet evening, and early shower, and early to bed.  Tonight we will be going to the Randy Bachman concert at Club Regent.  We've decided to travel by cab, so we can both have a drink while we're there, since they conveniently have several bars inside the theater.

Next week should be quieter, but next Saturday is the craft sale out in Lorette, and I have reserved 1/2 a table.  I'll be sharing with a lady who sells fruitcake.  I bought one from her a couple of weeks ago and have been carefully brushing it with brandy and wrapping it up in cheesecloth, so it will be ready by Christmas--if it lasts that long.  I have a hunch it might be an idea to buy another one from her nest weekend.

The Covid numbers are still climbing quickly.  It's even more important that we keep safe-a snarky remark since I'm going to a concert this evening. But I'll be able to isolate until Wednesday, and, if worse comes to worst, nothing in my life is so important that I can't back out.

Bad me....

 The best thing about Hallowe'en is to be eating the leftovers the night after.. that would be tonight, and sure enough I have a pile of little choc bars sitting on the table top as I type my message. 😃 But it will be my problem in a hour or two as I go to bed and wonder why I have heartburn haha! Then it will have been a stupid idea, but now, it is just fine by me. Head count for last evening was 61 (total bags prepared, minus the number of leftover bags equals total number of bags handed out one to each customer) It is a science after all....

Today we went shopping to Huntsville in hopes of capturing leftover goodies on sale. Where do they all go overnight - back to the factory? The only thing Harry could find were boxes and boxes of Old Dutch potato chips in little bags 45 to a big box and the box was on sale for $5.47 at Walmart. Beggars can't be choosers or so they say... I would have left the box on the shelf, and been happy with my little leftover choc bars.

Still trying to clean up outside and if lucky I may just beat the snow, or maybe if it does snow soon, I would be happy that i cannot do anymore outside. Catch 22 I guess. But I must say that these wonderful warm sunny days are glorious and the dogs and I love to take advantage and go for long walks and sniff all along the way ( the dogs, not me) They love to get out. I fear for when it gets colder and snowy and their poor feet and bodies will be chilled in spite of a sweater put on before leaving the house.

So now it is November and as I look at the calendar I have several appt to keep such as Dentist for two fillings, and Flu Vaccination Clinic for that shot.

Well, time to close up for the night - just a few bills to pay on line before I do that though. This will be the last of the bills and if lucky I just may have some money left to get us through the rest of the month. 

Hope all is well with your folks...take care and be safe. Pati you are right - it is a jungle out there. Do not take any chances. Wear a mask!!! Thinking of you ...👀👌