Still facing crazy weather

 Another week over and the weather continues to create some crazy times here. One day pouring rain all day and night and next day about a foot of snow to greet us in the morning. And the next two weeks show some very low night temperatures. And this brings more concerns about heating the greenhouse. So far we have only the one heated with two heaters, but transplanting seedlings and more space needed, Harry would like the big greenhouse heated now. This may not be possible if the expected low temps so in a bit of limbo here right now. Cannot put more than two heaters out as I only have access to two plugs from the inside to accommodate them.  We'll figure it out.

We just ordered an Air Fryer. After much thought and a demonstration of Mike's new Air Fryer ....this seemed to decide for us. It should come on Sunday through Amazon, and now as i look around the kitchen I realize that i must reorganize it to place the fryer in a good spot with enough room to sit and stay. It will not be moved up and down like I do with other equipment such as the slow cooker etc. but then if the Fryer will cook almost anything, I may not need other devices??  Now to seek out recipes to try. Wish me luck.

Hoping that your new communication system at your place Pati is starting to function for you. Nothing worse than issues. I wonder if the mobile Geek Squad could help? I know that will cost , but maybe to have it resolved, might be worth it?

On to the day...I need to shovel outside. I did not get the whole drive done - only enough to get the car out, but the Village plough went by many times, but then late in the afternoon, the neighbour with the plough on his truck pushed the pile back and cleaned that up nicely. I need only to do the rest and then the paths round the yard. It is soft snow though and that makes a big difference.

I got a new book from the Library again. This time it is another William Kent Kreuger novel with "Cork O'Conner" as the private detective solving the problems of the world....called Fox Creek.

Take care of yourselves and be good. 💕

Making changes

 Good morning,

Sounds as if this changeover for you Pati has created some real challenges and I hear you about the stress that it can bring. As you all know, I have chosen not to make a change at this stage of my life in spite of being pressured to do so by both my sons, and others, but I realize what it would do to our lives. We hang onto the equipment we got and hope it will not be taken from us at some point - we already have received messages that we have no support from Windows nor from Google because we have old, outdated machinery. A change would also require new installation of wires etc which is not realistic for us either.  So I hear your concerns and unable to help you myself (God forgive i would even attempt to) ..I sit here hoping that some lightening bolt from the heavens will suddenly light up your life and bring resolution...quickly. Now, did Gail and friend Lauri from Lorette help you yesterday? 

So take care and carry on. We are all made of that tough stuff so take it one step at a time. Thinking of you all... 👀👂❤

True chaos!

We've been setting up the new system, or rather, trying to come to a truce with the new system.  David is gradually finding the different tv channels, and I've been trying to sort out the e-mail.  This is truly one of the most stressful and confusing challenges that I've ever experienced, and it's not over yet, by a long shot. Adding to that, yesterday was our laundry day, and David did most of that, even to bringing up the last, forgotten (mea culpa) load from the dryer this morning.  I had difficulty getting to sleep, but once there, slept until almost 11 this morning, and even then, I was moving slowly.  Then a message from Gail, saying that she and her friend-Laurie from Lorette would be in the city this afternoon and would drop over to help set up the new cell phone.  I had some "me time" errands to run today, but between getting up late and expecting company, those are now postponed for awhile.

Yesterday, looking for a few minutes reprieve from time dealing with computers and Smart phones, just before supper I went down to the studio.  I had no idea where to start, or what to start.  I fondled a bit of fabric and went back up stairs.  I'll try again today.

Feeling a little stress today.

 Life has taken a slight change in direction this week.  I guess David got tired of my problems with our not owning a Smart Cell phone, and decided Monday that we were going to buy one. We had taken my walker to the local Mall for a bit of "mall walking".  We stopped for coffee and I stayed to finish my drink while he wandered off.  Next thing I know he was coming back and gesturing me to follow him--all the way the to Bell/MTS store, where a fellow was waiting to tell me what David had been talking to him about.  Yep, we've gone to the "Dark side".  It took about two hours to set everything up, as this means that we are changing our internet and tv to Bell/MTS from Shaw.  We've been with Shaw for over 20 years, and this change means notifying every one we know that our fndlmous@shaw will be no longer working after today.  whoops!  They were supposed to be coming between 12:00 and 4:00 but David tells me they are in the yard right now at 11:15.

Perhaps it would be better if I got off the Internet right now.

Another week and variable weather

 Hi to you both,

What a week will do to change the weather. Last week minus 40s with bitter, bitter wind chills, and now above 0 with potential for freezing rain/rain today. Not a healthy change to be so different. But if it means we are closer to Spring....I'll deal with it.😐 How about you both..still hanging in?

I have been watching You Tube videos on Air Fryers lately as Mike has been using a little one for awhile and has just upgraded to a bigger one. He has been able to make great meals apparently and sees the value of getting a better one to accommodate more food at one time in the bucket. Currently he needs to do a few attempts for each meal to cook items individually as needed related to the limited space. Do either of you use, or seen these machine in action?

My latest book is the Kelly Armstrong one you mentioned Pati A Rip Through Time. I was able to get it at the Library and if needed i can order through the Library Lending service so I hope to get the next in that series as well. I am about 3/4 through this one and it has taken a nice unexpected turn and has become so very interesting.

Have been able to follow a bit of Loren's exciting adventures in Thailand as Harry will see it on Facebook and call me over to see the message and the pictures. He must be having a great experience and glad he has taken advantage in his life to explore and travel.

I continue to struggle with my exercise regieme, and find it a bit much most days but of course force myself to keep doing it. I want to be able to walk again. Most days I am in some discomfort ( I refuse to call it pain) and trying to walk normally eludes me at the present time but I am determined to overcome it all.

Well, another day and so I better get at it. Love to read all about your days and hoping you are both doing OK in spite of all our little setbacks eh??? Take care and be good. ❤

We did what??

 Tonight for supper we had (gasp!) salad!!  Lettuce was on sale for $2.99 (did you ever believe you would feel that was a good price!). Of course, after I bought a tomato, cucumber and pepper it was a lot more. But, I really, really loved it!  I have 5 salad dressings in the fridge that haven’t been used in quite a long time.  Today is the last night of our cold snap.  (-42 with wind chill☹️). Tomorrow we start to warm up. It has been a long stretch. Even Lucky hasn’t wanted to be outside. (Out for a quick pee and back to his couch). Tomorrow we will go for at least a short walk.  Rrain tested positive for COVID this week, but her only bad symptom is that she is exhausted. Her breathing is good, which is what I worry about. I made onion soup today too. I am going to freeze a few bags for future use. And that is about all I did this week, except buy a  non-winning lottery ticket☹️. Love you guys♥️

Any bills these days shout.... EeeK

 Good morning all,

We brace for the cold here to day and tomorrow. The worst days, and then it gets mild again - maybe too mild as it calls for some 0 C days next week, and that could cause some ? rain, possibly? That would not be nice. The night temps in the greenhouse went down and I almost blamed the weather but that day brought with it some flickering of lights inside, and I took pause at the time but did not follow up with checking the heaters. Sure enough one of the two had gone out which often happens with the slightest flicker of power. So some manipulation and some taping of doors and a tarp on top and we are good to go again and hopefully get us through the - 35 C called for with wind chill besides. You folks have endured it already but we are just getting a taste of it now. And it has snowed every day and night meaning shoveling every morning. How i wish it were late Spring or Summer haha!

The comments about Coverage and insurance makes we wonder what I might be able to do. I have thought of inquiring with Blue Cross to see if it might be possible, but in meantime i depend on Harry's minimal coverage with his Provincial pension. I lost my great coverage from my work HOOPP when I reached 65 and was cut off.

Doing more cleanup in the house lately and it is amazing what one finds in boxes or hidden on shelves etc. But i could get used to this "purging" feeling - it is uplifting and therapeutic 😊

I go to my next Physio appt tomorrow and I am sure he will put me through the paces again, and likely give me increased exercises to continue at home. It is slow but it is improving (I think).

Time for some breakfast and then on with the day. Take care and stay safe and warm and bring on the sun!

Eeek! An ambulance bill!

 There are a lot of very scary things around, and one of them is an ambulance bill that wasn't expected.  But it turned out to be a good things.  We were forced to spend time talking to Blue Cross about whether we had any coverage, and it turns out that we have 100% coverage for as many ambulance rides as we want, as long as we keep paying our premiums. This is a separate program from any other medical related items.  We also found out that there is also a separate program for most mobility items such as wheelchairs and walkers, that would also be 100%, considering that we both have coverage, and both plans can be used in conjunction. After getting that information, we had to talk to the finance branch of Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service, and got all of our coverage information updated  No more bills, but I think we'll keep paying our Blue Cross premiums as long as physically possible.

Monday I saw a massage therapist for my whiplash.  When I left I kept checking my neck area to may sure I had my jacket done up and was wearing my scarf--the area felt so "light weight'.  Of course it was because she had worked all of the tension out of the area.  It came back fairly quickly, but now I want to make a few more appointments with her.  We have some limited coverage for this as well, but up to a yearly limit of $450.  When I got home we talked about maybe having to pay her full fee at some point, and felt that might be possible.

The other effects of the fall linger, especially in my tailbone, although she massaged that out a fair bit as well.  But today is not one of my better days, with general back and hip pain, so I gave the meeting in Lorette a miss, and spent the time in my studio, completely forgetting the beets I had put on for supper.  Thankfully, David rescued those.  Now he's making fried rice to go with Cathy's BBQ pork recipe.  There should be enough pork left over for Saturday's supper.

We received a very nice "thank you" note from the Gallery in Selkirk, along with a grocery store gift card.  I need to send a "thank you" for that, and hope to get to it in the next day or so.  Anything that helps buy groceries is welcome.  I added up last month's food costs, and it was the second highest ever, just behind September when we bought all the meat for the freezer.  I've started putting more emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables, and that can impact the final grocery bill, too.  However, I have to say that we're eating well. lol

On that note, it's time to say good bye.  Supper's ready.  Stay Safe ladies.

The most exciting thing this week

 just happens to be a new plunger.  Yep, A recalcitrant toilet and two very old plungers, neither of which was working. So off to the store.  David dropped me off to start the grocery shopping and headed to Lowe's, where he found not one, but two new plungers.  One was the old style that we're all familiar with, while the other was a very sleek machine with a pump action rather than a plunge action. The biggest event since Monday.

The weekly meal planning appears to be working.  We're both eating better, but I'm taking cues from my time with Dr. Phil, when planning menus, so my weight has remained stable.  We appear to be spending a bit more on fresh food, but I'm waiting until the end of month when I total up my expenses, to find out for sure.  And I'm wondering if it really matters.  Most of our meat is coming out of the freezer, which is getting bare--not a bad thing.  Some of the meat has been there far to long.

For the past couple of days, I've been wearing the jeans I bought last week. They were a bit too small, but for $5 I figured I would wear them even if I had to tie the waist together with a rope.  But I got them on, and done up properly, and have been quite comfortable wearing them.  Bonus!

Best get busy. It's after noon and I'm still in my nightie.  Work to be done.  Stay safe, ladies.

Who needs a clean house😇

 The other day I looked from the landing into the basement and saw what a disaster it was. The next morning, first thing, I attacked it…. And it made a difference. The next day I was going to do some more but got distracted by Jim’s beer fridge.  Yes, it was thrown away by some one else, but he has been promising me for months that he would clean it. It is done now and I must admit that I have actually gone downstairs and opened it, just to admire the difference. Today I tackled “his” rec room. I moved all the furniture, vacuumed every where and washed all the floors. All the “stuff” piled on different surfaces I put in one place and told Jim to deal with it. And now, it is 9:23pm and I cannot move a muscle. I optimistically told everyone that I would do the sink and bar tomorrow but I think I will be lucky if I can get out of bed☹️.  But I did accomplish something. And the snow I need to shovel will melt by spring. I have boots if I have to get out of the house😜. Love you guys. 

Let it snow....

 Hi to you both,

An early morning note before I get going for the day. We really got hit with a lot of snow yesterday and last night and it is still snowing. You know what I'll be doing shortly. Outside I go and into the snow with shovel in hand. I think back to Nov and Dec when we were so smug enjoying the fact that it was still green out there haha! Now we pay for it.  Today i must go to the Library to return my books and hopefully take out another. Now that I am getting back into the swing of it again, I think I shall enjoy it.  Also this morning I have to move the cord and heater from the big greenhouse and put it into the little greenhouse to make two heaters working in there. This is where Harry has already planted some pots with seeds and the coming cold weather ( polar votex is it?) will cause some concern if the greenhouse cannot maintain its warmth. So we will leave the big greenhouse unheated until things settle down.

So I better get some breakfast and get on with it. Hope all is going OK with you both. Thinking of you... 👀❤

A special coffee break

 Had "coffee" with Loren and Amber Friday night.  Coffee is a misnomer, as I was  the only one drinking coffee, both Loren and Amber enjoyed chai latte, and David had nothing.

The big news is that Loren is going to Thailand in a couple of weeks.  He decided it was time for a break, did a bit of research, and organized a tour for himself, making reservations in B&B's.  He laughs and says that he had to make a choice between some home renovations and a trip to Thailand--tough choice--not! He did the same thing a few years back when he went to Spain and France.  Amber talked about what it was like when your child turns 18, and becomes a legal adult, especially when the child owns a car and has a job.  Yes, Jess has found herself a good job as a Nanny.  Amber, herself, has been told that her office will be going to in office work two days a week.  The other members of her team, including the Team Leader, live in B.C, and Alberta. This is also despite the fact that she has been working at home for several years--before Covid.  Purely as a means of getting workers into the downtown again.

Yesterday's horoscope spoke to me a bit.

    "This is an excellent day to think about your spiritual, mystical          and inner values.  It's perfectly appropriate to withdraw from the       busyness of things around you so you have a quiet time to think          about your world."

I've been doing this, to a certain extent, but my efforts have dwelt far more in the area of physical health than mental health.  Sounds like it's time to switch gears.

David visited the gerontologist for a re-assessment on Wednesday.  We now know that he has improved significantly since his initial assessment, 3 months ago, probably because of the stimulation from the whole Day Hospital experience.  After hearing how we've been managing everything, she told us that we were doing everything exactly right and to carry on.

Also last Wednesday, I made it to the group in Lorette.  There were only 5 of us, and we had a good discussion on politics, only to realize that we were all speaking to the same side of the discussion.  We also agreed not to have that sort of discussion when the group is larger.

That's it for today.  later I have to plan some menus for the next week, and a shopping list based on those menus.  Then some desperately need studio time devoted to my work.  I've been working on something for Gail that just didn't work.  I'll be glad to get back to donation quilts.

Stay safe, but enjoy life.

New Start

 Any time is a really good time to take a look at your life and make changes.  I have just sent off a formal resignation letter to the gallery Board in Selkirk.  It feels wonderful.  I don't want to go into details, but to just say I attributed it to failing health.  And there is more coming up.  David has a review appointment with the Gerontologist on Wednesday, and we both see our doctor on the 26th. In the meantime, I am thankful everyday for the Diclofanac ointment we have for joint pain--really, really grateful.

My "play day" went well.  Evidently the curry soup didn't go so well, so we had baked farmers' sausage and au gratin scalloped potatoes from a mix, with a very nice and plentiful salad.  Gail and Laurie-from-Lorette were trying to figure out how to make a bracelet they had seen.  Gail had tried to explain what it was they were trying to make prior to the meeting, and I just couldn't figure it out until I saw it.  Their attempts didn't work out well, and I spent most of the day just watching and talking, but by the end of afternoon my Boho beads had been turned into key rings. By magic, I guess, as I didn't do it.

Wednesday afternoon we took David to the optometrist, and I trailed along to drive him home.  A pleasant surprise--the coffee shop across the hall from the optometrist was open, and opening into the hall.  It has been closed since before Covid.  To facilitate social distancing, the Optometrist's office has opened their waiting room into the hall, as well.  So I sat at a table, drank coffee and read my book, while David went back and forth into the office while they did a series of mystical things to him.  They quickly learned that if they wanted him, they had to come and get him.  Having missed lunch, after, we went to Smitty's for an early supper.  Oh, What a supper it was!

Friday, we had to change our laundry routine, so as to conserve energy, as we had coffee scheduled, with the children, at Starbucks, in the evening.  Or so we thought.  Turned out it is scheduled for next Friday.  But we enjoyed our coffee.

Given the life we lead, the library is our lifeline.  So glad that you're back to it, Beth.  And cleaning your studio!  May I suggest that you don't send any of it here, even if you could send it on the bus?  I'm still at it, almost a year later.  Still making charity quilts, although I have been working on two art-y pieces.  One is now just a "doodle" cloth for trying things out.  The other I have hopes for, but need to think a bit more before doing any more actual work on it.  Truth be told, I'd  rather work on charity quilts.

My two finished quilt tops are now at the longarmer in Lockport.  Took them in Thursday morning, and they are promised back in "about a week and a half".  Wonderful, and unexpected.

So, our social life is diminishing, but we are still getting out and about.  The group in Lorette, and the "Fibre Art Divas, will be more important for me in the future, for socialization.  I just have to give both groups a bit of priority.

Time to write...

Hi there,  It appears that I have not written for awhile but instead enjoying the messages and news from both of you. Perhaps I am here feeling sorry for myself after having Physio Treatments that are getting more rigorous and extreme. Who knew? Yesterday I went through what I told him was "hell" at which point he looked at me and laughed. Then I had to pay him for his kindness haha! But.... I am improving from his perspective even if at times I feel otherwise. In the last two weeks though, I have had two nasty falls which do not help my sense of well being. So I must pick myself up, brush myself off, and get on with it. 

I have been thinking about my stash, and all the fabrics and supplies I have. Perhaps Pati you have encouraged me to go through this exercise from your positive move to do the same. I have been gradually cleaning up in my "studio" which in itself is a big laugh to even call it that. And I have bins of fabric downstairs which I have been looking through as well. Harry would bring home much of this on his garage sale trips in years past - some just scraps but some with great potential including some already started projects of others. What to do???  I have a few good ideas. And towards that end I have been gathering, organizing, thinking and planning. I also have a few of my own projects started from many years ago and since it appealed to me then, why not have another look at them as well. Time will tell....

Another good endeavour I have just undertaken, is going back to the Library after years of absence. Not since Covid came have I been there until the other day. The Librarian greeted and welcomed me with enthusiasm. And she remembers all the books and authors I used to read with her first comment "Have you read the new Louise Penny book yet". I took out two books to get started - two that Cathy, you suggested as you helped me take that first step to return to the Library....thanks.

So as you see I am not idle (even with all the chores around the house with the animals haha!) and I'm trying to put a new spin on life. To keep active inspite of my current mobility issues. 

Looking forward to speaking with you both on our Three Sisters call. In meantime, take care and be safe.  Thinking of you....💜❤

New year…new challenges

 For some reason my access to the blog has changed since the new year. I think I have figured out how to work it but “golly gosh darn gee whiz!” Why does it have to change😤. My cold might be gone, but it is hard to tell since my nose is running and I have (yech) phlegm in my throat, but I am currently on antibiotics for a (maybe) sinus infection. Life!!!  I’ve been to town every day this week, but for only one thing at a time. I might stay home tomorrow and get a shopping list ready for Saturday. I don’t need much since my freezer is full of food, but what goes in must come out and I need to stock up on some “paper products😜). I also need some oatmeal. The bag I have is stale dated (and fairly new) and rancid☹️.  I made Calzones a couple of weeks ago and I am going to make them again. I will alter the fillings, but they make a really quick lunch. Next one will be meatball, cheese , mushroom and tomato. Experiments make life exciting.   I took a cake to the legion this morning for a funeral and they must be expecting a lot of people. All the tables were set up and there were at least 10 women in the kitchen making sandwiches and setting up dessert trays. She was 90 years old. Jim knew her, but I only knew her husband to see him. Chicken casserole for supper tonight, and probably tomorrow and Saturday!  I had made some chicken pot pies (for a biscuit topping) but we both found it dry and tasteless. So I pulled three pie plates from the freezer and put them in a casserole with a can of mushroom soup. It made waaay more than I anticipated.  I made some French bread a couple of weeks ago so we will have some of that with the casserole. Good thing we have a big dog in case we hate it😜. The snowmobile trail groomer went through the field next to us so Lucky and I have been able to continue our walks through the field ( except when sled riders come by and we have to step off the trail). Chloe now has a pet snake. “Sunny” is a corn snake and will grow to about 4 feet. They have a terrarium for her and everything!  So, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 horses, 3 goats, 2 ponies and a donkey. And Kris says he’s not a farmer. Love you guys

Things are quieter now,

 but I don't seem any more productive.  Most of the time I just want to sleep, which, of course. interferes with my sleeping at night.  It amazes me how we so quickly adjust to a slower pace of life.  That being said, tomorrow I'm driving out to Gail's house in Landmark for a "play day".  We will be doing something I've not done before, so I have no idea what to take with me.  Gail has tried to explain it to me, but I'm just not getting it.  So I've packed a medium suitcase full of stuff. Her friend, Laurie from Lorette, will be joining us, and will be bringing some sort of curry soup.  Because of David's sensitivities, I don't think that I've had curry more than once or twice in my life.

Tuesday, we plan to take my two quilts out to the longarmer in Lockport.  It will give us an outing.  Then Wednesday, David has an appointment with the Optometrist, in the middle of the afternoon, so I must drive him, rather than attending the group out in Lorette.  So, a relatively busy week, but at least, we're not sitting at home staring at one another.

Colds

 I am so fortunate that my cold is  a head cold and not a chest cold.  Things are very dull around here. I have been very lazy with this cold ( don’t you hate it when you have a sneeze and it goes away!!). My cat has been very possessive lately, leading to typos since she is clawing me!! So, basically I have nothing to say. Just wanted to let everyonevknow I was here😊

A New Year full of opportunities

 There are problems with all of the opportunities that face us--such as a lack of will toward follow-up?  

I definitely want to loose weight, but have heard of so  many deep dives into self denial that peter-out quickly, as the change is just too dramatic, and is treated as a temporary thing, rather than as a serious life-style change.  So for January, I want to eradicate the my snacking habit.  This is a strong, long term habit that has defeated my dieting attempts more often that I want to think about it.  However my Dr. Phil diet was successful, but in the end it was snacking that ended my successful results there.  So working on this one habit has the potential to achieve some positive results.  The emotional humiliation of having to buy larger pants is also a potential form of creating habit change.  I'll say no more now, but if I report getting into smaller, older pants, you'll know that I have achieved something.

Don't ever under-estimate the power of smaller special interest groups.  Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba, which has a much larger and more varied members since voting to accept members from anywhere from whence they can participate via Zoom, has created some of this type of group.  In the fall, they started an on-line group for hand stitchers.  I've only attended three of the monthly meetings, but quite enjoy it and look forward to it.  We just sit and talk and stitch, but all of us have an interest in fibre arts.  Yesterday, I spoke about my efforts to make scroll books and my challenge of finding some way of turning the result of my stitching into a scroll with some sort of core.  Today, a very nice lady delivered two wooden thread spindles perfect for such a use.  She had been gifted about half a dozen of them by a thrift store owner who didn't know what to do with them.

One is about 5 inches high at the inner core and the other 7 inches--perfect for what I'm doing.  And all because of a casual remark at a meeting.

Stay safe ladies, and try to recognize opportunity when it knocks.

A New Year and a new post

 ... to start the new year off to a wonderful beginning to our ongoing  communication adventures.

Happy New Year to all and hoping this year will bring us all that we desire. If not, let's make what we get the best we can.... haha! 😍

I expect from previous messages you are busy right now with Family events and for that I am very happy. Have fun, enjoy the company and forge new relationships into the year that begins now.

Take care all, and be safe in travelling and in sharing space with others  (wear your masks) Best wishes... XX 💑