Pretending

My life is getting pretty stressed with all the plays.  We do Steel Magnolias on May 8 & 9 and we do Reunion on May 3 and around May 15 and we have been asked to do another at the end of May.  Down time would be nice right now.  Most of our snow is gone (again) and the forecast is for the high teens on Saturday.  Of course I have a Sunday meeting in a basement but maybe the nice weather will make the meeting short.  I  will probably have to rehearse one play or another after the meeting, but maybe we can rehearse outside. I think Jim wants me to go to meat draw with him tonight.  I haven't been in weeks and I'm really starting to enjoy the evening at home alone.  the only reason I was at chase the Ace last week is because we were working it.  I am really becoming a bit of a recluse!  I am writing from work because once again my computer is broken.  I think maybe it is a bit of a lemon.  A co-workers husband is looking at it right now, and he thinks it is just a broken connection, but that will require soldering which does not have the equipment for.  I really don't like the one place in town (been there 2x and have not been happy either time) but he recommended a place in Brandon that he goes to.   Kris, Sandi & Chloe were over for supper on Thursday.  If I ever get my computer working I can post a newer picture.  Time to pretend to work.  Have a great weekend

Limbo

I think that describes the way things are right now.  We are sort of drifting along waiting for something to happen.  Part of that is finding new books at the library.  I found a new book by J.A. Jance, in her Ali Reynolds series.  I couldn't put it down--literally--and now David has read it.  So it looks like it's back to the library today to find more.  I've read just about all of her books, and especially like her series about the female Arizona sheriff, Joanna Brady.   Her J. P. Beaumont books are good too, although a little more gritty than the others.  The series are each better read in order, even if each book can stand alone.

My friend, Dianne, was to have come over on Monday, to spend the afternoon in the studio with me, but her husband was ill that day and she had to work in their business. By that time we had dusted, tidied, and vacuumed the main floor, so that job was done for the week.  And since we are now putting everything in the dishwasher, even the kitchen doesn't need as much attention. 

So we sit and read, and then suddenly realize how much time has passed.  Yesterday, I suddenly saw that it was 11:35, and I was still in my nightie, even though I was supposed to be at a meeting at the Art Club for 12:00.  Between the two of us, I made it in time.

We ignored the snow we've had the past few days, and most of it has melted.  It is a little warmer, and now you can see people, mainly older appearing men, probably retired,  raking lawns.  Evidently they have reduced the street sweeping budget this year, so our street is unlikely to be swept.  For some reason the area in front of our house and toward the corner gets sanded quite frequently, so it has built up a bit.  

Today, I hope to get some time in the studio ( not if I get a new library book  lol).  If so, there will be pictures.  And for supper, a chicken and rice casserole.  On Sunday we roasted one of the chickens that Cathy got for us, last fall, and this will be the end of it.

Here comes the snow....

Threatening all day and I see it is starting now. Good! I was looking forward to a nice snow fall (Not!) Harry has a batch of fruit leathers in the dehydrator so I am sitting up a bit longer before heading for bed when I shall turn the machine off for the night.
Today I sewed a new zipper into my old winter jacket. I like this one as it is a bit fancy and with a huge furry hood but before Christmas the zipper broke and I could not wear it. I bought another rough looking one that has done me since then. I assumed I would have to get rid of the other but after a really good look I decided to try to sew in a new one. I bought a zipper at Fabricland when I was last in North Bay. I pulled out my machine manuals and read through what foot to use etc. It work out just fine and i'm pleased with results.   The best thing is that while reading my manuals, I was surprised to see how many accessories are available for my machine. I have been watching the Bernina Videos on the The Quilt Show site and enjoying all the fancy things one can do on the machine with the attachments. I assumed it was just Bernina and was watching out of interest more than anything. Now I realize that I could do all this stuff on my Husqvarna if I had the right attachments. I may never get any but it was a happy revelation for me haha!
How are things there? Take care.

Simply, a lovely day enjoyed....

Today was our visit with Mike and Erin for Easter Lunch.  The did themselves proud. A beautiful table set with an Easter tablecloth, serviettes, a little decorated Easter tree, and a small chocolate bunny in a box at each place setting. We started with a relaxing sit and talk in the front room, and Erin made me a special tea with fresh tea leaves bought at her favourite store DAVIDsTEA  The men had a coffee each. Then we sat for lunch, and after that enjoyed a coffee and decorated cupcakes for dessert.  They surprised me with an early Birthday gift since they probably won't see us again until after my actual day. A gift bag with a tin of DAVIDsTEA leaves called birthday cake, and a DAVIDsTEA china tea cup with lid and stainless steel infuser insert. I was thrilled. I had been looking forward to today with great anticipation, and I was not disappointed.  Do you folks have this same specialized store in your area?
Then it was back home to another cover of fresh snow - and opening the greenhouses to water the plants and then closing them back up. It has been cold at nights and I have had to turn on the second heater in the little greenhouse lately, for overnight. I will be so glad when it starts to get warmer, and the snow melts, and we may actually get Spring haha! It will certainly save on the electricity!
Time for bed and to relive in my memory the wonderful day.  Take care

Cactus

Ours bloomed from November until early March, as they usually do.  Sometimes we get a blooming for Christmas and than again for Easter, but it's been pretty regular since we put them in the West facing window in this house.  I'm thrilled this year because my little orchid started to grow buds in |February and now has three full blooms.  No more buds,but we are hopeful.  Ours, too, appear to thrive on neglect,  David usually lets them dry out in the fall to encourage a blooming.  I never touch them.  Last spring we ere going to buy some orchid soil but never got around to it, so the poor thing is in the same pot I got it in.

Maplewood cactus....

What a surprise today watering the house plants in the back room. My Maplewood cactus is absolutely covered with gorgeous flowers. It is hard to see the plants from the kitchen and I really only go close to water every Saturday. The plants pretty much fend for themselves during winter as they are all crammed together on shelves best I can. It is in Summer when they are outside that I can take better care of them that they seem to flourish..But the discovery was a thrill and helped to boost my spirits greatly. I love that cactus so much - just because of it's history and the fact that for years it did nothing. So, for that Dave, I say thanks.. How are your's doing? Take care

Hot relaxing bath...

I took a page from you Cathy, and treated myself to a nice hot bath tonight. I was feeling down in the dumps these last few days so decided to shape up and get over it!  haha! And how better than to pour a bath, have a chai latte (my favourite bath time drink) and enjoy!  So now, as I sit up and pump water out the front of the house - it is still raining here -  I will write a few words while sipping on a Galliano chaser. The snow will start to disappear quickly if this weather keeps up but as with all rain events, the water accumulates and the pump comes into action. There are three cords now going out the front window - two to the greenhouses for heaters, and now one for the pump. There is another cord going out the back of the house to a heater in the little greenhouse.  I still have to be careful where I plug things in so as not to overload the circuits and blow the fuses. It can happen as it has happened. I had to do some sewing today as Mike gave me his housecoat to fix - torn pockets and the tie holders were falling apart. I had to reinforce with some terry towel cut up and sewn at the back so the pocket could be attached in place with less fear of fraying again. He has had this housecoat for years ( we bought it for him probably 10 or twelve years ago ) and just like me, loves the feel of it - as big and as old and as tattered as it is! I also fixed up a cap he loves to wear - the rim was falling apart. Mike tries to sew things best he can, as Erin is not a repair kind of person. So maybe I will be useful for him for many years to come?? haha!  I really love to get to the sewing machine and sure wish I could do more sewing just for fun and when ever I wanted!  I have several books with patterns where I could use up all those 2 and 21/2 inch squares. I don't need to follow the patterns directly, but looking at books keeps my mind working and wondering, and planning so many projects!  The only difference between Pati and her musings, and my imaginary plans, is that she actually does something about them. Good for you, and keep coming with your stories and pictures. as it is what keeps me going Pati! Haven't worked on my hexis for awhile but still have the big Styrofoam board in the back room with the hexis pinned to it and often take a moment to gaze at it thinking how nice it will be finished. I shall have to send a picture soon and send it to let you know I am actually making it!
Well, time to pump some more - I may be up for awhile as it is still raining nicely. In meantime, my best wishes to all for a Happy Easter. Take care XX