Today is Friday, the day I designate for housework and ignoring the studio. During the week I make a list. Routine things like doing dishes and laundry aren't on it, as those need to happen more than once week, although Friday is the day I change the bed linen.
Anyway, this weeks list was short, because there was one job on it that I've been ignoring for years. I needed to clean up the medicine cabinet. One shelf has been a problem, one we inherited when we bought the house. The previous owners had put something on the shelf, Mac-Tac, I think, and when I pulled it off, it left a residue. I have never been able to get it clean using traditional methods, and over the years it had become quite disgusting. Well, today was the day to do something about it. I had expected that this would be aback breaking task, using razor blade scrapers, and lots of muscle power, and taking most of the day. I had also heard of a product called "Goo Gone", that was supposed to clean up sticky residue. No idea where to find it, but wondered if a big box hardware store might have it. Since I needed some regular cleaners, as well, we first went to Walmart. And there it was in hardware.
While we were in Walmart, the skies opened with a deluge that was so hard, we could hear it on the roof of the Walmart store. Made the trip a little more than interesting, as it was just starting to let up when we got home, and Walmart had been our first stop.
So David had to try the stuff out first thing, when we got home. And it worked, with the addition of a little elbow grease. All the crap gone, but we were left with a very slick, greasy surface, despite all the hot water and cleaning supplies we used. Finally, I resorted to the world's best grease cutter--Blue Dawn--straight from the bottle. It worked. My cabinet is now in better shape than it was when we moved in.
However, we're both exhausted, and both glad the list is finished for another week.
Friday, August 4, 2017
House party
Cathy, what a treat for you! It doesn't really matter why people get together, just getting together is reason enough.
Another special event...
Happy Birthday to Jim on this glorious Friday, August 4.
Best wishes as you celebrate a "decades' year, Jim !!
Best wishes as you celebrate a "decades' year, Jim !!
Thursday, August 3, 2017
A social event!
Last night Jim and I actually went to a house party. With real people. It was an open mic/jam session/ anniversary party. And I stayed up past 9pm!!! In fact it was after midnight when I got to bed. Unfortunately it was also the only cool rainy day we have had in weeks and it was going to be a pool party. There was music and conversation and I had a really nice time. I don't remember the last time we went anywhere but the legion. Of course I was pretty tired today but it was worth it
Another day, another adventure
We've talked a couple of times about using the pressure washer to wash down the outside of the house,. David decided that today was the day. However, we needed a different connector between the hose and the power washer. So off to Rona. He found his connector and I found a couple of lovely things to play with. Then off to A&W. We received some coupons in the mail for free root beer, and again, today was the day, for his. But, of course, we also had onion rings. They were great, much better than last time we had them locally. There's a reason we drive out to Lockport for them. Then since we were out, we stopped by Starbucks. It's still early in the day.
So into the backyard. Seems we bought the wrong connector, so off he goes again, while I sit with my coffee. David wears his waterproof galoshes for this sort of job, and they're usually stored in the garage. This is the first time he's used them this summer. You should have seen his face when he discovered a mouse's nest in one of them, well insulated with sunflower seed shells.
Finally, we get things going. At this point we've devoted two hours to the task, and are just getting started. Well, the power washer didn't touch the dirt and stains on the stucco, but did a reasonable, but not great, job on the awnings. It's now after 1:00, and he's still at it. He's soaking wet, and is going to need a shower and total change of clothes when he gets in.
Amber and the girls stopped in for a minutes last evening. Both David and I almost didn't recognize Jessica, and certainly wouldn't have, if she hadn't been with her family. Her hair was down--can't remember the last time I saw that-- and the colour was lighter. It was nice to see them for a few minutes.
Tomorrow is my "house cleaning Friday". Something tells me that i'll be working alone, as he is really pushing it today. But it's a job long neglected, so that's good.
So into the backyard. Seems we bought the wrong connector, so off he goes again, while I sit with my coffee. David wears his waterproof galoshes for this sort of job, and they're usually stored in the garage. This is the first time he's used them this summer. You should have seen his face when he discovered a mouse's nest in one of them, well insulated with sunflower seed shells.
Finally, we get things going. At this point we've devoted two hours to the task, and are just getting started. Well, the power washer didn't touch the dirt and stains on the stucco, but did a reasonable, but not great, job on the awnings. It's now after 1:00, and he's still at it. He's soaking wet, and is going to need a shower and total change of clothes when he gets in.
Amber and the girls stopped in for a minutes last evening. Both David and I almost didn't recognize Jessica, and certainly wouldn't have, if she hadn't been with her family. Her hair was down--can't remember the last time I saw that-- and the colour was lighter. It was nice to see them for a few minutes.
Tomorrow is my "house cleaning Friday". Something tells me that i'll be working alone, as he is really pushing it today. But it's a job long neglected, so that's good.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
A-h-h-h! A little cooler today.
Windows open, and enough breeze to air out the house. It's old enough to smell musty, if it isn't aired out regularly. We got out and about, for a bit. First, we headed to the Re-Store, to see if we could find any more ceiling medallions. I've had so much fun with the one I have, that I wanted to try a few more. No luck. We saw lots of neat stuff, but nothing we needed or could afford. Then we headed for a quilt store close to home. My friend Gail, has suggested that I take a couple of small quilts to the upcoming craft sales, and I needed four more pink prints to make the quick and easy one I have in mind. It will be a exercise in stash reduction, but my heart won't let me make a sloppy project. I planed to use the pretty pink fabrics I bought when I was in St. Pierrre & Miquelon, plus other scraps I have on hand, but needed a little extra "kick". Of course, two, small, quarter yard pieces, plus a couple of odds and ends, I just had to have, came to over $45.
When we first got to the quilt store, it was a pleasant surprise to find and old friend working there. We have known each other, through the local quilt guild, for many years. She, too, has had her problems with knees, and is now struggles to walk, using a cane permanently. Sort of sad to see her working, as she is not young, and I believe, needs to work. We and a nice chat, and she commented on my weight loss. During the conversation, I came to realize that David thinks we are spending a lot more money on food now. When I mentioned it, later, he thought this because we shop more often, for fresh veggies. I had thought we were spending less, so I'm going to keep track this month.
After the quilt store, David mentioned that he would like to visit a butcher shop he had seen mentioned in the little community newspaper. So we came home, pulled the newspaper out of the recycling bin on the blvd, and looked up the address. It was worth the visit. A neat little shop, and they had pickled brisket. David told me that they also sold lots of sausages that hadn't been smoked, so it looks like we're be going again.
Home, lunch and into the studio. Just got settled, when I got a phone call from my old stitching friend, Carolyn. We've been part of each others lives since the late 70's, but had lots touch in the past couple of years. The call was quite a surprise, and we ended up talking over an hour.
So I have to say a day of positives. A "feel good" day.
When we first got to the quilt store, it was a pleasant surprise to find and old friend working there. We have known each other, through the local quilt guild, for many years. She, too, has had her problems with knees, and is now struggles to walk, using a cane permanently. Sort of sad to see her working, as she is not young, and I believe, needs to work. We and a nice chat, and she commented on my weight loss. During the conversation, I came to realize that David thinks we are spending a lot more money on food now. When I mentioned it, later, he thought this because we shop more often, for fresh veggies. I had thought we were spending less, so I'm going to keep track this month.
After the quilt store, David mentioned that he would like to visit a butcher shop he had seen mentioned in the little community newspaper. So we came home, pulled the newspaper out of the recycling bin on the blvd, and looked up the address. It was worth the visit. A neat little shop, and they had pickled brisket. David told me that they also sold lots of sausages that hadn't been smoked, so it looks like we're be going again.
Home, lunch and into the studio. Just got settled, when I got a phone call from my old stitching friend, Carolyn. We've been part of each others lives since the late 70's, but had lots touch in the past couple of years. The call was quite a surprise, and we ended up talking over an hour.
So I have to say a day of positives. A "feel good" day.
Tomatoes anyone?
My to do list for today was never accomplished totally, but still I was outside all day and tackling the tomatoes. They all have to be cleaned up - cut off the dead leaves and tidy them up and tie up where necessary. Its a tough job when you are facing 1000 of them but hey, keeps me out of trouble?
Harry is no better in terms of his pain in hip - very severe. He was trying to contact the Dr office all day and finally about 3:30 he was told the Nurse would call him to go over the xray results ( really?) No one called him back.
Now to budgies..... Four eggs and counting from the mating pair. But Monday night the oldest of the other two birds ( not the mating pair that is) died. So I buried him in the yard but budgies need a companion so yesterday we went to the Pet Store in Huntsville and bought a new budgie.
While in Huntsville, I decided to splurge on myself. I went into Coles and bought a package of expensive coloured pencils using one of the Nielsen Homescan Visa preloaded cards I earned by doing the weekly food surveys. I made this decision because Harry brings home many of the adult colouring books that are the rage lately. He finds them at garage sales or at the dump store. Some of these books are hard covered and expensive if bought at a real store - I guess someone thought they would try it, and then were turned away from them? A page or two has been coloured in each of the books. So now, my plan is to try to take some time for myself and try to colour - this will be facilitated by playing some of my special music at the same time - either records or CDs ( Harry continues to get boxes of these at the dump store - some never opened and some Readers Digest sets at that!)
The neighbour Ruth just came by to ask us to come over tomorrow night along with the Dutch pair next door, and the other neighbours across the street from us - just to Meet and Greet. I was unable to accept in light of Harry's condition. Fortunately, she seemed to understand. (I hope)
So it seems to be time to clean up, and put things away outside, likely water but then I don't feel like it tonight. Then get ready for bed. Tomorrow will come soon enough haha!
And so what is going on in your neighbourhoods these days?
Harry is no better in terms of his pain in hip - very severe. He was trying to contact the Dr office all day and finally about 3:30 he was told the Nurse would call him to go over the xray results ( really?) No one called him back.
Now to budgies..... Four eggs and counting from the mating pair. But Monday night the oldest of the other two birds ( not the mating pair that is) died. So I buried him in the yard but budgies need a companion so yesterday we went to the Pet Store in Huntsville and bought a new budgie.
While in Huntsville, I decided to splurge on myself. I went into Coles and bought a package of expensive coloured pencils using one of the Nielsen Homescan Visa preloaded cards I earned by doing the weekly food surveys. I made this decision because Harry brings home many of the adult colouring books that are the rage lately. He finds them at garage sales or at the dump store. Some of these books are hard covered and expensive if bought at a real store - I guess someone thought they would try it, and then were turned away from them? A page or two has been coloured in each of the books. So now, my plan is to try to take some time for myself and try to colour - this will be facilitated by playing some of my special music at the same time - either records or CDs ( Harry continues to get boxes of these at the dump store - some never opened and some Readers Digest sets at that!)
The neighbour Ruth just came by to ask us to come over tomorrow night along with the Dutch pair next door, and the other neighbours across the street from us - just to Meet and Greet. I was unable to accept in light of Harry's condition. Fortunately, she seemed to understand. (I hope)
So it seems to be time to clean up, and put things away outside, likely water but then I don't feel like it tonight. Then get ready for bed. Tomorrow will come soon enough haha!
And so what is going on in your neighbourhoods these days?
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