Saturday, March 10, 2018

Fresh reading

Lately reading has not been top of the list and believe it or not, I am still struggling to get through the second book of the Outlander series. I have read others in between but somehow feel determined to finish this current Outlander book.  And Ruth across the street has been giving me more and more books to read.
It has snowed here last few days but not enough to be a nuisance. The greenhouses are almost full to capacity and yet, apparently, there are more plants to plant. Certainly lots to be transplanted.
I had my hair cut on Wednesday and what a wonderful feeling it gives you. During the winter it is not so much an issue as the old knitted hats are always covering the mess. It was time for a cut and thankfully the hairdresser accommodated my need quickly. 
Turned in our Income papers yesterday to be calculated by the Accountant. Should know next week what the damage will be.  I also had Mike's done for him right in the office by the Accountant by special appointment and since they were completed on line and sent right away, and considering that CRA returned the reassessment immediately as we sat there ( wonder how they worked so fast?) we jumped into the car and made a fast trip to hand deliver them to Mike. We picked up Subs along the way and had a lunch and coffee with him and then headed back. He is in need of the forms for other issues he is dealing with so thought this was the best move. Glad we did. We can make another trip later for a longer visit. Enjoy the weekend folks. Take care

Friday, March 9, 2018

I've just finished a book

It's not my usual taste.  It's described as a "haunting gem of a novel", and as "part American fairy tale, part page-turning mystery, part love story".  The title is "The Child Finder" by Rene Denfeld.  I couldn't put it down.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Home safely

I haven't done any more highway driving than out to Selkirk and back, in almost 20 years.  It was challenging and I was really tired when we got home.  Cathy heard our sad story Beth, but here it is.  As we were driving around the North perimeter, on our way to #1 West, the car kept fogging up and there was even frost on the side windows.  We remembered that there was a Chrysler dealer at Portage west and the Perimeter, and went in.  It took over an hour and almost $400, but they got it fixed and we were on our way again.  We arrived in Neepawa about an hour late, and the ladies, who were waiting to hang the show, had taken the time to go for a pleasant lunch.

The show was hung by about 3:00.  David and I went to check in at the motel, and then joined Cathy and Jim at the Legion while we waited for Keri to finish work.  Then we all went to the new Boston Pizza in Neepawa for a very nice supper.  After, while Keri went to choir practice, we went back to the Legion and played Joker Rummy, while Jim played the VLT's, until it was time to head to bed.

We've stayed at the motel before several times, but it's getting run down.  I'm sure glad neither of us needed a bath.  This morning we were up and on the road about 8:15, and home by about 10:30.  We relaxed, while I checked e-mail, then I had a nap and later we went out for supper.  The local buffet, that we often use, is, unfortunately, closing March 19.  When we asked we were told that it just wasn't financial viable, and they were planning to enlarge another restaurant in the same building to take up any slack.  We've eaten in the other restaurant, and find that the food is basic bar food--fast fry starch and sauce.  So, I'm not sure how that will play out.

In the mail today, was the bill for my credit card that I had used to hold the room at the motel, and sure enough, there was a$35.00 surcharge for going over the credit limit, when he screwed up the date and billed the room as "no show" a month early.  There was also a special letter from the water department asking us to read the water meter and call it in directly to the office, as there was a problem with the reading we had sent in just over a week ago.  Scary!  So we did it, and I asked if we might receive an unusual bill next time, but she assured me that the new reading I gave her was within normal limits, and not to worry.  Yeah, sure!  There was also a very nice birthday card from my sister.  Thank you sister.

And now, I can look forward to 5 days with nothing extra scheduled.  I feel as though I've been on the run for weeks, and hope I can relax a bit and calm down enough to celebrate my birthday on Wednesday.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Out and about

When I said we were planning to stay home until Wednesday, I forgot about our dental appointments today.  Now my teeth are clean, and David has no more cavities.  We're also a little poorer.  The dentist has recommended that we cancel our dental insurance with Sun Life ( through David's military pension), and look into Blue Cross.  He believes we might find better coverage and lower premiums.  Might be good advice.

Travelling around the city turned out to be fine.  I gave us about 50 minutes to get to the dentist at Corydon and Kenaston, but we were there in less than 25 minutes.  All of the main streets and bus routes are clear, and they're working on residential streets and back lanes tonight.  It may help that the temperature has remained hovering around 0 degrees, and the snow is melting quickly.  We stopped in at the library, on the way home, so that we both have a book to read in bed tomorrow night.  I just hope that the motel hasn't screwed up again, and that we have somewhere to sleep tonight.  With him billing my little credit card, last month, I may have had to pay a surcharge for being over my credit limit.

When we used to go away for weekends, at the drop of a hat, we would pack and leave in minutes.  Now that we're not so used to travelling, it's taken us three days to pack, what with writing lists etc. We even went through the fuss of things like planning car washes--one before we left and one when we get home.

Now to wash some clothes, so that they can be packed.  Craziness!

and more snow for you folks...

Just reading the headlines from Free Press and see pictures of the snow that has inundated Winnipeg and surrounds. Oh please do not send any this way. I simply could not manage a snow storm now.
Cathy were you able to did out and Pati, could you get the car out of the garage. The Nanking Cherry tree does look magnificent with the snow and should be hardy enough to withstand, do you think? Could you assist the branches to shed some of the weight?  This year I got upset enough with the cedar at the corner of the house to take the loppers and cut all the branches off. I have wanted this tree to be cut down for a long time so took it into my own hands. Once all the snow melts I'll have to clean it up and take the rest of the branches down. Every year the snow would pull the branches over and I could not walk around it or clean the roof off properly with it. Now I would like the apple tree at the back cut right back but that will be a tougher sell around here.
Thinking of you all as you dig out. And also of your trip and get together Wednesday. Keep me informed Take care

Monday, March 5, 2018

Snow came over night

I know we're all tired of it by this time of year.  But, I've mentioned in the past how pretty the back corner of the yard can be, in snow, and this morning is no exception.  The weight of snow bends the Nanking Cherry bush down and the whole image, with the Mock Orange behind it, is so-o-o relaxing and calming.

I've never been happy with the results in re-purposing my work.  I finished one yesterday, turning the piece into a table runner. I was curious about the technique used, as I had only flirted with it before.  It will be acceptable to put into the sale in early April, but not as any sort of exhibition piece.  There is enough of that piece left to do more, and I may.  Then there is one more piece scheduled to be re-purposed.  By destroying the others, I can't reverse my decision not to waste time on them.

My only worry for the rest of today will be how we can get the car out of the garage.

p.s.  David took a look at the Nanking Cherry, and expressed concern about how far the branches are bent--almost touching the ground. I hope than the bush isn't damaged.  It would be almost impossible to replace, not because they don't sell them, but because digging out the roots etc would be such a chore.  Nanking Cherry jelly is one of our special treats.


The waiting game, is it?

No waiting for our sister Cathy as your day is here. Happy Birthday to you and may everything be wonderful for the next year! Thinking of you today and everyday to come.

As far as waiting for the storm - maybe it will not be as bad as forecast?  But your plan to stay put Pati is still wise. Seems a shame to be see all your work from the past be taken apart but it will be like the "phoenix rising" to see you repurpose them. A sense of gratification/satisfaction perhaps!

Take care to you all.