The depressive episode from a couple of weeks ago seems to be hanging around trying to catch me off guard. Other than maintaining my vigilance, there doesn't seem to be much I can do. Thank Goodness the issue is mild and controllable, provided I become aware. And I am happy to consider the approaching Spring.
Today I read some obituaries. The husband of a friend has recently died, and I would very much like to read his. Instead I found the obituary of a man who was part of my working life. He was much more of an acquaintance than a friend, but I knew his wife well, and worked closely with her for over a year. At first I was a little dismayed to realize that he was actually younger than me, but as I read on, it said that 16 years ago, he had been given 3 months to live. What a blessing it was for both him and his family to have the gift of those 16 years!
How can we train ourselves to see life as a gift and a blessing? It's a general thought that man's life is "three score and ten"-seventy years. This means that every day I live is a gift beyond what is my general allotment.
But--does that mean that we have some sort of obligation to find some meaning in our days, and make sure we use them in meaningful ways? Or is it enough if we're grateful for what health we have, and the pleasure we find in what we do. Not sure how to look at the 2 hours I spent this morning playing Candy Crush, but I know there are no regrets.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Catching up....
We were without the internet for 8 days. And although life just kept coming on and on, it was interesting to see and feel the impact that living without this technological device, which has become so much a part of our lives, had on each of us, but especially seeing my reaction to it. We have been programmed to its use - I was going to say "captive" but i think that is too strong for me - maybe not for others. I was still able to walk over to the bank to do banking that was necessary, and I was still able to use the phone to compete other tasks such as getting the lottery numbers haha! But I was not connected to you and the blog and the emails. Although my emails were all mostly from Onstar and Sirius and GM as result of our recent new car lease, and not personal, of which I really get few from very few acquaintances. My morning routine was disrupted as I could not sit down with my coffee, by myself, and log on and read about you folks, and about Winnipeg (through the Free press) and about other peoples blogs most of which you, Pati have me reading haha! And I always check the weather and the Quilt Blog and so my morning starts........I believe that I could have survived if we did not have the internet, but nowadays, it is a necessary part of life which in itself may be a sad commentary on our lives as a whole. Anyway so here I am.......
As part of the new car lease I think I mentioned that we were able to take advantage of a Winter February Event discount if we were members of Costco. We did, and so we did. Part of this discount includes a $500.00 gift card to shop at Costco. I received a call the other day from GM (the agent was in San Diego and shocked when I said it was minus 22 C here) and I had to participate in a survey which I did, and then informed that my card for Costco would arrive in the mail within three weeks. This will be a bonus although it means we will have to go to a Costco. - There is the one in Sudbury closer to Mike, but also one in Orillia and Barrie to the south.
Speaking of the cold, it is relentless and causing some differences of opinions here in this house as it relates to the greenhouses and their management. Short term weather may be better over this weekend but still not stable enough to offer any hope that this issue may be resolved amiably. As well we have ongoing issues with the snow and ice on the roof and causing some leaking as the ice creates dams. We were out again to try to remove more snow and I bought a substance from the hardware to sprinkle on the ice along the edges which is very thick. This year is especially harsh and consequently we are experiencing worse issues than usual. The streets are being cleared by the village to allow for meltoff when it comes but I live in dreaded fear of what may happen here. I was speaking with our Insurance agent and confirmed we have water coverage with our Household Insurance but that is little consolation when I realize there is not much I can do down the road when it happens. So I live with that worry every day.
On a brighter note Harry's sister's son is getting married in September. We have received the invitation to the event to be held in Huntsville. Yesterday I received an invitation to a Bridal Shower from the Maid of Honour to be held in May in Collingwood which is at least three hours drive from here. The Bride, Ashley , is actually from Washago Beach, close to there. So there is no way I plan to attend, and will likely buy a gift and get it to Donna ( Harry's sister) as I am sure she will likely go or can give it to them somehow. The couple actually live in Peterborough north east of Toronto. But in the meantime we have cloths to think about. The invitation noted it as "Formal wear". Harry tried on his suit and it fits OK still. I have an old dress which I could wear but each week as we shop and go into the Thrift Store, I have a look for something that might fit the bill. I saw a gorgeous ( new) skirt that I loved but then one has to have a blouse and blazer or something to go with it - so I did not buy it. I'll figure something out - I am sure I have something suitable right in my cupboard.
This week on Thursday I have a visit planned to Daisy who is up from Toronto with her family for the week. And Friday the husband of Ruth the neighbour across the street (Gerd) is having a Birthday and I have a card and hope to slip over for a coffee. I plan to bake some cupcakes for both these visits but time will tell.
So I guess we are up to date for now? Now time for another coffee and some breakfast before my day begins in earnest. It is only minus 31 C this morning so it can only get better. Right? Take care
As part of the new car lease I think I mentioned that we were able to take advantage of a Winter February Event discount if we were members of Costco. We did, and so we did. Part of this discount includes a $500.00 gift card to shop at Costco. I received a call the other day from GM (the agent was in San Diego and shocked when I said it was minus 22 C here) and I had to participate in a survey which I did, and then informed that my card for Costco would arrive in the mail within three weeks. This will be a bonus although it means we will have to go to a Costco. - There is the one in Sudbury closer to Mike, but also one in Orillia and Barrie to the south.
Speaking of the cold, it is relentless and causing some differences of opinions here in this house as it relates to the greenhouses and their management. Short term weather may be better over this weekend but still not stable enough to offer any hope that this issue may be resolved amiably. As well we have ongoing issues with the snow and ice on the roof and causing some leaking as the ice creates dams. We were out again to try to remove more snow and I bought a substance from the hardware to sprinkle on the ice along the edges which is very thick. This year is especially harsh and consequently we are experiencing worse issues than usual. The streets are being cleared by the village to allow for meltoff when it comes but I live in dreaded fear of what may happen here. I was speaking with our Insurance agent and confirmed we have water coverage with our Household Insurance but that is little consolation when I realize there is not much I can do down the road when it happens. So I live with that worry every day.
On a brighter note Harry's sister's son is getting married in September. We have received the invitation to the event to be held in Huntsville. Yesterday I received an invitation to a Bridal Shower from the Maid of Honour to be held in May in Collingwood which is at least three hours drive from here. The Bride, Ashley , is actually from Washago Beach, close to there. So there is no way I plan to attend, and will likely buy a gift and get it to Donna ( Harry's sister) as I am sure she will likely go or can give it to them somehow. The couple actually live in Peterborough north east of Toronto. But in the meantime we have cloths to think about. The invitation noted it as "Formal wear". Harry tried on his suit and it fits OK still. I have an old dress which I could wear but each week as we shop and go into the Thrift Store, I have a look for something that might fit the bill. I saw a gorgeous ( new) skirt that I loved but then one has to have a blouse and blazer or something to go with it - so I did not buy it. I'll figure something out - I am sure I have something suitable right in my cupboard.
This week on Thursday I have a visit planned to Daisy who is up from Toronto with her family for the week. And Friday the husband of Ruth the neighbour across the street (Gerd) is having a Birthday and I have a card and hope to slip over for a coffee. I plan to bake some cupcakes for both these visits but time will tell.
So I guess we are up to date for now? Now time for another coffee and some breakfast before my day begins in earnest. It is only minus 31 C this morning so it can only get better. Right? Take care
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Yes-a special birthday it is!
I hope you have a great day, especially now you can look forward to freedom.
Special Day
To Cathy as she celebrates her "special" Birthday.
Thinking of you today and wishing you a Happy Birthday!
May the day be perfectly grand!
Thinking of you today and wishing you a Happy Birthday!
May the day be perfectly grand!
Monday, March 4, 2019
Surprise - I'm back.....
The new modem arrived in the mail this morning and after I set it all up and got it working, Harry took first dibs. He had 297 emails and I had 13 emails - doesn't that tell you something about the differences in our computer use?????
Anyway we are busy with the roof again and I (apparently) have to water the greenhouse. Tonight I will hope to get back on again, and concentrate on the blog messages and enjoy some time for me.
In the meantime, it is great to be back with you! XX
Anyway we are busy with the roof again and I (apparently) have to water the greenhouse. Tonight I will hope to get back on again, and concentrate on the blog messages and enjoy some time for me.
In the meantime, it is great to be back with you! XX
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Interesting evening
Thursday was Loren's 50th birthday, and Gillian arranged a surprise party for him. Evidently he has been working long hours lately, and was supposed to work that evening, but figured out that there was something up so managed to cut himself loose. Gillian had managed to book Times Changed Blues Club for a private party between 7:00 and 9:00. As it was a private party, Jessica and Samantha were able to attend, with the strict understanding that they would be out of the building by 9:00. Of course they had already planned to tell everyone at school that they had spent the evening in a bar. Probably weren't going to add that they had been with their parents. It was a very nice party with all of the things you would expect in a Manitoba social, although I'm not sure if a cake was part of the expectations of a social. And it wasn't a Jeanne's cake either, but very nice. Jeremy made a speech, and did a good job.
That venue has been around for ever. I've often driven past and wondered what it was like, and how it managed to survive as a business. Especially with the kerfuffle about having the building declared as a heritage site. Even while we were there it was obviously under renovation. I was genuinely surprised at how small the actual room was. The walls were covered with posters of, what we assumed were previous events there. David took a good look at them and said that some of the people in the pictures had been dead for quite awhile, and expressed surprise that the club had been around that long. But my memory says that it's been there for as long as I can remember. There was certainly nothing fancy about it. Plank tables and beat up wooden chairs, but everything contributed to a very specific atmosphere.
But now we're back to reality--laundry yesterday and garbage and recycling tomorrow.
That venue has been around for ever. I've often driven past and wondered what it was like, and how it managed to survive as a business. Especially with the kerfuffle about having the building declared as a heritage site. Even while we were there it was obviously under renovation. I was genuinely surprised at how small the actual room was. The walls were covered with posters of, what we assumed were previous events there. David took a good look at them and said that some of the people in the pictures had been dead for quite awhile, and expressed surprise that the club had been around that long. But my memory says that it's been there for as long as I can remember. There was certainly nothing fancy about it. Plank tables and beat up wooden chairs, but everything contributed to a very specific atmosphere.
But now we're back to reality--laundry yesterday and garbage and recycling tomorrow.
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