Saturday--you say it's Saturday??!!

What happened to Thursday and Friday?? Yep--it's been that sort of week.

When I first opened the computer yesterday, there was a message from Paypal saying they had made a payment.  Very official,  addressed to me by name, every thing appeared quite Kosher, but of course it wasn't.  So a lengthy time spent trying to get into Paypal customer service, but finally successful.  Then time contacting Paypal suspicious e-mail investigation service, followed by a call to Mastercard, to make sure my credit card hadn't been compromised.  There is still a chance they might have been trying to plant a virus, but I'm told it was far more likely they were looking for passwords, or maybe banking info ( we don't bank on line) I did change my PayPal password though.

But, things are getting done.  Amber and I have decided to sell our china, which has been in my garage since we moved in here.  Amber is doing the research, and she and David had arranged to take pictures yesterday, but somehow I missed the message.  I can't remember Thursday, but we had run out of food, so David and I set off yesterday morning to shop, only to get a message from Amber that she was on the way! We negotiated a meeting time, and David and I hurried off to our first stop, hoping to get done there before meeting Amber.  Very busy, very frustrating, but we rushed through and made it home only 5 minutes late.  Amber showed up almost immediately, and the two of them went out to the garage and started unpacking china.  I just managed to get the meat put in the fridge and the ice cream in the freezer when they called me out, because there were pieces that neither one of them could identify.  Amber was on a deadline, but we got the pictures taken and then she left.  So we immediately headed out to our second store on the list, wanting to  get there before rush hour.

Finally home just before 4:00 and we realized that we hadn't really eaten all day, so in the middle of the chaos  of groceries and general mess in the kitchen, we had a supper of b-b-q chicken from the store. After we got the groceries put away, we both were too beat for any more and vegged out for the rest of the evening. Just before bed I realized that we had forgotten to order some of my pills, and I was seeing the effects of having missed my diuretics for two days.  So the roller coaster starts again this morning.

On the up side, I found some towels that match my bathroom very well, and hope to pick up a bathmat today.  The things you look forward to once you're over 60!  Buying a bathmat--WOW!

Cool mornings

Funny weather with hot summery days but when getting up it is actually cold feeling.It was actually 5 degrees outside this morning.  I always fear freezing but silly to think that  these days with plus 20 temps during day to be concerned. No way one could cover up at night so would have to gt out early to spray.
I ventured to the Insurance office yesterday to follow up with house inspection. I had four pictures of the fuse box in hand, as well as my record of smoke alarms in the house and dates of current battery changes. She took these and mentioned other items that the Inspector had looked for. So I have to take more pictures of the front of house and back of house. He looks for dangers related to liability eg stairs railings and patio railings for security of falling.etc  We have no railings at front door - have been off for years. So I shall take more pictures!
We tackled the eavestroughs yesterday but must complete today as didn't get finished totally. Cleaning and caulking and strong worded conversation! Great fun! It would be nice to NOT have water accumulate but will wait to see results of efforts when rain comes. If worst comes to worst Harry states we will put up new eavestroughs - that is the "we" of Harry and me! More great fun in the offing?
I bought a case of beer for Harry yesterday but took the opportunity to check out the price of Rickards Red Cathy. I thought that I might buy some to have at home so Icould have one "with you' on occasion. It is $22.95 a 12 pack in The Beer Store. Does this equate with what you pay in Man? I didn' t buy any but it was a thought haha
First picking of rhubarb yesterday - exciting times! I made one batch of rhubarb pineapple jam for me. And one rhubarb kuchen that Harry likes. So much rhubarb this year which is good as I have to also satisfy Mike's wish for rhubarb lattice pie, and also rhubarb cake -a special recipes I make that he loves (and so do I).  I am about to have a piece of toast with my fresh jam on now so I shall see if it meets my satisfaction. Take care

Summer time--and the livin' is easy---

Sunday evening was Gillian's recital.  I do enjoy these.  Firstly, there are the younger ones, not so much since Gillian changed schools, but still, there are a few.  They are so cute!  They try so hard that you can't help but feel for them. While they try to intersperse levels, generally the level increases as the evening progresses.  The increased skill and confidence is obvious, and I find it interesting to see how the skills are built upon level by level.  At one point they have two professional ballet dancers perform, and this gives a wonderful opportunity to see where this skill development is going.  But it isn't limited to the ballet, as there is Jazz, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre (Gillian's favourite), and this year,a surprising number of Tap performances.  In my opinion, the skill level was obviously better than last year, and so was the costuming.

Yesterday, I accompanied David while he visited garden centers looking for planters.  A relaxing day as I sat in the car and read my book while he went in to see if they had anything that would make it worth my while to take a look   They didn't.  I also had my hair cut.  I go to one of these walk-in places but have been going to the same one for years and know the workers well. Last time a new woman did a poor job and wouldn't you know it, she was next up when I walked in.  But this time I had the gumption to say that I would wait for another worker. I'm glad I did.

Most of today was spent in the studio. (see other blog) Tonight I am off to the AGM of the local art group I belong to.  I have an idea that there may be contentious issues, so have done some research and am ready to say my piece.  However, talking at  these things can get you elected to office, so I also have my excuses ready.

Has summer arrived yet?

Beautiful weather here right now and hoping you folks are enjoying the same? It is fun to get outside and putter about doing this and that. As Harry plants more and more tomatoes into pots, I am trying to fix up some of the previously neglected flowerbeds in the yard, Doesn't seem like making any headway, but then I guess in the long run it is starting to look a bit better. I haven't even started  to putout the ornaments that I stored under tarps on the picnic tables over winter but I'll gradually get there! This morning a friend from Sprucedale (neighbours of Harry's Mother who helped keep an eye on  her) came by and Harry had some tomatoes and pepper plants ready to give him for his garden. We have always given him some each year. And he brought a bag of apples for us which was always their habit! 
How was the concert with Gillian Pati - I trust you finally got the tickets as per your last message? It would be a treat to go and see her perform - they grow up so quickly and who knows for how long she may continue.
I ran into a previous working mate this morning at the bank and she thought maybe we should go golfing  sometime. She had given me a gift of golf balls when I retired from CCAC in 2007 with an invitation to go with her, but of course I never followed up.  I don't think it will ever happen, but then maybe I shouldn't dismiss it too quickly either. My golf clubs and cart are now in the storage shed but at least I still have them as old as they are haha! Cathy you get out at least once a year don't you and have a great time!
Well, bed time and try to rest up as I am sure I'll be back into the garden at break of day haha! I too, have not been sleeping well. I wake up from a restless sleep every hour or so and then takes me about the same time to fall back into another restless sleep. Oh well........
Take care

poor night

For some reason I had a poor night last night, but with chemical help, around 5:30, was able to sleep in until about 10:30.  Then I could hear some sort of banging and clanging, which I assumed was the neighbour, as our bedroom window is just off their driveway.  I was quite annoyed as these neighbours have never done a thing in their yard, and to do it on the one morning I was trying to sleep, just wasn't right!  Finally I gave up the battle, and looked out the window to discover the fellow who had started the stucco on our garage, last fall, had returned to finish the job!  This is the last of the work we had planned with money from the lake and comes at exactly same the time as the money runs out.  Talk about planning!!

Amber and Jessica were over yesterday.  Jessica is struggling a bit at school, and Amber is thinking of getting her some tutoring over the summer, but that costs $$$.  So David and I brainstormed a bit last night and this morning I suggested to Amber that she try to sell all of the "good" dishes that we have stored in the garage, over the internet.  So Amber is busy doing internet research this morning, and David went out to clear off his work bench in the garage, so that we could take pictures.  There was a lot of clearing off to do, but it must have gone well, as when I looked out the window the lion was dozing under the bird bath.  We normally have our "Lion Ceremony" on the May long weekend, and I had been thinking about him.  But I've always said that when I see him out there, I know that everything is going to be alright.  Finding pleasure and peace in small things--right?

Loren has been quite sick for the past week plus--off work and spending his days in bed with pneumonia.  We have been trying to figure out ways to get the ticket to Gillian's dance recital from him to me, as the recital is tomorrow evening.  But he is now feeling a little better and will try to drop it off this afternoon.  So I get to see both my children within two days.  Another small pleasure to treasure.

So all and all, it looks like I will have many things to be grateful for today.  but the day is young and I won't choose which things right now.

Gorgeous Saturday morning

Down to the Lake with the dog early - what a glorious day to see the water calm as a mirror and a stretch of fog mysteriously covering a portion of the Lake creating a really mystic mood.  And a boat heading off into the lake and disappearing into the fog bank! It starts my day in a wonderful serene manner and hopefully sets the stage for a good day. Housework and yard work on the agenda for today. Harry has just headed out for garage sales and to Sprucedale Flea Market. I just made a nice coffee called Backpackers Brew and will write s few words and then get on with things.  My morning walkabout the yard included a peak at the Lily of the Valley and although no full grown flowers yet I can see them coming and can hardly wait to enjoy the full view of flowering plants and pick one and smell it. I also love my Lily of the Valley but I cannot say they are from Maplewood - pity!
So here's to a great weekend to everyone. Enjoy the moment! Take care

Best laid plans.......

I got almost nothing done that I had planned for this week.  That darn cold just sucked all the energy out of me.  I am still coughing, but my voice has pretty much returned.  My house and yard did not get their spring cleaning this week, but at least I am rested.  It is going to be hard to get up for work next week.  I have been sleeping in every morning and am getting quite used to it.  I better win the lottery so I can keep it up! I have to go in at 9am on Sunday, so I will ease into the 8am start. We finally planted some of the garden today.  A month later than last year.  We have cut back a lot.  Didn't plant beets, carrots or lettuce.  I still have a freezer full of carrots and the lettuce hasn't grown for the last couple of years, so why bother.  I get to go for my mammogram today.  I do so love having my boobs squeezed.  Kathleen says that whoever did her was quite rough this year, so hopefully I get someone else.  Jim is still coughing pretty hard.  I think his lungs are getting worse, if that is possible.  He sees the doctor on Monday so maybe he can get some different medicine.  I guess my break is over.  Back to work.  Have a great weekend