Friday, June 30, 2017

The chaos continues

I didn't sleep well last night.  Was awake about 2:00, and spent the next 4 hours trying to get back to sleep.  I tried everything, including 3 half sections of an otc sleep aid at intervals,( the recommended dose is two whole pills, so I didn't over-use them), herbal tea, add a quilt, remove a quilt, Voltaren on my sore knees.  The whole gamut of efforts.  I think I finally drifted off between 6:30 and 7:00. AT 9:05 the phone rings-a wrong number.  Into the bathroom, my heart still racing, and the sore knee screaming at me, as I guess I moved the wrong way answering the phone.  Just sit down and the doorbell rings.  Grab my housecoat and run.  Not the back door, must be the front.  Yes--it's Poulin's.  Can he come in and do a bit of paperwork before he starts?  Can you give me 5 minutes to get dressed first?  Run for clean clothing, even though I was going to have a bath first thing.  Okay.  In he comes and I sign the paperwork. He asks to use the bathroom.  Quick thinking. Did I flush? Yes.  David shows up.  The phone rings.  It's the pharmacy.  The doctor has faxed a new prescription, and it's ready for pick-up.  Funny noise from the bathroom.  He comes out and tells me that he took it upon himself to close the window.  Then he and David have to play musical vehicles as he needs to get his truck in the yard and David needs to get our car on the street for a fast getaway.

David heads out to buy gas, and pick up his pills, while I get the laundry started and have my shower. ( David has had his by this time.)  I was to have picked up my piece in Selkirk today, and we needed to get away from the bug spray, so off we go-construction most of the way to hwy 44.  Pick up the piece, and have a long chat with a visitor to the gallery, who is interested in fibre.  My friend Val shows up to pick up her work, and I gladly hand the visitor onto her for further conversation.

An idea!  If the microwaves are sold out at the Walmart in Winnipeg, might there still be some at the Walmart in Selkirk?  Yes!  Oh what a glorious day!  Exactly the same make and model as the last one, so no need for anyone to learn a whole new control panel.  

I have also been looking for light weight, compressible curtain rods.  I think they're sometimes called "cafe" rods.  This is what is being asked for for exhibiting fibre panels, and they are much less work and cost than the dowels and finials that I've used in the past.  They are becoming very hard to find, especially the smaller ones that compress down to 12".  I am also looking for some that are in the 16" to 24" range.  They are no longer sold at Walmart, nor Canadian Tire, and it's been suggested that I look in smaller old-fashioned hardware stores in more rural areas.  Do such things even exist anymore?  If either of you stumble across any, I would gladly pay to have them sent this way.  On our way home we dropped into Sears.  I wanted to stock up on glass cook top cleaner, and David suggested I look for the curtain rods there. I did find several in longer lengths 36" and up, and grabbed them, but none of the shorter ones.  And, of course, these were on clearance, and there won't be any more coming in.

And then it was home, where the laundry and power cooking await.  Wait, we need to thaw some veggies in the microwave to use in the power cooking.  Whoops!  The control panel may look the same, but it doesn't work the same.  So I'm still having to read the manual.  Crap!

Good morning folks...

It's Friday and another damp day.  I didn't log on yesterday because I was off throwing my money away into a machine, but glad to read all that you both have written. 
It was a nice day away ( out of the rain) at the casino. My friend Ruth, broke even with an exciting flurry of winning on her machine at the end. Enough for her to cash out, cash in, and buy us both a drink at the bar! Nice.  I did not fair as well but neither did I spend much. I lost as much as a case of beer costs for Harry! So that is how I justify - right or wrong? 
Your speak of manicures and pedicures Pati and I remember the one and only time I have indulged - one of my trips to Wpg long ago and it was at your old haunt Giselles. Ruth wants me to go with her - to a place here in town - to have same, but I am too reticent to go. My feet are such a mess and working in the yard does nothing to enhance my hands and nails so I do not want anyone to be playing with them. My loss I know, but I am what I am.
Thinking of you both on this holiday weekend. And of you, Cathy as you stay home for two whole weeks, and "adjust" your "filters" haha!   Take care

Thursday, June 29, 2017

eBooks

Yesterday I turned on my Kobo and it died.  I couldn't turn it off. I couldn't read anything.  It was locked.  During the day today I wondered what would happen if I hooked it to my computer.  Lo and Behold..  The computer could read the Kobo.  I quickly copied all the books to my computer and breathed a sigh of relief.  I could continue reading the series of books I was on.  Then, I hooked up my old Kobo and I was able to copy all my ebooks to my old Kobo.  Yippee!!  Then, as I was unhooking everything I looked at my new Kobo.  It was working!!!  I have no idea what I did, but I now have all my eBooks on my old Kobo, my new Kobo and my computer.  I have no excuse not to read.  On that note.....one sleep and one day and I have 2 weeks off. Today at work, with Elisabeth, Patty and I (talk about a family affair) at the counter I made a comment that I really needed the time off because my "filters" had failed.  Without missing beat Patty said "yes, I have noticed"  Time for a holiday......... soon...... Yippee!!!!

Not a Boring day around here

We saw the neurologist this morning and he explained finding a bit of focal activity on the EEG, for which he prescribed a new medication.  When we went to get the prescription filled , the pharmacist wasn't able to fill it, because of significant negative interactions between the new drug and one of the other drugs David takes.  She sent a fax to the neurologist and told David to phone him, as she wasn't sure how quickly he might get the fax.  I left a message on his voice mail, and we later got a call from a woman acknowledging the message and receipt of the fax, saying that she would bring it to the doctor's attention and someone would call us back about it.

We also tried to buy a new microwave, but the one we wanted was out of stock in Walmart, and not available anywhere else.  David couldn't find anything else he liked, so we decided to wait until next week, when Walmart may get a new shipment in.

I did manage to get a couple of yards of clear vinyl at Fabricland, on sale at 50% off. I used the last of my vinyl on the big hanging I'm currently working on.

My hands and nails were in pretty bad shape after my painting and dyeing earlier in the week, and I had been thinking it would be nice if I could have them done. Going through my sketch book I found a list of my five year goals inside the back cover.  These were a couple of years old, and I was surprised at how well I had been following the plans.  Most of them were health related, and one referred to trying to keep my nails in good shape, by increasing the attention I have been paying to them, and I have been doing that--as far as my own abilities allow.  So I decided to indulge in a manicure, and went to the inexpensive place in the little mall across the street.  I was stunned at how busy they were, with 7 workers, working full out.  While I was getting my manicure, 7-8 more people walked in, and were accommodated.  I noticed one woman waiting while her polish dried after a pedicure and her nails were cut the way I had wanted mine cut.  There is a huge language barrier here, but I tried to ask f they could do it, and was told yes.  I haven't been back there since my pedicure last fall, because they hadn't done it the way I wanted, despite my asking, probably because of that language barrier. I went home and told David that I wanted to do it, and then headed back.  'Tis done, and I'm thrilled.  I can't afford it too often, but, at least, I know I can get it done there when I do have a bit extra.

They are still working on the roof next door.  Just before supper, we had a serious thunder storm.  Very loud thunder and driving rain.  Too bad about the roof,  More is predicted over night.  As of this afternoon, our street is closed, with no exit at the South end.  We don't know what is going on, but judging from the huge trucks going by (and then backing down the length of the street to get out), we figure it must be some sort of sewer repair.  Since the sewer was fully replaced at that end of the street last summer, it raises some questions, but who are we to question anything the government does--we didn't vote for them.

Okay!  Enough time for a poker tournament before bed.  I have made money both of the last two evenings, despite losing all but one tournament each night.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Late night musings on life and old age

David has gone to bed, and I'm indulging myself with a glass of wine.  We've talked about not making anymore, as we're drinking so little now.  David always has his Crown Royal, if he feels the need, but I haven't had anything stronger than wine in the house for almost two years.

We got a phone call today, asking us to return to the neurology clinic at St. Boniface as "the doctor wants to discuss test results".  We had been told that there would be no need to go back unless something turned up on the EEG, so I'm obviously a little concerned.  Thus the need for a bit of wine to help me sleep.  At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

We have appeared to have reached that stage in life when all of the appliances need replacing. We replaced the dish washer when we did the kitchen a year ago ( almost to the day!) I mentioned replacing our washing machine, a couple of months ago.  Last week it was the toaster, and today the microwave gave up the ghost.  The final straw, however, was the garbage can from under the kitchen sink.  We bought that when we moved in 19 years ago ( almost to the day--June 29, 1999.  It had lost its lid years ago, and the separate rim that holds the plastic bag in place has been broken for some time.  Today, in Walmart, I saw one that I thought would fit--and it does.  We also replaced the compost pail, this week, although that was more by choice.  The previous one cracked and we replaced it, two years ago, and then were told, while paying for the new one, that we could have brought the old one back and had it replaced for nothing. Well, as soon as we got home, didn't David turn around and take it back, for replacement.  It's been sitting in the garage waiting for its turn ever since.  Monday we did the switch, to give me a good pail for use while painting in the yard, and a new one for use in the kitchen.

Re: "Wonder Woman":  I've been thinking about the movie.  A lot of violence, and a so-so plot.  I enjoyed myself, but found my mind wandering during many of the fight scenes.  I kept thinking about the special effects, and the period costuming, feeling amazement at the cost of producing both.  That wouldn't have happened if the plot had been more interesting.  But I would certainly go to see another one, should it be made.  I also saw a poster for " The Kingsman: The Golden Circle",  Coming Soon.  Now that one I'll be sure to see!

Pancake Mix

Pati, you are absolutely right about the Coyote Pancake Mix. On two trips I made to Wpg I brought back some mix but it has long since been used up. And I inquired at all the stores here and it cannot be had anywhere. So you can continue to use that, and be assured of great pancakes, and I'll strive for a decent scratch batch. 
More rain here too, and for the next while.  We did have a fair day outside today, though.  Well, to the bath for me, and then put the birds to bed and then hopefully I shall get some sleep ready for my trip tomorrow. We now have 5 eggs laid in the nesting cage.  Oh my!!

Pay Day

has come and gone.  That quickly.  I must have missed it, as my bank account is no better off than it was a couple of days ago.  But we have food in the house again.  I had let some things go as I plan to re-start my new eating regimen on Saturday, although my weight has been stable for the past 6 weeks, and I have indulged myself a little more than necessary.  As always, what we put out for food and medication blows me away. Today, we had to go into Walmart for some small thing, and David suggested we check the price of soft drinks while we were there. We found several things, that were on our shopping list, and ended up spending over $100.00, but you sure have to know your prices, as I found several things more expensive there than either Superstore or Sobey's

Pancake mix.  I, too, used to swear by made-from-scratch, until I found Coyote Pancake mix.  Now I never use anything else. It comes in a couple of flavours, but I only use the "original".  However, the "buttermilk", I think it is, is not bad at all.  Not that we're using a lot of it these days, but every once in awhile David makes himself a pancake for lunch.

Poulin's didn't show up again today, but that was probably because of the rain--yet again.  Tomorrow we power cook, spaghetti sauce.  With the slow cookers it shouldn't take long.  Good!  More studio time for me.  I'm still doing the preparation work for my next large hanging--a picture of the old summer kitchen (shed), at the lake.