Almost December !!!

 Where has the time gone?  We went to the big craft sale on Saturday.  I was intending to get Sandi new mittens but there was not a single pair of mitts in the entire sale.  I drowned my disappointment by buying a tray of fudge😊. I also walked past Rrain twice without seeing her!  She had to call to me before I noticed her sitting in a booth. A new store opened in town. A toy store. I am going to check it out this week. It sounds like they intend to expand as they renovate the building, but they have stock in for Christmas. We had a skiff of snow today. Yesterday’s forecast called for up to 10cm. Today they reduced it to less than 1cm. How can they be so wrong. It’s like crying wolf. They will predict a storm and no one  will believe them…. Then boom!  This is the week I cat sit for Rrain while she flies east for a conference. Two days of travel for a two day meeting. At least she doesn’t have to pay, but her flight leaves early Tuesday morning so she will have to be on the way to Winnipeg by about 4am, and she is definitely not a morning person. Barb has also asked me to cat sit for her when she goes home at Christmas. Her cats are pretty independent so it might be nothing more than topping up their food and water. So, basically nothing is happening in my life. No adventures for me.  

Weather

 You may have more heat coming Beth.  We've been basking in above zero temps all week, although it's cooling down now.

At DH on Thursday, David was told that he'll have an extra week, to facilitate a Physio and OT re-assessment, probably as a measure of progress.  He asked if I could be there to observe, so I've been invited to attend that day as well.

Today, Saturday, we were out in the gallery in Selkirk, all day.  It was a long day, and we both came home exhausted.  David helped out at an event called Easel Wars.  I may have mentioned it in the past. Basically 5 people (all ages, and some were quite small) are assigned easels out of the sight of each others.  They are supplied with paint, brushes, a blank canvas, and an apron. When all are ready, they are given a silly topic, (a giraffe on ice skates or a fish with a cane etc) and a closely timed 20 minutes to complete a picture.  Then the observers or assigned judges, pick the best of the group.  Ability to paint is never a consideration, rather active participation, or a twist on the topic, or even the ability to cover the whole canvas are considered.  There is kibitzing allowed from the audience, and everyone has fun. The participants are told these criteria ahead of time.  There are usually several shifts, followed by a grand championship round when a prize is awarded.  Participants may pay to join, or the audience may vote with loonies, making it into a fund raiser, but this time it was just for fun, with the prize being a $25 gift certificate to the gallery.  So David helped set up all of the rounds, making sure each easel had enough paint, a brush, a canvas, and an apron.  He was really kept quite busy, while I helped look after all of the visitors--and there were a lot.  We also had a camera crew filming the event, so you may soon be able to view it on the website.

I was tired and struggling fairly soon, but sat when I could, did what I could, and made it through the day.  David was tired, but made it through the day, and then drove us home--at twilight--dark by the time we got back to the city.  A quick supper at a sit-down restaurant, and then home.  Both of us have just zoned out in front of our computers since we arrived home.

I thank Goodness for the nice weather--dry highways and good visibility.  But now it's time for bed.

Crazy weather

 Hi,

Is this going to be the changes in weather that they predict? Our snow is basically gone and the temp is above freezing and we have green grass., and the next week or so is calling for mildness and rain. I can remember only one Christmas here in Sundridge that was "green" and that was I think in 1983. I would like a bit of snow on the ground just to make it delightful, but not stressful for shoveling. Do you think I will get my wish??

Talking about stressful.. I just completed today's exercise program for the strenghthening of my left leg as programmed by the Physiotherapist at my first appt on Monday. So this is the sixth day and I am happy to think that I see some positive results. The first few days were torture but I am getting used to it now and although some of the specific exercises really hurt eg the hip abduction laying on my side and raising the leftleg up and holding is still stressful but I endure. I am dedicated to my improved health so give me some hugs and kisses please.👏💋

Today is the annual local Christmas Sale at the Legion and although I am not going, Harry has already left to browse around. I used to like to go to these events but lately with all the stay at home rules and also now with my mobility issues, i choose to remain at home. I am attached to my home now and Pati you have mentioned this feeling a few times in your blogs so i think you both may understand as I know Cathy you also like to be home and relax... 😆😆..am I right?

So with house work on the go right now, I am also thinking about sewing a tree skirt for Michael's tree. He is all into Christmas this year and i like to encourage him if i can. It is nice to see him enthused.  I have that large bolt of red fabric which I just pulled out and cut out a few trial pieces of felt in Christmas shapes to attach as decorations, and think i can sew one that will fit the bill nicely. That will be one of my projects for this weekend if I can manage it between other called upon duties haha!

I was a bad girl yesterday and bought myself an Egg Nog at the Lottery Store when i went to get my tickets. I have always tried not to give in to this urge as I love it so much...but hey...why not! It was $4.98 and gulp..gasp... I bought it anyway just for me. I had a drink last evening and plan to do this same this evening. Cheers....

Well the housework beckons me..Have a nice weekend both.. thinking of you... XX Take care

it just so happens----

David tried the socks on.  They fit quite nicely and are now part of his sock wardrobe. Fortunately, they can't be seen when he wears his boots.

Quiet times now.  Out Thursday to take David to DH.  He only has two more weeks, and then they send a report to our doctor, but offer nothing to us.  Spent my "respite" time catching up with housework, and then it was laundry on Friday.  I had a few minutes to play with the stencils I bought, but so far have been a little disappointed with the result.

Given how very busy the days were leading up to the craft sale, yesterday and the pending weekend, appear to be casual relaxing times. Of course David has a football game on Sunday, and that may allow me a stretch of quiet time in the studio, or reading.  After the way we managed during Covid, I now treasure quiet time at home, even if I just drink tea and read a book.  Although there is always the option of drinking whiskey.  I've never liked whiskey, but I've probably never had whiskey, after determining that I did not like Rye. (Don't ask.  That's another mis-spent youth story for my memoirs)

So, time to put the kettle on and get back to my newspaper.  Definitely a Saturday morning tradition around here, and one I look forward to all week. Staying at home is one way to stay safe, even if it can't be maintained for the long run--or maybe it can?

Perhaps so....

 But fortunately for you , there is a full bottle of Crown Royal to ease the pain of "all that weirdness" around us these days!  Or maybe, you have to wear those hockey socks, and put your feet up....and sip away???  Enjoy XX

H'mmm

 Today we went to the liquor store, and David bought himself a bottle of Crown Royal.  There was a tiny box attached to the bottle, which contained a pair of socks--ugly.  Is it just me, or is it getting awful weird out there?

Am I awake yet?

 Since Saturday I seem to spend most of my time sleeping.  Get up, have breakfast, have a nap.  Lunch and a few minutes in the studio, and then a nap.  Supper and early to bed. Repeat.  I tried to work on Long Time Gone, but ran into a series of problems, mainly with the various checkerboards not matching when they were to be sewn together.  This is not easy to fix, but it was finally done.  Giving it a final iron before putting it away, I discovered another tiny area of checkerboards not matching.  Said "S---w it.  It will just stay that way.  Maybe if people notice it they won't notice the other areas that are a tiny bit wonky"

So now I have two quilt tops that need quilting, and I'm going to have someone else do them.  It will cost a bit, but I'm in no hurry and can slowly put the money away.  I'll have to buy backing for both, in any case.

But most of my time has been spent with David.  Yesterday we got a call that the forms for MPI were ready to be picked up.  They were very expensive, but we "bit the bullet" and paid it.  While at the clinic, we looked to see if the cape I had been looking at was still there but not so.  Eventually we bought a different one.  So I can't complain about having no money if we are spending it foolishly.  Still, I'm wanting to start looking a little more my age and less "raggety".  This cape is very lady-like and David says I look good in it.  So did the sales lady but I'm less inclined to believe her.

So David's papers are in, and we wait to see what the future holds.  We have copies, and access to all of the info.  So we're somewhat apprehensive, although we must always hope for the best.  I'll let you know what happens.

My fibre art support group will be coming to my house next month.  After agreeing to this ( I invited them) I was asked if it would be alright if they came in the afternoon instead of the evening.  The group leader said that, during the last meeting, everyone had agreed to afternoon meetings.  Today I was speaking with my friend Geesje, and she let slip that it was to accommodate me, but all of the ladies who live in the country are very much in favour of the change.  They travel long distances and would much prefer not to be driving at night.  So I have decided to be grateful and not upset at being the focus of the change.

All of the above has occurred over yesterday and today.  As well, David had a massage this afternoon, and I went along to the Timmy's across the parking lot of the Physio office.  I took a book, but most of my half hour alone was spent sipping coffee and looking out the window.  Tomorrow is out to Lorette again, but then there are two or three days with not much on the schedule.  Thursday I drive David to DH, and may just check out a sale at the local quilt shop (the one I rarely visit) to check out extra wide backings for the two quilts mentioned above, on my way home. Given our pace over the past few weeks, a couple of slow days will be a pleasant interlude.

But regardless, it looks like we need to consider wearing our masks again.  Please be safe ladies.