The End

In the past I have done a lot of reading, in the Summertime underneath a shady tree when it is too hot to do anything else.  In the Winter, curled up in a nice comfy chair with a quilt and a cup of tea.  Recently I have not been reading books, I like turning the pages, not looking at a screen. The libraries were closed for some time,  then the busy gardening season started, oh!! so many excuses.  

The reason I am talking about books is because 2020 has been similar to a book, one chapter worse than the previous.  The the book opens as normal, the second chapter changed, lives were turned upside down by a mysterious virus.  On going paragraphs ran into chapters which told of so many terrible stories that seem could only be wrote in a si fi movie. As the story progresses through the Summer, the words indicate a lull in the horror, only to have the beast rear it's ugly head when the cold weather grippes the northern hemisphere.  

The story now takes on a grim turn, everything made worse by people disobeying the rules, the doctors and nurses trying to help those who are sick, hospitals are full of ill people,  store owners hoping to be able to keep they businesses even if very few people are able to access their establishment.  And so it continues.  

Then as all good stories end there is a bright spot on the horizon the "good guys" come riding over the hill to save those in peril.  On their horses they carry boxes, many boxes filled with a life saving potion.  This miracle liquid is now being administered to people, in hopes of many lives being saved. 

The final chapter is now the only one left to be read  and there looks as if there is a hole at the end of the tunnel, even though it is a very long tunnel.  

The final sentences of this book have yet to be written, but my hope is, when we get to "The End" it is a happy ending and volume two of this saga, begins with 2021, looking more promising than 2020 which will be coming to an end tonight.

On that note I will Wish all who visit my blog, a very Happy New Year.  hoping it is Happier that 20020

Hugs

Errands

 I know, I should be hunkered down, but I did it the correct way, mask, hand sanitizer and social distancing. 

My first stop was at my youngest daughter's, for two things to take care of there, one to give grand daughter her birthday card.  Her birthday is on Jan. 25, however, she will be in Ottawa then, so tucked in a little cheque for her 23rd.   Second, one of the members of the guild I belong to offered me so fabric, so we arranged to meet half way, which was my daughters house.  Two birds with one stone.

Second stop was at the bank to get some money, again all the proper precautions were taken and enforced by a staff member at the door.

Third stop, to pick up a quilt another member quilted for me, thus the reason for the money.

All done and on our way home, but  stopped for fuel, the price was good.

Yesterday, I put my turkey bones in a pot and today I made a big batch of turkey soup, it smells delicious.  Lunches for a few days taken care of.  Do you make soup from your turkey carcass?  I just cant throw all that good stuff in the garbage.

We had a dusting of snow over night which changed to rain, which came down hard at times, throughout the day.  Mild temp up to 6*C but it certainly did not feel like that it was bone chilling when outside.

Dinner tonight was BBQ ribs, potato wedges, asparagus and dessert lemon meringue pudding with a shortbread cookie.

That is me for today.  

Face Time

 Five of my great grands waited until yesterday to open their gift from me, their Mum set up a time on Face Time.  They range in age from 10 years to 18 months, so it was a noisy visit.   I do not give toys, that is Santa job,  as they are always growing and in need of clothes, that is what I give them.  The 10 year old was very pleased with his shirt, but the 4 1.2 year old is always such a pleasure to see.  Cian, love clothes, he was stripping off the ones he was wearing and putting on the new ones I gave him.  Once on, he started to model them, insisting he be the only one in the frame.  Such a sweet heart.  Happy they were pleased with everything.  The family also received a gift card for a restaurant so that they could have a takeout or delivered meal.  

 We have much welcomed sunshine today, I am sitting in my living room being warmed by the rays coming in the window.  We had a light dusting of snow overnight, so everything has a twinkle from the sun.   I might just sit here until the sun moved away from my chair. 

Dont know what happened here,  Blogger sometimes has a mind of its own I think, or it could be something I did, No not me.   ha ha.

Groceries bought this morning, and we deposited a bag into the food hamper again today.  After putting everything away, I decided to cut up some celery, went to get my paring knife and it is not in the drawer, I looked everywhere, and I mean everywhere.  The compost container in the yard thinking I had thrown it out with something, Hubby even looked in the garbage, no knife.  It was one I have used for many years, it was an extension of my hand.   I loved that knife.  Do you have a favorite kitchen utensil?

Still plugging away at the dreaded quilt.  I received a call from a fellow guild member, she has a long are and is quilts many of our members projects.  She advised  the one I had sent to her awhile ago is now done and I can pick it up.  That is a job for tomorrow.  

This is the last day for me to have drops in my right eye.   Have to start doing my left one mid January in readiness for surgery on that one.  Can't wait to get that taken care of and then I can ditch these glasses.  

Dinner tonight chicken as always on a Tuesday night.  It is Tuesday isn't it?  The days all seem to be mixed up for me at the present time.

 

It's Going

 Overnight the temp rose to 6*C and we had precipitation, which melted a lot of the snow.  The eleven inches on the table is now about one inch.  A mixed bag of weather is in the forecast for the next couple of days.  

Feeling a bit better today,  going to have a Facetime visit with five of my great grands as they open the gifts I sent to them.  I am expecting a lot of noise and laughter, which is nice to hear.

I re-arranged the flowers I received from a cousin in the UK.  one of the Mums had started to loose its petals,  so needed to do something with the entire vase of flowers.  The poinsettia is doing very well.  hoping to keep it as I did several years ago.  In the Spring I put it outside for the Summer then in the Fall brought it in and put it in complete darkness for the required number of hours and was rewarded with blossoms at Christmas time.  I did that for two years and you could almost call it a tree it became so big.  I have seen the poinsettia trees in the Caribbean.  

Was able to get quite a lot done on the quilt I am making for my youngest grand daughter, not enjoying the process, but plugging away at it.  Hope to do a lot more again today, so that I can begin another one.    My sewing room has been a blessing during the past few weeks, keeping me busy and making something that I can give to someone.  The quilts I am wanted to start are two I Spy Play Mats, bowl cozies, a growth chart quilt and one for our queen size bed.  That should keep me busy until I can get out into the garden.

2021, a New Year, do you make resolutions, I do and break them.  However, this year I am really going to try and keep the ones I make.  Mainly, walk every day, no matter what the weather, and even if I have to walk up and down our driveway if the road is too unsafe for me.   Also, I know that in the past few months I have been putting on a little extra poundage, due to the fact I am not walking every day. so my second resolution is to loose some weight.  I am not fat, but do not feel comfortable with me as I am now.   Tell me your resolutions for 2021.

Sunshine

 Shadows are appearing on the snow, no blue sky yet but the hint of some sunshine is just enough to see the shapes of trees outlined in the snow.  It did not get as cold as the forecasted -11*C, on down to -4*C which is a plus.  Tomorrow we could have mixed precipitation, which means rain, freezing rain, snow or name we could have it. That is tomorrow we will worry about that, if and when it gets here, so today I will enjoy a brighter day.

Not much going on around our house today, we had a normal Sunday breakfast scrambled eggs, toast, juice and coffee, it is Sunday isn't it?  The days this week are all going to be mixed up.  No newspaper on Friday, so that had to be Sunday Right? or was it Monday, we have no paper on Mondays.  Newspaper on Saturday, so was that Tuesday?  /so paper today, so is it Sunday or Monday?   You get my meaning.   Looking back as what I just wrote, it is a sad situation when your days of the week are determined on whether you get a newspaper or not.  There has been no reason for me to distinguish between any of the days anymore.

Feeling very down today,  tired of not being able to go and visit family, tired on not being able to just about anything these days.  I am already tired of the snow and cold temps and we have two of the worst months of Winter ahead of us.  Tired of doing the same thing day in and day out, my mojo has gone and left and don't know when it will be coming back,

So must get on with my day,  I need to refresh the water in a vase of flowers a cousin in England sent to me.  Also need to water my poinsettia and the geraniums I brought in the house to over Winter.in the foyer downstairs.  Still have some blooms on them, a beautiful coral colour.  The flowers brighten my day. Usually, once a week in the Winter, I make my way over to a garden centre just to wander through and look at the flowers and plants and most time pick up something too.  However, not able to do that.

Dinner tonight, we still have some veg from Christmas Day dinner to use up, not sure what to have for meat yet, still time to decide.  Cheesecake for dessert and that will finish it off.  

Have a great day.

Quiet Days.

Our Christmas dinner was lovely, now to tackle the leftovers.  I love leftover Christmas  dishes, all of the hustle and bustle of preparing is finished and I can just enjoy the food.  Thank goodness for the microwave ovens they make the food look and taste as if it was just prepared.   A big pot of turkey soup is going to be made, we are going to be needing some warm comforting food in the coming days and weeks.

Woke up to eleven (110) inches of snow this morning, we can expect flurries during the day, so that amount could increase somewhat.  Just glad we don't have to go out for anything, even if we wanted to.

As my heading suggested, we are going to be having quieter days ahead.

Dinner tonight...yep you guessed it. Just have to open the fridge and viola........  turkey, potatoes, gravy, squash, brussel sprouts, dressing and cranberry sauce.  Dessert, cherry cheese cake.

Eight and a half inches.

 We did not have to dream of a White Christmas, we have one, and do we ever.

Eight and a half inches of snow at 1:00 p.m. and counting and it is still coming down.

Turkey in the oven, all other things prep. so sitting down for a couple of minutes.

Hubby is outside blowing the snow off the driveway.

Quiet day, not like the ones we have had in the past...but it is nice just the same.

Merry Christmas

 

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Patricia

AWOL

 Busy, busy, busy.   groceries, appointment, making, wrapping and delivering gifts have taken up most of my time during the past couple of days, by the time I though about posting it was too late and I was tired.

Yesterday, I had a follow up appointment with my eye surgeon, 20/20 in my right eye, so happy with that, will only need help from reading glasses when doing my sewing etc. also very happy about that.  Now I cannot wait to get my left eye done in January.  

My sight was getting quite bad due to the cataracts, and I was having trouble seeing all of the necessary road signs, which is not good.  At the age of 80, residents in Ontario are required to get an eye test and a driving test before they can renew their driving license.  My biggest fear was not being able to pass that test.  Loosing my independence was the worse thing that could happen to me, thus the reason for getting this work done now.  In Nov. I will be 80 years old, so hoping no other medical issue will happen, so I can continue to drive.

Also delivered a gift to my youngest great grand daughter yesterday, she is such a sweetheart, unfortunately, no hugs or kisses on this visit either. Social distancing and masks were in place.   After dinner, we went to delivery gifts to my youngest grand daughters and my youngest daughter and SIL.  Again distance and masks were in order.   My daughter works in a hospital, so did not take any chances.  I was so nice to see everyone, my GD Kassandra I had not seen since last Christmas as she is attending university in Ottawa.  She has just completed all of her courses, now hoping to get a job with the Government doing projects with bugs,  and then in September getting her Masters..

Will be visiting my sister this afternoon and taking her a little gift, then on to my eldest daughter's to drop off gifts for my five great grand children.  They will be visiting my DD1 on Christmas Day, so just to keep exposure at a minimum we decided to do the delivery this way.

As of  Boxing Day areas in S.W Ontario are in lockdown for a month, which is expected to lower the numbers of infections.  Time will tell, it will happen only if people abide by the rules.  There are always those who think the rules do not apply to them.

On a happier note, we have mild temps today, up to 7*C and the sun is trying to shine.  A couple of nice days are forecast, until the proverbial hits the fan, on Friday.   We can expect an accumulation of snow up to 10 cm.  Maybe it is a blessing in disguise, it will keep people home!  We can only hope.

Dinner tonight is up in the air at the moment, all depends what time we get home from all of our travels today.

Well, that me for right now. 

Mild

Late yesterday afternoon we had light rain, which melted all of the snow.  Woke this morning to light fog and drizzle and it is quite mild 6*C.  Cloudy all day.

Did a couple of errands this morning, so I can now all of the Christmas shopping I was going to do has been done.  Just have to wrap and remotely deliver to all my great grand children.  

Within the next couple of days I am going to visit my sister, she lives about an hour and half drive away from me, so it will take up most of the afternoon going and coming.  Because she is always cooking and feeding her family (not so much at the present time of course), I made her a set of bowl cozies.  They are big ones to accommodate serving bowls. 

For some unknown reason Hubby has a swollen left knee, in October he fell on it, and yesterday it started to hurt and now is swollen, he will try and make an appointment with the Dr. for tomorrow.   I go to my eye surgeon on Tuesday for a check up on my cataract removal, then have to wait until January for the left eye to be done.  If the times goes as fast as the past month, that day will be here before I know it.  

Dinner tonight, pork tenderloin, backed potato and squash, dessert yet to be decided.

 

Back to normal

Yesterday, I did the Epley maneuver and took a series of Gravol and today feeling good.  I don't know what causes it, and so glad my  Doctor suggested I do the Epley.  It works for me and that is good.

Had my hair cut yesterday, as it appears our area may back into shut down again, because the number of cases are going up.  In my opinion, it should have been done a while ago.  We made the decision not to go any where for Christmas a month ago and now happy we did that.  The newspaper indicated the vaccine should be delivered to our city in the next couple of days.  The hospital front line workers and nursing homes will be the first to receive it.  However, everyone else needs to do their part, until more people are vaccinated.

Is there anyone reading my blog, who is a quilter?  I am in the process of doing one for my grand daughter, I have mentioned this previously, however, I cannot get motivated to get it finished, any tips for getting my MOJO back into sewing this quilt.

Cloudy at the present time, but a bit milder than the last couple of days.  Snow is in the forecast, but not a lot, so no accumulation is expected.

Dinner last night was salmon, which is always very tasty.  Dinner tonight, has not been decided upon yet.

Not much going on in this house today, Hubby is watching a program on TV at the moment regarding investing, he has done quite well with the stock he  has purchased in the past.  I am doing laundry and going to do some sewing this afternoon.  I need to do some last minute errands,  ie: pay Visa and get some cash for grand daughters from the bank,  a gift card from McD's, and couple of gift bags for Great Grands gifts.  But that is not going to happen today, if the stores are open on Monday I will do it then, when they should not be as busy.  If I don't get there, well, it is what it is I am afraid.

Time to get moving,

Feeling Better

 Getting our of bed was a lot better today. took me about an hour, breakfast and then was feeling good.  Did take another Gravol which I am sure helped,  will take another prior to going to bed.

We had about an inch of snow over night and it was been cloudy and cold all day, until dinner time when it started to snow again.   It is what I call "proper" snow.  Which is....big flakes drifting slowly down to the ground.

I made a bowl cozy a couple of days ago and decided a set of three would be a nice gift for my sister.  
She is always cooking for a big family, unfortunately not this year.  Hubby was quite impressed with the idea, so I am going to make more for us.  

Neither one of us has done  much shopping on line, so at times we find it very confusing, maybe frustrating would be the better word to use.   About three weeks ago we ordered some parts for Hubby's riding lawn mower, we did not have much trouble with the order and all was good.  Hubby then decided he should have ordered another part, called the supplier to add it to our previously submitted order......no sorry cannot do that, you need to created another order on line and tell us to add it to the previous order.  OK, easier said than done.  We tried several times to no avail and gave up.  Today we tried again, same results, so was able to get help from a very helpful person who walked us through the process.   It was such a complicated thing todo, for us anyway, I don't know how people get anything ordered.  Are all web sites complicated?  Or are we just old fuddy duddies  that don't know whist they are doing.?  Have any of my readers ran into problems?

Dinner tonight was pork chop and applesauce, beans and a salad. chocolate pudding for dessert.

Vertigo

 Lazy, quiet day as I am suffering from Vertigo.  I get a spell of this every once in awhile.   Not much helps only time and a Gravol pill or two.  It is a terrible feeling, dizzy when I move too fast and also have an upset tummy.  The Gravol is making me tired too, so maybe that is the best thing to do.   Sit and maybe close my eyes for a little while.

Do any of my readers get Vertigo?  If so, what do you do?

Hoping to find an easy dinner for Hubby tonight, so have not even thought about it until now.

Cloudy and cold today.  just like I feel.  

So that is all from me today. 

Christmas Shopping

 As I have mentioned previously, I only buy for my six great grand children and it is usually clothes.  I contacted my grandchildren to enquire about sizes and what the children needed in the clothing line.  I had received a reply from my GS however, was waiting for my GD to get back to me, her reply came just as I was leaving the house yesterday, so perfect timing.

I usually go to a well known children's clothing store, they have all of the sizes I needed, and a good return/ exchange policy if Mum or Dad want to return  something.

I got everything I wanted and once home checked to see if I received all of the discounts that were advertised.  Opening the bag I found a shirt I did not buy and upon checking further I was charged for something I did not buy and not for something I did buy.  So right back to the store to correct the problem. It took the sales staff some time to sort it all out, and were full of apologies, but all is good now.  So they little ones are now all taken care off.  Because we are not having a family get together this year I will take the gifts to their houses for opening on Christmas Day.   

My grand daughter who is attending the U of O will be home for the holidays and I will do some social distance visiting during the time she will be home.   I have not see her in person since last Christmas, so it will be nice to see her face to face, masked on course.

Hubby is a "news paper clipper".  He saves the pages that has information on them that he wants to keep and he piles them up, he has quite a collection.  So currently he is cutting out the articles he wants to keep.  They will then be put in a binder.  Lots of these articles have come in handy over time.  

Dinner last night was Chinese, nice for a change as we had not had that for a long time.  Tonight, being Tuesday, is chicken dinner.   We are suck creatures of habit it is becoming scary.

Well that is me for the day. 

Dark

 Woke this morning at 6:45 a.m. and it was as dark as night and took a long time to get light.  I hate these mornings.  We have clouds with the sun trying to poke its head through, however, it does not look as if is going to be very successful today.  It cool too, only 1*C no snow for which I am thankful.

The dinner we had last night is not like the normal Sunday dinner that I am usually cooking.  It was leftovers and clean out of fridge kind of dinner.  A bit of this and a bit of that, but good just the same.  I hate to throw out food.  So what did we have, steak, meatballs in mushroom sauce, beans and sprouts.  Jelly and fruit for dessert.  Tonight it is going to be pork chops.

Yesterday, I did some sewing on my grand daughters quilt.  I purchased a kit from a fellow guild member when she was selling some of her stash which she knew she would never use. (Unfortunately, she passed away some time after the sale she had).  I have never used a kit before and to be honest will never buy another, I am so concerned there will not be enough fabric to complete this quilt, as I have been told by other members of the guild, there is usually just enough, if it is cut properly.  Hope I am cutting it that way.  I don't like the fact that other people have made the same quilt, I like mine to be a one of a kind.  All of the fabric is a solid colours and I have decided I do not like working for this type of fabric.  So all in all not enjoying the process as I had hoped I would, keeping at it because it is for someone special.   Never again will I buy a kit.

Hubby is finishing writing his Christmas cards this morning.  Then he is going to look for a screw driver he has lost, he believes over at his daughters house. After that do not know what he plans on doing.  He did bring home a wrought iron bench he is going to repair, so that could be on the agenda for the coming days.

That's it for me today, 

 

 

Big change coming

Yesterday was mild and wet, however, starting today, the weather is going to be cold with some possible snow.   

Did not do much yesterday, laundry and the essential tidy and meals and I did spend a few minutes in the sewing room.  We did watch a couple of programs we had recorded in the afternoon.  Hubby then BBQ'd a steak, baked potato and beans for our dinner last night/  It was a big piece of meat, so what was left over we shall finish tonight with some veg.

For the past month, on Sundays,  I have been cooking a bigger and different breakfast.  This morning we had a ham and cheese omelet and toast, it was very tasty.  Back to our normal for the rest of the week.

We, or I should say the city I live in, will be in RED restrictions as of midnight tonight, in hopes of curbing the outbreaks of the virus.  On the news last night it showed people flocking to the malls to get their Christmas shopping done before the deadline.  I know that Santa has to come.....BUT. 

Having said that I should see if my hairdresser can cut my hair one day this coming week, now that my eye is almost healed.  I may have to wear the shield while she does it it, just to keep small pieces of hair away from my eye.  I will wash my hair before I go to eliminate any  problems there.

Not much going on today, 

Rain

Dull and very wet today, most of the snow  is melted, just a little left in the field across the street.  The forecast also included some freezing rain, wet snow and heavy rain.   We had some high temps yesterday, up to 11*C, not quite to that degree today.  Then starting tomorrow the temp plunges down to the minus numbers and is forecast to be that way for at least the nest week.  It's, December, so we can expect almost anything.

Posted all of my Christmas cards yesterday, Hubby has one to write, to a woman  he has know for a long time, usually including a letter too,.  Years ago when they were going to teachers collage, the woman (D) and her girl friend rented rooms from Hubby and his wife.  (D) has always been in touch, mostly at Christmas, for many years.  She was 18 years old when she lived in this city and is now a grandmother, so the communication has been going on for many years.  Three years ago, Hubby and I were in the area where she currently lives, made contact via phone, but unfortunately unable to visit her.  I mentioned to Hubby, that would be a nice road trip next year make prior arrangements to visit her and her family.  

My youngest granddaughter, will likely be soooo excited today, she has just purchased her first car.  She has been working part time for several years, and will be full time until September, when she goes back to her education, so plenty of money in the bank for car and school.  She is very sensible about money matters.  

This week my sister's family increased by one, her great grand daughter arrived on Tuesday, saw photo on FB, she sure is a cutie.  

Not sure what is on the menu for tonight's dinner, must decided soon I suppose.

RED

 Beautiful sunny day, after some fog cleared, not too warm, just 4*C so far, but its early, so hope for a bit warmer later in the day.

RED, and that is not good.  The newspaper article this morning has indicated if the numbers of COVID keep increasing in the city and surrounding area, it could put a stress on the hospital system and we could be moved up to the RED category.  Which for us, is the highest resulting in additional closures and lockdowns.  

I have not done any shopping for Christmas gifts yet, I don't usually leave it this late, however, cannot get in the mood and really not looking forward to going into a lot of store at this point in time.  I only buy for six great grandchildren and for them it is usually clothes or books and two grandchildren receive money.   

Hubby worked at his daughters house yesterday, he has finally admitted that at his age he should not be climbing up ladders to fix the eaves trough  So, now that he can do it, he is putting a leaf guard on them, so that he will not have to climb ladders in future years.  He is currently waiting for it to warm up a bit,  all that work has to be done today, as tomorrow we can expect rain and then colder temps next week.

All day yesterday I felt a bit sluggish, after affects from my eye surgery I expect, however, after dinner I felt more like myself and made a batch of blueberry muffins.  Of course, we had to try one just to see if they were good enough to eat.  Ha Ha.  Note to self, buy paper baking cups.

Friday, so fish for dinner tonight, salmon, mushrooms, baked potato.  Dessert a mystery at the moment.

Fuzzy

 Today is a beautiful sunny day, cool at the moment and temp to go p to 4*C  a lot better than yesterday, when it was dull, damp and cold.

,I had my right eye cataract removed yesterday, it took a couple of hours total, and it was not as bad as I had expected it would be. So that is good.  My sight in that eye is still fuzzy but that will clear in time.  I have a return trip to the surgeon in a couple of weeks to check that all is good.

The operating room was so cold even with a blanket on me.  When I returned home it took me the whole afternoon and evening to get warmed up.  When I have my left eye done I am taking some warm fluffy socks with me.  Once my feet get cold my entire body is too.

Following doctor's orders for the next couple of days, no heavy lifting etc. so no housework is going to be done any time soon.  The house received a good going over on the weekend so it will be OK just the basics are to be done.   How much mess can two people make any way.  

Hubby is having a bone density test this morning, has the beginning of Osteoarthritis.  He takes a pill once a week to help with that.

Dinner tonight, not sure, time will tell. 

Posting tonight

Don't know what tomorrow will bring, going to have a cataract surgery tomorrow, so doing a short post tonight.

Wanted to show everyone reading my blog the wall hanging that I have just finished.  It is now hanging in my kitchen for the Winter.  We have a lot of cardinals coming to our feeder all year long.  

This is a collage, I purchased the pattern, and it was downloaded onto my computer.  Never done a collage before and thoroughly enjoyed the process.  Might get another if the picture is to my liking.

  

Bye for now.

Sunrise

Tuesday again and it's grocery shopping day.  The sun was just starting to rise, we could see the crescent moon in the clear sky as we walked into the store.  I counted only two other shoppers, while we were there and they were seniors.  

Burrr, it was brisk, temp indicated -4*C. my car was in the garage, so did not have to scrape the frost off the windows, it did, however, take a long time before the heat started to fill the car.  Just in time to get out at the store.

Hubby was busy yesterday at his daughter's house, she had a huge branch of a tree cut down as it was hanging dangerously over her house.  The tree removal service did a great job and was done in no time. All of the wood in now in the utility trailer ready to go to the recycle depot tomorrow afternoon.

My sister's new great grand daughter was suppose to be born yesterday, Mum was going to be induced as she has other health issues.  Will have to call later today to see how everyone is.

I received a disturbing e-mail from my long time (70 plus years) girl friend in the UK yesterday.  She advised she has cancer, however, the good news is surgery can remove it and it has not spread.  The bad news is when can she get into hospital with the Covid 19 pandemic everywhere.

Dinner tonight, chicken asparagus, rice, not sure what we will have for dessert.

Sunny and cold

 Up early this morning, lovely sunrise with sun and blue skies all day, however, the wind is cold.

Why was I up early?  I had the undercarriage of my car oiled, it keeps the rust from forming.  My car is a 2006, so it getting past it's prime but it still runs like clockwork and the oil must be working.....no rust.  Then I stopped at a local department store to pick up my vitamins and then to the garden center for a poinsettia.  The greenhouse was scarlet, pink and white all poinsettia's in bloom, very pretty.  Last year they had some big plants, no so this year, however, the one I got looks very nice in my living room.  Which colour do you like best, red, pink or white ?  As far as I am concerned it has to be red.  There was a sign that indicated all of their Christmas trees for all sold, so I must assume, because everyone is not going south or on a vacation somewhere, they are staying home and having a celebration in their own home. It's nice to see someone is making a living in these times.

 Lunch and then received a couple of phone calls that seem to last forever, but it was great talking to those callers.  Had not spoken to one in a long time, so it was especially nice to hear all of her news.

Puttering around this afternoon with some more Christmas decorating, house it looking a bit more festive now.  

 Dinner tonight leftovers, (the pork loin was delicious), dessert, not sure yet.

A better day

 After getting all of the "stuff" off my chest, I feel better today.  Thanks for listening.

Today is cloudy, with the sun trying to get through but so far not having much luck.  More of our snow melted yesterday, just patches left where the sun does not get to.  None in the immediate forecast either, which is fine with me.  It's cool, temp just above the zero mark, so wind blowing like it was yesterday, so feel not too bad.  

The Christmas Cactus is putting forth more blooms, please with the way it is looking this year, last time it bloomed there were only a couple of flowers.  Later in the week I plan I getting a poinsettia.  

Not much happening today, got everything that needed to be taken care of yesterday, so today I am in my sewing room.

Dinner tonight, pork loin, baked potato, rutabaga, will warm up some of the veg we had left over from last night's dinner and lemon poke cake.

 

Why bother

Move on, you may not want to read this from a miserable old lady,  

I am bitchy today, excuse the language,  it's one of those days when things are not  going just right, there is nothing wrong, but just not right.

It started yesterday, I got out some of the Christmas decorations, a wreath on the door, it is a beautiful one, so had to admire it when it  was up.  Happy.  Then the little tree, put on some lights and nice shiny balls and icicles.  Displayed some Christmas cards we have received already amongst some garland and more lights, looks OK.  Then I thought "why bother"  there is not going to be a Christmas,  No family get together, "why bother".  Looked in my cook books  for the Christmas shortbread I make, its the family's favorite cookie I make every year,  "why bother" no one will be eating them    I warned you, leave now.  

Then the toilet in the downstairs bathroom kept running and runny, for how long we don't know, I blame myself as I was the last one to use it.  It ran long enough for water to go everywhere, had to use the shop vac to suck up the water,  Hubby was ranting and raving, I admitted it could have been my fault and felt guilty as it could have ruined the floor.  He did not blame me. but I felt the words were  being directed to me  they made me feel very uncomfortable.   I  had had enough of that when I was married, it brought back some not so pleasant memories. Miserable. When I recall this I get weepy, it hurt years ago and the scars still hurt.

Today, Hubby was doing some plumbing work, I went to help, I do not know a lot about how tools work, more words, when I did not or  do what I was suppose to, "turn the screw at the end to open it".  What he was trying to do did not work so I started to write my Christmas cards, "why bother"..  

I am a social person, I need to talk to people, I go to the theatre with friends I worked with, we have been doing this for as many years as I can remember.  I used to go to a seniors exercise class, not any more.  I visit my family, my Hubbies family, they visit us, we visit his friends, my friends, my sister.  not any more.  I am "Virus fatigued" and everything just came to a head today.

 Not looking for sympathy, just venting, 

So I am going to forget that yesterday and today, never happened.  Tomorrow is another day, maybe things won't look as gloomy as the weather.

I start my eye drops in ready for surgery on Wednesday,  the sun is suppose to shine, maybe make some blueberry muffins.  Things should be better.  

  

Pink

 The sunset last night was the most beautiful one I have seen in a long time.  The entire western sky was PINK.  I took a couple of photo's but they do the real thing justice, so not going to show them.  It was the end of a day that was OK for the month of December.   A bit of sun, a bit of cloud and also a bit of wind that could be called a bite not a bit.  Temp all day was above the zero mark so a little more snow melted.

Did a few errands today, wheels retorqued from having my Winter tires put on, picked up some milk Fit later today, need to finish the quilting on my cardinal, should be done and ready to hang, maybe tomorrow.  Then I will take a photo of it and share.

Going to look though my cook books and on the internet for Christmas cookies, I usually do shortbreads which I will do again this year, but looking for something different.  Any suggestions?  What is your favorite Christmas cookie recipe, other than shortbread?  Obviously, we will not be having family over to eat them, so only going to make a couple and then freeze some, so that we have a supply of sweet treats during the holidays.

Have to contact my grandchildren to see what my great grands need in the line of clothes this year.  I suspect, as always none of them really need anything.  Toys are not on my list of things to buy them, that is up to Mum and Dad (oops Santa).  

Once my grands reach the age of 18, I do not give them anything for Christmas, what they wanted back then were things I knew nothing about, ie: electronics, and I could not afford to buy them for four.  All four are now married with spouses and doing very well.  I have two grandchildren, one 22 and one 18years,  I have been bending my "no gift after 18 rules" with them. Why? you might ask.   They have always been close to me, not just physically but emotionally too.  I was with their parents when they were put in their arms, thousands of miles away from home.  I looked after them when Mum and Dad were working shift hours to pay for all the expenses of adopting  them, internationally.  They are very smart, ambitious  and caring young ladies.  I give them some money to help with their educations for  University and College.  One is finishing her four year of Honor's B. Sc Biology and is starting her Masters in Sept.  The younger of the two, I believe I have mentioned before, has two pilot license and is going to attend College in Sept to become a pilot.  Don't get me wrong all of my grandchildren are special, each in their own way,

Well I should get this finished and do something.

Dinner tonight salmon, and we have a salad, so far, so have to decide what else we can have also need to think about dessert

Tracks

As mentioned in previous posts we live in an area where we have deer roaming free in everyone's back garden and in the wooded area across the street.  When we looked out the windows yesterday morning we could see the deer had paid us a visit.  It appears there might have been three nosing around in the garden looking for something to eat under the snow.  I mentioned to Hubby it would be interesting to see them at night through the lens of a motion sensor camera.  But, we really do not need one as we see them throughout the day.  This morning  a buck was walking down the road, as bold as could be, with his head held high and showing of his three pointer rack.   

Another sunny day and again cold.  it's 2*C but the wind is making it feel so much colder.  Water is, again dripping off the ice which formed yesterday on the roof.

Not much on the agenda today, plan on a walk after lunch, it might warm up a bit by then.  Then some sewing, there is nothing to do outside now, so plan on doing a lot more work in the sewing room in the coming weeks.

Hubby is puttering, do little odd jobs, turning of the water to the hoses, putting the bird bath upside down, it's is cement so do  not want it to crack with ice, snow and cold temps.  He is also putting his utility trailer away, we have nothing to go to the recycle depot anymore and it closes in a couple of days.

Dinner tonight lamp chops, mint sauce and left over veg from last night.  Made a .small batch of cupcakes yesterday, so we will have one for dessert.

Seven inches

After all the snow stopped falling on Monday and Tuesday, we had a total of seven inches.  More was expected over night but we had just a dusting.  Yesterday was windy, cold and snowy and today, how can two days be so different, we have beautiful blue skies and sunshine, its cold when out in the wind,  the sun has a bit of heat in it and the south facing portion of the roof has water dripping off of it.   Hubby had to removed the snow from the end of the driveway as the plough piled it there as it does every time the road is cleared.  He wanted to get it removed before it started to freeze later today.  It ends up being great big frozen clumps of snow which are difficult to remove. 

We put up some lights on the front porch and the balcony railings this morning.  I will start putting a few things up in the house in a week or two, also plan on buying a poinsettia then too.   Christmas is not Christmas if I don't have a poinsettia.  A couple of years ago, I kept one growing for two Christmas's, it was almost a tree, something happened, not sure what, however, it died.  Speaking about plants,  
we grow cherry tomato plants in pots during the Summer, in the Fall we cut the plant down and bring the pots inside, so they don't break during the cold weather.  They are stored in a cold room under our garage, this year I left the soil in the pots.  As we were looking for extension cords for the lights, we noticed one of the tomato plants had started to grow, so we moved it closer the window hoping it will grow string enough to be put outside in the Spring.  Time will tell.'

Dinner tonight, BBQ ribs, sweet potato and broccoli, dessert not sure.

Old Man Winter

 He hit with a vengeance starting last evening, and by all the warnings on TV and newspaper, we can expect snow, and blowing snow through today and into tomorrow morning.  At the time of writing this blog the time is, 11:00 a.m. and we have about five inches of snow on the ground, so we can expect at least that same amount to accumulate during the next hours. It is a wet snow that is clinging to all the branches etc, and it does look very pretty, if snow that deep can look pretty.

Hubby cleaned off the car so that we could do our early morning grocery shop and then had to do it again in the parking lot before we could drive home.  We were in the store for not quite an hour.  We are all stocked up for food for the next few days.  Once the snow removal equipment gets out on the streets and roads they will be relatively clear.   During a snow storm like this, the snow removal equipment usually do several passes, to keep the traffic moving.

Hubby will likely go out after lunch and start to clear the driveway, and he may have to do it again later in the day.  Thank goodness he has a snow blower to do the job.

I plan on sew this afternoon, I have lots in there to keep me busy

Dinner tonight chicken, baked potato, veg and not sure what dessert is tonight.  

Cloudy

 We have said good bye to the sunshine for several days, now it is dull and damp.  All the outside work done just in time.

Hubby is still working on the work bench in the garage, putting on new doors and installing shelves so there is more things can be stored in the cupboard.  "Stored?"  Read "stashed".  Like me, he hates to throw anything away, for your know "you might just need it someday",  however, I must admit he has been able to throw a lot of stuff into the recycle container this past week.  I am a "keeper" in the sewing room, and I must admit I do have a stash of small pieces of fabric.  Recently made a quilt from some of those pieces, I could make several more as I still have a lot left.  Once I have finished my grand daughter's quilt, that will be my focus during the Winter months.

I did work in my sewing room quite a bit yesterday and was able to get a lot done on the Cardinal collage wall handing I am currently making.  Love the way it is looking.  Photo to follow soon.

Not much on the agenda today, have just finished giving myself a manicure, I have my own nails, none of the stick on ones for me and I don't put nail polish on  my nails either.  My hands are so busy all the time it would be of no use to spend all that money and ruin them. When my grandchildren were married I went "all out" and had them done.   Do you have your own nails?  go to a salon to have them done?

Cleaned the bathrooms and after lunch going to give the microwave a good clean.

In the coming days I am going to write my Christmas cards. I send them to relatives and friends in the U.K. and relatives and friends here in Canada that I don't see on a regular basis.  I remember years and years ago, we used to send lots of cards.  An unsealed card could be posted for just pennies.  We would send and receive dozens of them, so many in fact, we would put up a string on opposite corners of the living room ceiling and display them there.  Do you send Christmas cards?

Dinner last night was lovely, and the best part there is enough left over for dinner tonight, so we have steak, au gratin potatoes, will have to do another veg.  Dessert.  fruit in jelly I think.  We had apple blossoms and ice cream last night.

Well that's me for today. 

Moon and Sunshine

 And sunshine we have, the sky is a beautiful clear blue with no clouds in sight.  The moon last night was  so bright we had shadows of the trees on the lawn and it lite up the rooms on the south side of the house.  I expected it to be very cold last night with the clear sky, but it only went down do 3*C.  All this beautiful weather will come to a screeching halt tomorrow, wet snow rain mix and cold temps and we might see some sun on Wed and Thurs.

Hubby and I usually have the same thing for breakfast day in and day out, last week we decided that on Sunday we would have a different breakfast.  Sunday last, we had scrabbled eggs, sausage and toast, today, blueberry pancakes and bacon   We will have a smaller lunch on these days.

Hubby was up early, he has to take some medication once a week and cannot lay down or eat for a period of time afterwards.  After our breakfast he went out to work on the work bench in the garage.  He is putting in some shelves underneath  for more storage.

What am I up to today, as mentioned above the sun in shining, shining on my dirty windows, so they are going to get a clean, likely the last one until Spring.  I do not use any commercial cleaner, corn starch, vinegar and water, and newspaper, always have nice clean streaky free window using this.   I do not like dirty windows, glass is suppose to be looked through and that cannot be done when they are dirty.  Next, a walk is also in order for today, can't miss being outside in this weather.  When dressed appropriately it is not cold.  Then I think some work done in the sewing room is also going to be done. 

Dinner tonight, Hubby is going to cook a steak on the BBQ, veg to be determined as well as dessert.

Must 

Bright but cold

 Finally we have some sunshine, it has been cloudy, dull and wet for too many days as far as I am concerned.  More energy today to get some things done.

Bedding currently swishing around the washing machine, then two more loads left to do.  No housework is wanting to be done today,  I do a bit every day, just to keep on top of it.  This is a big house for little old me to keep clean.  Kitchen, two bathrooms, three bedrooms (one is used for my sewing room), living room and dining room upstairs.  Two bedrooms, rec room, bathroom, laundry room and a big hall downstairs.

On going saga of computer order......received info stating the part Hubby wanted to receive right away, is now on back order, trying to get in contact with this someone is almost impossible.  I know they are likely busy and we are very impatient., but it is frustrating. Wait and wait some more.

The salmon we had for dinner last night was delicious.

Dinner tonight Swedish meatballs, in mushroom sauce and noodles.  Not sure what we are going to have for dessert.  

 

Late again

I do not know where the days go, we were up fairly early, breakfast, shower and bed made.  Hubby has been waiting for a part to repair his riding lawn tractor, however, the business he ordered from must be having issues getting it, as he has been waiting for a long time, so he decided to look on the internet for another supplier.  He found one in Ottawa, so we ordered the part plus two more items he needed.  He went that route as the business he usually deals with is going out of business at the end of the year, and wanted to find a company that he could get parts from if he needed any in the future.   

We are both getting up in years, two,  am fairly computer/internet savvy, able to get myself around both with little trouble, however, with Hubby it is a different story.  We went to the web site, it was not easy to navigate, but found the parts he needed, then proceeded to order them.  He does not have a lot of patients with the internet, however, order placed and paid for with just a couple of hiccups.  Received confirmation and then an e-mail which indicated the part that he rally wanted is on back order with that company too.  So it is still a waiting game.

I worked in the sewing room this afternoon

Last night I went to my quilting guild meeting, masks, social distances, temps and tracing information were all in effect.   We now rent a hall that can provide all of the necessary precautions, in the past we have met in each others homes, but that does not work now due to the virus.  We had a good meeting  with lots of new quilts to ooh and ahh over.  A short business meeting in which we discussed the block of the month for our comfort quilts.  I mentioned before but here it is again,  members are paired  up and those two people choose a colour combination and a month of the year.  Then each member makes a 12 inch block in those colours for that particular month.  Then the paired members put the block together to makes a comfort quilt, is then donated to a local hospital for the chemo patients.  They get to keep those quits.  We have donated many quilts each year, but sad to say, they are always needed.

Dinner tonight, baked salmon, stuffed mushrooms, rice, left over broccoli, (thank goodness for the microwave). lemon poke cake and ice cream for dessert.

Rain

 We had rain overnight and mild temps which have melted all of our snow, ready for more when it comes.  But being damp it feels colder than the actual temp of 9*C.  Can't complain, it could be worse.

Did not do much yesterday, just the normal household routine and some sewing.  Hubby is getting into a new routine, breakfast and then reading the paper.  Then doing a chore, if necessary, outside.  He is waiting now  for the ground to dry up so that he can put stakes and burlap around our shrubs to protect them from the snow and deer.  .I saw a big buck in the field across the street from us yesterday, I am sure he is looking for a mate, at they do at this time of the year.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my U. S. readers, whatever you decide to do I hope it is something to keep you, your loved ones and everyone you are in contact with safe.

My Christmas cactus is full of buds, should be out soon, just a bit early but that is OK.  I also have a dragon cactus, it is suppose to have pink flowers, no sign of any.  Also trying to get my African Violet   to bloom, any hints you can give me.

If the facility where we have our quilting meetings is still allowing us to do so, I will go to our guild meeting tonight.  We fill out a form with all of the necessary information, have our temp taken and everyone wears a mask, so feel safe going.

Dinner tonight left over pasta casserole, salad and broccoli, made a chocolate mousse dessert yesterday, two portion left, so dessert all sorted too.

Damp and dank

 The two words that describe today, it is also cold, I do not these days of November, too depressing and I have no energy.  But, there are things that need to be done, so plod on through the day.

So what is on the agenda for today, lets see,   I try to do a deep clean of something every day, so it will be the drawers that holds all of the cutlery,  food wraps and the dish cloths and towels.  I dont know how the cutlery drawer gets all the  bits of stuff that seem to collect in there.  The two other drawers just need to be organized a bit, then they are done. Then there is all the daily jobs that need to be done, make the bed, clean the bathrooms, lunch, dinner, dishes....... woman's work is never done!

I then need to make a block for the quilt that I did not get done yet, and also work on my collage.

Hubby is replacing the carbon monoxide detector, it started beeping this morning, not to warn us, but it indicates it needs to be replaced.  Which we have done, however, it keeps on beeping even though it has been disconnected from the power.  He is now looking for the information in his files, to see how to shut it off completely and also how we are suppose to dispose of  it.

This brings back a memory..... when my late husband was alive he had a '57 pink and white Desoto, and it was kept in the garage, he would start it during the Winter months, (never was it out in rain or snow) just to keep the fluids moving.  So when he passed I did the same thing until I sold it.  It was a late November evening cold and still. and as he used to do, I opened the garage door about two feet and started the car and let it run for about 15-20 minutes.  Turned it off, closed the door and went inside for the evening of TV watching.  After about an hour the carbon monoxide detector started blasting.  Not knowing what would be causing it and not taking any chances, I called 911 as we all have been instructed to do.  I was told to go outside and stay there until the fire department arrived.  Three fire engines, sirens going and lights flashing and  8 - 10 firemen arrived at my house.  They hooked up their fans to removed the fumes, however, unbeknownst to me they unplugged my bar fridge and everything  thawed out, ending up with water all over the place.  Apparently due to the air being so still, there was not enough air movement to removed the fumes from the garage and over time they seeped into the house through the storm and wooden doors.   Had to go and buy a new one as once one has been activated it does not work properly.  They work people, buy one and install, it saved me from becoming desperately ill or dying.  

Not sure what is for dinner tonight.

  

It's going

 A lot of the snow we had has now melted due to the 6*C weather we had yesterday.  Today we had some early morning sunshine, but it did not last long, however, more of that white stuff melted.  Tomorrow Wed, we are forecast rain, so do not see the snow lasting much longer.

Grocery day, and again we went early in the morning, only one person shopping other than us.  The mall is in a senior houses complex, so I think the snowy, slippery ground, and the cold temps are keeping people inside.  I believe I mentioned previously, we buy several of something that is on sale, but only if it is something we use.  We have a cold room, cupboard, fridge and a freezer all full of food, so next week we will not do a full shop, only milk, eggs fresh fruit and veg.  If someone came in the house they would think we were expecting all the stores to close for at least a month or more, so we are going to start using our store cupboard food.

Today I did the kitchen job I  hate  to do......clean the oven.  It is a self cleaning oven and I have never used that feature, good old elbow grease is my method.  The oven door comes off, that really did make the job so much easier.  (Do you have a job that you just hate doing ?)   Now it is spic and span, ready for me to bake a few Christmas cookies, it not Christmas for me, if I don't bake cookies.  Will not be doing my regular shortbread cookie  recipe, it makes so many, and there will not be any one to eat them, so what is the point.  I do have other recipes that are just as good and results in fewer cookies.  Do you bake special cookies only at Christmas?  What is your favourite? 

Working on my collage wall hanging, loving the way it is looking so fsr.

Dinner tonight was chicken, baked potato and asparagus.  Butterscotch pudding for dessert.

Five Inches

 When I took this photo last night it was still snowing a little bit, it was  a snow that came straight down, no wind, so I am going to say those five inches was a true amount of snow we had.

This is the amount on our patio table.

It is beautiful outside this morning, and it is melting as the temp is above zero.   All of it will be gone in a few days, high temps of 10*C  and rain mid week.   

Hubby was up and shoveled the snow off of the driveway, which is a long one I must add.  We can  easily park eight cars on it.  It is cement so an easy job to remove the snow.  

We usually have the same breakfast every day, however, on Saturday, we decided to have a big breakfast on Sundays,  Yesterday we had scrambled eggs sausage, toast and jam, orange juice and coffee. We both enjoyed it very much.  Next week I think we will be having blueberry pancakes. 

The blueberry pancakes remind me of our first vacation together.  We had only known each other for three months and he asked me, if I would like to go to British Colombia to see his brother.  I had never been there, so why not.   We travelled through the U.S. before heading to B.C.  In one of the hotels we stayed at they served the most delicious blueberry pancakes I had ever eaten.  Unfortunately I cannot remember exactly where that was.   We were gone for almost three weeks and can say we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.  Saw and did so many things we had never seen or done before.  We had a lovely visit with his brother and SIL and travelled home through Canada.  

 Did not do much yesterday, a lazy day watching some programs we had recorded some time back,

Cooked a lovely roast beef dinner, and took out of the freezer some of the lemon poke cake I make last week.  It always increases in flavour after being in the freezer.  Hubby loves anything lemon.  

Today is an easy dinner.................leftovers.

I am going in the sewing room this afternoon.  did not get there yesterday.  I need to make a block for our guilds chemo quilt, our meeting is on Thursday.

That's all for me today.

Sunday snow outside my window.

 It started at 6:30 a.m. this morning and the forecast is indicating it will not stop until later this evening.  It looks beautiful from the inside out, however, still not fond of it.  

Outside my window dining room today.  I took the photo at 11:45a,m, oops need to change the time on my camera.  Hubby says we have about three inches now, I see some snow removal happening in the near future. Just got all the leaves gathered up in time, any left now will hopefully be all decomposed by Spring.

Slow day today, I plan on doing some sewing, a want to start on a collage that I purchased on line.  

Dinner tonight roast beef with all the trimmings, so that we will have some left overs for tomorrow.  I get tired of thinking what to cook for our dinner, going out to a restaurant is out of the question for us right now.  Don't want to jinx our  run of avoiding the virus, for the sake of a meal that could easily be prepared at home.  Do you get in a rut trying to decide what to prepare for your meals?  Any ideas on how to perk up those lazy taste buds?

Just wrote a long e-mail to my long time friend in England, so glad we both have computers, the postage is quite expensive for snail mail.  I should start writing my Christmas cards, I do make the effort to contact all of my relatives in England, albeit only at Christmas and on their birthdays if I know that information.  There are not too many left there anymore as they are all getting elderly and the new generations that are now there I have never met, so they are strangers to me.  Photo's of new husbands and wives, children and grandchildren mean nothing.

Well that is all from me today.

  

Missed Thursday.and Friday

 Yesterday and Thursday were both beautiful days, sunny with a high temps of 16*C and 18*C, after the snow we had earlier this week this felt so nice.  Today, was cloudy and cool.

Because the weather was so nice both days, windows were open and I washed sheer curtains and cleaned windows.  Have a couple of windows left to do, feels good to get all that is done and I can see out of the windows a bit clearer now 

Went for a nice long walk both days, however, did not go for one today, house work and laundry done, and went to the fabric shop to get some Steam a Seam for a new project I am going to start  hopefully tomorrow.  It is a collage of a cardinal, the bird.  I bought it from a web site that I follow and thought it was a lovely picture and just had to have it.  We have a lot of birds come to our feeders and the cardinal is always there.  I plan on making a wall hanging out of it and will put it in my kitchen. Will show  picture of it when it is done.

I said I was lazy today, so all we had for dinner was hot dogs, beans and a salad with a apple blossom and ice cream for dessert.

Quieter morning

We had a lot of snow yesterday which was blown around by the high winds, sometimes it looked like a blizzard. could not see anything.  Sun looks as if it shine and the temp is climbing above the zero mark.

Housework day yesterday, need to do some more today, my house is not dirty or untidy, but I need to know that it has been cleaned every once in awhile.  The bathrooms and kitchen, of course, get more attention than the rest of the house.  

Just downloaded the pattern and information of a collage wall hanging, I debated for a few days before doing it, and then decided it was a late birthday gift.....for me.....from me.  It a picture of a cardinal, the bird, not the religious one.   We have a lot of these coming to our feeders throughout the year, so thought it fitting to make this small wall hanging.  It will only be about 14 - 16 inches square when it is finished so just the right size for the hanging bracket I have in the kitchen.  Looking forward to assembling the fabrics later today.  Currently making the block for our quilting guild's chemo quilt for the month of November.  Still working on my grand daughters quilt also.

Speaking of my granddaughter, she is the youngest of my grand children, and she was enrolled in aviation collage, however, due to the COVID her year was cancelled.  She is a member of her local Canadian Air Cadets, (a bragging moment, she is 18 years old and already has two pilot licenses) .  Back to what I was going to write, she and three other cadets are doing a survival camping weekend.  Sleeping, cooking and eating everything outside, except for the toilet necessities.  They also have to visit historical places throughout the two days and I assume write a report on everything they do.  All this is to hopefully received the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a scholarship.   All I can say is, I hope the weather improves for them.

Well should get myself moving.

Dinner tonight, pork shops, applesauce, broccoli, salad and lemon poke cake.  Hubby's favourite.

Snow

 Woke this morning to a white landscape........snow.   Most of the winds we get come from the West and to reach us they need to go over Lake Huron,   At this time of the year there is no ice forming on the Lake and the winds pick up moisture, when the winds blow the clouds, they are called "streamers" we end up with the snow falling on us.  One minute, as of right now, we can hardly see across the street, then a few minutes later the streamer has moved through and we might have blue skies and sunshine.  If we get stuck under a long, wide streamer we could have snow for hours and of course it accumulates on the ground.  This weather is suppose to be with us for today, tomorrow and Thursday warmer temps and all this willl melt.  On Saturday, we are suppose to have rain.  A mix bag, for sure.

Groceries early this morning,  the store was very quite, I think the weather kept the normal number of shoppers away.

Not much happening here today, Hubby had hoped to do some work outside but that certainly will not be done today.  

Our guild has a challenge every year,  for 2020 we had to use the title of a song we liked, make a quilt of our choice to show the song we chose.  It was to be a secret, at our last meeting we had a reveal and members had to guess the title of the song depicted.  We had to use the musical note fabric somewhere in our quilt.   Can you guess mine?   Sorry for the fold in the middle.

Dinner tonight, our regular chicken from the grocery store, asparagus, and a salad.  Still have some of the chocolate mousse left for dessert.

Calmer

Yesterday was a wild day weather wise, very windy bringing down trees and branches, causing power outages.  We did not have any problems except for a few small branches blown down and ....leaves from other properties all over the areas we have just cleared.    The rain gauge indicated we had 3/4 of rain over night.

I started writing this early this morning and just getting back to finish it at 7:00pm.

Hubby had an appointment at the Dr. to have a little growth removed from the back of his neck, he has to go back in two weeks to get the stitches removed.   He then started to clean out a drawer, it contained everything under the sun, quite a daunting task, he only finished part of it.   He is planning on doing a lot of this sorting out in the days, weeks and months ahead.    He was a teacher and has kept all of his teaching test books and materials he used.  They have not be looked at for a long time, so he thinks its time  he did something about them/

I did some sewing, so a quite day for both of us.

Had a facetime with my eldest great grand son  (10) today, he has am app. that can change his facial features, so funny to look at.  We had a nice chat.

Dinner tonight, beef on a bun, salad, squash and chocolate mousse for dessert.

Done and Dusted

 Today we finished picking up all the leaves, another ten large paper garden bags off to the recycle.  We recycle the bags, emptying them and bring them home again for a refill and that will not be done until the weeds are pulled from the gardens in the Spring.

There was ice in the bird bath this morning and the temp went down to -1*C, there was a beautiful sun rise and we had a lovely sunny day, albeit  cold.  It might be the last sunny day we see, as rain is forecast for tomorrow and the "S" word, for the first couple days next week.  Getting my Winter tires put on, on Thursday.

We got our "high dose" flu shot yesterday, so we should be OK for the flu, if it starts going around.  We have always received it and thankfully we have never got the flu so hope it is the same for this year.  Reports in the paper are expecting fewer than normal cases this Fall and Winter, due to more people wearing masks, distancing six feet and staying in their homes. 

Tomorrow is my birthday, 79 years old, how it that happen.  I am so grateful for being healthy, (I do have high blood pressure though) but meds keep that under control.  I do not feel that old, well.....maybe the morning after I overdid  some work the previous day, but other than that I am good.  Once I get my eyes done in the next couple of weeks I should be as good as new.

Dinner tonight was salmon, mushrooms, broccoli, and kale salad.   Fruit in jelly for dessert.  

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.

Yesterday was a wet day, .....no not rain........ when I went to wash my hands at 7:30a.m I discovered there was no hot water, going to check out what might be the problem I found waster all over the furnace room floor.  The water heater had sprung a leak.  Using the wet vac I started to suck up the waster, however, now the heater is leaking faster than I could pick it up.  Called Hubby to found out where I could find the telephone number for the service company.  (You have to remember I have only been in this house for five years and we have never had a problem like this before, and he keeps all of this information in a file in his desk),  thus the reason for calling him.   Called,  they would be here between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.  that is not acceptable I said, so now got a time for he will be there in 15 mins.  And he was, very helpful young man, a new heater would be installed early afternoon.   And it was.  we now have hot water.   We are a spoiled society, can you believe I had to boil water in the kettle to be able wash the lunch dishes.   I can't remember how many times I automatically turned on the hot water tap.

We were going to have a stew for dinner, however, it did not happen as I did not have time to get it ready so it would have been edible later in the day.   Found some ham in the freezer, so it was ham, beans and biscuits and it was quite good.  Tonight we had the stew.

This afternoon we got our flu shot. we were able to get the "high dose" designed for those people over 65 years of age.  It is four times as effective as the regular dose, so feeling good about that.

We take a vitamin for our eye health, and originally purchased it in our local drug store, but while shopping at a well known department store I found the same brand a lot cheaper than what we were getting at the drug store.  We were getting low so purchased some at the dept store.  the price $11.47 on special,   at the drug store when we were getting our shot, the price was $23.99.  ????   

Cool day today, cloudy and the air felt damp, so feeling a lot colder than the actual temp.

Phone calls

Today, so far I have received three calls from "Visa" telling me my card has been compromised and it is only 7:50a.m.   Yesterday I had the same thing happen, get a bit sick and tired of answering the phone just to get this garbage.  I know my card is safe and if it wasn't Visa would not be calling me like this.

Don't know wy but my post from yesterday appears not to have been posted, sAgaino I did again.

Lovely sunny day, but a lot cooler, a big contrast from earlier in the week,  it was suppose to happen sooner or later, it's November isn't it.

Today is my eldest grand daughters birthday, 33 years old.  She is a lovely girl, married for the past 10 years, and lives in the city I left when I moved in with Hubby.

We can almost say our leaf gathering is almost over as most of the trees are void of their leaves, the only ones we will have now are those that blow from other properties, until the snow start to fly.

Hubby's daughter is having a large tree removed from her back garden this morning, it is dying and is a danger to buildings on the next doors property and building.   It is an expensive undertaking, but it has to be done by professionals in the trade and it will likely be cheaper in the long run, if it ever came down on the large building. 

Dinner tonight, I am going to put the makings for a stew in the slow cooker shortly, so that is the mest and veg all taken care of.  Might just make some biscuits too. 

He did it....

For the past 17 years my Hubby has been driving a bus for disabled people, taking them to work, shopping, appointments etc.  He is a "para transit drive" for a company that runs school buses, school purpose vans, taxi and limousines.   He has been off work since mid March due to the virus, now the company has change the requirements   for anyone to be off work due to the pandemic, he does not fit in any of those categories now, so it was either go back to work, which he was not too willing to do, due to the increased cases we have in our city or retire.   He chose the latter.  I am happy about that as a 79 year old man who does not need the money, should not be getting up at 4:00 a.m. to go to work, and come home at 5:00p.m.  This is the longest we have been in each others company since we have been living together.  He major concern was keeping himself busy,  but he has not had any trouble doing that so far, however, Winter is coming and there will be nothing to do except remove snow.   He is a reader, and as he was a school teacher, I suggested he look into tutoring, as there are lot of children doing work from home and could use a little help.  Time well tell.

My trip to the eye clinic yesterday went well.  Now have to wait until Dec. to get my right eye done.

It seems all I talk about these days is leaves, yes we picked up for leaves today and took them to the depot.  The last couple of times we have been there it has been busy, and a police officer has been directing traffic because there are so many people going into and coming out onto the road.  As we went in today one of the staff was counting the number of vehicles  going in, we were number 735 for today so far at that was at 3:30p.m.  Yesterday she told us the count was over 3,000 vehicles.  

Dinner tonight:  store bought meat balls in a mushroom sauce with fettuccini noodles and asparagus, it was very good.

Sunshine

Up early today, grocery day for us.  At the store by 7:05 a.m. and home, groceries put away and now we are ready to start the day.

The morning clouds are beginning to fade away, and the sun is now shining to what promises to be another lovely day.  The lawns that were clear of leaves when it got dark last night are now all covered with leaves again......a never ending story, however, we are beginning to see the end in sight as only a few leaves are still on the trees.

I belong to a quilting guild and it has been meeting for 20 years, I have only been a member for about 12 or 13 years.   We were planning on have a big celebration last month but that did not happen.  Back in the early Spring we decided to have an anniversary challenge., a round and round quilt.  The first block was to be of our own choice and every month there after we were given an element that had to go into the next round.  The big reveal was last month.   Below is a photo of mine.  I wanted a throw for our sofa, so used the colours in it to make my quilt.  The final result was bigger than I had hoped but still happy with how it turned out.  All I have to do now is send it off to get it quilted, which I hope will be done late this month.

Somewhere in the quilt we had to insert something that had "20" in it.  The leaves on the branches total 20 and also the points on the corner paper piecing.

Dinner tonight, chicken veg and salad.

Almost missed

I did miss posting yesterday, it was just too nice to stay inside.  We were up fairly early and started on picking up leaves, yes leaves again.  We had a full load and took it to the depot.  We had our lunch outside, it was lovely sitting in the sun while we ate.........and watched more leaves fall.   lol.  We decided, no more work for today, and the temp was in our favour, 22*C, so we got the convertible out of the garage and went for a drive with the top down.  Our local hospital system has two fund raising lotteries, one in the Spring and a second at this time of the year.  The grand prize is the choice of one of two homes or a million dollars.  Usually they have tours of the homes, however, because of, you know what, that could not happen now, all we can do is drive by and look at the interior on line.   We drove by the first home, OMG, who needs a home that big.  Not I.  On to the second home, it is all on one floor, off to a good start, however, the view from the street is two garage doors, a small alcove to the front door and a window.  No thanks.  They are both in subdivisions, the view is houses across the street and houses across the back of the property.  So close together I am sure you could hear your neighbour talking.  We like our park like setting where we are, so our choice would be the money,   But.....our ticket has to be drawn.

We must have worked hard yesterday, as we both slept in, so a late start to the day.  Hubby has a big decision to make so we discussed that in length, then lunch.    Duplicate weather today as yesterday, and yes, you guessed it, leaves and a load to the depot.   I went for my walk and the day was just about done outside, I hate these early evenings, but it is going to get worse before it get any better.

Grocery day in the morning and in the afternoon I go for the measurements and testing for my eyes ready for surgery next month.  The clinic is an hour and half drive so the whole afternoon will be taken up by that.  In Dec. the same trip for the right eye.

Tonight's dinner was Swedish meatballs in mushroom sauce, potato and salad.  Delicious if I do say so myself.  

November???

I cannot believe the weather we are having, it is beautiful and wish it would last, but unfortunately there is a change coming next week.  In the meantime I am going to enjoy it while it is here.

 Laundry day, even washed the bed pillows today and cleaned the garage floor of all the leaves that have blown in.  Plan on going for a walk, this time to the grocery store for some milk, for some reason we seem to have used more than we usually do.  It is not all that far away, but will take my time and enjoy the sunshine.   I live in an area which is all inclines and valleys, so matter which way I walk there is going to be an up hill climb coming or going.  Good exercise for the legs.

Hubby is at his daughters moving her rose bushes, they up against a building which belongs to her next door neighbour and it is going to be demolished soon, so she wants the roses moved so they do not get destroyed.  She has a lot of roses, so it will take some time.

Not much else going on today,

Dinner to night, steak on the BBQ, baked potato with butter and sour cream, salad and not sure what is for dessert.  

Another one

Beautiful day that is.. yes we have blue skies and it is beautiful, temps so nice we do  not need a sweater of jacket.

 I cancelled my dentist appointment as my tooth retracted back into the gum, so for now it is  not giving any problems, however, I am sure it has not finished coming and going and eventually it will have to come out.  In the mean time it is all good now.  I hate dentists with a passion. 

Hubby is out picking up the neighbours leaves again today, a never ending job at the present time, more leaves have yet to come down so he will be doing it for awhile yet. 

I will be going for a nice long walk after lunch, cannot stay inside today.

The salmon we had for dinner last night was really nice, we always enjoy it.  Also did some stuffed mushrooms too, they were also very good, if I do say so myself.

Dinner tonight, well have not even thought of it yet, but should do that soon.

Not much happening today, so will chat tomorrow.

Started....

Late yesterday I started a post but that was as far as it got.   Back here this morning to begin a new one and hopefully get it finished.

Yesterday was such a beautiful day, blue skies and  a high temp of 19*C.  Was outside most of the day, must take advantage of these days as they are going to be few and far between shortly.

Late Tuesday afternoon we had a load of leaves and garden waste to take to the recycle depot.   Do you know anyone who goes to a recycle depot and comes home with more than you took.  Well, if you consider me someone you know through this blog, then you DO know someone.  As I said we went to the depot and they had a huge pile of wood chips free for the taking.  So we filled the bags, ten of them with the chips.  Yesterday morning we spread them over the gardens, however, needed more to complete the job, so went back for more, only this time some bush branches had been piled in front of them, so we had to work hard to fill another ten bags.  Came home, spread them and now we have a nice neat and tidy, and I must say a good looking garden.  

In the afternoon I picked up leaves once again, as did Hubby in the next door neighbours yard, so It will likely be another trip to the recycle depot again soon.  We could put them out at the curb for pick up, however, we reuse the bags, so go and dump them ourselves.  Where you live, do you have a recycle program in place for garden waste?  I do have two compost bins, one is currently full and doing 
its" thing, and the second was emptied in the Spring, so still working on filling it.  It cannot accommodate all of the waste we have, so thankful we can take the excess to the depot.  Just wish  they would sell the compost to customers, but they don't.

 I have a hair cut appointment this afternoon, it really does not look long, however, it gets to a point where I can't get it to do what I want it to.

Hubby received a call yesterday from his work, now he is having to think about actually retiring officially, or going back to work.  I hope he decides the first option.  It is his decision but I have contributed several reasons I believe he should call it a finish.  But.......

Dinner tonight, salmon, mushrooms, rice, and salad, fruit for dessert.  

Here today gone tomorrow

That is what I could say yesterday about the snow, as most of it melted, thank goodness,  however, now we have to pick up leaves, once again.  A never ending job.  I have been leaving my marigolds in the garden as hey are so colourful, however, after being laden down with the snow they  now need to come out, the Hosta and  Day Lilly leaves can be trimmed.   When it warms up later this week I am going to vacuum the garage, all the leaves have been blowing in and eventually get onto the kitchen door mat. 

Got our groceries during the senior hour this morning, there are more staff than customers at 7:00 a.m. which is nice as it does not very long to get what we need, only downside is the veg,. and seafood departments are not stocked.  Tuesday, is chicken day, there is a special on the BBQ chicken, so when Hubby goes to get that he usually stops and gets some salmon and any veg I was not able to get in the morning.  

Hubby has been off work since the middle of March,  (he does not need to work, he was a teacher so has a great pension and has been able to save a good amount during he working years),  due to the virus, he age and being exposed to a number of people of all walks of life.  He was not planning on retiring as he thought he would have nothing to do.  Well, he seems to enjoy reading the morning newspaper, and has been finding lots of jobs to do,  and he has indicated to me he "is retired", but not really officially with the company he works for.  I believe he is waiting until the end of the year to hand in his letter.  

We have some sunshine and clouds today, and the forecast for the balance of the week is looking absolutely fantastic, just have to get over today's clouds.

Dinner tonight, BBQ chicken, veg and salad, dessert sugar free chocolate pudding, (it is quite good).

Wild and Wintery

 Yesterday the north west  wind was very strong and cold, when this happens it blows across Lake Huron picks up moisture which eventually becomes snow and "streamers" of this snowy weather reach for hundreds of miles, us included.  We therefore had a wild day and night.

Watching TV last night at 10:05 our power went off, a tree had blown over the power lines just across the street from us.  Hydro crews were there fast and within the hour the tree was down, chipped and taken away and we had power again.  We were surprised more trees and limbs were not down on our property, as a lot of the leaves are still on the trees, and with the snow on them there is a lot of weight on the branches.  Maybe the wind blew the majority of the snow off before any damage could be done.

Woke this morning to temps -0.2*C and everything covered in a good layer of snow.  The wind is still blowing but certainly not a bad as last night.  Peaks of sunshine indicate the day will improve as forecasted. The forecast is looking absolutely lovely, sunshine and temps up in the mid to high teens for the balance of the week.   My Father always said we had to have snow before we got "Indian Summer", well he was right this year.  Just a thought, why do they call it "Indian Summer" anyway?

The property looks quite nice,  (if snow can be nice), the white ground and all of the coloured leaves still on the trees, white covered branches, pretty.  Ask me how pretty snow is when we have several feet of it piled at the end of the driveway and the temp is down to -15*C.  

Dinner tonight is leftover night, we have a few ribs, some shaved beef, squash, salad so its all done. Dessert is a diet chocolate milk pudding.   Thank goodness for the microwave oven and my toaster over, don't know what I would do without both of them.  They are so handy for warming up left overs,  I use the toaster oven in the Summer, so at not to heat up the kitchen.  

Rain

 Another 1/2 in of rain fell overnight and it is very windy.  

After all of the leaves Hubby picked up yesterday, our lawns looked very nice, however, this morning they are covered again.  He had to quit doing the neighbor's property yesterday because the lawn tractor was not working properly.  He is currently trying to see what the problem is so he can fix it.  You Tube was not much help to him this morning apparently, and the manual that came with it is not much help either.  Looks as if it might be an all day job.

We did not have any children around last night for Halloween, but that is nothing new, as we live on a street that is quite dark even though we have a lot of lights and the houses are far apart from each other.  Most children, on a "normal" Halloween stay in their subdivision, so suspect that what was done a bit more cautiously last night.  There were "drive bys" in place around the city yesterday afternoon, children dressed up in their costumes and were driven by organizations that were giving away candy etc.  A good idea in his day with the virus.

No sure what we care going to have for dinner tonight, I get brain dead sometimes trying to figure out what to have, it just seems we have the same thing week after week.  Do you find that, that happens to you or do you have a full recipe book full of ideas you use.?  What are you have for dinner tonight?

Should get moving, today is going to be a long day, due to the clocks going back an hour last night.   I call it Winter yet lag.

clocks back tonight

Today is the last day of day light saving time, we gain one hour of sleep tonight.  I hate the thoughts of it getting dark so early it makes a long evening.

 Laundry and housework, took some leaves to the recycle depot, and I went for my walk.  Had to bundle up again the wind was quite chilly. Thanks goodness we did not have a repeat of yesterday afternoons weather. snow flurries.

Not much else happening today.

Dinner tonight, BBQ ribs, cauliflower and salad, Hubby will have dessert I am not having any tonight, starting early to not eat any to see if it helps with my weight loss.  I did have a lighter lunch today also and will continue for the month of November.

Eyes

 Saw my eye surgeon yesterday,  in a couple of weeks I go for measuring and testing, then in Dec. my right eye will be operated on.  Then in Jan. the left eye will be done, then I should be able to see properly without my glasses for seeing in the distance.  Will need them for reading and close work, but I can live with that

Cloudy, sun, windy and cold, that is the mixture of weather today, and we might as well include some possible rain or heaven forbid some wet snow flakes.   Leaves will be needed to be picked up today for sure.

Update:  Just came back from my walk and it was  cold, I was  dressed for the weather so I was OK.  However, no sooner had I arrived back in the house, it started to snow not flakes but the small pebble's.  The grey clouds look as if they could hold more snow too.

Hubby is all bundled up and is picking up some of the leaves that fell during the past couple of days.  

Something hot and warming the body for dinner tonight, I bought some beef for a stew earlier in the week, so that will be on the menu for tomorrow.  

Dinner tonight: meat balls in sauce, butternut squash, potato and salad.  Not sure what is for dessert tonight.