Between Seasons

It is summer during the day, with lovely sunshine and warm temps, however, nights now seem so much cooler and taking longer in the morning to warm up.  

So what have I been up to this week!

Andre Reiu concerts in his home town square are filmed and shown in cinemas all over the world. A matinee film presentation was being shown in a local city, so decided to go and see it.  As always I was not disappointed.

As this day is also my DD2 birthday, how did she get that old!!   I visited her in the later afternoon and as SIN was preparing her birthday dinner, I was asked to join them.  Lovely dinner "J"

The next couple of days were at home days, time for some housework.  My ex had surgery and is doing well, however, it will mean some health issues will not be resolved.

Thursday, I had lunch with a couple of friends.  As it was such a lovely day, we picked up a delicious sandwich and made our way to a local park for a picnic.  Lots of lovely conversations, put the world to right and also had a discussion for another get together.

Friday another home day, however, did go for a walk to get limbered up for the following day. 

Saturday.

The management of the complex I live in arranged for the residents, who wanted to, to do a walk to raise fund for the hospice in the city.  I decided to take part and was able to raise an okay amount of money from friends and family who had sponsored me.  The walk was almost 5 km's to a local park and back home again.  Once at the park everyone was treated to a BBQ and a drink.  Those who walked to the park but did not want to do the walk back were given a ride in a shuttle bus.  The weather was perfect, sunny with a few clouds, not hot and a nice breeze, so it was a pleasant walk. 

That evening DD1 was having an early birthday dinner, I was invited to join, so drove to another city and had a nice dinner with her and some family members.

Glad to get home and get to bed that night.

As you can probably guess Sunday was a lazy day for me.  Did s little hand sewing and not much else.

Have a great day

Cheers

 

 

Labour Day Holiday Weekend

 This weekend is often seen as the last day of summer, however, we still have some very nice sunny warms days in September.  This weekend is lovely, as the heat, humidity, rain and storms we have had  recently are now gone.  Skies are blue and the air is warm and clear.

Most of the children will be returning to school on September 8th. depending on the school district, some have already started, others  will be a few days.  Back into a regular routine, which I know parents will be grateful for.

My quilt guild meeting was held on Wednesday last week, it was nice to see everyone.  Not many quilts for show and tell were shown, everyone must have had a very busy summer.  We decided to continue making quilts for the organizations as we have done in the past.  One member suggested we have demonstrations at our meetings to re acquaint the members of different methods of making blocks.  Everyone agreed that it was a good idea.

Yesterday, I went to a Pioneer Village, where a textile fair was being held.  I had not been to the village before so thought it was something interesting to see, especially the textile fair too.  I had an enjoyable day.  Interesting demonstrations showing the process of making linen from flax, and yarn from wool,  Also, the dying and bleaching of both.  I worked on a loom and saw tatted lace being made.  So glad I went.

Tomorrow I will be going to a local cinema to watch Andre Rieu's concert which was filmed in Maastricht earlier in the summer.  His Johann Strauss orchestra tours world wide, but every summer he returns to his home town to play in the Vrijthof, where it is filmed and presented in cinemas.

Later in the day I will be visiting DD2 as it is her birthday.  The years have just flown by since she was a premature baby, weighing 4 lbs. 10 oz.  I won't tell you how old she is now, as it makes me feel old, it's only a number anyway, isn't it.

As I was out all day yesterday, some things need to be done here at home, so better get to it.

Have a great day

Cheers.

Pinch, Punch the First of the Month

The air has changed, and just like magic it feels like autumn has begun.  The days do not have the blistering heat and the nights are cooler and drawing in faster.  I love this time of the year, however, we all know it brings in the cold days of winter. Winter is not my favorite season.

One of the flowering plants on my balcony is looking a little worse for ware, even it knows its life will be soon coming to an end.  It is an annual so it is expected.  In the spring I bought a small potted rose, the flowers are a lovely orange colour, sorry don't know it's name.  I did not expect it to produce any more flowers that it had, however, it has given me lovely blooms throughout the summer and still more buds are showing every day.  Later, I will give to DD2 to put in her garden.

University and college students are moving into their dorms or other accommodations, some of them a little scared of  leaving familiar friends and of course family.  But, also looking forward to be starting a new chapter of their life.

The younger students looking forward to next week, when they will be meeting a new teacher and being with their friends.  A daily routine which I am sure is welcomed by parents.

A slower week for me.  I did see the movie "Tony" with a friend.  It was a story of Anthony Bourdain when he was nineteen years old.  It was an okay movie, the "F" word was used far too much for me, as it did nothing to help the story line.  In his later life he was a chef, and also had a show on TV which I enjoyed watching.   Unfortunately his life ended much too soon.

Tomorrow the monthly meetings for my guild start up again after a two month summer break.  I have done very little sewing during July and August, however, now will be doing some finishing work of two quilts that are in the process of being made.  I also want to start on another fabric picture, this one will be flowering cherry trees.  That's my plan anyway, it usually changes as I work on something like this.

Have a great day

Cheers

IT'S IN THE AIR

 Good morning, it is a little cooler today, so as I noted in my title,  summer is fading and autumn is not very far away.  The sun is rising later and going down earlier, when it is shining the heat is not so intense as it has been.  I like this time of the year, however, not fond of the season that follows.  

So what have I been up to this past week.

On Monday, lunch with two friends P and D, it wasn't actually lunch in a restaurant, we went to Timmies, I chose a chicken sandwich and a drink.  The other ladies did something similar.  Back in the car we found a nice picnic table in a local park.  P had recently returned from a quilt show in the UK so the conversation included all she had seen during her trip.

Later in the day, a visit to my DD2 as we were going to book our flights for an upcoming vacation.   I am "old school" when it comes to booking vacations, usually having someone else do all of the bookings etc, so not very familiar with the "do it yourself" on the web, thus the need for the visit with her.  

The following day, morning housework.   Most shops at this time of the year are having sales of their summer stock, so as my vacation is going to be someplace warm, a girl needs a new dress, doesn't she!  So off I went, a dress and a pair of shorts came home with me.  Usually, clothing for me is purchased if it is on sale, as I cannot justify the price of some things, and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. 

Wednesday, was a lazy day.  I did some stitching on a quilt that is currently being made.

Thursday, the management of the building I live in  provided the residents with another "Parking lot Picnic".  This time, we lunched on burgers and corn on the cob and a canned or bottled drink.  Corn is not my favorite vegetable, however, I do like it when it is served on the cob.

Friday, lunch again, this time with two co-workers J and V, from a long time ago.  We usually go out once a month for lunch and a good natter.   Both of them have health issues, so the time we spend together is precious. Later in the day, I needed to pick up a few things at the grocery store,  Got home and everything put away, just in time for happy hour.

Yesterday, Saturday was cloudy and damp.  During the evening we had a strong wind, some thunder and lightening and lots of rain.  To dampen the day even more, I received a call from a person who was close to me, who now has a serious health problem.

Sunday, Oh it was cool this morning, we are forecast more unsettled weather, however, at the moment the sun is trying very hard to shine.  Nothing on a agenda today, so a quiet day, reading and more stitching, this time making a block for our first quilt guild meeting which is being held early in September.  

Have a great day

Cheers.

Whirlwind

My last post advised I was going to a "Cousin" reunion.  My son and D I L hosted the get together, so that meant we all had a 2 1/2 hour car ride to get to their house, so an early start to the day.  Everyone who indicated they were coming arrived, so we had a party of thirteen people.  One of my nephews is not well, so he and his wife were the only ones who did not come.  No games or quizzes, but loads of conversations and laughs as this group had not been together like this before.  Usually everyone would be bringing, children and their grandchildren.  A nice afternoon, with delicious food to complete a "lovely time was had by all".   My niece and her husband offered to host the reunion next year, so it was a success.  We then had the 2 1/2 hour ride home, so it was a long day, but a happy one. 

On Wednesday I went to a small town theatre to see "Piano Legends".  This performance featured three piano's, base instruments and drums, which showcased songs from great piano entertainers.  It started with Bach, Mozart and Beethoven all through the years to Elton John and John Legend.  Thoroughly enjoyed this show. 

Friday, I shopped and made my contributions to yet another get together.  Enjoyed conversations and laughter at the happy hour late afternoon/early evening.  I don't know why it's said to be an hour as it never is.

Yesterday, Saturday, my family had our reunion, hosted by my grandson and wife.   C & J have a pool, so that was  popular throughout the afternoon.  Again a nice time, with lots of laughs and delicious food.  Several of my grand daughters were not able to come due to do living too far away to travel for the weekend. 

During the other days of the week, kept busy with the daily chores and of course, making more stiches on my quilt. 

A quite day today, so that I can get geared up for another busy week.

It is forecast to be a wet day, so  good reason to open a book and take it easy.

Have a great day.

Cheers,

Busy hands

During the hot muggy days of this past week I have been reading and doing some hand quilting.  

Four books were loaned to me by one of my D-I-L's friends, The Thursday Murder Club Mystery, written by Richard Osman.  It took me a little while to get into the first book, as I found the names just a bit confusing.  Now, into the second book, The Man Who Died Twice, and I know all of the characters names so it is a better read.  I just had to get use to them all. 

Recently I was tidying up my sewing room, again, as it always seems to be a bit messy as a result of looking for a certain fabric or pattern.  During the process, I found a UFO of 2 1/2inch pieces of fabric which I had started to sew into blocks and then something must have been more important, and it did not get finished.  So I made some more blocks and then sewed them all together.  Random colours and patterns in no particular order of any kind.  Because it is so different than any of the more organized quilts I have made I decided to hand quilt it.  That is what I am working on currently.  When that is  finished I am going to applique a stylized flower on it, for which I have a pattern.

I received some good news, my Autumn fabric picture that I did some time ago is now framed.  When the piece was finished I framed it myself and was never happy with it.  As I had put a lot of time into making this picture, it deserved to be given a professionally installed frame.  It will be picked up on Tuesday, next week.

Tomorrow, my three children, my niece and three nephews and everyone's spouse are all getting together for a reunion.  Oh! and me.  I am now the matriarch of the family, as none of the people I have just mentioned have a parent still living.  Since my sister is no longer with us, my son decided that the cousins should all get together now while they can, because if they don't it may never happen,   If everyone agrees, next year he is hoping to include everyone's family, for a reunion.

Next weekend, my grandson and his wife are hosting a family reunion for everyone in our family of the "O's"  Only writing down the initial of our surname.  Not everyone will be able to attend due to distance and other commitments, but it should be a good crowed just the same.  

During the week I have done three walks in the evening when it has been cooler, rain put a halt to more.   We have had some torrential rains this past week also, flooding in some places where it has never flooded before due to so much coming down in such a short period of time.  Here we are with too much moisture and other places with not enough.

I should now get into the kitchen and make a batch or corn flour muffins and a lemon drizzle cake for tomorrow.  

Have a great day

Cheers

Slowed down somewhat

The recent weather has cooled down, less humidity and quite comfortable for a change.  Several thunder storms with torrential rains have helped the farmers crops, local gardens and the grass is now a better looking green.

During the past few days, this social butterfly has taken it easy.  Just doing the basic housework, laundry and food prep.

Wednesday, July 22 

I did several errands that needed to be taken care off, which included buying a birthday gift for my turning three year old great granddaughter.  A book, dress, a pair of shorts and a top to match, which is my usual go to gift for most of my little ones birthdays.  I leave the toys and the more expensive items for the Mums and Dads to give.

Thursday, July 23rd, 

The sun and fluffy white clouds and no humidity made it perfect for s nice long walk, followed by some reading on the balcony when I returned home.

Friday, July 24

Lunch with two friends who I worked with many years ago.  We had been trying to get together for several weeks, however, other commitments always got in the way.  We had a nice meal with lots of conversation and laughs.  We made another date for lunch in August.  

Happy hour, it is never an hour as there is so much to talk about and we put the world to right.

Saturday, July 25

Attended said birthday party.  My grandson has a swimming pool, so that was enjoyed by all the children and some of the younger adults.  I stayed dry.   Pizza, salads and of course, birthday cake and candles were on the menu.   

Sunday, July 26

A lazy morning.  Mid afternoon we had a another thunderstorm with torrential rain.  It blew over within the hour and then sunshine, which heated up the air and produced some humid conditions.

My ex and I went out for dinner and later strolled through a local park.   This park has several small bridges that take you over ponds which contain waterlilies, unfortunately they had finished blooming.  Frogs, toads and turtles were in abundance, then we spotted an animal in the water.  It was difficult to determine what it was at first, however, it's tail was the deciding factor.  It was a beaver, which we thought was quite  unusual to see in the park.  We saw it chew off a branch of a small tree and continue to eat as we and other walkers stood by.

Have a great day

Cheers

It's Free

 Today, Sunday,  we can see the sunshine and blue skies.  We are fortunate, people closer to the forest fires are still suffering from the smoke and everything it carries.

A storm came through where I live yesterday afternoon, the rain came down so heavy I needed to pull over because I could not see where I was going.  The wind was so strong so I tried to find a spot which was not near any trees as some I saw were whipping around and bending over.  I did see some branches which had broken off when I began to drive again and also a transformer on a hydro pole which blew up.  Such a bright light.  The power was off for about two hours.

The change of wind direction and the rain yesterday has made the air quality acceptable today.  For two days everyone was advised to close their windows and doors and stay inside because the air was so full of smoke and the contaminates it contained.

They, who ever "they" are, say the air is free, it's only free if you can breath it without thinking every breath could make you ill.

Today, be thankful if you can breath fresh clean air. 

Have a great day

Cheers,

 

Everything is so quiet

 Yesterday, Wednesday July 15th the wind blew wild fire smoke to the area of S. W. Ontario.  

The sun disappeared, blocked by the smoke which was laden with partials containing chemicals etc. from  everything burning in Northern Ontario.   It actually looked like a yellow pea soup fog had descended on us. 

People were advised to close windows and doors and stay inside, if it was necessary to go out, make it short.   No one was taking an afternoon stroll, dog walkers made the trip outside just long enough for the animal to do what it needed to do.

The smoke was so thick by evening, we saw nothing which would indicate the sun was setting.

This morning, July 16th the air quality has improved somewhat, however, I don't hear or see any birds,

Such an eerie felling, 

If it this bad several hundreds of miles from the fires I cannot imagine what it is like to be closer to all the destruction.  

It's back again

 After a couple of days of cooler, cloudy and damp weather we are back to the sunshine, heat and humidity.

Monday, July 6th  

Yoga in the morning and coffee and chat in the afternoon.  The rest of the day was spent working on the blocks of a quilt I am making for myself.

Tuesday July 7th.

Blue skies are back again and so is the humidity, temperature 28*C but feeling like 34*C.  Did some more sewing in the afternoon then did my usual walk later in the day.  My next door neighbour is visiting her family for two weeks, so I am plant sitting again,  she brings her two pots of flowers to my balcony just to make it easier.  In this weather they need watering twice a day. 

Wednesday, July 8th.

As I have mentioned before my ex and I go out together once in a while, today we went to the theatre.  It is an hour and a half more or less from where I live,  the weather was sunny but hotter than the day before.  We stopped for a sandwich and salad for lunch which gave us plenty of time to sit under a very welcomed shade tree before going into the theatre.  The performance was all about the 60's and 70's music, and we both enjoyed it very much.  Songs that brought back a lot of memories for me.  As ex's sister lives close to the town where the theatre is we had a visit with her before heading back home.

Thursday, July 9th.

Quiet day inside as it was blistering hot outside.  Rain in the evening which did not last very long so did not do much good watering the crops etc. all it did do was increase the humidity level.  DD1 called as she usually does and DD2 called and filled me in on the trip her eldest daughter is doing.  K at the present time is in Spain at a conference her prof sent her to.  After her presentation at the conference, she is taking some time to be a tourist and the photo's she has sent look as if she is enjoying her time there.

Friday, July 10th.

Some much needed housework and laundry was done.  Then I needed to water those flowers on the balcony.  Here in Canada we have screens on all of our windows and doors to keep the insects out when the windows and doors are open.  So I open the screen door, go out and close it behind me,  It locked and I could not open it to come inside.  What to do?  No phone with me, so I sit and look at all the other balconies to see if anyone is out so that I could get them to call the manager.  Eventually, I see someone shout my predicament to her and after a short wait I am inside again. The building manager used a master key to open my apartment door, come in and unlock my screen door.  Now, I have decided not to close the screen door, as it is easier to swat flies that go through all of that again.   At happy hour, I told this story which brought some laughter to the crowd.

Saturday, July 11th.

I was invited out to dinner with some friends, I had made them a table runner some time ago, so this was perfect timing for me to give it to them.  Had a lovely meal and watched England win their game.

Today, Sunday, July 12th

I am going to a music festival in a local park, 

Have a great day

Cheers 

A new month --July

It is a new month, however, I will fill you in on the last couple of days of June and my July days so far.

My last post indicated a flight in a Harvard plane for my son.  The weather was perfect and he was able to fly, which he did for half an hour.  Everyone who indicated they would come on watch him, did so.  A lovely dinner was held at a restaurant not too far from the small airport.  A great day was had by all.

June 29th, I had a two hour appointment with my dentist, for a crown and two small fillings.  It is amazing what can be done these days with all of the new equipment available to Dr's and dentists,  My crown was made by some kind of laser printer.  I had a crown many years ago and had to wait a couple of weeks for it to be made, so this was quite impressive.  A wand took a scan of the tooth to be fixed, the picture was displayed on a screen and the dentist removed parts of my gum and cheek and just left the picture of my original tooth.  Pressed OK and went to the printer, within a little while a ceramic crown was attached to the tooth needing repair.  My bank account took a hit after the work was done,  having said that it would have been more $'s if I did not have dental insurance.  

June 30th.  I had a much needed hair cut, and asked that it be cut just a little bit shorter this time.  It was, and I liked it more than the previous way I had my hair done.  

July 1st.  Being Canada Day, the complex I live in had a celebration.  Those of us who decided to attend all wore the colours of red and white, or were decorated with our maple leaf flag.  We had a few outside games to play, I decided to play Corn Hole.  If you have never heard of it, I suggest you Google it, as I tried to describe it however, my description was very confusing.  After a few games, I was declared the woman champion.  Having never played it before, it must have been beginners luck.  A pot luck dinner followed with the meat each person brought to BBQ for themselves and pot luck salads and desserts were presented for everyone to pick and choose from.  Even though it was very hot the stiff breeze and the shade made it a pleasant day, I decided to be outside, however, people who did not like the heat were able to choose either be outside or inside where it was cooler.  When it was dark I went up to the top floor deck to watch all of the fireworks being set off all over the city.  I had a very nice day.

July 2nd.  I went out for lunch with two of my quilting friends, we then visited the mother of one of them.  Mother lives in a care facility and loves playing Quiddler, again Google it.   I had never played it before, and it is a fun game for all ages.

July 3rd.  Being very hot and humid again, I made the errands I had to do very brief, and came home and sewed where it was cooler.  Being Friday I went to happy hour in the evening,  the hour ended up being three, however, we put the world to right and had great conversations and a lot a laughs 

July 4th.   I went out for dinner with a friend and then we watched the U. S. fireworks on TV.

Today July 5th.  I will be going to a surprise 80th birthday gathering for one of the residents here in the complex.

The oppressive heat and humidity has broken and we have a cloudy day with the forecast of some showers.  Next week the weather will be sunny and not so hot or humid, very pleasant summer weather.

Have a great day.

Cheers

    

Slowed down

 After a hectic first few days of June, I was a home body for a few days, which was just fine, as I could get the never ending housework, laundry etc. done.  However, late last week my outings ramped up again.

Last Thursday, June 18th I attended the graduation of my eldest great grand daughter.  She is now all finished grade school and in September will be attending high school.  She also received recognition for her art work, she does beautiful drawings, and another for her sports.  

Friday was happy hour, but that hour usually runs into four or five.  We all put the world to right and have some good conversation and laughs.

Saturday, the community I live in had a potluck strawberry social.  Bring your own beverage and either strawberries, cake or whipped cream to add to the table.  This year the strawberries are delicious, big, red and full of sweetness.  I over indulged by going back for more of those delicious berries.  The season is quite short, so will also go and buy some more for just me.

Sunday, was Fathers Day and the city where I live always has a car show in a local park.  The organization who runs it have been doing it for as many years and I can remember, as my late hubby would take his old car there.  It was a lovely sunny warm day, so the old cars came out in droves.  So did the spectators, cars were lined up for  a mile in each direction.  My daughter and SIL and my eldest granddaughter took a long time to get into the park, then finding a parking spot was time consuming too.  Me, the park is only a 20 minute walk from where I live, so two feet were my mode of transportation and so glad I used them, got there before they did and racked up some steps too. After a good walk around, we then went for a late lunch and a good time was had by all.  

Today, Monday is yoga, coffee and chat this afternoon and in the evening having dinner with some of the women I worked with years ago.

Tomorrow or Wednesday depending on the weather I will be giving my car a much needed clean inside and out. Wednesday is also yoga day too.

Thursday, going with two quilting friends to visit another who lives out of town.

Friday and we are back to yoga and happy hour.

Saturday, June 27th, if the weather is cooperating my son will be able to fill one of the things from his bucket list.   Back in May he had a milestone birthday, and his wife gave him the opportunity to fly in a Harvard airplane, the weather was terrible that day, so the flight was cancelled.  Keeping fingers crossed for him to do it this day.  His two sisters and hubbies, his son and family plus myself will all be going out for dinner afterwards to celebrate.

Sunday should be a rest day, don't you think.

We have showers today, come on Mother Nature, it is now Summer, send in some more sunshine.

Have a great day

Cheers

Music, Music and more music

Music is what I have listened too on and off for the past week and I will tell you all about it, but first.

Last Wednesday was the last meeting for our quilting guild until September.  At the June meeting we always have a luncheon as well as the meeting.  In the building where I live there is a common room upstairs that can be rented with a deposit and if it is left clean with no damage the deposit is returned --so really it is free.  Usually we have a pot luck lunch, however, another member also lives here and her husband loves to cook, and he prepared a delicious Mediterranean food luncheon for 18 members.  It was absolutely delicious to say the least. 

Start the music.  Wednesday evening, I went to a monthly jazz concert, always good music for two hours there.

Thursday, the ex and I went to a performance at a local theatre who's show was "70's" music.   Lots of songs which brough back many memories of those years.  Many songs from a variety of performers who sung the songs way back when.  A very enjoyable evening.

Saturday afternoon, the owner of the building I live in had a six piece band come and perform for the tenants in the park we have here. They started at noon and finished at 3:00 p.m. lots of music and some dancing too.  The weather was perfect, sunny, warm and a nice breeze.  Two food trucks also were selling their wares, hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, dessert could be an ice cream concoction from the other truck.  Both trucks were very busy, I lined up for a hot dog, had not eaten on for a long time and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I am not a fan of ice cream, so did not have anything from the other truck. 

Sunday also being a perfect sunny warm day, took me to a local park in the evening.  Why, yes again more music.  The monthly music in the park had it's first show, bring your chair or blanket and listen.  It started at 6:00 p.m. one break and finished at 8:00 p.m.   A band of four members and a singer played all kinds of music.

Today, Tuesday, June 9th, I will be meeting with two friends and have a nice visit in the local park, that is, if the weather holds.

Everyone is hoping for some rain as we have not had any measurable rain for at least two weeks or more.  Along with the sunny warm days there also has been a brisk breeze, so our ground is very dry.  farmers need moisture for their newly sprouted crops.  The forecast for today is scattered showers and a possible thunder storm.  We will see.   The forecast for the coming days also looks as if their might be more rain too, so we just hope the forecast is right.

So, must get a more on.

Have a great day

Cheers.

It's blue

I didn't realize it had been such a long time since I last posted, so here I am.

Lots of time has been spent doing the daily things that need to be done and also going out and about.

Earlier this month I went to a small town theatre with my ex.  (I know, but we get along better living apart and we only see each other now and then).  The play we saw was "I do I do" about the ups and downs of life after a couple got married.  It was a great play and I enjoyed it.  Comment from ex--- some of the tings in the play really home for me.   Yeh!!  

Last weekend I went to another play with a friend and we saw "Come from Away"  such a lovely story with so much music.  We both really loved it. 

May is a busy month for birthdays in my family, great grands, grand D I L, and a nephew which were a lot of  fun, visiting for parties and also sending some cards. Late sister, late husband not so much, they both received some fresh flowers.

The area where I live was under a tornado watch recently, a small one touched down a few miles away, and we had very strong winds and rain that came down so hard you could not see anything in front of your eyes.  Lots of trees were uprooted and other damage done, and thankfully not one was injured.

Now, the blue in my title refers to the sky, we have had clear skies for several days with quite hot days, with more to come as predicted by the weather on TV.  Is is a nice change after all the cool, dark and wet days we were having much too frequently.

My hair was cut today, went to the library to drop of books and pick up another.  Pharmacy for Rx renewal and dropped off a donation to the charity shop.  Decided while I was out to pick a few fruit and veg.  Looking at some of the other products on the shelves, it appears the prices are going up again and I swear the packages are getting smaller.  Are you noticing smaller packages?

Hope you are having a great day

Cheers,

Home

 Arrived home in the wee small hours yesterday, Sunday from a great vacation with my three children, one daughter in law and two sons in law.

We had a great time in the Dominican Republic for seven days, lots of fun, laughs, food and drinks.  Most of all we made some wonderful memories.

This was the first vacation that my children had taken together since 1977,  forty nine years ago.  

DD1 and hubby, did parasailing, something they had never done before and which can now be taken off their bucket list.  DD2 and hubby, did a day long city tour.  Both were enjoyed by all.   Son and daughter in law were not interested in doing a tour, so they along with me had a quiet day, reading and swimming.  Taking lots of photos, swimming, long walks on the beach, reading, eating and drinking were done with all of us together during the vacation.

We all met up for breakfast and dinner every night at the al a carte restaurants having, Italian, Mexican, American and Japanese and of course the buffet. 

 At the Teppanyaki restaurant I was recruited to cook the meal for everyone at our section,  lots of fun, and laughter while I was trying to do my best.    After I had done my cooking, DD2's hubby was then recruited to cook,, more laughs, it was a great night.

We are still taking to each other, and discussed a possible family vacation again, but one thing we did decide was to have a family reunion.  A reunion, hopefully later this year, which will include everyone in my late sister's family too.

Now back to reality, did some grocery shopping yesterday, laundry today, then out for lunch with two friends from the quilt guild I belong to.  We made a trip to a garden centre which had a lot of their plants displayed.  A Hosta and a potted rose left with us.  

Have a great day

Cheers.

 

Will it last this time

Spring is a fickle time of the year here, one day warm and sunny and within the blink of the eye the next day we are hauling out the winter gear or the brolly and wellingtons.  At present, 9:45 a.m. we have sunshine and 6*C , so hoping this is going to be a nice day.

The recent quilt show did well, when I signed in for a visit my name was on the 422nd line, there were more people coming in after me. Such a beautiful display of quilts were hung and displayed on the walls.  I arrived in the late afternoon as I did not want to make two trips, one to see the show and the second to pick up my two pieces after it closed.  (Price of gasoline).  Before leaving I assisted in taking down all of the quilts and folding them ready to be picked up a little later.  

My suitcase is ready for packing later this week, and I have been sorting out what will go in it.  I always pack too much, so trying to whittle down the choices I have made so far.  One does not need much clothing where I am going, a bathing suit and something to wear in the evening should take care of it.  However adding in shoes, a book, and all the bits and bobs it doesn't take long for the weight to start adding up.  This suitcase has done a lot of travelling, and no extra weight was ever as issue, so not to worry, it will all work out just fine.

Have a great day

Cheers

  

Winter please leave

 One day of spring like weather and we get several days of winter again.  That has been going on now for a couple of weeks, so tired of the cold.

I did see some yellow flower buds on the forsythia, and also green ones on some trees, that means the ground is warming up.  Should start seeing more signs of spring soon. 

I had a lovely Easter weekend in Ottawa, visiting two granddaughters with my DD2 and S-I-L, Have not seen them since Christmas, so it was nice to catch up with all their news.

The granddaughters and a partner cooked Easter dinner of ham, funeral potato casserole and roasted veg, home made apple pie and ice cream.  Delicious meal, lots of conversation and laughter around the dinner table.  

My youngest granddaughter  "C" is now involved in her final flight test, so is hoping the weather improves for that.   She is looking forward to being a flight instructor, which will allow her to accumulate the flying hours she needs to be able to fly for a commercial airline.  

Granddaughter "K" is on her final stretch for her PHD which should be at the end of this year. Her prof. is sending her on another conference in July.  This time to Spain, she is looking forward to that and plans on taking some time for a mini vacation too.

My vacation is coming up soon so I have started to sort out some summer weather clothes in my closet.  I did get a new bathing suit, but don't expect to need any more new things to buy.  

On Thursday this week I will be taking two of my fabric art pieces to a local quilt show.  On Saturday I will need to pick them up again, however, will go early enough to look at all of the displays before the show ends.

 It doesn't sound as if I have been busy for the last couple of weeks, but I really have been on the go most days.  Just hoping the weather warms up for a nice comfortable daily walk without having to bundle up in winter garb.  

Have a great day.

Cheers

It has arrived

Spring arrived a couple of days ago, however, someone forgot to advise Mother Nature.  We do not have any snow where I live, however, even with the temps on the plus side of zero, it does not feel much warmer.  The ground is still quite cold and along with the rain and windy conditions it still feels like winter still has it claws on us.  The forecast for the coming week is indicating it will be a wet one with every day having rain at some point.  

Not much happened in my world this past week other than the normal routine of yoga, housework and sewing.  I did, however, venture out and did some grocery shopping to replenish fruit, veg and dairy for the fridge.  As a vacation to sunny climes is coming up in April I needed to look for a bathing suit, one of which I found came home with me.  No bikini, but one that covers up the not so nice looking bits of an older body, you know the ones that have a little skirt.  

My yearly eye exam was on Tuesday, not to worry as the macular degeneration has not changed since last year at this time.  The vitamins I take on a regular basis must be helping.  Several years ago I had cataract surgery so have only needed glasses for reading or doing close up work.  No additional glasses needed now.  Next appointment a year from now.

While browsing the net, I saw that the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands opened  for the yearly display of spring flowers.  Several years ago my late husband and I visited the gardens and all the flowers and sculptures were beautiful.  He was not a flower lover like I am, but he was impressed with the colours of the flowers and everything in the gardens.  While there I purchased a book for a souvenir, that book is now on my coffee table so that I can take a look any time I want.   Keukenhof will be open until May 10th, so it you are fortunate to be in the neighbourhood and you love flowers, it is well worth the visit.

So what am I up to today,  I will go for a walk before the rain which is expected later today then I will finish knitting a cardigan for my youngest great granddaughter's birthday next month.

Have a great day.

Cheers.

99.9% Gone

 Thanks for some warmer temps and quite a lot of rain during the last week or so, most of the snow has gone.  Only the piles that were ploughed from parking lots etc, and the drifts along the side of the roads remain.   Hope it is not all cleared away to make room for more snow in the coming days, we still have to remember it is March when we can expect almost everything and anything weather wise.

Last Monday March 2nd, I went to see my niece, as she had some things my sister had left for me.  The items that she gave me included some books,  my Mothers WWII Red Cross nurse pin, and some post cards and greeting cards.  The cards were the most lovely things I have every seen.  My Mother must have given them to her some time ago.  

Two were cards my grandfather wrote to his wife, one for a birthday and the other for Christmas.  I never met my grandmother as she died in childbirth, I believe in the mid or late 1920's, so these cards have to be at least 100 years old.  They were made from celluloid and paper with a fine string of thread. Written inside were words from a loving husband to his wife.    

The post cards have no writing on them to indicate who they were from or to whom they were to be given to.  They are made of a very fine fabric with embroidery on it and framed with cardboard.  

I wish I had seen these things before my mother passed as now there is so much information lost.

I would like to display all of these items instead of having them hidden in box, so I am thinking they would look lovely if they were framed.  

It was a nice sunny day, when I went to see my niece and I knew I would not be home for lunch, so I packed a picnic.   Leaving her house I headed to the lake shore, it was still covered in snow and the water was no where to be seen as it was all frozen as far as the eye could see.  It was still very cold, but nice and warm with the sun coming through the windows, so enjoyed my picnic in the car.

Busy with my quilting guild, going out with friends, pot luck dinners, and happy hours, life is good.

Have a great day

Cheers.

Thunder ????

 During the past week we have been having some milder temperatures and rain.  Getting rid of some of the snow finally, thank goodness.

Last evening around 8:00 p.m. I though I saw lightening outside my window, no, it can't be, we normally only get that it the summer time.

Another flash and thunder, then rain, hail and freezing rain.  It lasted quite awhile before everything calmed down.

So what did we have, Thundersnow storm.

Quite spectacular, and unusual to have this.  I have only seen it once before.

This morning, slick roads which have put a damper on my drive today.

Have a great day,

Cheers.