I'm beginning to think I have ADHD. I start something and then get very easily side tracked !! I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth , and end up cleaning under the sink, the medicine cabinet and cleaning the bath tub . Look for something on the lazy susan, find 3 packages of coffee beans, so grind them up and put in the coffee can. And on it went !Some dusting was done. I had YS bring up a stepstool so I can reach the top of the TV cabinets and the top of my desk !! Dust is probably an inch thick; I'll know when I get up there !
Our freezer is packed full !! [ And it is a 24 cu ft freezer !]Bloggers that I read from Great Britain would be shocked at the amount of meat that is crammed in there. In fact, there is so little room, the hunk of beef will have to stay outside in the cooler til we use up some contents. Thankfully the weather is soooo cold , that it'll be fine. Yesterday the windchills were -30* , the same for this morning. YS was texted to stay home yesterday and today.
Finally the infinity scarf was finished, lengthened my scarf and sewed it up. 24 squares are now sporting a crotcheted border,another 30 to do before they can be arranged and sewn into a blanket. Then 2 more batches of knitted squares to be transformed into blankets. It is sure using up a lot of odd skeins of wool which is good ! The previous owner of the puppy did not send any blankets, not even in the kennel. She is supposedly kennel trained, but how uncomfortable to be stuck in a kennel with only the plastic flooring !!
Yesterday was hockey day in this house. There were 4 games shown on tv and OH watched everyone. Our Canadian is doing well but the big game to decide the medal round will be tomorrow afternoon against the USA. Meals are planned around the games ! I made a 7 day menu up, think promptly had to change it. the pork roast was frozen solid so I changed to spaghetti, but I had brought up chili !! I have an ice cream pail with crabapple juice so I might make some crabapple jelly later on this week, just need to check how much sugar I have in the house.That would clear up some space in that freezer !
With the egg donor having a new boyfriend, it hit me that if she had taken YGS, he would be on, at the very least, his 'third ' father. He would have been an emotional mess and , no doubt in our minds, a behaviour problem. I keep reminding myself I must be thankful that she left him, no matter the emotional and financial trauma we've gone through.
Well, garbage and recycling has been put out, I need to look at some recipes and get on with the squares.
Supper is now in the crockpot. Sweet and Sour Pork.. Hoping it tastes good as I have never been pleased with the other dishes I have made. I'd like to start using the crock pot more often as it saves on electricity and all bills are going up. CPP is going up 1.8% this year !! Whoo hoo !!!
OH has the wash on. I envy those bloggers who can hang their laundry outside. However with temps that go to -40 or even lower [ sometimes to -52*] , one relies on their dryer !
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
On The Fourth day of Christmas
It's a cold morning today [ -13* and falling ] with some light snow flurries. A good day to stay in and cocoon.The forecast isn't looking wonderful going into the new year but I think we feel that way because we have had an easy winter so far.
I did get the dog sweater done just in time as ED picked me up and we went into the city . She was on the hunt for a couple of special pillowcases and bells with which to train the dog to ring to go outside. No bells were found, but we did buy a book on beer for YS's birthday. ED had organized a beer Advent Calendar for 24 people which was a big hit. I also managed to pick up some liquid hand soap that we like from a dollar store and a fabulous piece of jewelry --$2.50 !! LOL
Supper was a quick affair of leftover turkey and salad as the Canadians were playing their second game against Germany. I watched some more of The Newsroom.
Today we have YGS as is usual. He's waiting for Grandpa to get up as they usually have poached eggs and toast soldiers on Sunday mornings . Today is also the day he is allowed to 'deconstruct' his gingerbread house. However his uncle says he has to wait for him ! While YGS is watching tv, I'm madly working on the scarf. I've already been playing around with my mom's knitted squares. So many different sizes ! I think I'll use up some more of my odds and ends to crotchet them close to a standard size before I join them. One will be going into ED's car for sure to protect her seats from little puppy prints.
I am so lucky that people give me their leftover wool and material, knowing that I will use it up ! I cleaned out my knitting needle drawer, and oh my I've been given a lot of those as well ! I have made many afghans, hats and preemie sets to donate to homeless shelters and hospitals. I've also used the materials to make gifts for my family, often making up my own patterns to suit the material. I always need a project to do as I cannot sit and just watch tv. When we travel I always have something to do in the car and in the evenings sitting outside. I have two projects in mind right now. One I'll have to do a little googling to find what 3 patterns to use while making a 'triple' scarf for myself.
One of the fun things ED and I did was to do some of our Christmas shopping at Value Village. She found a pure silk scarf with the original price tag !, amongst other things. Her brother loves the tie ! LOL I found two pairs of pants for my husband, one of them is a Carrhart, never worn ! Also picked up magnetic activity centre with letters for my YGS which he loved :) We had suggested doing some of our shopping like that, but the others were aghast ! What they don't know, won't hurt them !
I ventured down into the freezer and it is packed ! Good thing the weather is so cold and we were able to put a cooler outside to put the hunk of beef I bought. Later on in the week I'll bring it in to laugh and then cut into steaks, roast and stewing beef. Tomorrow perhaps I'll venture down into the basement again and 'organize the freezer. I don't often go downstairs because of my knees. The left is ready for another knee replacement... but I am not ready for that yet ! Hated the physiotherapy.
No dusting was done yesterday, so maybe I'll get around to it today. We'll see
I did get the dog sweater done just in time as ED picked me up and we went into the city . She was on the hunt for a couple of special pillowcases and bells with which to train the dog to ring to go outside. No bells were found, but we did buy a book on beer for YS's birthday. ED had organized a beer Advent Calendar for 24 people which was a big hit. I also managed to pick up some liquid hand soap that we like from a dollar store and a fabulous piece of jewelry --$2.50 !! LOL
Supper was a quick affair of leftover turkey and salad as the Canadians were playing their second game against Germany. I watched some more of The Newsroom.
Today we have YGS as is usual. He's waiting for Grandpa to get up as they usually have poached eggs and toast soldiers on Sunday mornings . Today is also the day he is allowed to 'deconstruct' his gingerbread house. However his uncle says he has to wait for him ! While YGS is watching tv, I'm madly working on the scarf. I've already been playing around with my mom's knitted squares. So many different sizes ! I think I'll use up some more of my odds and ends to crotchet them close to a standard size before I join them. One will be going into ED's car for sure to protect her seats from little puppy prints.
I am so lucky that people give me their leftover wool and material, knowing that I will use it up ! I cleaned out my knitting needle drawer, and oh my I've been given a lot of those as well ! I have made many afghans, hats and preemie sets to donate to homeless shelters and hospitals. I've also used the materials to make gifts for my family, often making up my own patterns to suit the material. I always need a project to do as I cannot sit and just watch tv. When we travel I always have something to do in the car and in the evenings sitting outside. I have two projects in mind right now. One I'll have to do a little googling to find what 3 patterns to use while making a 'triple' scarf for myself.
One of the fun things ED and I did was to do some of our Christmas shopping at Value Village. She found a pure silk scarf with the original price tag !, amongst other things. Her brother loves the tie ! LOL I found two pairs of pants for my husband, one of them is a Carrhart, never worn ! Also picked up magnetic activity centre with letters for my YGS which he loved :) We had suggested doing some of our shopping like that, but the others were aghast ! What they don't know, won't hurt them !
I ventured down into the freezer and it is packed ! Good thing the weather is so cold and we were able to put a cooler outside to put the hunk of beef I bought. Later on in the week I'll bring it in to laugh and then cut into steaks, roast and stewing beef. Tomorrow perhaps I'll venture down into the basement again and 'organize the freezer. I don't often go downstairs because of my knees. The left is ready for another knee replacement... but I am not ready for that yet ! Hated the physiotherapy.
No dusting was done yesterday, so maybe I'll get around to it today. We'll see
Saturday, December 27, 2014
On The Third Day of Christmas
The weather is turning colder with a projected windchill of - 27* tonight.So with that in mind I went searching for a dog sweater pattern that I had used many years in the past. A LOT of my 'stashes' of patterns and papers were cleaned out and discarded , but still no pattern ! Finally a light went on ... there was one more folder. Yreka ! I found it ! It is so faded I can barely read it, but I am persevering. Hopefully I can finish the sweater this morning, and that it fits !
The turkey was stripped and the bones simmered for soup. I need to take the fat off this and freeze it for soup making later on. Supper was whatever you could find in the fridge. Easy peasy as YGS would say.
YS went out and played pick up hockey at local outside rink and then settled in with his dad to watch the World Junior Hockey Championships. Canada won 8-0 over Slovkia. I watched The Newsroom while keeping an eye on the game, and knitted and knitted.
Today ? There might be a few going to see one of the Hobbit movies. I don't like them, could never get into Lord of the Rings no matter how hard I tried. I'll be babysitting and that suits me fine.
Today I got my next project ready. Once I have finishe the sweater and the scarf, I'll work on my mom's knitted squares. My mom has been dead for 21+ years and these were stashed away for all that time. I will crochet the squares and make a couple of small afghans. That'll be a bit more wool gone. ED can keep one in the caar for Marley and another one in th house for her. My mom knit squares
for afghans for each grandchild which I crocheted and sewd together. I have continued the 'tradition'.
Today I need to dust and polish furniture, finish doing the Christmas decorations and swish the bathrooms. Another relaxing day. No shopping for me !
The turkey was stripped and the bones simmered for soup. I need to take the fat off this and freeze it for soup making later on. Supper was whatever you could find in the fridge. Easy peasy as YGS would say.
YS went out and played pick up hockey at local outside rink and then settled in with his dad to watch the World Junior Hockey Championships. Canada won 8-0 over Slovkia. I watched The Newsroom while keeping an eye on the game, and knitted and knitted.
Today ? There might be a few going to see one of the Hobbit movies. I don't like them, could never get into Lord of the Rings no matter how hard I tried. I'll be babysitting and that suits me fine.
Today I got my next project ready. Once I have finishe the sweater and the scarf, I'll work on my mom's knitted squares. My mom has been dead for 21+ years and these were stashed away for all that time. I will crochet the squares and make a couple of small afghans. That'll be a bit more wool gone. ED can keep one in the caar for Marley and another one in th house for her. My mom knit squares
for afghans for each grandchild which I crocheted and sewd together. I have continued the 'tradition'.
Today I need to dust and polish furniture, finish doing the Christmas decorations and swish the bathrooms. Another relaxing day. No shopping for me !
Friday, December 26, 2014
On The Second Day of Christmas
It's the second day of Christmas, I'm up early as usual , doing a little cleaning up. There is very little to d o as the 'main event' didn't take place in our house !
It was a very different little boy that awoke Christmas morning. Last year, he lost interest in opening presesnts. Not this year !! He was so excited ! No doubt spurred on with the amount of chocolate he had consumed bfore we made it over there at 8 am. Gifts were thoughtfully given and greatefully received. After breakfast, we headed home. I prepared most of the veggies and stuffing balls, showered and relaxed. It was great !
We had a phonecall from EGS and GD who were spending Christmas in Arizona. They've been swimming everyday and GD was excited about her new bathing suit !
ES and YGS went over for a short visit to the other grandparents who also had a few friends over. One of the gifts given were for a 1 year old ! In fact it was the same toy that ES had given away as it was not being played with. The child is 4 1/2 and he informed them that he played with Lego ! Oh well, such is life. ES has handled the relationship with the grandparents very well. Although she didn't believe me last Christmas that she would see her grandson, I didn't lie. I knew that my son was a decent loving father and he would do what was best for his child. And it is in the best interest of
his child that he know and have a relationship with his maternal grandparents--- on his terms.
Christmas dinner was lovely. We packed up a meal for ES who had to work and YS and myself drove it over and had a short visit. Some business owners are so greedy that they want to squeeze every penny that they can. He lost yesterdy ! Only the manager[ my son ] and the assistant manager worked [ the other employees didn't want to ! ] so he'll be paying a hefty amount out in overtime pay ! And they get to do it all over again on January 1st .OH and ED played pingpong and pool while we were out. YGS was cleaning up his toys in the basement.
We finally tasted our fruit liqueurs we made 16 months ago and they were delicious.
I am still knitting an infinity scarf for ED. I had hoped to have it finished for Christmas morning[ another one was finished. I called it Claire's scarf/shawl after the one Claire from Outlanders wears :) ] However I had to make a stocking for Marley. All the family pets have their own stockings. Fortunately I had had one knit and just had to put her name and decorations on. Then I had some material that I had no use for so I made two dog bed/mats on Christmas Eve !
Today the World Junior Hockey Championships start and it looks like we may have a full house. Good thing we have a fridge full of leftovers.
As an aside the egg donor is 'in a relationship' looks like she found one that is making some money so she'll be happy. We all knew that it would happen as she has no job, no car and needs someone to support her.Seems like they all switch partners in that town. Her poor daughter with all the different and constantly changing relationships.
It was a very different little boy that awoke Christmas morning. Last year, he lost interest in opening presesnts. Not this year !! He was so excited ! No doubt spurred on with the amount of chocolate he had consumed bfore we made it over there at 8 am. Gifts were thoughtfully given and greatefully received. After breakfast, we headed home. I prepared most of the veggies and stuffing balls, showered and relaxed. It was great !
We had a phonecall from EGS and GD who were spending Christmas in Arizona. They've been swimming everyday and GD was excited about her new bathing suit !
ES and YGS went over for a short visit to the other grandparents who also had a few friends over. One of the gifts given were for a 1 year old ! In fact it was the same toy that ES had given away as it was not being played with. The child is 4 1/2 and he informed them that he played with Lego ! Oh well, such is life. ES has handled the relationship with the grandparents very well. Although she didn't believe me last Christmas that she would see her grandson, I didn't lie. I knew that my son was a decent loving father and he would do what was best for his child. And it is in the best interest of
his child that he know and have a relationship with his maternal grandparents--- on his terms.
Christmas dinner was lovely. We packed up a meal for ES who had to work and YS and myself drove it over and had a short visit. Some business owners are so greedy that they want to squeeze every penny that they can. He lost yesterdy ! Only the manager[ my son ] and the assistant manager worked [ the other employees didn't want to ! ] so he'll be paying a hefty amount out in overtime pay ! And they get to do it all over again on January 1st .OH and ED played pingpong and pool while we were out. YGS was cleaning up his toys in the basement.
We finally tasted our fruit liqueurs we made 16 months ago and they were delicious.
I am still knitting an infinity scarf for ED. I had hoped to have it finished for Christmas morning[ another one was finished. I called it Claire's scarf/shawl after the one Claire from Outlanders wears :) ] However I had to make a stocking for Marley. All the family pets have their own stockings. Fortunately I had had one knit and just had to put her name and decorations on. Then I had some material that I had no use for so I made two dog bed/mats on Christmas Eve !
Today the World Junior Hockey Championships start and it looks like we may have a full house. Good thing we have a fridge full of leftovers.
As an aside the egg donor is 'in a relationship' looks like she found one that is making some money so she'll be happy. We all knew that it would happen as she has no job, no car and needs someone to support her.Seems like they all switch partners in that town. Her poor daughter with all the different and constantly changing relationships.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
A Very Merry Christmas
It is just hours before our celebrations start !! We are all almost ready ! I'm the only one who still has to do a bit of baking to call it done !
The past few weeks I have been busy knitting infinity scarves and cowls. I had tried arm kniting which is the newest fad here, but it was to hard on my wrists.I'm hoping to finish the 14th today. Everyone in the family is also getting hooded fleece ponchos for camping. After they've put them on, they'll let me know where they want pockeets and whether they want them on the inside or outside , or both.
ED and I had a day out on Monday. We picked up a few more gifts and had a lovely lunch. This morning we headed out early to pick up the fresh fruit and veggies and were done and dustd in 90p minutes. Superstore had beautiful poinsettias for $2 so I bought to for ED to decorate her home.
Tonight we're having a buffet style meal with deli meats, cheeses, salads, fresh veggies and Italian buns. A few snack type foods and olives and pickles will be put out to munch on. There might also be some asparagus bundles wrapped in baccon depending on how ambitious I am. Board and or wii games will be played, the Santa gifts will be bundled off to ED's house and we'll hit the hay. Morning will come early with a 4 year old !
Breakfast will be simple. Bacon and eggs with toast and coffee. ES has to go to work at 2pm but we wil still eat around 5 or so. Turkey, stuffing balls, turnip[ rutabaga], fresh green beans, salad, crudite, mashed potatoes, olives and pickles. Dessert will be ice cream with the fruit liqueurs w made in 2013 ! Homemade dark fruit, cookies and squares. We have lots of snacky time things as well as baked goat cheese on baquette rounds. Eggnog, Prosecco and white wine will finish it out. Hmm, maybe some rum in there with the eggnog !
Yesterdy ED finally got the dog she has been adopting. Marley is an 8 month old terrier mix who is house trained and kennel trained. She has alived in a condo with a couple and an older dog. Big changes for her ! Should be fun !
Since last year this time, when we were all on pins and needles wondering if the egg donor was going to return to have time with YGS at Christmas to this year - a more relaxed atmosphere focusing on the season and the joy and the hope.
The past few weeks I have been busy knitting infinity scarves and cowls. I had tried arm kniting which is the newest fad here, but it was to hard on my wrists.I'm hoping to finish the 14th today. Everyone in the family is also getting hooded fleece ponchos for camping. After they've put them on, they'll let me know where they want pockeets and whether they want them on the inside or outside , or both.
ED and I had a day out on Monday. We picked up a few more gifts and had a lovely lunch. This morning we headed out early to pick up the fresh fruit and veggies and were done and dustd in 90p minutes. Superstore had beautiful poinsettias for $2 so I bought to for ED to decorate her home.
Tonight we're having a buffet style meal with deli meats, cheeses, salads, fresh veggies and Italian buns. A few snack type foods and olives and pickles will be put out to munch on. There might also be some asparagus bundles wrapped in baccon depending on how ambitious I am. Board and or wii games will be played, the Santa gifts will be bundled off to ED's house and we'll hit the hay. Morning will come early with a 4 year old !
Breakfast will be simple. Bacon and eggs with toast and coffee. ES has to go to work at 2pm but we wil still eat around 5 or so. Turkey, stuffing balls, turnip[ rutabaga], fresh green beans, salad, crudite, mashed potatoes, olives and pickles. Dessert will be ice cream with the fruit liqueurs w made in 2013 ! Homemade dark fruit, cookies and squares. We have lots of snacky time things as well as baked goat cheese on baquette rounds. Eggnog, Prosecco and white wine will finish it out. Hmm, maybe some rum in there with the eggnog !
Yesterdy ED finally got the dog she has been adopting. Marley is an 8 month old terrier mix who is house trained and kennel trained. She has alived in a condo with a couple and an older dog. Big changes for her ! Should be fun !
Since last year this time, when we were all on pins and needles wondering if the egg donor was going to return to have time with YGS at Christmas to this year - a more relaxed atmosphere focusing on the season and the joy and the hope.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
52 Weeks Ago
52 weeks was the Beginning of a New Beginning ! 52 weeks ago today, ES was able to see his son for the first time in 32 days ! It was a bittersweet day filled with joy, but also with an underlay of sadness as he was to return his son to the egg donor. He returned his son to the appointed place at the appointed time. But his son was not happy and screamed and cried all night for his father. The next day ES received a phone call to ask if he wanted a sleepover so arrangements were made and ES brought his son home. The next day, toiletries and medicine were dropped and she was NEVER seen again !
She left this province and traveled 2 800 kilometres without telling anyone. The first her parents knew was when her work [WCB] phoned to ask why she wasn't at work ! She had 'borrowed' $2 500 from the employee fund for an emergency ! She told her father she had to go back because of an 'emergency' and that she would be back to pick up her son.
So where is she now ?? The 'love of her life' has a new girlfriend. She no longer has a car [ ya know when you buy a car ya hafta make payments or they will track you down and repossess it ! ] She posted the transmission was shot --- NOT ! Her phone was not 'stolen' Ya haft pay for your phone ! So now her credit rating is shot, and according to her mother she is living in a basement suite- a hole she personally wouldn't let a dog live in, with a single mother, babysitting her kids. Apparently she can see her daughter.
Her mother made arrangements with the paternal grandmother and flew out to see her 7 year old granddaughter for only the second time without telling the egg donor. She paid a surprise visit to where she is living. It was polite, but there was no concern that her father has prostate cancer or a mass in his bowel. " Oh , he'll get over it ."
Our grandson sees his maternal grandparents who have acknowledged that ES is doing a good job in raising his son. ES has told them that he has not done it alone.There is no comparison today to that scared confused little boy of last year. He has grown physically, emotionally and intellectually. He is secure. In short, he is thriving !
We are so thankful that our son fought for his son. We are thankful that ED found a good family law lawyer who guided and fought for ES. We are thankful that ED opened her house ro provide a loving safe place for both of them. We are thankful.
She left this province and traveled 2 800 kilometres without telling anyone. The first her parents knew was when her work [WCB] phoned to ask why she wasn't at work ! She had 'borrowed' $2 500 from the employee fund for an emergency ! She told her father she had to go back because of an 'emergency' and that she would be back to pick up her son.
So where is she now ?? The 'love of her life' has a new girlfriend. She no longer has a car [ ya know when you buy a car ya hafta make payments or they will track you down and repossess it ! ] She posted the transmission was shot --- NOT ! Her phone was not 'stolen' Ya haft pay for your phone ! So now her credit rating is shot, and according to her mother she is living in a basement suite- a hole she personally wouldn't let a dog live in, with a single mother, babysitting her kids. Apparently she can see her daughter.
Her mother made arrangements with the paternal grandmother and flew out to see her 7 year old granddaughter for only the second time without telling the egg donor. She paid a surprise visit to where she is living. It was polite, but there was no concern that her father has prostate cancer or a mass in his bowel. " Oh , he'll get over it ."
Our grandson sees his maternal grandparents who have acknowledged that ES is doing a good job in raising his son. ES has told them that he has not done it alone.There is no comparison today to that scared confused little boy of last year. He has grown physically, emotionally and intellectually. He is secure. In short, he is thriving !
We are so thankful that our son fought for his son. We are thankful that ED found a good family law lawyer who guided and fought for ES. We are thankful that ED opened her house ro provide a loving safe place for both of them. We are thankful.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
A Year Later
Today is my eldest son's birthday. We did not celebrate his birthday last year as he was fighting to see his son; all he wanted for his birthday was hugs and kisses and it didn't happen. It was so sad; it b roke my heart. But fight he did and now this year......
We'll be having a birthday supper turkey with all the trimmings and cake. [ I just have to decide what kind of icing to put on it ! ] We'll sing Happy Birthday and know that it is true My son and grandson are thriving physically and emotionally. Kudos to my ED who has been there for both of them. She has been a better mother to L than his own biological mother. He still talks about 'his' garden, naming all the veggies and fruits that were harvested; how they grow from seed and then give you apples, and tomatoes etc. He was out in the cold helping to put down the last layer of leaves rake from our yard to cover the beds in 'his' garden.
Halloween was a magical time for him and he loved it. His dad has a herniated disc so Uncle took him around the neighbourhood. Being such a talkative likeable little guy, the neighbours had 'extra' treats for him. However the candy was not the main'draw' for him, he loved the decorations andn had to stop and admire all of them. To top; it all off, he got to have a sleepover with us - so Dad could sleep as long as he could to rest his back.
He has visits with his maternal grandparents. These visits affect his behaviour for about 3 days. We know that they feed him too many sweets and feel that they may let him get away with certain behaviours ' as long as he is happy'. The boundaries are not there as they are with our family. The maternal grandmother did pay a visit in Kapuskasing to see her granddaughter that she has only seen once before. The arrangements were madae with the other grandmother; she did not tell her daughter that she would be in town.The girl is 7 years old and her life has been turned upside down again. Her parents are not together, her dad has a new girlfriend and her mother is living in a basement suite with another single mother with 2 or 3 kids. Thank goodness Jim got custody ! The mother no longer has a car, or phone or a home. When told her father has prostrate cancer and a bowel tumour she said, " oh he'll be fine ! " It has been 356 days since she has seen or talked to her son. She has been disowned and disinherited, but seems . according to her mother, quite content.
WE had new weeping tile and a sump pump put in in September. We are waiting until after a few good storms to make sure the basement stays dry before we redo it. I managed to paint the window frames but never managed to get the deck painted . Next year !
Lots of knitting done for other people and halfway done the handquilting on Es's quilt. Christmas cakes are made. YS helped with the stirring ! and he broke a wooden spoon doing it ! Today we'll pull names for Christmas and decide on a theme - or not.
School is going well for me. I am enjoying my new assignment. Now if only I can find the time to blog regularly !! Someday !
We'll be having a birthday supper turkey with all the trimmings and cake. [ I just have to decide what kind of icing to put on it ! ] We'll sing Happy Birthday and know that it is true My son and grandson are thriving physically and emotionally. Kudos to my ED who has been there for both of them. She has been a better mother to L than his own biological mother. He still talks about 'his' garden, naming all the veggies and fruits that were harvested; how they grow from seed and then give you apples, and tomatoes etc. He was out in the cold helping to put down the last layer of leaves rake from our yard to cover the beds in 'his' garden.
Halloween was a magical time for him and he loved it. His dad has a herniated disc so Uncle took him around the neighbourhood. Being such a talkative likeable little guy, the neighbours had 'extra' treats for him. However the candy was not the main'draw' for him, he loved the decorations andn had to stop and admire all of them. To top; it all off, he got to have a sleepover with us - so Dad could sleep as long as he could to rest his back.
He has visits with his maternal grandparents. These visits affect his behaviour for about 3 days. We know that they feed him too many sweets and feel that they may let him get away with certain behaviours ' as long as he is happy'. The boundaries are not there as they are with our family. The maternal grandmother did pay a visit in Kapuskasing to see her granddaughter that she has only seen once before. The arrangements were madae with the other grandmother; she did not tell her daughter that she would be in town.The girl is 7 years old and her life has been turned upside down again. Her parents are not together, her dad has a new girlfriend and her mother is living in a basement suite with another single mother with 2 or 3 kids. Thank goodness Jim got custody ! The mother no longer has a car, or phone or a home. When told her father has prostrate cancer and a bowel tumour she said, " oh he'll be fine ! " It has been 356 days since she has seen or talked to her son. She has been disowned and disinherited, but seems . according to her mother, quite content.
WE had new weeping tile and a sump pump put in in September. We are waiting until after a few good storms to make sure the basement stays dry before we redo it. I managed to paint the window frames but never managed to get the deck painted . Next year !
Lots of knitting done for other people and halfway done the handquilting on Es's quilt. Christmas cakes are made. YS helped with the stirring ! and he broke a wooden spoon doing it ! Today we'll pull names for Christmas and decide on a theme - or not.
School is going well for me. I am enjoying my new assignment. Now if only I can find the time to blog regularly !! Someday !
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Time is Flying By
The summer is passing quickly, too quickly !! It will be interesting to see at the end what I actually accomplished. I made a list in June, and I am not crossing many things off. The flooding in the basement sure threw a spanner in the works !
I have about 8 more hours of fence painting to do, about 8 more sections. Then the window frames need sanding and I'll paint the frames on the ground floor. I'll have to rope my YS to do the second story windows as there is no way I could get up onto an extension ladder. Then onto the decks ! Working around babysitting and weather, of course !
We have regraded the front yard to help with the ground water levels. We're just waiting for a good down pour to show us if there are any other 'low spots' that we need to address; then we'll seed. We had new 5" eaves troughs put on last week so fingers crossed everything works the way we hope. The 'clean out' hole thingy is quite dry now.
This week the new washer and dryer will arrive. Hubby has been washing the clothes at ED's and then bringing the loads home to dry here. Her dryer conked out almost the same day as our washer ! We bought a new dryer because we know ours is 'going'. Might as well do it all at once !
Hubby has been working on the old eaves troughs and after ED painted them, they installed them on her shed yesterday. His next project will be to convert her two barrels into rainbarrels. Conversion 'kits' are very expensive, but there are simple diy explanations on the web that I am sure he can do it himself.
We had OGS and GD for a sleepover before they went on vacation. I do not sleep well when they are here; always have an ear open. Both talk in their sleep ! Hubby and OG went on a bike ride and ended up at ED's. YGS wasn't too pleased that he wasn't coming to the sleepover, but they all need their own 'private time' with grandpa. We had a BBQ and ate outside. Once the bugs got too bad to be outside, they watched the Lego movie.
The peas and beans are producing like mad. I love garden fresh veggies ! I could eat bowls of yellow beans as a snack! On Saturday we made a trip into the city to pick up some meat. It took longer for me to cut the meat into steaks, roasts and pork chops than to travel, buy and return home ! Even with the cost of gas, it is worthwhile to go into the wholesalers and butcher the meat myself !
We share an organic veggie order with our ED from Riverbend Farms in Edmonton. Ed picks up the veggies on Thursday and then we split the order. We never know what we're getting as it depends on what is ready. The orders get bigger and bigger as the summer goes on. Absolutely delicious produce !
I am not sure why my pictures have not shown up in the previous posts, but no time to figure it out now. Painting awaits !
I have about 8 more hours of fence painting to do, about 8 more sections. Then the window frames need sanding and I'll paint the frames on the ground floor. I'll have to rope my YS to do the second story windows as there is no way I could get up onto an extension ladder. Then onto the decks ! Working around babysitting and weather, of course !
We have regraded the front yard to help with the ground water levels. We're just waiting for a good down pour to show us if there are any other 'low spots' that we need to address; then we'll seed. We had new 5" eaves troughs put on last week so fingers crossed everything works the way we hope. The 'clean out' hole thingy is quite dry now.
This week the new washer and dryer will arrive. Hubby has been washing the clothes at ED's and then bringing the loads home to dry here. Her dryer conked out almost the same day as our washer ! We bought a new dryer because we know ours is 'going'. Might as well do it all at once !
Hubby has been working on the old eaves troughs and after ED painted them, they installed them on her shed yesterday. His next project will be to convert her two barrels into rainbarrels. Conversion 'kits' are very expensive, but there are simple diy explanations on the web that I am sure he can do it himself.
We had OGS and GD for a sleepover before they went on vacation. I do not sleep well when they are here; always have an ear open. Both talk in their sleep ! Hubby and OG went on a bike ride and ended up at ED's. YGS wasn't too pleased that he wasn't coming to the sleepover, but they all need their own 'private time' with grandpa. We had a BBQ and ate outside. Once the bugs got too bad to be outside, they watched the Lego movie.
The peas and beans are producing like mad. I love garden fresh veggies ! I could eat bowls of yellow beans as a snack! On Saturday we made a trip into the city to pick up some meat. It took longer for me to cut the meat into steaks, roasts and pork chops than to travel, buy and return home ! Even with the cost of gas, it is worthwhile to go into the wholesalers and butcher the meat myself !
We share an organic veggie order with our ED from Riverbend Farms in Edmonton. Ed picks up the veggies on Thursday and then we split the order. We never know what we're getting as it depends on what is ready. The orders get bigger and bigger as the summer goes on. Absolutely delicious produce !
I am not sure why my pictures have not shown up in the previous posts, but no time to figure it out now. Painting awaits !
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Summer is Flying By
Every day I think I must write something on the blog, and by the time evening rolls around, I'm too pooped to even think ! During the school year, I use my school agenda to keep track of meals, activities and even my progress of my different handicraft projects. In the summer, the days all blend into one another.
Our front step has gradually been pulling away from the house.We asked a neighbour who has a small bobcat if he thought he could push it back onto the cement supports. I had thought there were huge rebar that fit into holes in the foundation and then bolted . Not so; just cement supports. We have two columns that support a little 'porch' so Hubby soaped around them with dishsoap, and our neighbour pushed the steps right into place. They are snug against the foundation and have never ever been that way . Each year there was some movement and Hubby even fit a board in the gap a few years ago. I was afraid that someone was going to step into the gap and twist an ankle . Another job done ! Made me very happy. YGS was thrilled to stand inside the front door and watch the bobcat do its work. He loves machinery and thought it was great ! Hubby and YS relaid the sidewalk blocks and then the skies opened- again. Timing was great !
And now we have started regrading the front yard.We had 2 yards of black dirt delivered and Hubby with help from YS to grade the front yard. Hopefully that will be done today. We also have ordered new eavestrough. The 34 yea old ones are 4 inches and with the change in weather, and weather patterns, we're getting 5 inch ones. The manager said the crew will just show up and put them up. We are NOT to pay them, but will receive a bill from the company - which is reputable. We will save parts of the old eavestrough so ED can put it up on her saltbox shed to collect water.
The pond is slowly being demolished. A friend of ES's is supposed to come and take some rocks [ I hope it takes them all ! ] for his acreage. However the skies opened so that was postponed. Hubby started to remove one rock, and there was a hornet's nest. He w as stung twice ! YS put on raingear, goggles, gloves and a towel over his exposed face and sprayed them . We've since another nest in the facia near the back door ! so Hubby dealt with that one.
Last week, during rest day on the Tour, I managed to paint the front fence and gate- on the outside. Then painting had to stop because of more rain.
I spent my days sewing up the last yoyo quilt. This picture does not do it justice as the red is a beautiful true cherry red. There are 3 different shades of gray. But it is done. It amuses me that as someone who does not like sewing, has made 24 of these quilts and 8 9patch quilts with a 9th waiting for the sashing. I hem all my daughter's slacks, repair zippers. The night before my daughter and her friend were to leave on vacation, I was hemming a pair of pants for her friend ! My grandmother was a seamstress; my mother hated sewing as she spent a great deal of her childhood ripping out seams for clothes to be remodeled. She detested sewing , even sewing on buttons ! I'm working on another baby afghan til I decide what to start next. It will depend if I get the material soon for the next quilt. I haven't heard from my friend as yet as to when the material will arrive.
Yesterday I painted fencing for 5 + hours ! We bought a 20 litre pail of the stain so I have to scoop it out into the 4l can. The back fence facing the alley has been sadly neglected.The boards are old and are soaking up the stain . Hopefully today I can get another 3 or 4 sections done. Then I can start working on the inside. I am sure I scare people in my wonderful painting clothes. thank goodness the alley is not busy ! :) I smartened up by bringing a 20l pail out with me- upended it holds the stain can so I don't have to bend down so far, and when I'm painting the bottom of the fence, I sit on it. It was much much easier on my knees and back.
Hubby threw some hamburgers on the BBQ for supper. I am not really a hamburger lover, but it sure went down fast last night ! I don't understand why people use prepared hamburger patties. Ones made from 'real' ground beef taste so much better. For snacks, I've been munching on kholrabi from our organic veggie order. It has been delicious !
ED made it home safely from her vacation. YGS was so excited to see her. Even though we made a calendar for him to mark off the days until her return with stickers and showed him pictures of her with her friends, we realized he was not sure that she was going to return. After all his mother left 8 months ago without a word. He is following her around like a puppy dog. " I missed you ! Did you miss me ? " He is processing verbally and non verbally that his mom is 'bad' for leaving and should be given a time out !
At first I wasn't pleased with this colour of stain. It is called Russet and seemed too 'red' for me. as it cures, it darkens so looking quite nice. This is the poor back fence. We can't even remember the last
Our front step has gradually been pulling away from the house.We asked a neighbour who has a small bobcat if he thought he could push it back onto the cement supports. I had thought there were huge rebar that fit into holes in the foundation and then bolted . Not so; just cement supports. We have two columns that support a little 'porch' so Hubby soaped around them with dishsoap, and our neighbour pushed the steps right into place. They are snug against the foundation and have never ever been that way . Each year there was some movement and Hubby even fit a board in the gap a few years ago. I was afraid that someone was going to step into the gap and twist an ankle . Another job done ! Made me very happy. YGS was thrilled to stand inside the front door and watch the bobcat do its work. He loves machinery and thought it was great ! Hubby and YS relaid the sidewalk blocks and then the skies opened- again. Timing was great !
And now we have started regrading the front yard.We had 2 yards of black dirt delivered and Hubby with help from YS to grade the front yard. Hopefully that will be done today. We also have ordered new eavestrough. The 34 yea old ones are 4 inches and with the change in weather, and weather patterns, we're getting 5 inch ones. The manager said the crew will just show up and put them up. We are NOT to pay them, but will receive a bill from the company - which is reputable. We will save parts of the old eavestrough so ED can put it up on her saltbox shed to collect water.
The pond is slowly being demolished. A friend of ES's is supposed to come and take some rocks [ I hope it takes them all ! ] for his acreage. However the skies opened so that was postponed. Hubby started to remove one rock, and there was a hornet's nest. He w as stung twice ! YS put on raingear, goggles, gloves and a towel over his exposed face and sprayed them . We've since another nest in the facia near the back door ! so Hubby dealt with that one.
Last week, during rest day on the Tour, I managed to paint the front fence and gate- on the outside. Then painting had to stop because of more rain.
I spent my days sewing up the last yoyo quilt. This picture does not do it justice as the red is a beautiful true cherry red. There are 3 different shades of gray. But it is done. It amuses me that as someone who does not like sewing, has made 24 of these quilts and 8 9patch quilts with a 9th waiting for the sashing. I hem all my daughter's slacks, repair zippers. The night before my daughter and her friend were to leave on vacation, I was hemming a pair of pants for her friend ! My grandmother was a seamstress; my mother hated sewing as she spent a great deal of her childhood ripping out seams for clothes to be remodeled. She detested sewing , even sewing on buttons ! I'm working on another baby afghan til I decide what to start next. It will depend if I get the material soon for the next quilt. I haven't heard from my friend as yet as to when the material will arrive.
Yesterday I painted fencing for 5 + hours ! We bought a 20 litre pail of the stain so I have to scoop it out into the 4l can. The back fence facing the alley has been sadly neglected.The boards are old and are soaking up the stain . Hopefully today I can get another 3 or 4 sections done. Then I can start working on the inside. I am sure I scare people in my wonderful painting clothes. thank goodness the alley is not busy ! :) I smartened up by bringing a 20l pail out with me- upended it holds the stain can so I don't have to bend down so far, and when I'm painting the bottom of the fence, I sit on it. It was much much easier on my knees and back.
Hubby threw some hamburgers on the BBQ for supper. I am not really a hamburger lover, but it sure went down fast last night ! I don't understand why people use prepared hamburger patties. Ones made from 'real' ground beef taste so much better. For snacks, I've been munching on kholrabi from our organic veggie order. It has been delicious !
ED made it home safely from her vacation. YGS was so excited to see her. Even though we made a calendar for him to mark off the days until her return with stickers and showed him pictures of her with her friends, we realized he was not sure that she was going to return. After all his mother left 8 months ago without a word. He is following her around like a puppy dog. " I missed you ! Did you miss me ? " He is processing verbally and non verbally that his mom is 'bad' for leaving and should be given a time out !
At first I wasn't pleased with this colour of stain. It is called Russet and seemed too 'red' for me. as it cures, it darkens so looking quite nice. This is the poor back fence. We can't even remember the last
Monday, July 14, 2014
Relaxing Weekend
The weekend has flown by and although it didn't seem that we worked that hard, we did get some things accomplished. After a quick trip into work to train a new employee, ES came over and helped box up the basement. The boxes were then moved into ' my side' of the garage. So far so good. The dehumidifier is drying it out nicely. Time will tell if we've solved the flooding. We are expecting rain on Thursday so we'll be keeping an steady eye on it.
I kept YGS here so his dad could mow the lawn and water ED's yard. He sure loves being outside and going for bike rides on his 'big boy bike' . In the morning I had managed to sew the blocks together in strips after I had trimmed them so spent some time starting to sew - hmm don't know what to call them - joing strips ? with a blind stitch. As it got hotter and hotter during the day, I abandonned the sewiwng. Certainly didn't need a quilt covering my legs in this heat !!
We ate supper outside on the garage deck as it was degrees cooler than in the house. I had an old fashioned milk crate so I covered it with some material and YGS used it as his own personal table. It was evident that he enjoyed his lasagne as he was wearing it on his bare belly ! Off they went home to continue watering and weeding.
The lawn was cut and more weeding was done. My Delphiniums are doing the best they've ever done. I do so love blue flowers. the tomatoes were caged, but I need to string some more twine for my peas. I may send hubby over to ED's to pick up our ball of twine.
PBS has had so many good programs on, including Endeavour. I had watched the first season on Netflix and managed to catch the last two programs. Tomorrow is a rest day for Le Tour de France so I may start painting the fence early in the day. We are supposed to get up to 33*C which is way too hot for me ! any work has to be done early in the day.
Heard from ED who was at a wedding in Mammoth Ca, but she says it cannot compare to our Jasper and Banff. Today she is off to Cabo. Funnily enough she met a friend from kindergarden in Vegas where they stayed for a couple of nights.
The ribs I marinated and BBqed last night were some of the best we've had. So meaty. [ and I really d on't like ribs ! ] There are plenty for supper tonight so I might not even have to cook !! YS has baseball tonight so he'll just grab something and race off.
I kept YGS here so his dad could mow the lawn and water ED's yard. He sure loves being outside and going for bike rides on his 'big boy bike' . In the morning I had managed to sew the blocks together in strips after I had trimmed them so spent some time starting to sew - hmm don't know what to call them - joing strips ? with a blind stitch. As it got hotter and hotter during the day, I abandonned the sewiwng. Certainly didn't need a quilt covering my legs in this heat !!
We ate supper outside on the garage deck as it was degrees cooler than in the house. I had an old fashioned milk crate so I covered it with some material and YGS used it as his own personal table. It was evident that he enjoyed his lasagne as he was wearing it on his bare belly ! Off they went home to continue watering and weeding.
The lawn was cut and more weeding was done. My Delphiniums are doing the best they've ever done. I do so love blue flowers. the tomatoes were caged, but I need to string some more twine for my peas. I may send hubby over to ED's to pick up our ball of twine.
PBS has had so many good programs on, including Endeavour. I had watched the first season on Netflix and managed to catch the last two programs. Tomorrow is a rest day for Le Tour de France so I may start painting the fence early in the day. We are supposed to get up to 33*C which is way too hot for me ! any work has to be done early in the day.
Heard from ED who was at a wedding in Mammoth Ca, but she says it cannot compare to our Jasper and Banff. Today she is off to Cabo. Funnily enough she met a friend from kindergarden in Vegas where they stayed for a couple of nights.
The ribs I marinated and BBqed last night were some of the best we've had. So meaty. [ and I really d on't like ribs ! ] There are plenty for supper tonight so I might not even have to cook !! YS has baseball tonight so he'll just grab something and race off.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
A Good Day
I was up bright and early to watch Le Tour De France. It has become a part of my sumner tradition. IF we ever won the Lottery, YS and I would be over in Europe following the Tour around; for now I enjoy watching it on TV.Hubby had to wait till the stage finished before we drove YGS to his dayhome and on to do our shopping. Grocery shopping has become less and less enjoyable. Prices rise every week. I envy those in Great Britain that have such good ' yellow stickered " food. Imagine getting fresh produce at 10 % of the original cost which is low compared to her in Northern Alberta anyway. And the cost of their meat, dairy and canned goods is so low ! However we plod on doing the best that we can. Every couple of months we make a run into the city to a wholesale place to get our meat. It may take me a couple of hours to cut, slice and package the meat we've bought, but it is worthwhile. We made a quick stop at Dollarama to pick u p some liquid hand soap and some red licorice . They are about the only ' dollar' store that is near a dollar at $1.25. I don't bother even popping into the others.
After putting the groceries away, I worked on my quilt. I am now ready to trim each block, arrange the 12 blocks the way I like them and sew them together in strips of 4 . YS asked who was going to get this quilt when I die because he likes the bright colours. I forgot that I had sent a yoyo quilt over to Scotland, so this is the final of 24 yoyo quilts. My mother had made 1892 yoyyos and I have used every single one ! It has taken me 8 years to do.
Yesterday I picked some more rhubarb and along with a couple of wrinkly apples, made a Rhubarb Apple crisp for dessert. Originally I had planned a lasagne, but it's YS's payday and he felt like Chinese Food, a real treat. ES and YGS popped in for supper as well so a family dinner of 2 was stretched to the max. I sent ES home with the rest of the Organic Food produce. We share an order of farm fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. You never know what you'll get as it is all dependant on what is ready. I used some fresh dill in the 'stoup' [ a combination of stew and soup] yesterday with leftover chicken, fresh carrots, onion and pearl barley. It was delicious.
YS went over to ES's house to play pingpong and did 2 loaves of wash for us. He made sure the gardens were watered so ED will be pleased they are well taken care of as she is in the US for a wedding.
Today I'll be handwatering plants from the rain barrels and hopefully we'll get our lawns cut. Peas need to be strung up and tomatoes caged. Hopefully this week I can get the stain on the fence.
Easy supper tonight; the lasagne I had planned for last night ! Along with a fresh salad and the crisp.
After putting the groceries away, I worked on my quilt. I am now ready to trim each block, arrange the 12 blocks the way I like them and sew them together in strips of 4 . YS asked who was going to get this quilt when I die because he likes the bright colours. I forgot that I had sent a yoyo quilt over to Scotland, so this is the final of 24 yoyo quilts. My mother had made 1892 yoyyos and I have used every single one ! It has taken me 8 years to do.
Yesterday I picked some more rhubarb and along with a couple of wrinkly apples, made a Rhubarb Apple crisp for dessert. Originally I had planned a lasagne, but it's YS's payday and he felt like Chinese Food, a real treat. ES and YGS popped in for supper as well so a family dinner of 2 was stretched to the max. I sent ES home with the rest of the Organic Food produce. We share an order of farm fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. You never know what you'll get as it is all dependant on what is ready. I used some fresh dill in the 'stoup' [ a combination of stew and soup] yesterday with leftover chicken, fresh carrots, onion and pearl barley. It was delicious.
YS went over to ES's house to play pingpong and did 2 loaves of wash for us. He made sure the gardens were watered so ED will be pleased they are well taken care of as she is in the US for a wedding.
Today I'll be handwatering plants from the rain barrels and hopefully we'll get our lawns cut. Peas need to be strung up and tomatoes caged. Hopefully this week I can get the stain on the fence.
Easy supper tonight; the lasagne I had planned for last night ! Along with a fresh salad and the crisp.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
And On It Goes
The foundation/ plumbing specialist has had a look. Either we have fixed the problem ..or it's a $25 000 fix ! We have to wait for the next storm to roll through and see what happens. I still think it is because the water table is too high because of the slow leak in the pond[ which is being kept emptied and will be filled in as soon as possible] At least I am hoping that is the problem because we'll be struggling to pay that bill !
I made the YGS a calendar so he can keep track of his auntie's vacation. When she had to go on a business trip for 3 days, we didn't realize how her absence was affecting him. We have made sure to reassure him that she is not going away forever; that she is coming back ! I guess in his mind, his mom has left forever. So YGS has stickers to put on the coloured coded calendar each night at bed time.
ES's lawyer phoned to see if there was anything new; there isn't so the case will be closed. It has been nearly 8 months since she has talked to YGS and 3 months since she phoned to say she was coming out here. The child is thriving so I keep on praying that she is happy, very happy.
Today it is quite cool and breezy. I replanted a couple of plants that were waterlogged in a pot from all the rain.Then transplanted some Lamium maculatum.We are expecting temperatures in the 30's so hopefully the waterlogged plants can make a comeback.
I've made a batch of bread dough.With it being so cool, cinnamon buns sound good for dessert ! I am also trying to make a sourdough starter again. Started one two years ago, but with Erin's accident I forgot all about it. We're homebound this summer; no vacations so hopefully I can get it going and make some sourdough bread.
Some more sewing and ironing done this afternoon and then I"ll just settle back to watch something on tv tonight[ and continue knitting the baby afghan]
I made the YGS a calendar so he can keep track of his auntie's vacation. When she had to go on a business trip for 3 days, we didn't realize how her absence was affecting him. We have made sure to reassure him that she is not going away forever; that she is coming back ! I guess in his mind, his mom has left forever. So YGS has stickers to put on the coloured coded calendar each night at bed time.
ES's lawyer phoned to see if there was anything new; there isn't so the case will be closed. It has been nearly 8 months since she has talked to YGS and 3 months since she phoned to say she was coming out here. The child is thriving so I keep on praying that she is happy, very happy.
Today it is quite cool and breezy. I replanted a couple of plants that were waterlogged in a pot from all the rain.Then transplanted some Lamium maculatum.We are expecting temperatures in the 30's so hopefully the waterlogged plants can make a comeback.
I've made a batch of bread dough.With it being so cool, cinnamon buns sound good for dessert ! I am also trying to make a sourdough starter again. Started one two years ago, but with Erin's accident I forgot all about it. We're homebound this summer; no vacations so hopefully I can get it going and make some sourdough bread.
Some more sewing and ironing done this afternoon and then I"ll just settle back to watch something on tv tonight[ and continue knitting the baby afghan]
Never Rains, But It Pours !!
Well, I'll try this again. Posts are disappearing into thin air.
The summer started off well.Gardens are coming along well with attention being paid to them every day. I follow the shade around and an continually weeding. we've had a great deal of rain and the weeds love it ! Material has been washed, ironed and cut. Some sewing has been accomplished. ED's Canada Day party was a roaring success. The weather was perfect, the food was good and the fireworks were terrific.
However since then our basement has flooded. The first time was 2 years ago and now this summer. YS took the day off work on Monday and with the help of a phone call, bailed the clean out 'hole' and managed to turn a valve. Today we have someone coming over to see if we have solved our problem or is there a greater problem with the weeping tiles. Apparently the Backwater Valve can close on its own and after 34 years, I guess it did. So we having been vacuuming up water, packing up the basement and moaning the fact that the whole basement has to be redone. ~~sigh ~~ And to top it all off, the washing machine will not work this morning......
Only a short post, but we'll see if it works
The summer started off well.Gardens are coming along well with attention being paid to them every day. I follow the shade around and an continually weeding. we've had a great deal of rain and the weeds love it ! Material has been washed, ironed and cut. Some sewing has been accomplished. ED's Canada Day party was a roaring success. The weather was perfect, the food was good and the fireworks were terrific.
However since then our basement has flooded. The first time was 2 years ago and now this summer. YS took the day off work on Monday and with the help of a phone call, bailed the clean out 'hole' and managed to turn a valve. Today we have someone coming over to see if we have solved our problem or is there a greater problem with the weeping tiles. Apparently the Backwater Valve can close on its own and after 34 years, I guess it did. So we having been vacuuming up water, packing up the basement and moaning the fact that the whole basement has to be redone. ~~sigh ~~ And to top it all off, the washing machine will not work this morning......
Only a short post, but we'll see if it works
Saturday, June 28, 2014
And the Summer has Started
Finally I am on Summer Break. Even though I was only back for 7 months at school, it was a long, hard year. The kids I worked with were difficult and many days I felt I was not getting through to them at all. I'll try to hang in there for one more year. I'm very grateful that I have a job , and that job gives me the summer off.
I've made lists galore; things to do in the house, things to do in the garden and things to sew and knit. Today it poured rain so the gardening was out til late afternoon. I ironed some quilt strips for my ES's 9 patch quilt. YGS insists that I have to make his dad one. I am hoping to make myself a yoyo quilt- a design I created to use up my mother's yoyos.The centre blocks are all done; grey background and appliqued yoyos in red, whites and black. The rest of the quilt will be in various shades of gray, white and black. I am supposed to be receiving some [ a lot] of material this summer so I will wait to chose the colour of the sashing on the 9 patch to see if anything in the pile really stands out to me.
Hubby cut down my lilac for me. It hasn't bloomed in 3 years and was shading the rest of the gardens too much. I was quite amazed at how much the yard has opened up without it. We are thinking of cutting down the crabapple and replacing it with a grafted apple. Some of the perennials have made it over to Ed's yard. Tomorrow a whole lot more should ! I haven't divided some the last two years saving the plants for her. Now it is time they go as I am being over run !
Ed's yard has really come along. Last fall she , her brothers and father planted 18 trees and bushes. They also built a Saltbox garden shed. This spring, they built her lower deck and square foot gardening frames. The fence was put up and the sod put down.
This is a view of part of ED's backyard. We'll be having a Canada Day party in her backyard with friends and neighbours. The City puts on a really fun day with all sorts of activities and events in the Jubilee Park behind her house. We'll have front row seats for the fireworks !
These are some of the pillows I made for her birthday. She does not like the colour pink !
This picture isn't too clear, but I made pink gingham curtains with lace tiebacks for her shed !! We put them up while she was out, but she noticed them first thing when she got back!! [ She fluffed them properly on the rod as her father had just 'hung' them !]
I have a sweater to knit for a friend who did a wonderful art piece of a dragonfly. I bartered for it as a Christmas gift for ED as we have a long magical tale of dragonflies . She loved it; my friend found wool, I found a pattern and so that is another summer project. I have ponchos to make out of gifted fleece as they were popular with the kids last year. Now the big kids want them !
Stain has been bought for the two new gates and the front fence. We'll see how I manage and then hopefully we can buy stain to do the rest of the fencing.Course I have to wait until it stops raining.
The weeding will never stop and the lists have grown longer and longer. It will be interesting to see what gets done this summer.
My son was awarded all that he asked for in child support and child care costs. Now he may never get a cent, but she disregarded 2 court orders and was in contempt of court ! Now that could mean that if she sets foot in this province again, she could be arrested. MEP is looking after collecting from her and their powers are quite extraordinary. Even if we do not see a cent, there are many things that can happen to her; garnishment of wages, loss of driver's licence , NO passport , any refunds from the government would go straight to ES, no Employment Insurance, no disability insurance- if she was able to fool the doctors in Northern Ontario[ she has been put on a list of people who fake illnesses, injuries.] She may not be able to be medically insured as she defrauded Alberta Blue Cross and she's on their list ! She could also be jailed in Ontario for failure to pay. All this can happen when a person is 5 months behind in support and she is already 7 months behind.Also the last we heard the 'tranny was blown' on her 3 year old car which was being financed. Translation is it was repossessed. No more calls from the Auto Finance people trying to get a hold of her. Her phone was stolen. Translation she didn't pay the bill. And her e-mail account was hacked. Translation -- hmm I don't know so I'll call it Karma !
There are family members and friends of her ex who are not too pleased that she has returned to the ex and their daughter after 3 years.But I hope she is happy, very happy.
I've just burned all the twigs and branches in the firepit so that counts for gardening, right ? Off to bed and hopefully I can sleep for more than 6 hours. No little gs tomorrow morning so it would be a great day to sleep in !
I've made lists galore; things to do in the house, things to do in the garden and things to sew and knit. Today it poured rain so the gardening was out til late afternoon. I ironed some quilt strips for my ES's 9 patch quilt. YGS insists that I have to make his dad one. I am hoping to make myself a yoyo quilt- a design I created to use up my mother's yoyos.The centre blocks are all done; grey background and appliqued yoyos in red, whites and black. The rest of the quilt will be in various shades of gray, white and black. I am supposed to be receiving some [ a lot] of material this summer so I will wait to chose the colour of the sashing on the 9 patch to see if anything in the pile really stands out to me.
Hubby cut down my lilac for me. It hasn't bloomed in 3 years and was shading the rest of the gardens too much. I was quite amazed at how much the yard has opened up without it. We are thinking of cutting down the crabapple and replacing it with a grafted apple. Some of the perennials have made it over to Ed's yard. Tomorrow a whole lot more should ! I haven't divided some the last two years saving the plants for her. Now it is time they go as I am being over run !
Ed's yard has really come along. Last fall she , her brothers and father planted 18 trees and bushes. They also built a Saltbox garden shed. This spring, they built her lower deck and square foot gardening frames. The fence was put up and the sod put down.
This is a view of part of ED's backyard. We'll be having a Canada Day party in her backyard with friends and neighbours. The City puts on a really fun day with all sorts of activities and events in the Jubilee Park behind her house. We'll have front row seats for the fireworks !
These are some of the pillows I made for her birthday. She does not like the colour pink !
This picture isn't too clear, but I made pink gingham curtains with lace tiebacks for her shed !! We put them up while she was out, but she noticed them first thing when she got back!! [ She fluffed them properly on the rod as her father had just 'hung' them !]
I have a sweater to knit for a friend who did a wonderful art piece of a dragonfly. I bartered for it as a Christmas gift for ED as we have a long magical tale of dragonflies . She loved it; my friend found wool, I found a pattern and so that is another summer project. I have ponchos to make out of gifted fleece as they were popular with the kids last year. Now the big kids want them !
Stain has been bought for the two new gates and the front fence. We'll see how I manage and then hopefully we can buy stain to do the rest of the fencing.Course I have to wait until it stops raining.
The weeding will never stop and the lists have grown longer and longer. It will be interesting to see what gets done this summer.
My son was awarded all that he asked for in child support and child care costs. Now he may never get a cent, but she disregarded 2 court orders and was in contempt of court ! Now that could mean that if she sets foot in this province again, she could be arrested. MEP is looking after collecting from her and their powers are quite extraordinary. Even if we do not see a cent, there are many things that can happen to her; garnishment of wages, loss of driver's licence , NO passport , any refunds from the government would go straight to ES, no Employment Insurance, no disability insurance- if she was able to fool the doctors in Northern Ontario[ she has been put on a list of people who fake illnesses, injuries.] She may not be able to be medically insured as she defrauded Alberta Blue Cross and she's on their list ! She could also be jailed in Ontario for failure to pay. All this can happen when a person is 5 months behind in support and she is already 7 months behind.Also the last we heard the 'tranny was blown' on her 3 year old car which was being financed. Translation is it was repossessed. No more calls from the Auto Finance people trying to get a hold of her. Her phone was stolen. Translation she didn't pay the bill. And her e-mail account was hacked. Translation -- hmm I don't know so I'll call it Karma !
There are family members and friends of her ex who are not too pleased that she has returned to the ex and their daughter after 3 years.But I hope she is happy, very happy.
I've just burned all the twigs and branches in the firepit so that counts for gardening, right ? Off to bed and hopefully I can sleep for more than 6 hours. No little gs tomorrow morning so it would be a great day to sleep in !
Sunday, April 6, 2014
A Long and Stressful Season
This has been one of the worst Falls and Winters of our lives. The situation in the summer only got worse, but certain persons' true colours came out but that didn't surprise us. You see, we all KNEW, but brushed things off to keep the peace. Eventually enough was enough , and we could no longer endure the hurts, the slights, or the lies. It has been hurtful beyond words, but life goes on .
To make our lives even more stressful, in October, my son's partner decided to end their relationship.After her 1800 mile trip back to see her daughter whom she left 3 years previously, she decided to move back in with her ex, taking our grandson with her. Arrived home on October 22nd, and on October 23rd, wouldn't let my son back into their apartment or talk or see his son. She kept him from seeing him for 32 days. Fortunately he got a good Family Law lawyer and saw him on November 24th .The next day , a Monday, she asked if he would like him for the day and an overnight, Tuesday she brought over his bath toys and that was the last she was heard of till March 17th when she texted , wanting to speak to her son. ! Many Affadavits, many court orders and court appearances and much money later, my son officially has custody of his son.
It has been an emotional roller coaster for the core of our family, but we have all worked together to ensure the stability and care of the littlest one.Sacrifices have been made by everyone but oh, it has been worth it ! Grandson is thriving ! He has brought so much joy into our lives.
The last time I wrote, I was preparing to have a total knee replacement. I stayed awake during the operation; that was so interesting. The anesthetic and I did not get along and I had a rough, nauseous evening. There were a few complications with my blood pressure [ too low] and my O2 levels, but the worst was the horrible food. I couldn't even force myself to eat ! Then came the physio ! and the twice daily exercises !!! But after 3 months off, I went back to work. I didn't get a whole lot accomplished during those months. I finished a baby afghan and towards the end was able to start hand quilting the 5 quilt tops I had ready.I am on the 5th one now. It has been a hard slog, but I think it has kept me semi sane !
The winter has been long and cold and snowy. We are so ready for spring. My daughter, who took the Master Organic Gardening course last year , has started the plants. Her dad made her a shelving units with grow lights and I gave her a small greenhouse so hopefully we'll have an abundance of seedlings. The tulips in the south facing garden have been up for about 3 weeks. I sometimes wonder how they survive as we've had 3 snowstorms to cover them up repeatedly ! The areas without snow are sopping wet so it will be a while before I can get out and inspect what has survived. Then will come the job of dividing up some of the perennials to transfer to EDs gardens.
Life has thrown us some curve balls. We have learnt many lessons. We have love.
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