I love the quietness of the morning. No one else is up and I can sip my coffee, catch up on the news and plan out my day. Now these are very loose plans when one is not working ! I've already started the beef broth for "our" soup. It is an old Scottish soup that has been passed down through my mother-in-law. The only turnips on sale this Christmas were huge, I didn't even cook it all. So today I"ll cook u p the rest of the turnip, carrots, onions and potatoes, mash them when soft and combine the beggie and beef broths. The first time I had this soup I didn't like it. Now my whole gamily loves it so that will be a treat for supper. Maybe some homemade rolls will complete the meal ! Anyway that is soup started already.
ED found a MC gift card that was due to expire at the end of the month so we set off to a large material store on the souothside. We picked up some leather to reupholster her dining room chairs. With a young child, she needs something she can just wipe . Then we went out for some Vietnamese food as a treat.
Needless to say I didn't want any supper although I made creamed turkey on toast with the last of the turkey.ED made up another batch of nuts and bolts which she shared with us.YS finally got stuck in and cleaned his room. [ Found out ES did the same !] He gathered up all his change and thanks to his sister p;icking up coin rolls, he rolled over $160 !! Now if only people could keep their rooms clean !!
I'm on my fifth pair of mitts. The slowest part of knitting them is making sure the wool is divided evenly between the two mitts so they match. Looks like I'll end up with pairs. Good, another load of wool gone !I've ten Christmas stockings made so if I have a few orders, I've already got some in reserve.
Today I'd like to tackle the living room and put the slipcovers back on. I'd like YS to move the stove and fridge out so I can wash the floors under and behind them. Lots of little jobs to do !
I wore one of my 'new' tops from VV and it was very comfortable. I now have 6 new tops for school for the new year ! Yahoo !! Some day I must pop into Winners and see if I can find a new coat. I think I have had this coat for 15 years and it is beginning to look worn. If I could find an identical coat I'd be thrilled !
Time for a shower ! then I can swish the bathroom. Tick off another job !
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Sunday, December 27, 2015
A Little of This, A Little of That
Oh how I envy people who can sleep in, although I do enjoy my quiet time with my coffee.
Yesterday my eldest sister phoned which w as quite a surprise. She has had to be 'adopted' by other families as she is not close with her only remaining son and hasn't seen or heard from her granddaughters in 20 years or more. Sad, but it is Karma. And lo and behold she phoned me again today on Messenger. I do not feel a closeness as a) she has never kept in touch or tried to despite my younger sister and my attempts and b) we are quite sure she was not entirely honest with my Mother's estate and a few dicey things were done. I still make the attempt and maybe in her old age she'll try a little harder. We'll see.
Yesterday I went through my odds and ends of wool . They were sorted into piles and I've finished one pair of mitts and almost finished another. Now I have odds and ends from the initial odds and ends ! However at least 4 pairs will be knit up. The grandkids love homemade mitts.
No matter that our weather at this time is very cold -20*C, I much prefer that to living in an area with wildfires, floods or tornadoes. Horrendous weather in the States, Great Britain and Australia. We can chose to stay indoors where it is warm - or go out sledding as some of my family did yesterday. A good book, a good movie -- we have choices.
Trolls are horrible people. I've read where trolls have been so hurtful to a blogger whose son died just before Christmas. Obviously they have no life. hateful, horrible people.
No happy Christmas pictures or seasonal from the armpit of the North.Were they without electricity or is it a sign of the kind of Christmas they had ? No matter, we had a lovely time.
It is so nice to be able to putter around the house. To clean out a drawer -- and wonder where the odd socks went ? I did put them into the laundry. Today maybe I'll do a good shake out of my clothes incase they are caught up in the inside of a top or something. Having the luxury of time to sort the jewelry or organize the hanging order of clothes to make it easier is just great.
To be grateful that Hubby's sugar levels are slowly but surely coming down. [ He didn't listen to me about portions and treats ! ] but he is following doctor's orders !
Yesterday my eldest sister phoned which w as quite a surprise. She has had to be 'adopted' by other families as she is not close with her only remaining son and hasn't seen or heard from her granddaughters in 20 years or more. Sad, but it is Karma. And lo and behold she phoned me again today on Messenger. I do not feel a closeness as a) she has never kept in touch or tried to despite my younger sister and my attempts and b) we are quite sure she was not entirely honest with my Mother's estate and a few dicey things were done. I still make the attempt and maybe in her old age she'll try a little harder. We'll see.
Yesterday I went through my odds and ends of wool . They were sorted into piles and I've finished one pair of mitts and almost finished another. Now I have odds and ends from the initial odds and ends ! However at least 4 pairs will be knit up. The grandkids love homemade mitts.
No matter that our weather at this time is very cold -20*C, I much prefer that to living in an area with wildfires, floods or tornadoes. Horrendous weather in the States, Great Britain and Australia. We can chose to stay indoors where it is warm - or go out sledding as some of my family did yesterday. A good book, a good movie -- we have choices.
Trolls are horrible people. I've read where trolls have been so hurtful to a blogger whose son died just before Christmas. Obviously they have no life. hateful, horrible people.
No happy Christmas pictures or seasonal from the armpit of the North.Were they without electricity or is it a sign of the kind of Christmas they had ? No matter, we had a lovely time.
It is so nice to be able to putter around the house. To clean out a drawer -- and wonder where the odd socks went ? I did put them into the laundry. Today maybe I'll do a good shake out of my clothes incase they are caught up in the inside of a top or something. Having the luxury of time to sort the jewelry or organize the hanging order of clothes to make it easier is just great.
To be grateful that Hubby's sugar levels are slowly but surely coming down. [ He didn't listen to me about portions and treats ! ] but he is following doctor's orders !
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Boxing Day
Ah, Boxing Day A day of relaxation. Not for us to rush off to try and snag bargains in the crowded Malls. No getting up early in the cold to stand in line ups. Nope we relax, watch some hockey and read books !!
Christmas was quite wonderful. The baking was eventually done, but a couple of days later than planned as I got hit with some sort of bug and did not dare bake. Poor YGS as I had him over to help me; instead he had quiet time while I lay down with a nauseous stomach !My pastry may not have turned out as it usually does, but I went with it ! Now I have to get some Bridesmaaids[ BakewellTarts] to Ateker ! Funny story. Myy family have been making Bridesmaids, also called matron of Honour for over a hundred years. Having read many references to Bakewell Tarts on many English blogs, I discovered they were the same thing ! Ateker brought some tarts to ED's July 1st party and was so surprised that we knew what they were ! He has them brought up from a Calgary
store that imports them from England ! My kids said, oh Mom's are just as good ! some are put away for him :)
We managed to wrap all the gifts{ nothing was forgotten which a first me for me}, the Shepherd's pie and buns were made, stocking stuffers all sorted into bags later to be transferred to ED's car and dressed in our finery ! I even managed to paint my fingernails ! We headed off to YD's house out in the country to two very excited children who were patiently waiting for their youngest cousin. YGS arrived with his other grandparents in tow. We had a lovely evening. Gifts were exchanged and YGS had the same pyjamas as his older cousin whom he adores ! I think that was the bet gift !!It was good for the other grandparents to see the love between the cousins- something he would not have had if his mother had taken him. WE had appetizers and three choices for mains. Forgot to put out dessert ! LOL
After the maternal grandparents left we played this new game, Cards for Humanity. Not really sure what I thought of it ! And then we all drove off, hoe to bed. Christmas morning saw me up early cooking bacon [ which YGS says we haven't had for 10 years ! ] and a frittata which only needed heating up for breakfast as we ate our sweet juicy grapefruits. Everyone was pleased with their gifts. After a quick tidy, we came home. YS and YGS went over to the other grandparents to receive more gifts. We had thought they would have brought them Christmas Eve , but oh well.
After a delicious Christmas Dinner[ I made the mashed potatoes, turnip and stuffing balls] YS bought the veggies which we prepared just before eating and again we didn't bring out dessert ! Except for me, they all went out to watch the new Star Wars movie. I came home with Marley and watched A Call to Midwives Christmas Special. Perfect !
Today the World Juniors Hockey Championships begin so we'll all be watching that. And I'll continue knitting and thinking of my next project !!
Now to relax.........
Christmas was quite wonderful. The baking was eventually done, but a couple of days later than planned as I got hit with some sort of bug and did not dare bake. Poor YGS as I had him over to help me; instead he had quiet time while I lay down with a nauseous stomach !My pastry may not have turned out as it usually does, but I went with it ! Now I have to get some Bridesmaaids[ BakewellTarts] to Ateker ! Funny story. Myy family have been making Bridesmaids, also called matron of Honour for over a hundred years. Having read many references to Bakewell Tarts on many English blogs, I discovered they were the same thing ! Ateker brought some tarts to ED's July 1st party and was so surprised that we knew what they were ! He has them brought up from a Calgary
store that imports them from England ! My kids said, oh Mom's are just as good ! some are put away for him :)
We managed to wrap all the gifts{ nothing was forgotten which a first me for me}, the Shepherd's pie and buns were made, stocking stuffers all sorted into bags later to be transferred to ED's car and dressed in our finery ! I even managed to paint my fingernails ! We headed off to YD's house out in the country to two very excited children who were patiently waiting for their youngest cousin. YGS arrived with his other grandparents in tow. We had a lovely evening. Gifts were exchanged and YGS had the same pyjamas as his older cousin whom he adores ! I think that was the bet gift !!It was good for the other grandparents to see the love between the cousins- something he would not have had if his mother had taken him. WE had appetizers and three choices for mains. Forgot to put out dessert ! LOL
After the maternal grandparents left we played this new game, Cards for Humanity. Not really sure what I thought of it ! And then we all drove off, hoe to bed. Christmas morning saw me up early cooking bacon [ which YGS says we haven't had for 10 years ! ] and a frittata which only needed heating up for breakfast as we ate our sweet juicy grapefruits. Everyone was pleased with their gifts. After a quick tidy, we came home. YS and YGS went over to the other grandparents to receive more gifts. We had thought they would have brought them Christmas Eve , but oh well.
After a delicious Christmas Dinner[ I made the mashed potatoes, turnip and stuffing balls] YS bought the veggies which we prepared just before eating and again we didn't bring out dessert ! Except for me, they all went out to watch the new Star Wars movie. I came home with Marley and watched A Call to Midwives Christmas Special. Perfect !
Today the World Juniors Hockey Championships begin so we'll all be watching that. And I'll continue knitting and thinking of my next project !!
Now to relax.........
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Winter Solstice
We made it through the last week of school. It was long and hard; many concert rehearsals and concerts and children who were not in the least bit interested in learning anything ! I let out a big sigh of relief when the bell rang !
Stockings were delivered so I was able to check that off. Someone wanted seven stockings before Christmas...err. that didn't happen. However in my spare time I have been knitting up a few more currently on my twelfth so I will have a stash for future orders.
While I really did nothing on the weekend, being extremely lazy, I am now gearing up. Yesterday I spent the day with ED. We shopped , went for lunch and picked up the wine for Christmas. It was lovely ! Today we'll go grocery shopping and pick up a couple of pairs of pyjamas. I want to have a pair for YGS as his cousins always get new pjs for Christmas Eve.He can open his with them ! His other grandparents are coming for the evening. YGS is so excited because his whole family will be there.[ He never, ever mentions his mother]
We stopped yesterday at Value Village and picked up games and jigsaw puzzles. I also found some material to make an apron for ES and YGS. YGS baked with ED on the weekend and had to have an apron which of course was way too big. This material is quite appropriate as it has veggies and garden tools on it. I have two days to get them sewn.
We went to a Liquidation Superstore and I bought ED two [cheap] area rugs for her living room and dining room. She in turn had bought me 4 tops I spied at Value Village. We promised to be excited when we opened our 'gifts' . Gift cards were bought- nice and easy to wrap ! LOL
Today sometime I will start to do a little baking. Shortbread, bridesmaids[ Bakewell tarts] and maybe a square or two. A friend of ED loves Bakewell tarts so I will try to get them done in time for delivery before Christmas ! GD loves Shepherd's pie so I will make one for Christmas Eve. I doubt that they will eat very much, but it is something that only I can make !!!
Now to remember where I have hidden all the little gifts and to wrap the others !
Stockings were delivered so I was able to check that off. Someone wanted seven stockings before Christmas...err. that didn't happen. However in my spare time I have been knitting up a few more currently on my twelfth so I will have a stash for future orders.
While I really did nothing on the weekend, being extremely lazy, I am now gearing up. Yesterday I spent the day with ED. We shopped , went for lunch and picked up the wine for Christmas. It was lovely ! Today we'll go grocery shopping and pick up a couple of pairs of pyjamas. I want to have a pair for YGS as his cousins always get new pjs for Christmas Eve.He can open his with them ! His other grandparents are coming for the evening. YGS is so excited because his whole family will be there.[ He never, ever mentions his mother]
We stopped yesterday at Value Village and picked up games and jigsaw puzzles. I also found some material to make an apron for ES and YGS. YGS baked with ED on the weekend and had to have an apron which of course was way too big. This material is quite appropriate as it has veggies and garden tools on it. I have two days to get them sewn.
We went to a Liquidation Superstore and I bought ED two [cheap] area rugs for her living room and dining room. She in turn had bought me 4 tops I spied at Value Village. We promised to be excited when we opened our 'gifts' . Gift cards were bought- nice and easy to wrap ! LOL
Today sometime I will start to do a little baking. Shortbread, bridesmaids[ Bakewell tarts] and maybe a square or two. A friend of ED loves Bakewell tarts so I will try to get them done in time for delivery before Christmas ! GD loves Shepherd's pie so I will make one for Christmas Eve. I doubt that they will eat very much, but it is something that only I can make !!!
Now to remember where I have hidden all the little gifts and to wrap the others !
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Looks Like A Bomb Went Off
It looks like a bomb wnet off in here and in the spare bedroom ! I've hauled out all my felt, thread and batting ! Course to get at them all, I've had to move myriads of other 'stuff' to get them down from the cupboard in the sewing / spare bedroom. I spent almost 16 hours over embroidering the names, then cutting out, sewing the decorations for the front before I could stuff them, sew them on and then sew up the stockings ! I even made a new decoration - a stocking ! - as I wanted all five for one family different. Looking at the pile of felt I have, there was really no need to pick up the 5 pieces from Michael's on Wednesday !
Looks lilke I may get some orders to do some in the new year for next Christmas. At least then I will not have a short deadline like with these. Phew ! Glad that is done!
Kids were nuts last week, so this week should be worse. Schedules are pretty well thrown out the window with all the rehearsals for their concerts. Makes for very long days !!
Really not anything new or exciting which is a good thing. I made Hamburger souop with barley and veggies[ used up some grated zucchini that I had frozen.] Tonight we're having lemon chicken stir fry over rice. I think we have some apple pie leftover for dessert.
Looks lilke I may get some orders to do some in the new year for next Christmas. At least then I will not have a short deadline like with these. Phew ! Glad that is done!
Kids were nuts last week, so this week should be worse. Schedules are pretty well thrown out the window with all the rehearsals for their concerts. Makes for very long days !!
Really not anything new or exciting which is a good thing. I made Hamburger souop with barley and veggies[ used up some grated zucchini that I had frozen.] Tonight we're having lemon chicken stir fry over rice. I think we have some apple pie leftover for dessert.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Busy Knitting
Still beautiful weather for December. Although we still love the warmth and lack of snow, we do realize it really isn't good for the environment. I am sure the temps will drop and we'll have snowstorms which we, naturally complain about ! Plans are being made for Christmas and we've bought all the gifts for the ggrandchildren. We made a quick trip out yesterday morning and the streets and stores were quite empty !
I started last weekend knitting mitts, then got a couple of orders for Christmas Stockings. I hadn't knit any in the fall because I thought I had pretty well finished with them. Hmmph I have seven to do ! So the majority of my time has been spent with my knitting needles ! 3 knit, 4 to go ! Then the names and decorations. When my back and legs get sore from sitting, I madly dash around and wash a floor or clean a bathroom . this morning I have done my nails and I am typing this gingerly waiting for them to dry enough to .......get back to my knitting.
Hubby has gone off early this morning [ 6am] to watch EGS in a swim meet. He did very well yessterday in Red Deer and this am is going to Ponoka. ED is working all weekend on her thesis. I'll be roping YS to do some high dusting for me this am.
So not a lot going on, but that's nice. Oh we had a collection agency phoning about the egg donor. All we could say was the city she is living in, presuming she is still there. Her past is catching up with her !
I started last weekend knitting mitts, then got a couple of orders for Christmas Stockings. I hadn't knit any in the fall because I thought I had pretty well finished with them. Hmmph I have seven to do ! So the majority of my time has been spent with my knitting needles ! 3 knit, 4 to go ! Then the names and decorations. When my back and legs get sore from sitting, I madly dash around and wash a floor or clean a bathroom . this morning I have done my nails and I am typing this gingerly waiting for them to dry enough to .......get back to my knitting.
Hubby has gone off early this morning [ 6am] to watch EGS in a swim meet. He did very well yessterday in Red Deer and this am is going to Ponoka. ED is working all weekend on her thesis. I'll be roping YS to do some high dusting for me this am.
So not a lot going on, but that's nice. Oh we had a collection agency phoning about the egg donor. All we could say was the city she is living in, presuming she is still there. Her past is catching up with her !
Monday, November 30, 2015
Where Does The Time Go ?
It's the last day of NOvember and Christmas is coming fast ! I've bought a few stocking stuffers, just have to pick up a few gift cards. The turkey is in ED's freezer and we'll figure out who is doing what and who is hosting.
This past weekend was Gray Cup weekend. ED had to work 4 days in Winnipeg as her university is a partner with the CFLPA. She had a ball as I knew she would. However she is totally exhausted; so tired she can't sleep !!
It was a long work week. We had PD day but honestly there is nothing new to 'learn'. The titles, naes and particular language has changed, but the behaviours and problems have not. If anything the behaviour and cognitive levels are worse. Society, bad parenting ? electronics ?
This weekend I started knitting a few mitts. Some for the grandkids and others will go to Syrian refugees.
Another 3 weeks and then we will start to see more of the sun.
This past weekend was Gray Cup weekend. ED had to work 4 days in Winnipeg as her university is a partner with the CFLPA. She had a ball as I knew she would. However she is totally exhausted; so tired she can't sleep !!
It was a long work week. We had PD day but honestly there is nothing new to 'learn'. The titles, naes and particular language has changed, but the behaviours and problems have not. If anything the behaviour and cognitive levels are worse. Society, bad parenting ? electronics ?
This weekend I started knitting a few mitts. Some for the grandkids and others will go to Syrian refugees.
Another 3 weeks and then we will start to see more of the sun.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Two Years
Two years ago a mother dropped off a toothbrush, and some medication..........and walked out of her child's life.
After 32 days of no contact , my son had his son for 5 hours. I will never forget how hard it w as for him to 'give' him back to his mother. The next day [ apparently after a horrible night with the child screaming out for his daddy], she asked if my son would like him for the day, then it became for a sleepover. Of c ourse he said yes ! She sent him with 4 changes of clothing, some old toys and left........
Fast forward two years. He is doing exceptionally well in school. The teacher is amazed at how quickly he is picking up a second language[ Having worked in FI for 26 years I am amazed ! His understanding, use of words and his accent is quite unbelievable.]He is kind, loving and helpful ! Wow ! What qualities ! Mme Day is accelerating his learning as she fears he might become bored------as he already knows what she is teaching.
So now we have a child who is secure. There are no longer any tantrums. There is no loger a problem with constipation as he is fed a good , balanced diet. No longer do we have a 'grumpy' child for no reason who chose NOT to talk to people and at times was rude. We have a boy who comes into any situation with a smile on his face, who talks to everybody and adores each and every member of his family. He gets to spend time with his cousins, has sleepovers even with his maternal grandparents.
My ED has had a huge impact on his life. She opened her home to her brother and nephew. He has a loving home which is secure. She has disciplined, played, taught and listened to him even though her life is filled to bursting with work and completing her Master's Degree. He, along with his Dad, have learned a great deal abouat gardening from my daughter. He'll eat anything that they have grown. She takes time out of her studies to talk about school and teach him what he wants to learn - like making the letter Z.
Our home is his second home. We pick him up after school . Once home he'll eat - and he eats a lot ! - play , talk about school. Yesterday we spent an hour and a half writing words as he so desperately wants to read. And then off he goes home when it is time with his dad. However he usually tries to wrangle having supper here------ and sometimes it works !
So today we will celebrate two years of a new life for the boy. If all this turmoil, lawyers, court judgements hadn't happened, he would have been an unhappy, tantrum throwing brat. All that, and more if his mother had managed to take him. We have still not ever said a bad word about his mother although he knows " She took him to Superstore, my dad's car was in the parking lot. She gave me to him and then she left. I haven't seen her again ! " But now I am happy and I love my Dad so much ! this was said to his maternal grandmother.
November 25 2013 A New Life
After 32 days of no contact , my son had his son for 5 hours. I will never forget how hard it w as for him to 'give' him back to his mother. The next day [ apparently after a horrible night with the child screaming out for his daddy], she asked if my son would like him for the day, then it became for a sleepover. Of c ourse he said yes ! She sent him with 4 changes of clothing, some old toys and left........
Fast forward two years. He is doing exceptionally well in school. The teacher is amazed at how quickly he is picking up a second language[ Having worked in FI for 26 years I am amazed ! His understanding, use of words and his accent is quite unbelievable.]He is kind, loving and helpful ! Wow ! What qualities ! Mme Day is accelerating his learning as she fears he might become bored------as he already knows what she is teaching.
So now we have a child who is secure. There are no longer any tantrums. There is no loger a problem with constipation as he is fed a good , balanced diet. No longer do we have a 'grumpy' child for no reason who chose NOT to talk to people and at times was rude. We have a boy who comes into any situation with a smile on his face, who talks to everybody and adores each and every member of his family. He gets to spend time with his cousins, has sleepovers even with his maternal grandparents.
My ED has had a huge impact on his life. She opened her home to her brother and nephew. He has a loving home which is secure. She has disciplined, played, taught and listened to him even though her life is filled to bursting with work and completing her Master's Degree. He, along with his Dad, have learned a great deal abouat gardening from my daughter. He'll eat anything that they have grown. She takes time out of her studies to talk about school and teach him what he wants to learn - like making the letter Z.
Our home is his second home. We pick him up after school . Once home he'll eat - and he eats a lot ! - play , talk about school. Yesterday we spent an hour and a half writing words as he so desperately wants to read. And then off he goes home when it is time with his dad. However he usually tries to wrangle having supper here------ and sometimes it works !
So today we will celebrate two years of a new life for the boy. If all this turmoil, lawyers, court judgements hadn't happened, he would have been an unhappy, tantrum throwing brat. All that, and more if his mother had managed to take him. We have still not ever said a bad word about his mother although he knows " She took him to Superstore, my dad's car was in the parking lot. She gave me to him and then she left. I haven't seen her again ! " But now I am happy and I love my Dad so much ! this was said to his maternal grandmother.
November 25 2013 A New Life
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Busy Week, Busier Weekend !!
I'm sitting here quietly with the news on. It's the calm before the storm !! GD has a cheer competition this morning so I will wake her soon, get into her gear and try and do her hair. fortunately we just have to drop her off at her other auntie's and not drive her all the way into the city for a 5 minute performance . Her cousin will do her hair and make up - yes makeup for a 5 year old !
We'e had two children since Thursday after school, as well as the swimming club, piano lessons, cheer practice etc. Today GD had asked if I would make Shepherd's pie again as it was delicious ! I'll have her help me make it when she returns[ although I do not know what time that will be ] Friday YS who is looking after the animals, came into town and brought ES home for a night of movies, video games and junk food ! They had a really good time. EGS changed into pyjamas and decided he would stay in them for the weekend ! While the house was empty I washed floors and bathrooms. Today I hope to tackle the dusting.
WE changed our bed and put on fleece sheets. Our house is cool at night and as the temperatures are predicted to drop this week, it was time. The children thought the sheets were really cold on their beds so the other night I dug out hot water bottles. GD was thrilled that she had a heart shaped one !
EGS is really into Harry Potter now as he went to the School of Wizardry and Magic put on by the Science Department at the U of A. They had a movie marathon yesterday afternoon and evening. Good ole auntie has all the movies ! GD spent time cutting and colouring with a few tv shows thrown in. Auntie came over with the dog and they went in the hot tub.
Their Beer Advent 'Calendar' was assembled yesterday ! This year it looks like people bought wooden crates, or something similar to keep the 24 different bottles of beer in. My sons bought Christmas socks to 'wrap' their beer. Looks quite festive.
It's hard to believe that November is nearly finished. Report cards go out this week and then Parent Teacher Interviews. Friday is a PD day which are always very long .
104 weeks ago today, ES saw his son for the first time in 32 days ! It was both heart warming and heart breaking. If we had known the final outcome, that in 3 short days the two would be together and the egg donor would take off for Northern Ontario, it certainly would have been more joyous ! However everything turned out for the best although as we were going through the HELL, we couldn't have possible imagined that the outcome would be so good.
ED is off to the football game. Hopefully the home team will win and be off to the Gray Cup. Regardless she'll be at the final in Winnipeg
Time to wake our little tumbler up..
We'e had two children since Thursday after school, as well as the swimming club, piano lessons, cheer practice etc. Today GD had asked if I would make Shepherd's pie again as it was delicious ! I'll have her help me make it when she returns[ although I do not know what time that will be ] Friday YS who is looking after the animals, came into town and brought ES home for a night of movies, video games and junk food ! They had a really good time. EGS changed into pyjamas and decided he would stay in them for the weekend ! While the house was empty I washed floors and bathrooms. Today I hope to tackle the dusting.
WE changed our bed and put on fleece sheets. Our house is cool at night and as the temperatures are predicted to drop this week, it was time. The children thought the sheets were really cold on their beds so the other night I dug out hot water bottles. GD was thrilled that she had a heart shaped one !
EGS is really into Harry Potter now as he went to the School of Wizardry and Magic put on by the Science Department at the U of A. They had a movie marathon yesterday afternoon and evening. Good ole auntie has all the movies ! GD spent time cutting and colouring with a few tv shows thrown in. Auntie came over with the dog and they went in the hot tub.
Their Beer Advent 'Calendar' was assembled yesterday ! This year it looks like people bought wooden crates, or something similar to keep the 24 different bottles of beer in. My sons bought Christmas socks to 'wrap' their beer. Looks quite festive.
It's hard to believe that November is nearly finished. Report cards go out this week and then Parent Teacher Interviews. Friday is a PD day which are always very long .
104 weeks ago today, ES saw his son for the first time in 32 days ! It was both heart warming and heart breaking. If we had known the final outcome, that in 3 short days the two would be together and the egg donor would take off for Northern Ontario, it certainly would have been more joyous ! However everything turned out for the best although as we were going through the HELL, we couldn't have possible imagined that the outcome would be so good.
ED is off to the football game. Hopefully the home team will win and be off to the Gray Cup. Regardless she'll be at the final in Winnipeg
Time to wake our little tumbler up..
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Fall Break
Today is the last day of our Fall Break. It has been very relaxing which is what I needed. A few things have been accomplished, but not much ! I pulled a few more plants. Surprisingly I still have some plants flowering . Imagine that flowering in November in Northern Alberta ! I tidied my jewelry and mended some earrings and necklaces. I've stared at my pile of wool and still have done nothing. Cooked and did some cleaning.
Friday ED who is on vacation and doing research for her Thesis, called to ask if I wanted to go to Value Village. We had just come back from grocery shopping [ finally picked up pepper for work ! ] and the groceries had been put away. I picked up four tops , a leather purse and a pair of jeans for ES for his birthday. My old purse's lining had started to fray so after I transferred over to the new purse, I mended it.
Yesterday the two oldest grandchildren were dropped off as they were going to have a sleepover at YGS's house. However as the 16th is ES's birthday, he went out with his brother and friend to a batting cage for 2 hours ! YGS was droped off by his other grandparents and then the mayhem began !! It is delightful to see how well they all play together. I made a Shepherd's pie, well really cottage pie, fleshed out with lentils for supper. Shortly after 7 they were all picked up and the house was so silent !
Today we'll be having a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and I will shortly start making a cake for ES's birthday dinner. Such a difference from two years ago.
Two years ago we did not celebrate ES's birthday. He had not seen his son for 25 days and that is all he wanted. We were in the middle of lawyers, courts and judgements. It was a sad day. When I mentioned that it was just 2 years ago, ES remarked that it seemed a lifetime ago. And it does !
The other grandmother told me yesterday that she had found my cookbooks under a crawl space as well as the eggdonor's old purse in which was HER triple strand gold necklace that was a 25th Anniversary gift. She is guessing that because the clasp was broken, her daughter hadn't been able to wear it or sell it. Very angry that she stole it, but so happy to have found it. She thought she'd never see it again. She'd also like to have lunch with me once a month or so.YGS also told me he helped choose a birthday gift and card for his Dad.
The neighbourhood is so quiet. When I get up, there are no lights on anywhere now that the old neighbours are gone. they kept lights on all the time 24/7. The landlord has been working in that rental house for 5 weeks, painting, new bathroom, all new flooring. He has reduced the rent by $100 a month, It is still too high for the economic climate in our province. When I was putting out the garbage I noticed a couple in the backyard. They were peering through the windows of the house and garage. The woman thought the view from the deck was wonderful ! LOL I suppose it all depends where they are currently living ! I suppose they were just checking it ut as the landlord was not there. There have been only 2 other viewings that we have noticed and as he renewed the listing I'm guessing they didn't want to pay $1 700/month plus utilities !
Our sad neighbour across the street seems to be going through a tough time. I am quite sure that someone has died, but who is the question -- her ex ? a family member ? She has never had people coming to her house, nor does she go out except to work. How she met her boyfriend is a mystery ! However a couple came over a couple of evenings ago and she cried and hugged the woman for a long time before they went in to talk. the man just stood there. Long goodbyes after a couple of hours. It was strange. The boyfriend has even been over during the evenings, usually it's before 7:30 in the am or right at 3;30 when she finishes a shift. Flowers were delivered yesterday. I suppose if we never see the drunk pull up again, we'll presume it was him.
Another neighbour had a new furnace put in. Fortunately for them it was not -30*C weather as it was when we had ours put in ! There are two cars parked in front of the house and YD said the BMW had two rear flats. Hmm Haven't seen anyone at the car so maybe today we'll phone to ensure they are not stolen cars.
I'm going to broach the idea of starting to redo the basement. It is such a mess and it is valuable space that we need to use ! It would have been lovely to shove the kids down there yesterday ! LOL And it's warm. I think that this is the latest that we have NOT put the fleece sheets on the bed.
This week will be very busy for us. We ave the two eldest grandchildren for 4 days as their parents are in Las Vegas for a race. We have swimming lessons, cheer and cheer competitions, piano lessons and school ! Oh my ! I'm too old for this ! LOL Making lunches blech ! Getting everyone dressed and out the door by 7:45 !!! But how lucky we are to be able to do this, to have our grandchildren be such a big part of our lives.
Friday ED who is on vacation and doing research for her Thesis, called to ask if I wanted to go to Value Village. We had just come back from grocery shopping [ finally picked up pepper for work ! ] and the groceries had been put away. I picked up four tops , a leather purse and a pair of jeans for ES for his birthday. My old purse's lining had started to fray so after I transferred over to the new purse, I mended it.
Yesterday the two oldest grandchildren were dropped off as they were going to have a sleepover at YGS's house. However as the 16th is ES's birthday, he went out with his brother and friend to a batting cage for 2 hours ! YGS was droped off by his other grandparents and then the mayhem began !! It is delightful to see how well they all play together. I made a Shepherd's pie, well really cottage pie, fleshed out with lentils for supper. Shortly after 7 they were all picked up and the house was so silent !
Today we'll be having a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and I will shortly start making a cake for ES's birthday dinner. Such a difference from two years ago.
Two years ago we did not celebrate ES's birthday. He had not seen his son for 25 days and that is all he wanted. We were in the middle of lawyers, courts and judgements. It was a sad day. When I mentioned that it was just 2 years ago, ES remarked that it seemed a lifetime ago. And it does !
The other grandmother told me yesterday that she had found my cookbooks under a crawl space as well as the eggdonor's old purse in which was HER triple strand gold necklace that was a 25th Anniversary gift. She is guessing that because the clasp was broken, her daughter hadn't been able to wear it or sell it. Very angry that she stole it, but so happy to have found it. She thought she'd never see it again. She'd also like to have lunch with me once a month or so.YGS also told me he helped choose a birthday gift and card for his Dad.
The neighbourhood is so quiet. When I get up, there are no lights on anywhere now that the old neighbours are gone. they kept lights on all the time 24/7. The landlord has been working in that rental house for 5 weeks, painting, new bathroom, all new flooring. He has reduced the rent by $100 a month, It is still too high for the economic climate in our province. When I was putting out the garbage I noticed a couple in the backyard. They were peering through the windows of the house and garage. The woman thought the view from the deck was wonderful ! LOL I suppose it all depends where they are currently living ! I suppose they were just checking it ut as the landlord was not there. There have been only 2 other viewings that we have noticed and as he renewed the listing I'm guessing they didn't want to pay $1 700/month plus utilities !
Our sad neighbour across the street seems to be going through a tough time. I am quite sure that someone has died, but who is the question -- her ex ? a family member ? She has never had people coming to her house, nor does she go out except to work. How she met her boyfriend is a mystery ! However a couple came over a couple of evenings ago and she cried and hugged the woman for a long time before they went in to talk. the man just stood there. Long goodbyes after a couple of hours. It was strange. The boyfriend has even been over during the evenings, usually it's before 7:30 in the am or right at 3;30 when she finishes a shift. Flowers were delivered yesterday. I suppose if we never see the drunk pull up again, we'll presume it was him.
Another neighbour had a new furnace put in. Fortunately for them it was not -30*C weather as it was when we had ours put in ! There are two cars parked in front of the house and YD said the BMW had two rear flats. Hmm Haven't seen anyone at the car so maybe today we'll phone to ensure they are not stolen cars.
I'm going to broach the idea of starting to redo the basement. It is such a mess and it is valuable space that we need to use ! It would have been lovely to shove the kids down there yesterday ! LOL And it's warm. I think that this is the latest that we have NOT put the fleece sheets on the bed.
This week will be very busy for us. We ave the two eldest grandchildren for 4 days as their parents are in Las Vegas for a race. We have swimming lessons, cheer and cheer competitions, piano lessons and school ! Oh my ! I'm too old for this ! LOL Making lunches blech ! Getting everyone dressed and out the door by 7:45 !!! But how lucky we are to be able to do this, to have our grandchildren be such a big part of our lives.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918
Remembrance Day
I have not experienced war, my children have not exerienced war. Those who came before us fought so we would have peace and security and freedom. How fortunate we Canadians are in 2015.
As a child in Quebec, we , as Brownies, Guides and and then Rangers, marched every November 11th to our Cenotaph and stood in all kinds of weather for a Remembrance Day ceremony . I remember always watching the soldiers at the Cenotaph; they never moved. Their hands would be raw red and their noses dripping; but they never moved. How easy it is for us to stand still for 2 minutes compared to the horrendous conditions our armed forces, indeed the all our allied forces, endured.
My father in law was born in 1915, on November 11th. In Flanders' Fields is also 100 years old today. Our school choir does the most haunting, beautiful rendition of the poem. There are many versions of the song, but the one they do is my favourite and always makes me cry. Our schools do a tremendous job of teaching the young about the reason for Remembrance Day, the sacrifices of the young men and women, and yes even the horrors of war depending on their ages. Yesterday was definitely the best we have had in 26 years. The students were silent, both entering the gym and leaving. There was no talking or clapping. Some years there had been spontaneous clapping after some of the music selections by our award winning choir. This year, there was silence.
My YGS is in Kindergarden and they had a visit from a child's father who happens to be a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces.He spoke to the children at their level. My five year old knows why we wear a poppy and what the soldiers sacrificed. He also told me, oh so proudly, how he sat cross legged on the floor and kept silent, being very impressed with the Colour party.
They shall not grow old
As we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them
I have not experienced war, my children have not exerienced war. Those who came before us fought so we would have peace and security and freedom. How fortunate we Canadians are in 2015.
As a child in Quebec, we , as Brownies, Guides and and then Rangers, marched every November 11th to our Cenotaph and stood in all kinds of weather for a Remembrance Day ceremony . I remember always watching the soldiers at the Cenotaph; they never moved. Their hands would be raw red and their noses dripping; but they never moved. How easy it is for us to stand still for 2 minutes compared to the horrendous conditions our armed forces, indeed the all our allied forces, endured.
My father in law was born in 1915, on November 11th. In Flanders' Fields is also 100 years old today. Our school choir does the most haunting, beautiful rendition of the poem. There are many versions of the song, but the one they do is my favourite and always makes me cry. Our schools do a tremendous job of teaching the young about the reason for Remembrance Day, the sacrifices of the young men and women, and yes even the horrors of war depending on their ages. Yesterday was definitely the best we have had in 26 years. The students were silent, both entering the gym and leaving. There was no talking or clapping. Some years there had been spontaneous clapping after some of the music selections by our award winning choir. This year, there was silence.
My YGS is in Kindergarden and they had a visit from a child's father who happens to be a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces.He spoke to the children at their level. My five year old knows why we wear a poppy and what the soldiers sacrificed. He also told me, oh so proudly, how he sat cross legged on the floor and kept silent, being very impressed with the Colour party.
They shall not grow old
As we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Glorious Sunny Day
Here it is November 7th and the temperature is going to hit 10*C, There are still the odd perennials that are flowering even though we've had a couple of hard frosts. Our here in Alberta the weather can change in an instant but we are sure enjoying the weather we are having. Maybe today I take down my hanging pots ?? In fact I may just leave the computer and do that now while I think of it ! Done !
Monday we headed to the grocery store after school. Beef was on sale so we bought two huge roasts. I cut 8 servings of steaks, roughly 24 individual steaks and was left with two good size roasts, one of which we will have to celebrate ES's birthday on the 15th. Two years ago we did not celebrate his birthday as he hadn't seen his son for 23 days and he was fighting in the courts for access. We celebrated it a week later when he finally got to have his son for a day...and two days later he had full custody of his son [ as she left the province and hasn't bothered with them since.] The courts gave him full custody officially in the following May after several court appearances allowing her to 'plea' her case. She never responded or showed up.So we feel that November 25th is a 'birthday' for YGS as his new life started then ! Anyway his birthday is actually the 16th but I'd rather make a big meal on the Sunday as I am wiped after a day at school.
Tuesday we had the other two grandchildren . EGS went swimming and GD and I made some cinnamon buns. She loves to 'cook'. They both downed their chili especially EGS as he is starved after swimming. Every last bun was eaten, the last two as they headed out the door to drive home. On Wednesday we had EGS after school as he had swimming practice again. He is loving the sport and had won 4 races the previous Friday. GD had cheer and tumbling practice in the city.
Tuesday I had my interview with the principal to go over my 'goals' for the year. Heavens I am at the end of my career and just want to be able to last the school year ! So glad that was over as we all hate writing them up and discussing them. The school year seems to be going okay and we'll see how I feel at the end of the year whether I try and work another year.
Wednesday was the day our new Prime Minister took office. It was lovely to to see the joy and enthusiasm of our new ministers... and the start of an open government. Our new PM has a huge job of him, a great deal of it undoing the dictatorship of our previous PM.
Friday night we ended up with most of the family here for homemade pizza. Hubby made the pizza dough and then everyone put on their own toppings. All I had to do was make the sauce and cut up the meat, veggies and cheese. ED is on the home stretch for her Masters and is getting stressed. It was a good little break for her last night and we had some of my cherry liqueur.
I really have no ideea what I'll do today. Usually I have at least one big thing I want to get done in the house, but not today. Net week we only have school for 2 days and then we are on fall Break. Many people go away, but we'll just stay at home and relax... I hope ! ED is on a week's vacation and she hopes to get the firt draft of her thesis done as she has to be in Winnipeg for 6 or 7 days for the Gray Cup. Her University works with the CFL to promote long distance learning. She should have fun ! Maybe next week I'll have the time to figure out exactly how to get pictures on this blog. Might even look around for some Christmas gifts !
Monday we headed to the grocery store after school. Beef was on sale so we bought two huge roasts. I cut 8 servings of steaks, roughly 24 individual steaks and was left with two good size roasts, one of which we will have to celebrate ES's birthday on the 15th. Two years ago we did not celebrate his birthday as he hadn't seen his son for 23 days and he was fighting in the courts for access. We celebrated it a week later when he finally got to have his son for a day...and two days later he had full custody of his son [ as she left the province and hasn't bothered with them since.] The courts gave him full custody officially in the following May after several court appearances allowing her to 'plea' her case. She never responded or showed up.So we feel that November 25th is a 'birthday' for YGS as his new life started then ! Anyway his birthday is actually the 16th but I'd rather make a big meal on the Sunday as I am wiped after a day at school.
Tuesday we had the other two grandchildren . EGS went swimming and GD and I made some cinnamon buns. She loves to 'cook'. They both downed their chili especially EGS as he is starved after swimming. Every last bun was eaten, the last two as they headed out the door to drive home. On Wednesday we had EGS after school as he had swimming practice again. He is loving the sport and had won 4 races the previous Friday. GD had cheer and tumbling practice in the city.
Tuesday I had my interview with the principal to go over my 'goals' for the year. Heavens I am at the end of my career and just want to be able to last the school year ! So glad that was over as we all hate writing them up and discussing them. The school year seems to be going okay and we'll see how I feel at the end of the year whether I try and work another year.
Wednesday was the day our new Prime Minister took office. It was lovely to to see the joy and enthusiasm of our new ministers... and the start of an open government. Our new PM has a huge job of him, a great deal of it undoing the dictatorship of our previous PM.
Friday night we ended up with most of the family here for homemade pizza. Hubby made the pizza dough and then everyone put on their own toppings. All I had to do was make the sauce and cut up the meat, veggies and cheese. ED is on the home stretch for her Masters and is getting stressed. It was a good little break for her last night and we had some of my cherry liqueur.
I really have no ideea what I'll do today. Usually I have at least one big thing I want to get done in the house, but not today. Net week we only have school for 2 days and then we are on fall Break. Many people go away, but we'll just stay at home and relax... I hope ! ED is on a week's vacation and she hopes to get the firt draft of her thesis done as she has to be in Winnipeg for 6 or 7 days for the Gray Cup. Her University works with the CFL to promote long distance learning. She should have fun ! Maybe next week I'll have the time to figure out exactly how to get pictures on this blog. Might even look around for some Christmas gifts !
Monday, November 2, 2015
Start of the Week
Snow is starting to fall !! This is fairly late in the year for us, but we always groan. There were 11 road fatalities in Alberta in 24 hours and the roads and weather were good. the older I get the more I dread driving in winter.
Yesterday was such a good day. I got the painting done that I wanted to, made the soup and the casserole, a banana bread, a pear and apple crisp, some homemade buns and dough put away for Tuesday to make some cinnamon buns with the kids. Fiddled around with some crocheting. Still not pleased so I'll play some more ! I had a nice long talk with my sister that lives in Ottawa.
Today we must go grocery shopping. It w as a rare day that Hubby didn't go to a store for something. We'll stop on the way home from school so as to use less gas. I have the two eldest grandchildren coming for supper Tuesday night so I must have chili made for them Last time I had spaghetti because YD sent sauce and EGS was disappointed as he likes my chili ! LOL
Only two more things to put away, a bag of compost and the rocking chair. oops -- need to take some hanging pots down.Then we're ready, well as ready as one can ever be.
Yesterday was such a good day. I got the painting done that I wanted to, made the soup and the casserole, a banana bread, a pear and apple crisp, some homemade buns and dough put away for Tuesday to make some cinnamon buns with the kids. Fiddled around with some crocheting. Still not pleased so I'll play some more ! I had a nice long talk with my sister that lives in Ottawa.
Today we must go grocery shopping. It w as a rare day that Hubby didn't go to a store for something. We'll stop on the way home from school so as to use less gas. I have the two eldest grandchildren coming for supper Tuesday night so I must have chili made for them Last time I had spaghetti because YD sent sauce and EGS was disappointed as he likes my chili ! LOL
Only two more things to put away, a bag of compost and the rocking chair. oops -- need to take some hanging pots down.Then we're ready, well as ready as one can ever be.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
November Already !
November Already - and onto the Dreaded Time Change !! It's time to get rid of it as all the research shows it causes more accidents, more suicides and we don't save any energy !! My friend who grew up on a dairy farm says the cows never changed to the new time and it caused them more grief ! WE didn't change the alarm clock so I had thought I actually 'slept' in -- 5 am is sleeping in for me. OOps it was really now 4 am.
A busy week that went quite quickly. YS broke his finger on Monday; not a bad break but it hampered his work the rest of the week.Car registration was done on Wednesday so that was out of the way. I'm not sure if YS did his. Must remind him today.
ON Friday our staff all dressed up as minions with the admin as Gru. It was fun although I couldn't stay for the photo as I had my doctor's appointment.Our family doctor is the best injectionist . You are barely aware that a needle has been poked into you ! I had my senior's Flu Shot and then had the growth behind my ear removed. The doctor also visits all his patients in two local nursing homes every Friday. I learnt this because he says that all the nurses, in both homes. were dressed as witches !!
Saturday was just spent vegging out. I find I need at least one day to do nothing. Guess I am getting old. I have lots of plans for today. Making bread, maybe some buns and cinnamon buns, a banana bread and do something with some ripe pears. I think a ham casserole for supper tonight and some ham, lentil soup for lunch. The paint has been found !! Now to get the oomph to get the little bit of painting I want done, done !
Later today I will write a letter to one of my former students who returned to Germany. The family split;Dad and older sister stayed here and Mom and Joel went back. I was so sad when he left . It will be good to correspond with him.
It was a busy Halloween with more kids here at this door than in other years. We went over to see ED's house. She had the best decorations ! A Butler[ Alfred] with a crow on his shoulder that spoke and moved. Benjamin - a skeleton that was crawling out from a tombstone and of course it was one of our old real tombstones ! LOL Apparently it even scared some dads ! YGS had a good time. He just loves the decorations and had to stop and examine all of them. He had spent the day with his other grandparents so was quite wound up. We left a bowl filled with candy on the front step. When we returned we could see that some had been taken. I refilled the bowl twice during the evening. As I was talking to YS I could hear bigger kids and went to the door. Not only had these boys taken all of the candy, but the bowl as well. I yelled at them- one was just by the step and was quite embarrassed- and eventually one brought back the bowl. Now the bowl was worth nothing, jut a cheap plastic $1 store one but it was the principle of the thing. I noticed this am that it is broken and will have to be thrown out. It just annoyed me that they were so greedy. But really, considering what has happened to other people on Halloween with vandalism, it was a minor thing.
The little house next door is being rented for $1 800 a month !! it is only 900 sq.ft although the basement is fully developed. We've seen one person being shown through so far. The house has been, or will be by November 15th, totally repainted and all new flooring as well as at least one bathroom having been redone. Grass was cut last week. I must check to see if he has pruned the suckers from the choke cherry tree. The owner was pacing the backyard one afternoon probably wondering why it was such a mess ! I wonder if he ever came by to check on the condition or just didn't bother as long as he had the rent check . It has cost him a lot of money to bring the house up to standard to rent out again.
UPDATE I am a morning person living with night people who ..gasp.. sleep in ! So instead of writing about what I planned to do - I actually left the computer, got out the paint and the baseboards have been done in the downstairs bathroom. The ham has been cut off for the casserole and the ham bone is simmering away for soup. Once Hubby is up I'll tackle the window frame in our bedroom. The blinds have worn away the paint so I'll smarten that up. Ii just need the margarine brought up from the freezer and this afternoon I can start to bake. There, feeling better all ready.
A busy week that went quite quickly. YS broke his finger on Monday; not a bad break but it hampered his work the rest of the week.Car registration was done on Wednesday so that was out of the way. I'm not sure if YS did his. Must remind him today.
ON Friday our staff all dressed up as minions with the admin as Gru. It was fun although I couldn't stay for the photo as I had my doctor's appointment.Our family doctor is the best injectionist . You are barely aware that a needle has been poked into you ! I had my senior's Flu Shot and then had the growth behind my ear removed. The doctor also visits all his patients in two local nursing homes every Friday. I learnt this because he says that all the nurses, in both homes. were dressed as witches !!
Saturday was just spent vegging out. I find I need at least one day to do nothing. Guess I am getting old. I have lots of plans for today. Making bread, maybe some buns and cinnamon buns, a banana bread and do something with some ripe pears. I think a ham casserole for supper tonight and some ham, lentil soup for lunch. The paint has been found !! Now to get the oomph to get the little bit of painting I want done, done !
Later today I will write a letter to one of my former students who returned to Germany. The family split;Dad and older sister stayed here and Mom and Joel went back. I was so sad when he left . It will be good to correspond with him.
It was a busy Halloween with more kids here at this door than in other years. We went over to see ED's house. She had the best decorations ! A Butler[ Alfred] with a crow on his shoulder that spoke and moved. Benjamin - a skeleton that was crawling out from a tombstone and of course it was one of our old real tombstones ! LOL Apparently it even scared some dads ! YGS had a good time. He just loves the decorations and had to stop and examine all of them. He had spent the day with his other grandparents so was quite wound up. We left a bowl filled with candy on the front step. When we returned we could see that some had been taken. I refilled the bowl twice during the evening. As I was talking to YS I could hear bigger kids and went to the door. Not only had these boys taken all of the candy, but the bowl as well. I yelled at them- one was just by the step and was quite embarrassed- and eventually one brought back the bowl. Now the bowl was worth nothing, jut a cheap plastic $1 store one but it was the principle of the thing. I noticed this am that it is broken and will have to be thrown out. It just annoyed me that they were so greedy. But really, considering what has happened to other people on Halloween with vandalism, it was a minor thing.
The little house next door is being rented for $1 800 a month !! it is only 900 sq.ft although the basement is fully developed. We've seen one person being shown through so far. The house has been, or will be by November 15th, totally repainted and all new flooring as well as at least one bathroom having been redone. Grass was cut last week. I must check to see if he has pruned the suckers from the choke cherry tree. The owner was pacing the backyard one afternoon probably wondering why it was such a mess ! I wonder if he ever came by to check on the condition or just didn't bother as long as he had the rent check . It has cost him a lot of money to bring the house up to standard to rent out again.
UPDATE I am a morning person living with night people who ..gasp.. sleep in ! So instead of writing about what I planned to do - I actually left the computer, got out the paint and the baseboards have been done in the downstairs bathroom. The ham has been cut off for the casserole and the ham bone is simmering away for soup. Once Hubby is up I'll tackle the window frame in our bedroom. The blinds have worn away the paint so I'll smarten that up. Ii just need the margarine brought up from the freezer and this afternoon I can start to bake. There, feeling better all ready.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Just As I Predicted !
Fortunately I have witnesses to my prediction that the Liberals would win a majority government ! I thought I had posted it here, but didn't ! Darn !! YS called me an idiot-savant for predicting election outcomes ! LOL It was fun and exciting to watch. A breath of fresh air after the oppressive Stephen Harper. Interesting to read all the stories that are starting to come out. Over the next few years there will be many more to come.
It was an ordinary work week, nothing special except for Friday when a former teacher, now a vp, came f or lunch. I made a salad, Kim made a quiche and Terry brought a baquette and some cut fruit. It was lovely. Our lunch hours are too short to go out and we had thought of ordering in but couldn't come to a consensus.
Wednesday I went to the doctor to get my prescriptions renewed and made an appointment for the 30th to have a cyst behind my ear removed. I may get my 'senior' flu shot at the same time. Hubby got his on that Wednesday.
We had all three grandchildren on Tuesday ,EGS was at swimming and the two yonger ones played with me while Grandpa went to the Tri to watch EGS. Tonight we have all three again. ED is taking EGS to the school of wizardry at the U of A as his birthday gift. It will be a surprise for him ! We'll have to go out to pick up a few things this morning for supper and treats. I have a couple of flower pots to move and I'm on the hunt for my semigloss paint !! I'm sure I have some left just not sure where I put it !
This week it was YGS's turn to present "Ma Famille" to his classmaates. Pictures were printed up and off he went. We were concerned that the other kids would ask where his mother was, but it never happened. The teacher was very proud of him, he 'spoke' in french all the time and she said it was heart warming how proud he was of his whole family ! She had overheard him earlier in the year , seated at a table with other students, that he didn't have a mom, that she had just left. And it was said as a matter of fact. So, so far so good. He is a 'normal' child and the family has filled up any void he might have had. There is , at this time, no empty hole in his life. He is secure, bright and is a little sponge soaking up all he is being taught, in and out of school.
Wore one of my shawls to schhol and received many compliments! Whoo hoo !
It was an ordinary work week, nothing special except for Friday when a former teacher, now a vp, came f or lunch. I made a salad, Kim made a quiche and Terry brought a baquette and some cut fruit. It was lovely. Our lunch hours are too short to go out and we had thought of ordering in but couldn't come to a consensus.
Wednesday I went to the doctor to get my prescriptions renewed and made an appointment for the 30th to have a cyst behind my ear removed. I may get my 'senior' flu shot at the same time. Hubby got his on that Wednesday.
We had all three grandchildren on Tuesday ,EGS was at swimming and the two yonger ones played with me while Grandpa went to the Tri to watch EGS. Tonight we have all three again. ED is taking EGS to the school of wizardry at the U of A as his birthday gift. It will be a surprise for him ! We'll have to go out to pick up a few things this morning for supper and treats. I have a couple of flower pots to move and I'm on the hunt for my semigloss paint !! I'm sure I have some left just not sure where I put it !
This week it was YGS's turn to present "Ma Famille" to his classmaates. Pictures were printed up and off he went. We were concerned that the other kids would ask where his mother was, but it never happened. The teacher was very proud of him, he 'spoke' in french all the time and she said it was heart warming how proud he was of his whole family ! She had overheard him earlier in the year , seated at a table with other students, that he didn't have a mom, that she had just left. And it was said as a matter of fact. So, so far so good. He is a 'normal' child and the family has filled up any void he might have had. There is , at this time, no empty hole in his life. He is secure, bright and is a little sponge soaking up all he is being taught, in and out of school.
Wore one of my shawls to schhol and received many compliments! Whoo hoo !
Monday, October 19, 2015
Election Day
Finally after 78 days, Election Day is here !! After a huge turn out for the advancae polls, I am hop;ing that people get out and vote !! As of midnight, the Liberals were up by 9 points in the Nanos poll. Could have two effects- Conservatives get out in droves to vote, or the anti Harpers get out to vote for the Liberals who have a chance to unseat the Conservatives. It will be a very interesting evening. Blackouts are no longer . But -- voting times have changes so polls in Eastern Canada and Western Canada close at the same times. We'll have Atlantic Canada and NFLD though as soon as they close.
Lovely weekend weather wise. Saturday I did housework, even cleaned the fridge so I could put in all the groceries. That evening we had YGS. HIs other grandmother sropped him off an hour early after they had seen the Movie Goosebumps-- way too old for a 5 year old. Sunday my two sons helped cut down the irises and day lilies into the compost bin. As I w as clearing I found I had a hyacinthe ready to bloom -- Hey ! It's not Spring !! Confused plant ! Another rose bush was cut down. My front beds are still blooming profusely and I do not have the heart to p;ull anything out. ES took 3 huge bags of leaves to oput on their gardens. The birch is finally dropping its leaves- lots to rake up but Hubby has a bad cold so don't know when that'll get done !!
I have our voter registration cards in my bag and we'll vote right after school. Weather is pretty good across Canada so we'll see.....
Lovely weekend weather wise. Saturday I did housework, even cleaned the fridge so I could put in all the groceries. That evening we had YGS. HIs other grandmother sropped him off an hour early after they had seen the Movie Goosebumps-- way too old for a 5 year old. Sunday my two sons helped cut down the irises and day lilies into the compost bin. As I w as clearing I found I had a hyacinthe ready to bloom -- Hey ! It's not Spring !! Confused plant ! Another rose bush was cut down. My front beds are still blooming profusely and I do not have the heart to p;ull anything out. ES took 3 huge bags of leaves to oput on their gardens. The birch is finally dropping its leaves- lots to rake up but Hubby has a bad cold so don't know when that'll get done !!
I have our voter registration cards in my bag and we'll vote right after school. Weather is pretty good across Canada so we'll see.....
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Blue Jays, Federal Election and Fall Clean Up
Today is going to be a beautiful day ! the temperature is rising to 18* and very little w ind. A good day to rake leaves again and mulch the flower beds. We have 3 bags of leaves for ED to put on her flower beds. Her trees are not large enough to produce enough leaves for mulch, and besides it is so windy where she lives, that those that did fall were blown away. I'm hoping to cut down the day lilies and irises and our Hansard rose. We'll do this after we go grocery shopping. The fridge is quite empty ! A stop at the bank is also in order as I need to deposit YS's room and board.
Last Sunday and Monday were extremely windy and rainy. No work was done outside, and truth be told, not a whole lot inside !! I didn't think I'd like having our Thanksgiving meal on the Saturday, but it was great. We had such nice weather on Saturday that we were able to spend a lot of time outside. then everyone in the family did their own thing for the next two days . ED and YD went with friends to the Madonna concert and stayed downtown in a hotel. They had a blast !
This week we watched baseball, and good basaeball it was ! So nice to have something positive and Canadian after this long, long federal election. It was tense, exciting and the conclusion is exactly what we wanted ! Last night the Jays lost to Kansas City. A good pitcher always beats good hitters !! They'll come back !
This morning I've woven in the ends of three shawls so they're done. Still haven't decided what I'll do next. I need to get something in my hands as on Monday I'll be glued to the tv for Election results. I had predicted at the start of the campaigning that Justin Trudeau would come tight up the middle [ I have witnesses ! ] and I do hope he winds. It is time to get rid of the old whiteman's club, with their fear mongering. Our MP will get in-- she has done nothing but be the mouth piece for the 'dictator' Harper, but she'll still get in. I hope it is with a much smaller majority. What I would love is a surprise and have her gone !! It is nice to see the young vote and I do hope they come out. It is their future and their vision of Canada. We have lost our place in the world.
YGS will be dropped off this afternoon by his other grandma. They have been most generous to ES... buying him a good car ! ES didn't want to accept it, but we told him to humble himself and accept it as it isi also for YGS's safety. ON tuesday, YGS spsent 2 hours doing 'school work' with me. sometimes he was the teacher and made a worksheet for me. I have heard every song he's learned, every letter was practiced, and new words were learned. He is so enthusiastic about school, loving everything about it ! Good to see and hear, although the 2 hours nearly did me in ! I have children all day and I'm tired. When he went home, he spent another r2 hours with ED practicing letters ! LOL It took time away from her homeowrk, but as she said, ' How can you resist ? "
No one is up yet so I'll check the flyers and make my list.
Last Sunday and Monday were extremely windy and rainy. No work was done outside, and truth be told, not a whole lot inside !! I didn't think I'd like having our Thanksgiving meal on the Saturday, but it was great. We had such nice weather on Saturday that we were able to spend a lot of time outside. then everyone in the family did their own thing for the next two days . ED and YD went with friends to the Madonna concert and stayed downtown in a hotel. They had a blast !
This week we watched baseball, and good basaeball it was ! So nice to have something positive and Canadian after this long, long federal election. It was tense, exciting and the conclusion is exactly what we wanted ! Last night the Jays lost to Kansas City. A good pitcher always beats good hitters !! They'll come back !
This morning I've woven in the ends of three shawls so they're done. Still haven't decided what I'll do next. I need to get something in my hands as on Monday I'll be glued to the tv for Election results. I had predicted at the start of the campaigning that Justin Trudeau would come tight up the middle [ I have witnesses ! ] and I do hope he winds. It is time to get rid of the old whiteman's club, with their fear mongering. Our MP will get in-- she has done nothing but be the mouth piece for the 'dictator' Harper, but she'll still get in. I hope it is with a much smaller majority. What I would love is a surprise and have her gone !! It is nice to see the young vote and I do hope they come out. It is their future and their vision of Canada. We have lost our place in the world.
YGS will be dropped off this afternoon by his other grandma. They have been most generous to ES... buying him a good car ! ES didn't want to accept it, but we told him to humble himself and accept it as it isi also for YGS's safety. ON tuesday, YGS spsent 2 hours doing 'school work' with me. sometimes he was the teacher and made a worksheet for me. I have heard every song he's learned, every letter was practiced, and new words were learned. He is so enthusiastic about school, loving everything about it ! Good to see and hear, although the 2 hours nearly did me in ! I have children all day and I'm tired. When he went home, he spent another r2 hours with ED practicing letters ! LOL It took time away from her homeowrk, but as she said, ' How can you resist ? "
No one is up yet so I'll check the flyers and make my list.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Thanksgiving Weekend
Another busy week at school. My goals were finally written and sent off. My personal goal involved the pedometer we were all given, and I lost it somewhere in the school the very next day ! I hate having to do these goals, and then having to go in to discuss them with admin. But -- needs must!
We stopped in at Superstore on Thursday to pick up another cheap turkey but they were gone ! I decided not to get another ham. Instead I came home and froze the uncut portion of the spiral ham. My, it was so good . I am so glad I sent Hubby right away to pick up the other turkey last weekend ! We picked up a turnip and Brussels Sprouts which YGS helped pick out.I also quickly mad the rosehip juice into a syrup.Now to remember to have a spoonful to get our vitamin C.
WE also picked up 3 different pizzas as our Hockey team was playing their first game. YS picked up some beer for those that drink beer. We had a good time even though they lost ! It was YGS's turn to bring the classroom mascot home for the weekend. We had so much fun with " Coco " We hid him on top of the door and I took a picture. While he was looking for Coco I called him to say I had received an e-mail from him and shoed him the picture. He spotted him right away and then exclaimed " Coco has a phone ! " We laughed so hard !
Yesterday, Saturday, was an absolutely gorgeous day. The temperature rose to at least 25*. YS raked both yards and packaged up 2 large bag of leaves for his sister's yard. We have a huge pile left, but we have to wait till after garbage day as our composter is full.Some of the veggie garden was turned. The rose bushes were trimmed. The bathrooms and floors were washed and some dusting was done.YS and ES took down their sister's gazebo - well the soft coverings and got that all ready for winter. they also hooked up the propane heater.
While they worked outside, I prepared our Thanksgiving Dinner. Both girls are going to the Madonna concert on Sunday so as I don't like having the meal on the Monday, we had it yesterday. Everything was delicious, except for the Butternut Squash recipe I tried. Before we ate, we played with Marley and eventually trained her to jump over two 'jumps'. She's a very smart little dog and it didn't take her too long to get it. Especially after supper when she got little bits of turkey !. I stripped the neck and sent that home with her along with the liver, kidney and heart . She sure loves real food !Then we were able to have a fire in the fire pit while we sipped on our wine.
This morning it is very windy and rainy. but we have the next two days free. YS is planning on making an Halloween gingerbread house with YGS today. I noticed that my front door needs a scrub down. I might persuade Hubby to go out to a couple of stores, or maybe not. We drew names for Christmas and no one picked their own names -- a first !
Two years ago this weekend, October 13th, 2013, the egg donor left to drive back east to, so we thought. to see her daughter.......and our nightmare began. Two years later our YGS considers his auntie's house his home, he's in school and picking up French so quickly. He's bright, articulate loving, empathetic, adventurous and happy. As christians you are told to thank God for everything, the good and the bad. It is so hard to do when you are living a nightmare for 32 days. Two years later, you say Thank you again as it was all worth it.
Next weekend we babysit YGS while his Dad takes one of his charges to the football game. The weekend after that we have all three ! YGS thought he might have a sleepover last night but we said no ! LOL My left knee is acting up. In fact I was in a lot of pain yesterday. I am hoping to hold off on the operation until I retire. We'll see. After yesterday I am not too sure I can hold off that long. I think it is time for a cortisone shot.
Meanwhile today I'll putter around and see if I can finish the scarf for YGS's grandmother for Christmas. Still don't know what I'll do next, maybe a sweater for GD ? we'll see what I can figure out.
We stopped in at Superstore on Thursday to pick up another cheap turkey but they were gone ! I decided not to get another ham. Instead I came home and froze the uncut portion of the spiral ham. My, it was so good . I am so glad I sent Hubby right away to pick up the other turkey last weekend ! We picked up a turnip and Brussels Sprouts which YGS helped pick out.I also quickly mad the rosehip juice into a syrup.Now to remember to have a spoonful to get our vitamin C.
WE also picked up 3 different pizzas as our Hockey team was playing their first game. YS picked up some beer for those that drink beer. We had a good time even though they lost ! It was YGS's turn to bring the classroom mascot home for the weekend. We had so much fun with " Coco " We hid him on top of the door and I took a picture. While he was looking for Coco I called him to say I had received an e-mail from him and shoed him the picture. He spotted him right away and then exclaimed " Coco has a phone ! " We laughed so hard !
Yesterday, Saturday, was an absolutely gorgeous day. The temperature rose to at least 25*. YS raked both yards and packaged up 2 large bag of leaves for his sister's yard. We have a huge pile left, but we have to wait till after garbage day as our composter is full.Some of the veggie garden was turned. The rose bushes were trimmed. The bathrooms and floors were washed and some dusting was done.YS and ES took down their sister's gazebo - well the soft coverings and got that all ready for winter. they also hooked up the propane heater.
While they worked outside, I prepared our Thanksgiving Dinner. Both girls are going to the Madonna concert on Sunday so as I don't like having the meal on the Monday, we had it yesterday. Everything was delicious, except for the Butternut Squash recipe I tried. Before we ate, we played with Marley and eventually trained her to jump over two 'jumps'. She's a very smart little dog and it didn't take her too long to get it. Especially after supper when she got little bits of turkey !. I stripped the neck and sent that home with her along with the liver, kidney and heart . She sure loves real food !Then we were able to have a fire in the fire pit while we sipped on our wine.
This morning it is very windy and rainy. but we have the next two days free. YS is planning on making an Halloween gingerbread house with YGS today. I noticed that my front door needs a scrub down. I might persuade Hubby to go out to a couple of stores, or maybe not. We drew names for Christmas and no one picked their own names -- a first !
Two years ago this weekend, October 13th, 2013, the egg donor left to drive back east to, so we thought. to see her daughter.......and our nightmare began. Two years later our YGS considers his auntie's house his home, he's in school and picking up French so quickly. He's bright, articulate loving, empathetic, adventurous and happy. As christians you are told to thank God for everything, the good and the bad. It is so hard to do when you are living a nightmare for 32 days. Two years later, you say Thank you again as it was all worth it.
Next weekend we babysit YGS while his Dad takes one of his charges to the football game. The weekend after that we have all three ! YGS thought he might have a sleepover last night but we said no ! LOL My left knee is acting up. In fact I was in a lot of pain yesterday. I am hoping to hold off on the operation until I retire. We'll see. After yesterday I am not too sure I can hold off that long. I think it is time for a cortisone shot.
Meanwhile today I'll putter around and see if I can finish the scarf for YGS's grandmother for Christmas. Still don't know what I'll do next, maybe a sweater for GD ? we'll see what I can figure out.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Lovely Autumn Weekend
There is s omething about the Fall that just gets one ' into gear'. Probably with the looming threat of winter, one knows one has to get things done. The trailer was tarped, more leaves raked and the garden tidied. I think tonight we will have our first frost.I gathered a few more seeds yesterday and then I noticed the rosehips. Instead of cleaning more windows[ I did get the large bedroom windows done] or the oven cleaned[ I had the oven cleaner out] I gathered rosehips and a few crabapples. I put them into my jelly bag to drip all night. The juice was put into the fridge; I'll deal with it later.
Hubby and YS secured the old leanto roof so we shouldn't lose it in the winter. Next spring, they'll build a new one.We still have a gazillion leaaves to rake and the snow shovels to be put out at the ready.
For lunch I made tuna melts. It was cold working outside and we needed something hot ! which is the reason I didn't clean the oven -- I needed to use it ! This morning I checked the flyers on line. Superstore had turkeys on for $0.85/ pound which is the cheapest I've seen for a few years. Also they had spiral hams on for a good price. I had to see if ED had room in her freezer for a turkey as ours is quite stuffed ! We had the ham for supper and it is just delicious ! It's huge so a few weekday suppers will be very easy. I also cooked extra potatoes from the garden and Monday night's supper will be very easy ! I've got to finish dealing with the seeds from the butternut squash. I'll toast some and keep a few seeds back to grow in the polytunnel next summer. On Thursday we'll pick up another turkey and ham. You have to stock up on the sales when they happen.
The landlord or an rental agent turned up next door and spent a long time in the house. It will be interesting to see if painters and new carpet etc, show up. I don't think she saw the pile of trash by the garage !! When we rented we treated the rental as our own and kept it spotless, inside and out.
ES asked me for my apple crisp recipe as the other grandmother has a prolific apple tree and gave him some. I don't have a recipe. After 42 years of cooking I just do it ! Hopefully she gives him more and I will dehydrate them as freezer room is at a premium.
Sundays are 'my day' I take long shoers, do my hair, fiddle with this and that. If I have recorded any shows, I try and watch them while I knit or sew. Sunday nights are also great for tv. PBS especially. Saturdays are for the things that absolutely must get done, and on Sundays I can pick and choose what I want to do at any pace I decide.
Hubby and YS secured the old leanto roof so we shouldn't lose it in the winter. Next spring, they'll build a new one.We still have a gazillion leaaves to rake and the snow shovels to be put out at the ready.
For lunch I made tuna melts. It was cold working outside and we needed something hot ! which is the reason I didn't clean the oven -- I needed to use it ! This morning I checked the flyers on line. Superstore had turkeys on for $0.85/ pound which is the cheapest I've seen for a few years. Also they had spiral hams on for a good price. I had to see if ED had room in her freezer for a turkey as ours is quite stuffed ! We had the ham for supper and it is just delicious ! It's huge so a few weekday suppers will be very easy. I also cooked extra potatoes from the garden and Monday night's supper will be very easy ! I've got to finish dealing with the seeds from the butternut squash. I'll toast some and keep a few seeds back to grow in the polytunnel next summer. On Thursday we'll pick up another turkey and ham. You have to stock up on the sales when they happen.
The landlord or an rental agent turned up next door and spent a long time in the house. It will be interesting to see if painters and new carpet etc, show up. I don't think she saw the pile of trash by the garage !! When we rented we treated the rental as our own and kept it spotless, inside and out.
ES asked me for my apple crisp recipe as the other grandmother has a prolific apple tree and gave him some. I don't have a recipe. After 42 years of cooking I just do it ! Hopefully she gives him more and I will dehydrate them as freezer room is at a premium.
Sundays are 'my day' I take long shoers, do my hair, fiddle with this and that. If I have recorded any shows, I try and watch them while I knit or sew. Sunday nights are also great for tv. PBS especially. Saturdays are for the things that absolutely must get done, and on Sundays I can pick and choose what I want to do at any pace I decide.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
October Already !
Even though some of the days at school seemed soooo long, September did go by quite quickly. So quickly in fact that I haven't written up my schoolgoals or personal goals. Must get on that this week as they are due mid month. Schedule are set, but my supervising teacher has not yet evaluated all the students or sent home all the letters. A newly retired teacher came in one afternoon to sub for another teacher and she said everyone looks absolutely exhausted. And we are !!
Last weekend I noticed the next door neighbour half heartedly cleaning the their kitchen window-- didn't even take the panes out so really only 1/2 of the outside was cleaned. As well as their 'strange method of washing windows -- I have never seen them clean one window in over 12 years !-, I noticed more activity and piles of construction materail had started to disappear [ yeah ! ] and then more piles of 'stuff' appearing. On Monday Grime Busters were working when I came home from work. That is industrial heavy cleaning !! Having had 2-3 dogs and a cat over thhe years, I can only imagine the state of the carpets. But yeah !! They have moved, along with the boat on a trailer that was in my view when I did the dishes. Never used, just plonked there. The fiber glass shapes for huge whirlpools were taken, the wood, the windows. Oh my ! so much stuff !!!Hubby went into the yard yesterday and chopped down he tree saplings that they had let grow by our fence. Any larger and they would havae started affecting our fence boards. They did cut down some thistles[ they'll all grow back] , Funny how when they were moving, they tried to make the outside look presentable after living with mess for so long. They also left two windows open and it poured rain last night. There is a huge pile of trash by the garage. I suppose the landlord will charge them and they'll lose part if not all of their damage deposit.
My kitchen is dark now; they had lights on 24/7. It is nice. It is quiet and parking on the street is easy now. At times they had 6 vehicles and two bobcats and two flatbed trailers ! Never again will I let renters get away with this. I will phone bylaw anad they will contact the owner. I'm sure he'll be in for a shock when he comes to inspect ! I think they were hard workers. helping our family by letting them live with them while they built houses or got back on their feet but enough was enough.
The Supermoon was great. We had an excellent view ! It was quite something to see so many people out watching. Many people drove south of our small cities to get a clear view.
On Thursday we stopped in at the grocery store to pick up a few things to make up the $250 to get our free turkey. Today I have to peruse the ads to see if anyone has turkeys on sale. I always like to have a couple in reserve. Fortunately we love turkey !
When I got home yesterday, I had YS help me take out the panes in the smaller bedroom wiwndow and got them all washed and polished. Never did follow through with my plan of washing windows this summer. Today I'll do the large windows [ 6ft tall] and there are 3 of them in the front. Have to get them done before temperatures plummmet. Last weekend I organized my summer/ winter cllothes and shoes, and put on the winter duvet.
Carrots and potatoes were all dug, washed, dried and stored. Yesterday I gathered a few more seeds. We are nearly ready !!
Last weekend I noticed the next door neighbour half heartedly cleaning the their kitchen window-- didn't even take the panes out so really only 1/2 of the outside was cleaned. As well as their 'strange method of washing windows -- I have never seen them clean one window in over 12 years !-, I noticed more activity and piles of construction materail had started to disappear [ yeah ! ] and then more piles of 'stuff' appearing. On Monday Grime Busters were working when I came home from work. That is industrial heavy cleaning !! Having had 2-3 dogs and a cat over thhe years, I can only imagine the state of the carpets. But yeah !! They have moved, along with the boat on a trailer that was in my view when I did the dishes. Never used, just plonked there. The fiber glass shapes for huge whirlpools were taken, the wood, the windows. Oh my ! so much stuff !!!Hubby went into the yard yesterday and chopped down he tree saplings that they had let grow by our fence. Any larger and they would havae started affecting our fence boards. They did cut down some thistles[ they'll all grow back] , Funny how when they were moving, they tried to make the outside look presentable after living with mess for so long. They also left two windows open and it poured rain last night. There is a huge pile of trash by the garage. I suppose the landlord will charge them and they'll lose part if not all of their damage deposit.
My kitchen is dark now; they had lights on 24/7. It is nice. It is quiet and parking on the street is easy now. At times they had 6 vehicles and two bobcats and two flatbed trailers ! Never again will I let renters get away with this. I will phone bylaw anad they will contact the owner. I'm sure he'll be in for a shock when he comes to inspect ! I think they were hard workers. helping our family by letting them live with them while they built houses or got back on their feet but enough was enough.
The Supermoon was great. We had an excellent view ! It was quite something to see so many people out watching. Many people drove south of our small cities to get a clear view.
On Thursday we stopped in at the grocery store to pick up a few things to make up the $250 to get our free turkey. Today I have to peruse the ads to see if anyone has turkeys on sale. I always like to have a couple in reserve. Fortunately we love turkey !
When I got home yesterday, I had YS help me take out the panes in the smaller bedroom wiwndow and got them all washed and polished. Never did follow through with my plan of washing windows this summer. Today I'll do the large windows [ 6ft tall] and there are 3 of them in the front. Have to get them done before temperatures plummmet. Last weekend I organized my summer/ winter cllothes and shoes, and put on the winter duvet.
Carrots and potatoes were all dug, washed, dried and stored. Yesterday I gathered a few more seeds. We are nearly ready !!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Sunny Sunday - for now
It's a gloriously sunny day. Just hoping it stays tht way so we get a good show of the Lunar Eclipse, SuperMoon, Harvest Moon Blood Moon. I'm thinking if the sky is clear we should watch it from the hot tub ! Maybe even decant one of the cherry liqueurs to sip in our special hot tub goblets. Oh dear, looks llke some clouds are moving in. Here's hoping the wind will pick up and blow them all out !
My pumpkin square was a hit. Phew ! It is not oten I make something new for strangers. I usually try them out on the family first. I was beating up the cream cheese icing at 6 in the morning !
Hubby had to go to the doctor as he was in a lot of pain with his eye. there is no scratch, but it was sollen, red and painful. Thankfully the antibiotics have started working. YS ad I went grocery shopping early yesterday mornng and I picked up two more cans of pumpkin puree as they were on sale. There was also a beautiful butternut squash which I might save til Thanksgiving. and Hallelujah, there some veggies and greens actually on for a good price !
We picked all the corn, tomatoes,peppers and the last cucumber. We still have carrots and potatoes to dig.
This morning I have prepared a Shepherd's Pie- well It's a cottage pie but I grew up calling it Shepherd's Pie.We'll have salad and the corn. Tomorrow will be chicken breasts and soft tacos for Tuesday. Hubby doesn't lillke them so he can find himself a pork chop or something. Pork is on sale everywhere but the cheap bacon is nearly $6 a pound ! And we all know bacon makes everything taste better !
YGS's grandmother has had a couple of incidents of high blood pressure. Two or so weeks ago she went to the hospital because she thought she might be having a stroke. This past Friday she called an ambulance asz her husband wasn't home. Her blood pressure ws 220/? That is in stroke territory. ES and ED are teaching YGS how to call 911 , what to say and to keep on the line. I have cautioned ES that until her condition is under control she should not be alone with YGS. I am sure the stress of the past few years have contributed to problems with her health.
Today I'll try to finish putting away my summer clothes and tidying the closet.
My pumpkin square was a hit. Phew ! It is not oten I make something new for strangers. I usually try them out on the family first. I was beating up the cream cheese icing at 6 in the morning !
Hubby had to go to the doctor as he was in a lot of pain with his eye. there is no scratch, but it was sollen, red and painful. Thankfully the antibiotics have started working. YS ad I went grocery shopping early yesterday mornng and I picked up two more cans of pumpkin puree as they were on sale. There was also a beautiful butternut squash which I might save til Thanksgiving. and Hallelujah, there some veggies and greens actually on for a good price !
We picked all the corn, tomatoes,peppers and the last cucumber. We still have carrots and potatoes to dig.
This morning I have prepared a Shepherd's Pie- well It's a cottage pie but I grew up calling it Shepherd's Pie.We'll have salad and the corn. Tomorrow will be chicken breasts and soft tacos for Tuesday. Hubby doesn't lillke them so he can find himself a pork chop or something. Pork is on sale everywhere but the cheap bacon is nearly $6 a pound ! And we all know bacon makes everything taste better !
YGS's grandmother has had a couple of incidents of high blood pressure. Two or so weeks ago she went to the hospital because she thought she might be having a stroke. This past Friday she called an ambulance asz her husband wasn't home. Her blood pressure ws 220/? That is in stroke territory. ES and ED are teaching YGS how to call 911 , what to say and to keep on the line. I have cautioned ES that until her condition is under control she should not be alone with YGS. I am sure the stress of the past few years have contributed to problems with her health.
Today I'll try to finish putting away my summer clothes and tidying the closet.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Autumn Has Arrived
I think that Autumn is my favourite season.The days are still warm enough to be outside and the evenings are wonderfully cool for sleeping with the window open. I try not to think of winter with horrible driving conditions. It's a wonderfully busy time of year ; getting into the routine of school, gathering produce from the garden, making preserves and cocooning at night.
YGS was thrilled to go to EGS's birthday party at Hide 'n' Seek. They all get along so well. Work was busy which is a good thing. One thing I am good at is figuring out the easiest , most efficient way to do something and then get it done quickly. Computers were finished being cataloqued and ready for out IT guy to sync with the school division. Some testing has been done for kids I'll be working with in ELI. My room was rearranged so I'll have more floor space so it's all good.
ED works with the partner of the corporate Chef for Sorrentino's. This time we were given the task to do two mystery dinners at two different locaitons. We went out on a Friday night, and honestly for the prices, we were not impressed at all. The food was okay, portions of some appetizers ridiculously small. The Mushroom Fetival was on and our server thought we should just stick to the regular menu !! Oh that is not going to go well at all in his review. I also felt we were talked down to -- especally concerning the wine selection. If he only knew the expertise of my daughter, he'd die of embarassment !
The weekend was very quiet. I finished one shawl and started another scarf, probably for YGS's grandmother. We had GD for a sleepover. Her brother was in BC with his Dad and grandfather at a car race. The weather was so mild we were able to have a fire and roast some marshmallows.
Monday we gad a load of gravel delvered and Hubby managed to rake about 3/4 of it evenly on the driveway. Perhaps this weekend we'll be able to tamp it down.
On Monday I messaged ED to say didn't we have to do the next restaurant before the 23rd ? So off we went that night to the restaurant that the corporation was most worried about. The food has not been up to par and the service was not good. Some of the young professionals I work with have said that they had stopped going because of these reasons. Well, we had the best meal and the best service. I am sure Chris wll be shocked ! It was a lovely evening.
This week was my week for cleaning the staffroom along with 2 others. A friend switched out with someone who absolutely never does anything so we were able to figure out a routine to make it easy on both of us. Don't know what the third one did, never noticed her loading the dishwasher or wiping anything down. Today after school I made a Pumpkin Square, although it seems more cake like. I just have to make the cream cheese icing to put on tomorrow morning. It took 8 eggs !!! Now I am' done ' til June :)
Now to sit back and relax, watch a show on tv and then hit the hay !
YGS was thrilled to go to EGS's birthday party at Hide 'n' Seek. They all get along so well. Work was busy which is a good thing. One thing I am good at is figuring out the easiest , most efficient way to do something and then get it done quickly. Computers were finished being cataloqued and ready for out IT guy to sync with the school division. Some testing has been done for kids I'll be working with in ELI. My room was rearranged so I'll have more floor space so it's all good.
ED works with the partner of the corporate Chef for Sorrentino's. This time we were given the task to do two mystery dinners at two different locaitons. We went out on a Friday night, and honestly for the prices, we were not impressed at all. The food was okay, portions of some appetizers ridiculously small. The Mushroom Fetival was on and our server thought we should just stick to the regular menu !! Oh that is not going to go well at all in his review. I also felt we were talked down to -- especally concerning the wine selection. If he only knew the expertise of my daughter, he'd die of embarassment !
The weekend was very quiet. I finished one shawl and started another scarf, probably for YGS's grandmother. We had GD for a sleepover. Her brother was in BC with his Dad and grandfather at a car race. The weather was so mild we were able to have a fire and roast some marshmallows.
Monday we gad a load of gravel delvered and Hubby managed to rake about 3/4 of it evenly on the driveway. Perhaps this weekend we'll be able to tamp it down.
On Monday I messaged ED to say didn't we have to do the next restaurant before the 23rd ? So off we went that night to the restaurant that the corporation was most worried about. The food has not been up to par and the service was not good. Some of the young professionals I work with have said that they had stopped going because of these reasons. Well, we had the best meal and the best service. I am sure Chris wll be shocked ! It was a lovely evening.
This week was my week for cleaning the staffroom along with 2 others. A friend switched out with someone who absolutely never does anything so we were able to figure out a routine to make it easy on both of us. Don't know what the third one did, never noticed her loading the dishwasher or wiping anything down. Today after school I made a Pumpkin Square, although it seems more cake like. I just have to make the cream cheese icing to put on tomorrow morning. It took 8 eggs !!! Now I am' done ' til June :)
Now to sit back and relax, watch a show on tv and then hit the hay !
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Ah, The Weekend
Even though it was a short week at school because of Labour Day, it seemed sooooo long. All short weeks seem to go on forever. Are we trying to cram a full week into four days ? Or are we all so tired because of a long weekend ?
Tuesday morning we were told our hours and I got all mine back. So far 1/4 is working with Junior High French Immersion students and the rest doing ELI which was a great success last year. So I could start to breathe. I have spent most of my time in the library helping my friend. It has been so busy with the addition of computers. Our school division instituted BYOD - Bring your own device but we mut supply laptops for those that do not have one. Each and every day. Yesterday we processed 23/40 new chromebooks while putting 4 classes through the library. I am tired... but not stressed like my friend. She is near the breaking point.
We have one other aide who is our'tech' aide although truthfully she knows nothing except 2 programs which work with cameras. Even though I have told the Zagg keyboards need to be recharged, showed her how to do it [ and find the bloody connectors that we had put aside and she had tossed somewhere ! ] she still snorted derisively and doesn't believe me ! Needless to say they are not done ! Meanwhile she is writing up a document so everyone will know ho to do it !! GRRRRR She reminds us of a sloth, slow thinking, verrrrry slow moving and negative. I suppose it will all come out in the wash.
I have tried to knit a minimum of 10 rows each day on the shawl. I keep track of the rows to spur me on !
This am I have washed the kitchen and bathroom floors, now starting in o the sinks , toilets and tubs.
My sons are playing in their last tournament. We are expecting YGS sometime this morning. He spent last night with the other grandparents.Sure hope he was better behaved. Last week he told them he wanted Daddy time, wanted to go home and would rather spend time with us. He was rude when he didn't hug and kiss his other grandmother. However I have always maintained you never make a child hug or kiss anyone. And honestly, big deal if a child doesn't kiss you. If he is forced, does he really mean it ? Maybe he is getting tired of going yet again to another movie.
But them again, I had 4 children and stayed home with them for 12 years, only going back to work when the youngest was in grade one. I went back into the school system so that I was with them whenever they were off school. We involved ourselves with our children, whether as a coach or choir director, we were there. We have 3 grandchildren that are a huge part of our lives, sleepovers, camping trips, concerts. they had 1 child, went back to work when she was a tiny baby because ' babies really don't do anything' the mother thought she'd take off work when her daughter was older and was more interesting. That never happened. I think by the time the 'egg donor' was 18, she was gone. Cane back into their lives, sorts, when she was 30 and took off again when she was 33.
The two most overused and useless words used in this day and age in regards to children is ' Quality Time'. In this day and age, we know that in the majority of families, both parents work. We know everyone is tired, but if you have children they must come first ! " Me Time " is for many years almost non existent. Get off the internet ! You can't watch any tv show when you want to. Work along side your children. It is amusing to me that a Red Seal chef never taught her daughter how to cook. One of YGS's problems was that he was not being fed properly. As a baby, he was fed 72 ounces of formula a day !! That was to keep something in his mouth to keep him quiet ! Her meals were tasteless and unbalanced. Most food was processed packaged food !
WE introduced to a variety of well cooked food. YGS now eats everything and knows he can't have too much sugar. He is a bottomless pit who will grab a piece of fruit. a tomato or cucumber as a snack. He is no longer constipated screaming with pain and having medicine shoved down his throat. All these 'problems' were solved within a few months of her abandoning him. I don't believe that the egg donor was ever around babies. She has no siblings nor cousins. With her behaviour as a teenager [ she was wild and her mother certainly let everyone know] there was no chance anyone would have wanted her to babysit. In fact when she was around 8, my ED babysat her for a summer and was very well paid because of how uncontrollable she was. ED certainly earned her money !
And so the grandmother was annoyed because she didn't get a hug or a kiss. PFFFFFT I get infinity hugs and infinity kisses although I can't distinguish the difference between that and ordinary ones.
Tuesday morning we were told our hours and I got all mine back. So far 1/4 is working with Junior High French Immersion students and the rest doing ELI which was a great success last year. So I could start to breathe. I have spent most of my time in the library helping my friend. It has been so busy with the addition of computers. Our school division instituted BYOD - Bring your own device but we mut supply laptops for those that do not have one. Each and every day. Yesterday we processed 23/40 new chromebooks while putting 4 classes through the library. I am tired... but not stressed like my friend. She is near the breaking point.
We have one other aide who is our'tech' aide although truthfully she knows nothing except 2 programs which work with cameras. Even though I have told the Zagg keyboards need to be recharged, showed her how to do it [ and find the bloody connectors that we had put aside and she had tossed somewhere ! ] she still snorted derisively and doesn't believe me ! Needless to say they are not done ! Meanwhile she is writing up a document so everyone will know ho to do it !! GRRRRR She reminds us of a sloth, slow thinking, verrrrry slow moving and negative. I suppose it will all come out in the wash.
I have tried to knit a minimum of 10 rows each day on the shawl. I keep track of the rows to spur me on !
This am I have washed the kitchen and bathroom floors, now starting in o the sinks , toilets and tubs.
My sons are playing in their last tournament. We are expecting YGS sometime this morning. He spent last night with the other grandparents.Sure hope he was better behaved. Last week he told them he wanted Daddy time, wanted to go home and would rather spend time with us. He was rude when he didn't hug and kiss his other grandmother. However I have always maintained you never make a child hug or kiss anyone. And honestly, big deal if a child doesn't kiss you. If he is forced, does he really mean it ? Maybe he is getting tired of going yet again to another movie.
But them again, I had 4 children and stayed home with them for 12 years, only going back to work when the youngest was in grade one. I went back into the school system so that I was with them whenever they were off school. We involved ourselves with our children, whether as a coach or choir director, we were there. We have 3 grandchildren that are a huge part of our lives, sleepovers, camping trips, concerts. they had 1 child, went back to work when she was a tiny baby because ' babies really don't do anything' the mother thought she'd take off work when her daughter was older and was more interesting. That never happened. I think by the time the 'egg donor' was 18, she was gone. Cane back into their lives, sorts, when she was 30 and took off again when she was 33.
The two most overused and useless words used in this day and age in regards to children is ' Quality Time'. In this day and age, we know that in the majority of families, both parents work. We know everyone is tired, but if you have children they must come first ! " Me Time " is for many years almost non existent. Get off the internet ! You can't watch any tv show when you want to. Work along side your children. It is amusing to me that a Red Seal chef never taught her daughter how to cook. One of YGS's problems was that he was not being fed properly. As a baby, he was fed 72 ounces of formula a day !! That was to keep something in his mouth to keep him quiet ! Her meals were tasteless and unbalanced. Most food was processed packaged food !
WE introduced to a variety of well cooked food. YGS now eats everything and knows he can't have too much sugar. He is a bottomless pit who will grab a piece of fruit. a tomato or cucumber as a snack. He is no longer constipated screaming with pain and having medicine shoved down his throat. All these 'problems' were solved within a few months of her abandoning him. I don't believe that the egg donor was ever around babies. She has no siblings nor cousins. With her behaviour as a teenager [ she was wild and her mother certainly let everyone know] there was no chance anyone would have wanted her to babysit. In fact when she was around 8, my ED babysat her for a summer and was very well paid because of how uncontrollable she was. ED certainly earned her money !
And so the grandmother was annoyed because she didn't get a hug or a kiss. PFFFFFT I get infinity hugs and infinity kisses although I can't distinguish the difference between that and ordinary ones.
Monday, September 7, 2015
First Week Back
Slowly starting to get back into routine after the summer off. I always get up early, but in the summer I don't 'get going' ! The usual first day, Welcome back address and speeches. sitting for nearly 3 hours on a bleacher i8s a killer on one's back ! Staff meeting in the afternoon , working in the library, more meetings. We did have the 'Amazing Race' Tuesday afternoon which was so much fun ! A great afternoon and kudos to the two teachers who arranged everything with 10 pit stops in businesses and parks in the town !
One of our EA's has started already playing her little game. Life is too short to pay any more attention to her. She'll either get caught, or not . Admin has been told and I'll just do my job to the best of my ability.
My ED went to Diner en Blanc and had a wonderful experience. Wore the pearls I had given her :) And brought some leftovers home :)
ED was a course marshall for the Tour of Alberta. ES, YS , YGS and I went with her to watch the race. It rained and was cold and windy, but we had fun ! YGS was most impressed with the motorcycles who came whipping through before the winner ! Three of us did sip some homemade Cherry Rum liqueur to keep us warm. We had layers of clothing, mitts rain gear and only our feet got cold ! 15 years ago we were given two rain suits from Canadian, an airline no longer in existance. We have had such good use out of them. In fact, one year hiking in Jasper National Park, some campers thought we were rangers ! LOL They are nearly the same colour as the Rangers'
I finished the shawl and am most pleased with how it turned out. Of course I have already started on the next one !
YGS was rude to his other grandmother, saying he didn't want to stay with her anymore that day and refused to kiss and hug her. ES punished him for beieng rude, but can understand why he said he wanted to be here with us. We DO things with him, not just taking him to movies and to the dollar store. I understand why toga was upset, but she wants him to be her friend and love her. I am a grandma and realize he isn't always going to like me ! Yesterday he said I wasn't just a grandma, I was a great Great Grandma ! [ til the next time I have to discipline him :) ]
YGS met his teacher - and what do you know I had her in choir years ago ! Her father sold our house ! Tuesday he starts full time. And funnily enough a friend I worked with last year is in my EGS's class this year !
Supper tonight will be spaghetti squash with sauce. At least that is my plan. Needing to go through my wardrobe. I bought nothing new this year ; not knowing if you have a job or not dictates your purchases ! Still don't know my hours but I'll muddle through.
One of our EA's has started already playing her little game. Life is too short to pay any more attention to her. She'll either get caught, or not . Admin has been told and I'll just do my job to the best of my ability.
My ED went to Diner en Blanc and had a wonderful experience. Wore the pearls I had given her :) And brought some leftovers home :)
ED was a course marshall for the Tour of Alberta. ES, YS , YGS and I went with her to watch the race. It rained and was cold and windy, but we had fun ! YGS was most impressed with the motorcycles who came whipping through before the winner ! Three of us did sip some homemade Cherry Rum liqueur to keep us warm. We had layers of clothing, mitts rain gear and only our feet got cold ! 15 years ago we were given two rain suits from Canadian, an airline no longer in existance. We have had such good use out of them. In fact, one year hiking in Jasper National Park, some campers thought we were rangers ! LOL They are nearly the same colour as the Rangers'
I finished the shawl and am most pleased with how it turned out. Of course I have already started on the next one !
YGS was rude to his other grandmother, saying he didn't want to stay with her anymore that day and refused to kiss and hug her. ES punished him for beieng rude, but can understand why he said he wanted to be here with us. We DO things with him, not just taking him to movies and to the dollar store. I understand why toga was upset, but she wants him to be her friend and love her. I am a grandma and realize he isn't always going to like me ! Yesterday he said I wasn't just a grandma, I was a great Great Grandma ! [ til the next time I have to discipline him :) ]
YGS met his teacher - and what do you know I had her in choir years ago ! Her father sold our house ! Tuesday he starts full time. And funnily enough a friend I worked with last year is in my EGS's class this year !
Supper tonight will be spaghetti squash with sauce. At least that is my plan. Needing to go through my wardrobe. I bought nothing new this year ; not knowing if you have a job or not dictates your purchases ! Still don't know my hours but I'll muddle through.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Sunny Sunday
The sun is shining and the wind is calm, quite unlike late afternoon yesterday. It was like the Dirty Thirties ! The wind was blowing all the dirt from the sub division being developed a block away . I see a few branches down from the birch in the front.
I tried a new recipe to use up the gigantic zucchini I was given. It is delicious. So delicious in fact, that I ate it with bread and butter !
Hubby and YS tried to repairtheleanto but decided that it would be safer to tear it down and build a new ones materials have been purchased.
More produce was gathered. I think the corn is ready.
YS treated us to Chinese food for supper and I made Tina macaroni salad for his potluck today as their team does some Maintainance on their field. Roast beef for supper;must decide what to wear for school tomorrow .
I tried a new recipe to use up the gigantic zucchini I was given. It is delicious. So delicious in fact, that I ate it with bread and butter !
Hubby and YS tried to repairtheleanto but decided that it would be safer to tear it down and build a new ones materials have been purchased.
More produce was gathered. I think the corn is ready.
YS treated us to Chinese food for supper and I made Tina macaroni salad for his potluck today as their team does some Maintainance on their field. Roast beef for supper;must decide what to wear for school tomorrow .
Saturday, August 29, 2015
The Last Week
It was the last week before school ! Wow that was a fast summer.
We had the YGS on Friday night as both mt sons were playing in a baseball tournament. His other grandma was taking him for the rest of the weekend. She took him to watch his father play as was asked which was very good of her.We no sooner had YGS leave and the other two arrived for a sleepover. GD helped me make Pounded Pork which she thought was a lot of fun.We did the usual, park,games hot tub and they went home around noon.
Monday morning a metal picture frame fell off my computer shelf hitting and spilling my coffee mug. A large coffee mug. What a mess ! Unfortunately the Zagg keyboard for my ipad is fried! Oh well could have been worse. I had tomquickly get the mess cleaned up especially all the glass vedore the dog and YGS arrived. ThT might I baked some fish for supper YGS told me he didn't like fish. While he is eating he says the chicken is delicious. I asked him if he would like some tartar sauce with his chicken . "It is delicious, more than delicious ! ". When he left togowas his hands, we said it was fish. His reaction was priceless. Needless tosay, he still insists he doesn't like fish !
Tuesday I finally has my hair cut ....10 inches to donate ! Wednesday was a quick dental appointment to replace an old filling.
Then I scrubbed out and bleached the lazy Susan as there was evidence a mouse had feared on coffee beans and chicken noodle soup.with the new subdivision being built, the mice are on the move. I have seen the neighbourhood cats trotting along witha mouse in their jobs and yesterday a magpie was feasting on one in the front yard.
I had a lovely phonecall from my friend in Lodi California . She has improved a lot from her stroke.
We have spent the rest of the week trying to keep up with squirrel who is dropping spruce cones like mad. I've dug up the potatoes from the pots a d made sweet zucchini relish this morning.I grates the zucchini yesterday some to process and some to freeze.
Am I ready for school ? No. But it's. Here
We had the YGS on Friday night as both mt sons were playing in a baseball tournament. His other grandma was taking him for the rest of the weekend. She took him to watch his father play as was asked which was very good of her.We no sooner had YGS leave and the other two arrived for a sleepover. GD helped me make Pounded Pork which she thought was a lot of fun.We did the usual, park,games hot tub and they went home around noon.
Monday morning a metal picture frame fell off my computer shelf hitting and spilling my coffee mug. A large coffee mug. What a mess ! Unfortunately the Zagg keyboard for my ipad is fried! Oh well could have been worse. I had tomquickly get the mess cleaned up especially all the glass vedore the dog and YGS arrived. ThT might I baked some fish for supper YGS told me he didn't like fish. While he is eating he says the chicken is delicious. I asked him if he would like some tartar sauce with his chicken . "It is delicious, more than delicious ! ". When he left togowas his hands, we said it was fish. His reaction was priceless. Needless tosay, he still insists he doesn't like fish !
Tuesday I finally has my hair cut ....10 inches to donate ! Wednesday was a quick dental appointment to replace an old filling.
Then I scrubbed out and bleached the lazy Susan as there was evidence a mouse had feared on coffee beans and chicken noodle soup.with the new subdivision being built, the mice are on the move. I have seen the neighbourhood cats trotting along witha mouse in their jobs and yesterday a magpie was feasting on one in the front yard.
I had a lovely phonecall from my friend in Lodi California . She has improved a lot from her stroke.
We have spent the rest of the week trying to keep up with squirrel who is dropping spruce cones like mad. I've dug up the potatoes from the pots a d made sweet zucchini relish this morning.I grates the zucchini yesterday some to process and some to freeze.
Am I ready for school ? No. But it's. Here
Friday, August 21, 2015
Neighbours
I've talked about our next door neighbours that have turned their property into a construction storage zone. Our good friends and neighbours used to live next door. They loved their house and took such good care ofit. Since they sold and moved, we've had one other owner, and then two sets of renters. The first renter was an RCMP officer who rented while their house was beineg built. Then this family arrived. Now they are not loud or noisy, no raucous parties; just fairly ' normal ' activities. But it is the yard and number of vehicles ! Sometimes 7 cars and trucks, plus two long trailers used to carry small bobcats. Then in their yard which is smaller than ours--one aluminum boat on a trailer, a black work trailer and a tent trailer ! Two lawnmowers sitting in the yard, rarely used. A pile of wood to be used in construction which looks like it has been scavanged. And now some new w indows leaning up on their little deck. Thistles 4 feet tall amongst all the other weeds ! We are constantly battling weeds coming through the fence.
Our neighbours on our other side just moved in last year. There was a lot of yelling and screaming lasat summer. oh the fights !! Quieter this year although their children do cry a lot ! I did feel sorry for the wife, new city, new province pregnant with a toddler and no vehicle. It is hard for a young family to move into an establishd neighbourhood with older families.
Now there is one neighbour I worry about. About 3 ? years ago her husband was having an affair with a co worker. She would park up the street and as soon as the wife would leave for work, she park in front of the house, hauling in her bed linens with her ! This went on for quite a while and finally the marriage broke up. Occasionally I'd see him drive by. From where I sit during the evenings, I can only see a small portion of the street, and cannot see this house unless I stand up and move. For me to see his paramour and now his stalking is just providential. Goodness knows what I have missed. about a year ago I heard shouting and went to look out the front door. My son was just returning from a short job on a Saturday and was entering thehouse. The ex husband was banging and shouting on the front door. Her boyfriend was there. At one point he returned to his car to grab and ax. My son grabbed a baseball bat as we watched- just in case. The ex returned to the door and seemed to hesitate , deliberating whether to damage the boyfriend's car. He'd drive off and then return. The boyfriend made a hasty exit. We opened our door and stood to let her know that we were ready to help. We let her know where he was driving and when we saw him turn into the alley is when the boyfriend made his exit. She didn't call the police.
This summer he has been turning up more and more, ringing the door bell, banging on the door. Sometimes she lets him in, other times not[ very rarely] He is stalking her and harassing her. I think he has even been to her work at a large grocery store because my husband noticed two of her co workers driving her vehicle home. It looked like she was reassuring them that she had protection with her dog. I feel it is accelerating. He is an alcoholic and therefore unpredictable. One day as she wouldn't let him into the house, he went in the side gate . Since he didn't come out, we are presuming he got in the side door. Since then she has locked the gate ! We do notice his car and keep an eye on the house. My daighter says we should inform police, but really is it not up to her to contact them ? I do not like the woman, but no one should live with fear.
I have another neighbour who is a con artist suing people for injuries when she is out chipping and shovelling ice, mowing the yard and daily walking her dog ! She was always sending her kids over to borrow a can of tomatoes, or a cup of milk etc. Funnily enough my pantry supplies suddenly dropped and I had nothing to lend. Our good friends did the same thing ! She knows absolutely everything that goes on in the neighbourhood, who everyone is, where they are from, what is happening in their families. She hasn't met a person that she doesn't talk to and pump for information !
I really needed to get down on paper some things aboaut ' Dot' because I do fear for her safety.
Our neighbours on our other side just moved in last year. There was a lot of yelling and screaming lasat summer. oh the fights !! Quieter this year although their children do cry a lot ! I did feel sorry for the wife, new city, new province pregnant with a toddler and no vehicle. It is hard for a young family to move into an establishd neighbourhood with older families.
Now there is one neighbour I worry about. About 3 ? years ago her husband was having an affair with a co worker. She would park up the street and as soon as the wife would leave for work, she park in front of the house, hauling in her bed linens with her ! This went on for quite a while and finally the marriage broke up. Occasionally I'd see him drive by. From where I sit during the evenings, I can only see a small portion of the street, and cannot see this house unless I stand up and move. For me to see his paramour and now his stalking is just providential. Goodness knows what I have missed. about a year ago I heard shouting and went to look out the front door. My son was just returning from a short job on a Saturday and was entering thehouse. The ex husband was banging and shouting on the front door. Her boyfriend was there. At one point he returned to his car to grab and ax. My son grabbed a baseball bat as we watched- just in case. The ex returned to the door and seemed to hesitate , deliberating whether to damage the boyfriend's car. He'd drive off and then return. The boyfriend made a hasty exit. We opened our door and stood to let her know that we were ready to help. We let her know where he was driving and when we saw him turn into the alley is when the boyfriend made his exit. She didn't call the police.
This summer he has been turning up more and more, ringing the door bell, banging on the door. Sometimes she lets him in, other times not[ very rarely] He is stalking her and harassing her. I think he has even been to her work at a large grocery store because my husband noticed two of her co workers driving her vehicle home. It looked like she was reassuring them that she had protection with her dog. I feel it is accelerating. He is an alcoholic and therefore unpredictable. One day as she wouldn't let him into the house, he went in the side gate . Since he didn't come out, we are presuming he got in the side door. Since then she has locked the gate ! We do notice his car and keep an eye on the house. My daighter says we should inform police, but really is it not up to her to contact them ? I do not like the woman, but no one should live with fear.
I have another neighbour who is a con artist suing people for injuries when she is out chipping and shovelling ice, mowing the yard and daily walking her dog ! She was always sending her kids over to borrow a can of tomatoes, or a cup of milk etc. Funnily enough my pantry supplies suddenly dropped and I had nothing to lend. Our good friends did the same thing ! She knows absolutely everything that goes on in the neighbourhood, who everyone is, where they are from, what is happening in their families. She hasn't met a person that she doesn't talk to and pump for information !
I really needed to get down on paper some things aboaut ' Dot' because I do fear for her safety.
Working Day
Some days you wake up, full of energy and plans, and the plans actually come to fruition. Yesterday was such a day.
On Wednesday evening as ED was leaving she happened to notice some tree seedlings growing in a part of the gutter. I had been up on a ladder doing the staining, but asthis was 'around the corner' from the front entrance, I never noticed ! So while Hubby cleaned all the gutters, both front and back, I edged the front lawn, ending up with a couple of blisters ! Two front flower beds were edged as well. I now very clearly have a demarcation line by the front sidewalk, separating our yard from the hillbillies' next door. Even when we rented our first two homes, we kept them pristine. We may not have owned them, but they were our 'homes'.
After that we cleared out almost all the needles from the Colorado Blue Spruce in front, filling up the city comopost bin. YS and I had filled 2 compost bins last year and there is only a little bit left to do next week. The bin is full ! Then onto the back yard trimming more off the MayDay tree and another Spruce. We had to haul the trimmed branches out back and will load them into the bin after pick up on Tuesday. I wanted to get all this done as it is supposed to rain today. Lighter pine needles aare much easier to shovel ! [ So where is the rain ?]
When Hubby renovaated the bathroom before my operation, he put in a new bathtub and tub surround. There were a few spotss where the paint had been chipped off. We had no paianat left over for touch ups and I really didn't want to repaint the room. Wednesday I used some craft paint, mixed splotches till I had the colours as close as possible and touched them up. Not perfect, but not glaringly white !
Hubby got a break from work yesterday as he went with ED[ who has 2 PD days to work on a Master's paper] to pick up a small table and chairs which have to be white for Diner Blanche.
As a retired employee from a major Hardware chain, he gets an employee discount for ourselves and family. When they opened the package it didn't match the picture or advertisement ! Off she went again to f ind pur white and was successful. [ I kept edging !! ]
We had home grown tomatoes, cukes and green onions with our chicken supper. More beans are ready for supper tonight. We have YGS overnight as our two sons are in a baseball tournament, and the little one loves beans. Don't know what else we'll have. We may actually go and do some groceryshopping today.
Today I"ll hunt for my semi gloss white paint to do othe baseboards in the bathroom and continue knitting the shawl. I sure do love the pattern, easy but very attractive. I have started counting the number of rows I get done, just to spur me on !
On Wednesday evening as ED was leaving she happened to notice some tree seedlings growing in a part of the gutter. I had been up on a ladder doing the staining, but asthis was 'around the corner' from the front entrance, I never noticed ! So while Hubby cleaned all the gutters, both front and back, I edged the front lawn, ending up with a couple of blisters ! Two front flower beds were edged as well. I now very clearly have a demarcation line by the front sidewalk, separating our yard from the hillbillies' next door. Even when we rented our first two homes, we kept them pristine. We may not have owned them, but they were our 'homes'.
After that we cleared out almost all the needles from the Colorado Blue Spruce in front, filling up the city comopost bin. YS and I had filled 2 compost bins last year and there is only a little bit left to do next week. The bin is full ! Then onto the back yard trimming more off the MayDay tree and another Spruce. We had to haul the trimmed branches out back and will load them into the bin after pick up on Tuesday. I wanted to get all this done as it is supposed to rain today. Lighter pine needles aare much easier to shovel ! [ So where is the rain ?]
When Hubby renovaated the bathroom before my operation, he put in a new bathtub and tub surround. There were a few spotss where the paint had been chipped off. We had no paianat left over for touch ups and I really didn't want to repaint the room. Wednesday I used some craft paint, mixed splotches till I had the colours as close as possible and touched them up. Not perfect, but not glaringly white !
Hubby got a break from work yesterday as he went with ED[ who has 2 PD days to work on a Master's paper] to pick up a small table and chairs which have to be white for Diner Blanche.
As a retired employee from a major Hardware chain, he gets an employee discount for ourselves and family. When they opened the package it didn't match the picture or advertisement ! Off she went again to f ind pur white and was successful. [ I kept edging !! ]
We had home grown tomatoes, cukes and green onions with our chicken supper. More beans are ready for supper tonight. We have YGS overnight as our two sons are in a baseball tournament, and the little one loves beans. Don't know what else we'll have. We may actually go and do some groceryshopping today.
Today I"ll hunt for my semi gloss white paint to do othe baseboards in the bathroom and continue knitting the shawl. I sure do love the pattern, easy but very attractive. I have started counting the number of rows I get done, just to spur me on !
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Beautiful August Day
The house smells absolutely lovely -- French Pear Preserve and Blueberry Jam. I had bought pears because YS and YGS absolutely love them ---- and then they didn't eat them. The blueberries were past their prime so now both lots are simmering away on the stove. The smell fronm the fruit and spices is wonderful !Tomorrow I may make some zucchini relish.
This moring while I was fiddling with the fruit DH was cutting the lawn. Right now he is using boiling water on some anthills. It seems they have become quite a problem this summer. Fortunately after having the tree cut, we no longer have a wasp problem.
Yesterday I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. I had lost an old filling so will have that replaced next week- or sooner if there is a cancellation.DH was home with all three grandchildren. YGS stayed with us as he knew that his cousins were coing over. Off they went to the park and then he showed them his present favourite movie Box Trolls or something. They eat us out of house and home; treats, fruit, vegetables, it doesn't matter what it is !
When I came home from the dentist the alley was blocked by a garbage truck. The driver was talking to our next door neighbours. So to park in front of the house I had to do a circuit down another back alley . I was appalled by some of the garbage sprawled over some people's yards, spilling into the alley. We have had one mouse so far this summer. They are being displaced from the field with all the c onstruction in the new subdivision. With people leaving trash around, the mice have something to eat and someplace to hide ! Some of the back alleyway yards are pristine with lovely flowers. How discouraging for those people to have some slobs as neighbours. Although my neighbours have lots of 'stuff' in their yard, there is no garbage. I overheard them talking about building a house so I think they are storing construction materials. Unsightly though it may be, I realize it could be worse !
I read Diana Galbadon's books years ago and have througohly enjoyed the Outlander tv show.They are doing an amazing job on social media keeping us up to date and teasing as well. I have been voting on Radiotimes for ' Jamie' LOL It was fun ! I can vote, watch a show, knit all at the same time.
Tonight there is a possibility of a severe thunderstorm. We will see if the job DH and YS did on the sidewalk blocks holds up. There was a 'dip' where the water pooled. DH is off to the dogpark with Marley. It's her first time . He loved to take our dogs there so they could run free !
Back to jam making and knitting !
This moring while I was fiddling with the fruit DH was cutting the lawn. Right now he is using boiling water on some anthills. It seems they have become quite a problem this summer. Fortunately after having the tree cut, we no longer have a wasp problem.
Yesterday I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. I had lost an old filling so will have that replaced next week- or sooner if there is a cancellation.DH was home with all three grandchildren. YGS stayed with us as he knew that his cousins were coing over. Off they went to the park and then he showed them his present favourite movie Box Trolls or something. They eat us out of house and home; treats, fruit, vegetables, it doesn't matter what it is !
When I came home from the dentist the alley was blocked by a garbage truck. The driver was talking to our next door neighbours. So to park in front of the house I had to do a circuit down another back alley . I was appalled by some of the garbage sprawled over some people's yards, spilling into the alley. We have had one mouse so far this summer. They are being displaced from the field with all the c onstruction in the new subdivision. With people leaving trash around, the mice have something to eat and someplace to hide ! Some of the back alleyway yards are pristine with lovely flowers. How discouraging for those people to have some slobs as neighbours. Although my neighbours have lots of 'stuff' in their yard, there is no garbage. I overheard them talking about building a house so I think they are storing construction materials. Unsightly though it may be, I realize it could be worse !
I read Diana Galbadon's books years ago and have througohly enjoyed the Outlander tv show.They are doing an amazing job on social media keeping us up to date and teasing as well. I have been voting on Radiotimes for ' Jamie' LOL It was fun ! I can vote, watch a show, knit all at the same time.
Tonight there is a possibility of a severe thunderstorm. We will see if the job DH and YS did on the sidewalk blocks holds up. There was a 'dip' where the water pooled. DH is off to the dogpark with Marley. It's her first time . He loved to take our dogs there so they could run free !
Back to jam making and knitting !
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Ticking off the Chores
It was a very busy week and the timing was perfect ! Following the the shade I was able to get the staining done at the front around the front door and the pillars. As I was up on the ladder I happened to actually lookk at the sign with our family name. It is 35 yeaers old and I noticed the colour orange ! The stain and varnish were peeling off. Because the sign has always just been hanging there for so long, we don't notice it. Hubby sanded it down and then painted it a cream colour to match the stucco. The front is now so much smarter looking. I can't get up on an extension ladder to stain the rest, I'll have to wait until one of my sons can get up there and do the rest, but it still looks okay; jut a little faded. The staining was done in the back and the fence boards that were replaced last fall after the trenching, and the ones in the alley that had to be replaced after the tree was taken down were also stained. Hubby scraped and sanded down the deck and stairs and on Thursday we were able to get it all stained. Looks so mouch smarter.
While we had the BBQ down on the patio, I gave it a good scrub and shine. Hubby replaced the tray, which catches the fat , with three of my old cookie trays. He used special screws, grinded etc and they fit like a glove ! Course the job probably went so well because he had YGS as a helper ! Now we have to wait for some man power to get it back up on the deck,
I need to thin out my Bergenia in the flower bed by the deck. I transplanted 5[ so far] to put on the shady side of the house in front of the house where the grass will not grow. Even though we had quite a bit of rain on Friday night, none landed on the plants so I still had to go out yesterday and water ! The Mayday Tree was trimmed although I think more could be taken off. I hate the black berries which drop all over the patio and patio blocks. They say that when trees are under stress they produce lots of berries and cones for survival. Our trees must be under a lot of stress ! In fact some trees in our area are already turning colour and dropping leaves because of the drought.
Our corn is about 8 feet tall and the cobs are there ! Now whether there is enough summer left to get some good cobs is debatable. Next year I will start the corn inside. We were late planting this year. We've had one good sized cucumber. It was growing on the back side of the planter ! There are a few more that are nearly ready to eat. We've also had one tomato !! with several more getting ready to eat. There is nothing like fresh produce ! I was given a huge zucchini that I will grate and freeze or maybe make some relish. The summer squash I will use up for supper as it is just a nice size.
The sweater is finished and wonders of all wonders, it fits ! I read the comments and other people were having trouble with some of the directions and stitch count. Should have read the comments first ! However I have enough knitting expertise that I had changed it as I went along ! Then I searched all my knitting books that I had organized for a shawl pattern to use up some ore fine wool. Coudln't find anything so I searched on the web. i started one pattern but realized that I could not work on it and watch tv or talk while doing it. That's not for me ! So that was taken off the needles. Finally I found a pattern I could adapt ! I'm thinking with this pattern I could make a snawl for YGS's other grandma who has been very good to him and my son. We are teaching YGS to give to other people.
I am thinking this week I will thin out more of the perennials. The wife of the man who installed ED's air conditioning says she will take anything that I want to get rid of. I think I listed 12 different perennials ! I am pleased with the front flower beds. They should look really nice in a couople of years. The back gardens need work but that'll have to wait till next spring.
ED is hiking the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. YS was supposed to as well but he could not get the time off work. With the way the economy is going, one has to work while there is still work ! YD was having a garagae sale today. We'll be having those grandchildren next Saturday. ES is in a lot of pain with his back. He has a bulging disc and it incapacitates him.
Not sure what we will do today. Dusting and floors seem to be in my future !
While we had the BBQ down on the patio, I gave it a good scrub and shine. Hubby replaced the tray, which catches the fat , with three of my old cookie trays. He used special screws, grinded etc and they fit like a glove ! Course the job probably went so well because he had YGS as a helper ! Now we have to wait for some man power to get it back up on the deck,
I need to thin out my Bergenia in the flower bed by the deck. I transplanted 5[ so far] to put on the shady side of the house in front of the house where the grass will not grow. Even though we had quite a bit of rain on Friday night, none landed on the plants so I still had to go out yesterday and water ! The Mayday Tree was trimmed although I think more could be taken off. I hate the black berries which drop all over the patio and patio blocks. They say that when trees are under stress they produce lots of berries and cones for survival. Our trees must be under a lot of stress ! In fact some trees in our area are already turning colour and dropping leaves because of the drought.
Our corn is about 8 feet tall and the cobs are there ! Now whether there is enough summer left to get some good cobs is debatable. Next year I will start the corn inside. We were late planting this year. We've had one good sized cucumber. It was growing on the back side of the planter ! There are a few more that are nearly ready to eat. We've also had one tomato !! with several more getting ready to eat. There is nothing like fresh produce ! I was given a huge zucchini that I will grate and freeze or maybe make some relish. The summer squash I will use up for supper as it is just a nice size.
The sweater is finished and wonders of all wonders, it fits ! I read the comments and other people were having trouble with some of the directions and stitch count. Should have read the comments first ! However I have enough knitting expertise that I had changed it as I went along ! Then I searched all my knitting books that I had organized for a shawl pattern to use up some ore fine wool. Coudln't find anything so I searched on the web. i started one pattern but realized that I could not work on it and watch tv or talk while doing it. That's not for me ! So that was taken off the needles. Finally I found a pattern I could adapt ! I'm thinking with this pattern I could make a snawl for YGS's other grandma who has been very good to him and my son. We are teaching YGS to give to other people.
I am thinking this week I will thin out more of the perennials. The wife of the man who installed ED's air conditioning says she will take anything that I want to get rid of. I think I listed 12 different perennials ! I am pleased with the front flower beds. They should look really nice in a couople of years. The back gardens need work but that'll have to wait till next spring.
ED is hiking the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. YS was supposed to as well but he could not get the time off work. With the way the economy is going, one has to work while there is still work ! YD was having a garagae sale today. We'll be having those grandchildren next Saturday. ES is in a lot of pain with his back. He has a bulging disc and it incapacitates him.
Not sure what we will do today. Dusting and floors seem to be in my future !
Monday, August 10, 2015
Heading Into a Hot Week
Slept in until 6:30 this morning ! After a couple of cups of Peeeet's coffee, I quickly washed the kitchen and downstairs' bsthroom floors, hoping they' d be dry before Marley and GS arrived ! There had been quite a storm last night.Thunder, lightening, hail... and I didn't hear a thing ! I must have been tired from the four hours I spent outside working in the yard. I tidied up around the trailer. We have to keep watch on the suckers coming up from the tree we had cut down. Tools were put away properly, more tidying under the leanto and of course watering and weeding.
ES brought over more loads of dirt so we're nearly getting there. We should have a nice sized vegetable garden next year. I was able to get a fair amount done in the yard yesterday because YGS slept in til past 8 ! His dad, who is suffering from a bulging disc, didn't get up til noon. It has been years since he has slept that late.
YS asked for spaghetti for supper so I set to and made the sauce. Then ED invited us over for supper . We were taking our time[ I was taking my time] until I noticaed a storm watch so we boogied on over. It was lovely sitting in her gazebo that she and her Dad put up on Saturday .
Today I was looking for one piece of paper to mail off and spent 4 hours going through our files. A garbage bag was filled ! Now we will burn it all because it is just too much to shred. Mailed off the stock certificate and also completed my CPP form. There 3 jobs finally done !!
Now to sit and knit for a bit. I may have to turn the fan on as the temperature is still climbing.
ES brought over more loads of dirt so we're nearly getting there. We should have a nice sized vegetable garden next year. I was able to get a fair amount done in the yard yesterday because YGS slept in til past 8 ! His dad, who is suffering from a bulging disc, didn't get up til noon. It has been years since he has slept that late.
YS asked for spaghetti for supper so I set to and made the sauce. Then ED invited us over for supper . We were taking our time[ I was taking my time] until I noticaed a storm watch so we boogied on over. It was lovely sitting in her gazebo that she and her Dad put up on Saturday .
Today I was looking for one piece of paper to mail off and spent 4 hours going through our files. A garbage bag was filled ! Now we will burn it all because it is just too much to shred. Mailed off the stock certificate and also completed my CPP form. There 3 jobs finally done !!
Now to sit and knit for a bit. I may have to turn the fan on as the temperature is still climbing.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Time Flies
The week has gone quickly ! On Sunday we picked abaout 5+ pounds of cherries. I washed and froze 44 cups, not pitted though. YS made his own batch of cherry liqueur and I made two using up leftover wine and liquor, even some champagne ! We'll see how it turns out. I also made a sour cherry sauce to go over ice cream and I can attest to the fact that it is delicious !
On Monday, as it is a civic holiday here, we went over to ED's and had a BBQ. It was very nice, especially eating all our vegetables from the garden.
I'm on the second sleeve so hopefully by this time nxt week I'll have the sweater finished. A lot of knitting was done as I watched Suits on Netflix. As I usually watch British and Australian TV I was pleasantly surprised at how good the show iss, or maybe I'm really desperate !
Today we started relaying the bricks under the leanto and by the side of the house. They were all taken up last year before the house was 'trenched' I can only do a bit at a time as my back literally grinds after a while. So I come in and knit a bit and then out I go. Did some weeding, pulled out some day lilies, found a couple of deep purple irises which I'll transplant into the front and picked some peas. The grass transplants seem to be doing well which is quite amazing. The front yard actually looks pretty good considering what it looked like, all torn up, last September.
We are supposed to be having nice weather this weekend so we'll see if we can get those day lilies out and maybe some tree trimming.
On Monday, as it is a civic holiday here, we went over to ED's and had a BBQ. It was very nice, especially eating all our vegetables from the garden.
I'm on the second sleeve so hopefully by this time nxt week I'll have the sweater finished. A lot of knitting was done as I watched Suits on Netflix. As I usually watch British and Australian TV I was pleasantly surprised at how good the show iss, or maybe I'm really desperate !
Today we started relaying the bricks under the leanto and by the side of the house. They were all taken up last year before the house was 'trenched' I can only do a bit at a time as my back literally grinds after a while. So I come in and knit a bit and then out I go. Did some weeding, pulled out some day lilies, found a couple of deep purple irises which I'll transplant into the front and picked some peas. The grass transplants seem to be doing well which is quite amazing. The front yard actually looks pretty good considering what it looked like, all torn up, last September.
We are supposed to be having nice weather this weekend so we'll see if we can get those day lilies out and maybe some tree trimming.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Rain, Glorious Rain !
There was quite the thunderstorm Frriday night around midnight which continued well into the early morning hours.It wasn't predicted so I had left some windows open, but fortunately no rain came in ! Some of the thunder jolted us out of a sound sleep. I went out to the front garden and worked on the front beds, weeding and trimming. Another round of thunder and lightning prompted me to head indoors. When that storm was over, I was back to transplanting grass. Decades ago we lived next to a family from Kenya. Shiraz told me that in Kenya , grass is transplanted blade by blade. They had not known about sod. So as stray seeds had sprouted in one of the garden beds[ we had to redo the front after we had new weeping tile and a sum pump put in last fall], I have been transplanting grass- blade by blade. Most of them have 'taken' Now if our neighbours would control their weeds and suckers, our lawn would look a lot better !
ED and I took a trip out to YD's acreage to check on their cats and to take some plants. ED came home with five and I came home with 4. My mother had bought me some pink sedum 35 years ago. I had shared it many times, and then I lost mine. It was good to go and get a couple of sprigs; the sedum came 'home'. It didn't take long to get the in the ground once I figured out the spot !
Supper was meatballs. I added some finely mminced ham to the beef- and no one noticed. They glazed with some of the cherry jelly I had made 2 years ago, along with some spices. Looks like I have enough for supper tonight, along with leftover chicken and coleslaw.
Both sons went out last night to watch a fight on tv and were home before midnight. ED came over to relax in the hot tub. One paper is giving her a lot of trouble so she needed to relax and then home again to work on it. So we weren't in bed until late !
My knitting is giving me fits. I have found a couple of problems with the pattern because of course it cannot be me who is making mistakes ! Hopefully I can finagle and get it done. Looks like I have to lengthen the armhole openings for the back. We'll see what happens ! It is a frsutrating pattern.
Today hopefully the cherries will be picked. I wanted to do them yesterday but they were too wet with the rain. Then we need the slabs moved into place near the hot tub and beside the new garden. If I am lucky I'll get the boys to take out the day lilies as they have taken over. When that is done we can fix the borders, ready for next year. Hubby can then rearrange his rock garden in the side garden. Who knows what will be acomplished !
ED and I took a trip out to YD's acreage to check on their cats and to take some plants. ED came home with five and I came home with 4. My mother had bought me some pink sedum 35 years ago. I had shared it many times, and then I lost mine. It was good to go and get a couple of sprigs; the sedum came 'home'. It didn't take long to get the in the ground once I figured out the spot !
Supper was meatballs. I added some finely mminced ham to the beef- and no one noticed. They glazed with some of the cherry jelly I had made 2 years ago, along with some spices. Looks like I have enough for supper tonight, along with leftover chicken and coleslaw.
Both sons went out last night to watch a fight on tv and were home before midnight. ED came over to relax in the hot tub. One paper is giving her a lot of trouble so she needed to relax and then home again to work on it. So we weren't in bed until late !
My knitting is giving me fits. I have found a couple of problems with the pattern because of course it cannot be me who is making mistakes ! Hopefully I can finagle and get it done. Looks like I have to lengthen the armhole openings for the back. We'll see what happens ! It is a frsutrating pattern.
Today hopefully the cherries will be picked. I wanted to do them yesterday but they were too wet with the rain. Then we need the slabs moved into place near the hot tub and beside the new garden. If I am lucky I'll get the boys to take out the day lilies as they have taken over. When that is done we can fix the borders, ready for next year. Hubby can then rearrange his rock garden in the side garden. Who knows what will be acomplished !
Friday, July 31, 2015
August Long Weekend
The summer is officially half over this weekend. We start counting the days til school starts and I'm finding that a little depressing this year. It is hot today with the temperature expected to reach 30* today. No rain in sight either. I've lost count how many counties in the province have declared themselves agriculture disasters. My girlfriend was away for 5 days and as she cannot water her garden, pretty well everythig had died. As she has said, she is on well water and there is no guage to say how much water is available.
Our garden is doing pretty well, but then we water and our water bill is going to be huge. We do try and use as much gray water as possible. The corn finally has' flowers'; now whether there is enough 'summer' left to actually get any cobs is the question. Next year I think I'll start the corn inside and then out under the polytunnel. We didn't plant until June10th or so this year. Plenty of tomatoes . Now we wait to see if they have enough time and heat to turn red ! Beans are finally producing and we're keeping our eyes on some tiny cukes.
It was time to go get groceries today. The fridge was almost empty. Each t ime we go, we are shocked by the price of meat, fruits and vegetables. I said that we're going to end up just dragging a piece of meat across our plates ! I found a box of bacon ends for a good price. Bacon makes everything taste better. It'll be handy for fried rice and frittatas. I packaged it in about 1/2 pound bags so we won't be tempted to cook too much. I used up the last of the ham to make ham and lentil soup with some summer squash, celery and onion. It tastes good although it doesn't look appetizing.
We've had ygs 3 days this week. My ES helps take care of 3 mentally handicapped adults, all siblings. The eldest was not in the best of moods this week, so ES thought it better that YGS stay with us. He is fortunate that he can take his son to work to play with his former day care providers children. YGS loves being out on the acreage. Today they were all going into the Telus World of Science to see Jurassic Forest. Funny how all kids love dinosaurs.
I finished the back of the sweater and am on the left front. I think I have ripped back as much as I have knit ! Hopefully I'll get it finished before school starts. I have some fleece pieces out to make Marley a camping poncho. She was shivering when the cold front rolled through. Thankfully thunder doesn't seem to bother her.
I didn't feel like cooking supper tonight so picked up a rotisserie chicken. When I came home, I quickly made a potato salad and some devilled eggs. All that is left to do is to make a tossed salad and slice the French bread that was warm from the bakery. Easy peasy , especially in this heat.
The back and side gardens were mowed today sol hopefully we will get to the front yard tomorrow. My grass' transplants' seem to have taken. next time it rains, I'll try to get out and do some more.
ED returned home safely. She is working form home today - actually she has taken 2 PD days to finish her papers. I see from her tweets that work has been contacting her a lot ! She even did homework while travelling ! She'll wonder what to do with her time when she finishes her Masters.
Now to find something to watch. There is nothing on tv, and I think I've exhausted all that I can watch on Netflix. Can't read and knit at the same time or I'd be working on the pile of books I have !
Our garden is doing pretty well, but then we water and our water bill is going to be huge. We do try and use as much gray water as possible. The corn finally has' flowers'; now whether there is enough 'summer' left to actually get any cobs is the question. Next year I think I'll start the corn inside and then out under the polytunnel. We didn't plant until June10th or so this year. Plenty of tomatoes . Now we wait to see if they have enough time and heat to turn red ! Beans are finally producing and we're keeping our eyes on some tiny cukes.
It was time to go get groceries today. The fridge was almost empty. Each t ime we go, we are shocked by the price of meat, fruits and vegetables. I said that we're going to end up just dragging a piece of meat across our plates ! I found a box of bacon ends for a good price. Bacon makes everything taste better. It'll be handy for fried rice and frittatas. I packaged it in about 1/2 pound bags so we won't be tempted to cook too much. I used up the last of the ham to make ham and lentil soup with some summer squash, celery and onion. It tastes good although it doesn't look appetizing.
We've had ygs 3 days this week. My ES helps take care of 3 mentally handicapped adults, all siblings. The eldest was not in the best of moods this week, so ES thought it better that YGS stay with us. He is fortunate that he can take his son to work to play with his former day care providers children. YGS loves being out on the acreage. Today they were all going into the Telus World of Science to see Jurassic Forest. Funny how all kids love dinosaurs.
I finished the back of the sweater and am on the left front. I think I have ripped back as much as I have knit ! Hopefully I'll get it finished before school starts. I have some fleece pieces out to make Marley a camping poncho. She was shivering when the cold front rolled through. Thankfully thunder doesn't seem to bother her.
I didn't feel like cooking supper tonight so picked up a rotisserie chicken. When I came home, I quickly made a potato salad and some devilled eggs. All that is left to do is to make a tossed salad and slice the French bread that was warm from the bakery. Easy peasy , especially in this heat.
The back and side gardens were mowed today sol hopefully we will get to the front yard tomorrow. My grass' transplants' seem to have taken. next time it rains, I'll try to get out and do some more.
ED returned home safely. She is working form home today - actually she has taken 2 PD days to finish her papers. I see from her tweets that work has been contacting her a lot ! She even did homework while travelling ! She'll wonder what to do with her time when she finishes her Masters.
Now to find something to watch. There is nothing on tv, and I think I've exhausted all that I can watch on Netflix. Can't read and knit at the same time or I'd be working on the pile of books I have !
Sunday, July 26, 2015
The Days Pass By
Nothing extrordinary happened in the last while. YGS had decided that he'd like supper and a sleepover every night ! LOL He is eating us out of house and home ! Last Monday we ended up with all three grandchildren for a sleepover. The model planes they all made did not fly very well at the park, but they had fun doing it ! We were tired by the time they'd all left ! OGS wished they had a set night that they could sleep over as their cousin does.
The last week of the Tour de France was fun to watch. I madly worked on my lap afghans and managed to finsh all four by Friday. My wool stash has gone down by over half. Now I am knitting a lightweight sweater for myself. Well I hope it will fit me as I adapt a Classic Lace pattern. It's a dusty rose colour and will be a change from all my black sweaters.
The gardens are doing well. I have managed to transplant more of the new grass which grew in one of the front garden beds. Hop;efully they take and spread to fill in some of the bare spots.. it hs been said that El NiƱo has not truly hit yet so we are supposed to expect more drought conditions. The rain the last few days has certainly helped the plants and lawns.We'll try to get the lawns mowed today after they dry out some. by this time of the year, we have often had to mow twice a week. This year we can do it every second week ! I need to get out and deadhead some roses and maybe even pick some green beans ! Some of the cherries will need picking and processing as well.
Next we I need to do some paper work and maybe even cut my hair. Can't stand the length anymore.There is not much left of summer vacation. Once August hits, the days will pass by and the next thing you know it's back to school !

The Green Lap Afghan



Well, I sure have trouble getting photos on here. This is the Green Lap Afghan. The others are Blue, Purple, a MixMatch with 3 others completed earleier in the year being brownn, greens and a red and cream.


This is one of the Lap Afghans. there are 7 in all. Cant get those pictures on here, neither the picture of my sweater. Must figure it out sometime.
Floors are swept and washd so that is another job done for today. As we have been dog sitting during the week, it had seemed useless to wash them. Now they're clean to start the week !
ED comes home this week after a wonderful week in the Dominican Republic. YGS and the Marley have missed her. YD is off to Canmore for a family wedding. Sons are playing baseball so the family has been busy. Now I'll get my act in gear with the end of the Tour and the Pan Am games.
The last week of the Tour de France was fun to watch. I madly worked on my lap afghans and managed to finsh all four by Friday. My wool stash has gone down by over half. Now I am knitting a lightweight sweater for myself. Well I hope it will fit me as I adapt a Classic Lace pattern. It's a dusty rose colour and will be a change from all my black sweaters.
The gardens are doing well. I have managed to transplant more of the new grass which grew in one of the front garden beds. Hop;efully they take and spread to fill in some of the bare spots.. it hs been said that El NiƱo has not truly hit yet so we are supposed to expect more drought conditions. The rain the last few days has certainly helped the plants and lawns.We'll try to get the lawns mowed today after they dry out some. by this time of the year, we have often had to mow twice a week. This year we can do it every second week ! I need to get out and deadhead some roses and maybe even pick some green beans ! Some of the cherries will need picking and processing as well.
Next we I need to do some paper work and maybe even cut my hair. Can't stand the length anymore.There is not much left of summer vacation. Once August hits, the days will pass by and the next thing you know it's back to school !
The Green Lap Afghan
Well, I sure have trouble getting photos on here. This is the Green Lap Afghan. The others are Blue, Purple, a MixMatch with 3 others completed earleier in the year being brownn, greens and a red and cream.
This is one of the Lap Afghans. there are 7 in all. Cant get those pictures on here, neither the picture of my sweater. Must figure it out sometime.
Floors are swept and washd so that is another job done for today. As we have been dog sitting during the week, it had seemed useless to wash them. Now they're clean to start the week !
ED comes home this week after a wonderful week in the Dominican Republic. YGS and the Marley have missed her. YD is off to Canmore for a family wedding. Sons are playing baseball so the family has been busy. Now I'll get my act in gear with the end of the Tour and the Pan Am games.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Agriculture Disaster Area
We're all still praying for rain especially the farmers in our county which has just declared Parkland is in a state of disaster. The crops are poor due to very little moisture and are now being attacked by grasshoppers. As we drove th rougoh town today, we noticed a huge number of lawns that were yellow and the city has heavily mulched the newer trees. It sees that people are restricting their watering to their flower beds[ of which there are less ad less] and their potted plants. We use gray water for our flowers. We rarely 'run' water in our sinks, but if we do to get hot water for dishes, we fill up a watering can. Very little water goes down our drains.
Needless to say, the beef cattle herds are getting smaller and prices are skyrocketing; fruit and vegetable prices are going through the roof ! Our 'treat' this week was a cauliflower at $5 a head ! The only meat we bought was some hamburger. Thankfully we still have quite a bit of meat in the downstairs freezer. I have a family of meateaters so there is going to be some adjustments by them as we can not afford meat !
On Monday we had YGs for his sleepover while his dad played baseball. Well yesterday he decided he'd have another sleepover ! he gets nothign special; in fact on Monday he had no treats and didn't even go into the hot tub. We played makebelieve with a doll and an old telephone and then it was off to bed ! Playing outside most of the days on the acerage seem to be agreeing with him. His appetite is growing !!
Even though the yard is still a work in progres, I am pleased with the colour that I see in every corner. I do love perennials ! We work so hard to make the yard a pleasant place, and it is really pi$$ing me off when I see the mess in the yard next door. It seems to me to be getting worse and worse. Their landlord is going to have to put out a great deal of money and work into the house before he is able to rent it out again. Oh well, should count my blessings. They are quiet and really quite nice.
Chili for supper and maybe even some homemade tortillas.
Needless to say, the beef cattle herds are getting smaller and prices are skyrocketing; fruit and vegetable prices are going through the roof ! Our 'treat' this week was a cauliflower at $5 a head ! The only meat we bought was some hamburger. Thankfully we still have quite a bit of meat in the downstairs freezer. I have a family of meateaters so there is going to be some adjustments by them as we can not afford meat !
On Monday we had YGs for his sleepover while his dad played baseball. Well yesterday he decided he'd have another sleepover ! he gets nothign special; in fact on Monday he had no treats and didn't even go into the hot tub. We played makebelieve with a doll and an old telephone and then it was off to bed ! Playing outside most of the days on the acerage seem to be agreeing with him. His appetite is growing !!
Even though the yard is still a work in progres, I am pleased with the colour that I see in every corner. I do love perennials ! We work so hard to make the yard a pleasant place, and it is really pi$$ing me off when I see the mess in the yard next door. It seems to me to be getting worse and worse. Their landlord is going to have to put out a great deal of money and work into the house before he is able to rent it out again. Oh well, should count my blessings. They are quiet and really quite nice.
Chili for supper and maybe even some homemade tortillas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)