Another beautiful day yesterday although there is a certain coolness in the air in the mornings now. It is time to start pulling some plants from the garden. The Hollyhocks are finished so I'll try to yank them out today to put into the compost bin. Sone insect has been at that for the second year in a row so I think I'll wait a couple of years before I replant them. I've seeds from last year and I'm sure they'll be viable when I decide to use them. We are still getting good feeds from the yellow beans. I just love them; nothing better than having freshly picked produce for supper. The other night we had some tomatoes from ED and they were delicious ! I did manage to make a couple of apple pies which are tasty even though it was the worst pastry I had ever made. With the leftover pastry I made cheese straws using a sharp aged cheddar and some parmesan .
Gardening has been hit and miss with my knee, but hopefully by next summer I can dig in and do some redesign. I've lots of ideas in my head and they will work, as long as my knee works ! My perennials badly need dividing, but I am waiting till ED designs her garden and figures out where she is going to plunk them in.
We did a little bit of shopping yesterday which I absolutely hate. Thank goodness for Handicap Parking. I did manage to find what I needed so I am all set ! Different kind of back to school shopping........Oh wait I'm not starting school this year ! In my lifetime as a teacher in another province and as an Educational Assistant in this province, I have started school in September 44 times counting my own school years ! That's a long time ! I started teaching when I was 19 after one and a half years of University and one year spent at McDonald College of McGill University. Looking back back at how young I was I wonder how I did it !
I wonder how I did a lot of things; working three jobs when unemployment hit our family ; directing a Youth Choir at church when I had no training; making quilts when I've had no sewing lessons and trying to maintain a healthy family life with all my children- all four of them, with no extended family around to help. The worry, stress and yes, even sadness, never ends. I remember one of my children saying something extremely cruel about one of my sisters who relationship has not been good with all of her family and I said ' No, I could never do that ! My mother taught me to be better than that ! " I find as I grow older I remember more and more of my mother. Often I'll say to myself, " Mom would be proud of me for doing that, or How pleased she would be !" Funny that, how these thoughts follow you all your life. Will my children remember me fondly ? Will they remember what I have tried to teach them ? Will they know that I have loved theme no matter what ? That loyalty and truth are paramount ? I wonder.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Almost Finished
It is a beautiful sunny here, with just a touch of wind. There was quite the lightening show last night and some heavy rain. We've had a lot of rain this summer that's for sure.
The yellow beans are almost finished, but I picked enough for a good feed with supper. Hubby has professed to NOT liking yellow beans, but he ate more than half the other night! I was shocked so tonight I'll double the amount to cook. I sprinkled some of the fennel's fine leaves over my beans and it was delicious.
As we were already in town on Sunday we stopped in at President's Wholesale, picking up a full boneless pork tenderloin and a 24 pound piece of beef. I cut the tenderloin into several small roasts; just enough for the two of us, and the rest into chops. After I had cut 4 roasts from the beef, hubby cut the rest into steaks with the bits frozen for beef stew. We had one roast on Sunday with a fennel, apple and celery salad. Both were delicious, but the best part was the corn we picked up. Scrumptious ! Tonight we're having a couple of those steaks, yellow beans, salad and we'll split the last corn. If I get my butt in gear, I may make an apple pie to use up the last of the wrinkled apples. Hopefully the pastry will roll better than it did when I made the Saskatoon pies.
I have two more yoyos to sew and then the centre blocks for my quilt are done and can be stored away till I have finished the other 5 quilts. We'll be making a trip into town to pick up enough thread for me to do the job.
ED bought blinds last week and hubby has been installing them. One blind was missed being cut, so after work he'll get it installed and the job will be complete. From the pictures, they look very smart. I may go over and have a look tonight.
DIL brought the Stephen King novel " Under the Dome " . I have enjoyed the series, although I am not usually a King fan, only enjoying his book " The Stand" It is such a big book I'll have to prop it on a table to read it.
All right, better get to my sewing, just two more..............
The yellow beans are almost finished, but I picked enough for a good feed with supper. Hubby has professed to NOT liking yellow beans, but he ate more than half the other night! I was shocked so tonight I'll double the amount to cook. I sprinkled some of the fennel's fine leaves over my beans and it was delicious.
As we were already in town on Sunday we stopped in at President's Wholesale, picking up a full boneless pork tenderloin and a 24 pound piece of beef. I cut the tenderloin into several small roasts; just enough for the two of us, and the rest into chops. After I had cut 4 roasts from the beef, hubby cut the rest into steaks with the bits frozen for beef stew. We had one roast on Sunday with a fennel, apple and celery salad. Both were delicious, but the best part was the corn we picked up. Scrumptious ! Tonight we're having a couple of those steaks, yellow beans, salad and we'll split the last corn. If I get my butt in gear, I may make an apple pie to use up the last of the wrinkled apples. Hopefully the pastry will roll better than it did when I made the Saskatoon pies.
I have two more yoyos to sew and then the centre blocks for my quilt are done and can be stored away till I have finished the other 5 quilts. We'll be making a trip into town to pick up enough thread for me to do the job.
ED bought blinds last week and hubby has been installing them. One blind was missed being cut, so after work he'll get it installed and the job will be complete. From the pictures, they look very smart. I may go over and have a look tonight.
DIL brought the Stephen King novel " Under the Dome " . I have enjoyed the series, although I am not usually a King fan, only enjoying his book " The Stand" It is such a big book I'll have to prop it on a table to read it.
All right, better get to my sewing, just two more..............
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Where Do the Days Go ?
Time is just flying by ! I can't even remember what I did the last few days, aside from the usual cooking, cleaning and sewing. This morning Liam is here as his mom and aunt go car hunting. ES is working and then I think they are moving the last of their big furniture to their new place today. Or it could be tomorrow.
Last night I went with ED as company as she chose window coverings for her new home. I was just there for company so I just stood and sat around. Before we left, she asked me if it was going to rain so I checked Environment Canada whose site said 30 %. So she left her windows open, not all 18 thank goodness. Later in the evening as we were driving we could actually see 2 systems moving in so a phone call was to Hubby who ran over and closed them. The blinds she was able to bring home( others have to be cut) fit perfectly. Hubby has the stepladder all ready positioned to take over this afternoon to help put them up.
I did manage to finish the afghan. The pattern is Nostalgique Quilt. I have used it to make many, many baby afghans that we give as gifts to the first born of staff members. Sometimes I use different colous, others like this cream one are all one colour. My girlfriend owned a wool and fabric shop so she gives me the wool, I knit and the gifts have been from both of us. This amazing woman is climbing Mount Kilamanjaaro with her two children . I am waiting to hear from her when she is back in civilization.
When we were in Washington State we visited quite a few'antique shops'. Aside from seeing so many " antiques" from our childhood, I saw a cone of wool selling for $24 ! My goodness I have had and have hundreds of dollars sitting in my sewing closet. Liam still likes to have his baby afghan around him to cuddle with. ( A dangling participle but I don't care ! ) I can hardly wait to tell her how much the spools are selling for ! )
The trailer is back andhopefully the problem with the lights has been solved. It was nerve wracking travelling back from Oregon with no lefthand turn signal. We bought a new tarp to cover the trailer as I do not want to spend so much time scrubbing the sap from the tree. It is the only place we can park the trailer so it is cover it or chop down the tree !
This week I have been heartened to see ES and Dil try hard to strengthen their relationship. The counsellor they have now seems to be very good and is actually giving directions. The last one would just nod and agree with both of them even if they had opposing views ! I believe the counsellor has given her strength. Hopefully her mom and dad will respect her and not try again to sabotage the relationship. At least truth has been spoken .
Next week is going to be busy as loose ends will be finished up, items will be ticked off and we will be ready.
Last night I went with ED as company as she chose window coverings for her new home. I was just there for company so I just stood and sat around. Before we left, she asked me if it was going to rain so I checked Environment Canada whose site said 30 %. So she left her windows open, not all 18 thank goodness. Later in the evening as we were driving we could actually see 2 systems moving in so a phone call was to Hubby who ran over and closed them. The blinds she was able to bring home( others have to be cut) fit perfectly. Hubby has the stepladder all ready positioned to take over this afternoon to help put them up.
I did manage to finish the afghan. The pattern is Nostalgique Quilt. I have used it to make many, many baby afghans that we give as gifts to the first born of staff members. Sometimes I use different colous, others like this cream one are all one colour. My girlfriend owned a wool and fabric shop so she gives me the wool, I knit and the gifts have been from both of us. This amazing woman is climbing Mount Kilamanjaaro with her two children . I am waiting to hear from her when she is back in civilization.
The trailer is back andhopefully the problem with the lights has been solved. It was nerve wracking travelling back from Oregon with no lefthand turn signal. We bought a new tarp to cover the trailer as I do not want to spend so much time scrubbing the sap from the tree. It is the only place we can park the trailer so it is cover it or chop down the tree !
This week I have been heartened to see ES and Dil try hard to strengthen their relationship. The counsellor they have now seems to be very good and is actually giving directions. The last one would just nod and agree with both of them even if they had opposing views ! I believe the counsellor has given her strength. Hopefully her mom and dad will respect her and not try again to sabotage the relationship. At least truth has been spoken .
Next week is going to be busy as loose ends will be finished up, items will be ticked off and we will be ready.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Another Day Closer
Surprisingly enough, I have slept well the last two nights. Almost 8 hours ! That is amazing for me as I usually sleep 5 or 6 hours even though I take three medications for pain relief and insomnia.The small fan we bought for the trailer is now up in the bedroom and it does a very good job of keeping us cool. Certainly better than the ceiling fan.
To add to the betrayal we have had in the last couple of weeks, yesterday we had a possible heart attack, which then became a possible brain tumour to stress and now to a minor stroke ! Talk about family drama ! Every member of our nuclear family is dealing with such stressful situations. I am hoping that some of the situations are resolved as healing is so much quicker without added stress. I fear that one situation will continue on its destructive path and that will be a great loss for everyone.
Today phone calls have to be made to ensure we will be able to pick up the equipment that I will need. I will try and finish my knitting project. It has been progressing very slowly because of the 'interruptions' of family problems. Next week will be very busy doing the last minute shopping and organization.
As I mull over and worry, I came across this quote which is so apropos ;
Those who do not value loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal.
To add to the betrayal we have had in the last couple of weeks, yesterday we had a possible heart attack, which then became a possible brain tumour to stress and now to a minor stroke ! Talk about family drama ! Every member of our nuclear family is dealing with such stressful situations. I am hoping that some of the situations are resolved as healing is so much quicker without added stress. I fear that one situation will continue on its destructive path and that will be a great loss for everyone.
Today phone calls have to be made to ensure we will be able to pick up the equipment that I will need. I will try and finish my knitting project. It has been progressing very slowly because of the 'interruptions' of family problems. Next week will be very busy doing the last minute shopping and organization.
As I mull over and worry, I came across this quote which is so apropos ;
Those who do not value loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
A Blur
Because of a lack of sleep, the last couple of days have been a blur. It was after 2 last night before I fell asleep and then the neighbour's dog again woke me up at 6:30. He barked for 12 minutes when I decided to get the ipad out and tape him.... of course by the time I did that, he stopped ! So I really am in a bit of a fog today.
Yesterday was long, but very well organized. I wish I had brought a book to read while we waited for the various professionals. But everything is good to go except I wonder if I am ??? I am hoping with all my heart that there will be peace. There is such a fine line between acceptance and rejection. I hope for the best.....But my heart is heavy.
So today I will try to keep myself busy doing a little light housework and hopefully finish the baby afghan. There are yellow beans to pick and some cucumbers to check up on. Roses need trimming and some hollyhocks need to be yanked out. How much will get done is a mystery as exhaustion has set in.
But life goes on
Yesterday was long, but very well organized. I wish I had brought a book to read while we waited for the various professionals. But everything is good to go except I wonder if I am ??? I am hoping with all my heart that there will be peace. There is such a fine line between acceptance and rejection. I hope for the best.....But my heart is heavy.
So today I will try to keep myself busy doing a little light housework and hopefully finish the baby afghan. There are yellow beans to pick and some cucumbers to check up on. Roses need trimming and some hollyhocks need to be yanked out. How much will get done is a mystery as exhaustion has set in.
But life goes on
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Beautiful Weather
We're having absolutely beautiful weather today. Hopefully it stays clear so we can catch a glimpse of some of the meteors tonight. That;s presuming that I can stay up that late although the days are getting shorter.
Yesterday we went into WEM and I picked up two pairs of crocs. I feel better now with new footwear and a new hairdo. Afterwards we dropped into the Liquidation Superstore to pick up a tarp[ they had none !] and happened to see a carton with the chinawear we had bought a couple of months ago. We were thrilled as they had had none the last time Steve went in. One of the mugs had a small chip which is no big deal as really, who needs 8 mugs. However when we pointed it out to the casher, we got a further discount of over 28% ! Not bad !
This morning I finished layering the last 3 quilts. I know I won't finish all of them while I am recuperating from the operation, but I also know that I wouldn't be able to get down on the floor like I've had to to layer, spray and pin. So I now have all my projects lined up for the next while.
Yesterday we went into WEM and I picked up two pairs of crocs. I feel better now with new footwear and a new hairdo. Afterwards we dropped into the Liquidation Superstore to pick up a tarp[ they had none !] and happened to see a carton with the chinawear we had bought a couple of months ago. We were thrilled as they had had none the last time Steve went in. One of the mugs had a small chip which is no big deal as really, who needs 8 mugs. However when we pointed it out to the casher, we got a further discount of over 28% ! Not bad !
This morning I finished layering the last 3 quilts. I know I won't finish all of them while I am recuperating from the operation, but I also know that I wouldn't be able to get down on the floor like I've had to to layer, spray and pin. So I now have all my projects lined up for the next while.
Friday, August 9, 2013
An Early Morn
I've been awake since 4am and finally got up just before 5. Don't know why I can't sleep; worry about the operation, worrying about my family. I don't like discord and when my children are not happy, it affects me and my heart hurts.
Since I couldn't sleep, I decided I might as well get some things done. I've figured out the backing to L's quilt. I need to iron and trim the fitted twin sheet which I ripped the elastic yesterday afternoon. I've done up the supper dishes and swept and washed the kitchen floor. A little rest and I'll tackle the downstairs bathroom.
Wednesday I had my dental appointment and I passed ! LOL I'm allowed a cleaning 2-3 weeks before the operation and mine was 19 days so I should be all right. Blood tests, x-rays, and ecg were all done on Tuesday. I'll reread the Hip and Knee replacement ' bible' to make sure I have everything ready for Mondays preop.
I picked up some spray adhesive to use on the quilts. I used Frugal Queen's method yesterday to layer up Q and O's quilts. When I made the 3 other 9 patch quilts I wasn't pleased with the backings as I quilted but they should be better done this way. I hope to get the other 3 layered up on Saturday. I'm not quite sure if the grandkids quilts will go home with them, or whether I will keep them here for sleepovers. I'm not sure if the parents really like the colour combinations or appreciate the hours of work that go into them. YS likes his which is so rich looking with the upholstery material. I know Steve likes his.
Today I want to finish sewing together the baby afghan and then knit the borders. Then I might play around with some lace I found in the downstairs sewing closet and some lace doilies that I had inherited. Who uses doilies anymore ? I had seen a scarf made with similar materials so I'll see what I can come up with !
And hopefully we can make it into WEM to the Croc store to pick up a new pair( possible more ) for me. It infuriates me when some people make fun of crocs. When you have bad feet and a bum knee they are the easiest shoes to walk in. They are light and easy to slip on. Wearing regular shoes, even runners, causes me a great deal of pain and sometimes I'd like to slap the faces of those who mock Crocs ! Especially those with a superior attitude. The 'devil' in me wishes that they endure chronic pain and have to wear them sometime !
ED brought over her local organic produce and left some new potatoes and a cucumber. They were delicious with our ham supper. I picked a few yellow beans which I love ! Tonight we will have a small pork roast. Depending how I feel after walking in the mall, I might make up a bath of oatcakes and maybe even some raspberry muffins.
The sun is rising and I'll try to make it through my list !
Since I couldn't sleep, I decided I might as well get some things done. I've figured out the backing to L's quilt. I need to iron and trim the fitted twin sheet which I ripped the elastic yesterday afternoon. I've done up the supper dishes and swept and washed the kitchen floor. A little rest and I'll tackle the downstairs bathroom.
Wednesday I had my dental appointment and I passed ! LOL I'm allowed a cleaning 2-3 weeks before the operation and mine was 19 days so I should be all right. Blood tests, x-rays, and ecg were all done on Tuesday. I'll reread the Hip and Knee replacement ' bible' to make sure I have everything ready for Mondays preop.
I picked up some spray adhesive to use on the quilts. I used Frugal Queen's method yesterday to layer up Q and O's quilts. When I made the 3 other 9 patch quilts I wasn't pleased with the backings as I quilted but they should be better done this way. I hope to get the other 3 layered up on Saturday. I'm not quite sure if the grandkids quilts will go home with them, or whether I will keep them here for sleepovers. I'm not sure if the parents really like the colour combinations or appreciate the hours of work that go into them. YS likes his which is so rich looking with the upholstery material. I know Steve likes his.
Today I want to finish sewing together the baby afghan and then knit the borders. Then I might play around with some lace I found in the downstairs sewing closet and some lace doilies that I had inherited. Who uses doilies anymore ? I had seen a scarf made with similar materials so I'll see what I can come up with !
And hopefully we can make it into WEM to the Croc store to pick up a new pair( possible more ) for me. It infuriates me when some people make fun of crocs. When you have bad feet and a bum knee they are the easiest shoes to walk in. They are light and easy to slip on. Wearing regular shoes, even runners, causes me a great deal of pain and sometimes I'd like to slap the faces of those who mock Crocs ! Especially those with a superior attitude. The 'devil' in me wishes that they endure chronic pain and have to wear them sometime !
ED brought over her local organic produce and left some new potatoes and a cucumber. They were delicious with our ham supper. I picked a few yellow beans which I love ! Tonight we will have a small pork roast. Depending how I feel after walking in the mall, I might make up a bath of oatcakes and maybe even some raspberry muffins.
The sun is rising and I'll try to make it through my list !
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