What's Happening in your neck of the woods?

"M" you deserve those appliances, anything to make life easier! Don't you start to feel badly otherwise you'll be putting the new ones on kijijii lol

Didn't feel like it but got the groceries done, manage to get a turkey almost 28 lbs. so that along with a ham nobody should go hungry. I've got it sitting in water, sure hope it's thawed by late evening tomorrow or I'll be up half the night trying to figure out how to stuff a frozen turkey!

Got all the fixings for the pies so hopefully Paul will let us go home at 1:00pm instead of 3:00pm tomorrow then I can have all the pies made and still have a relaxing evening.

Pleased that I'm ahead of the game, nicest part is celebrating Saturday so that I still have 2 days to play!

Another lovely week here although I have not enjoyed it much as I have been ill all week- on Tuesday thought it was food poisioning but now the thought( friend nurse) is it was one of these mysterious stomach viruses . Anyway today although I still have a moderate stomach ache am getting back to normal but have not done much. Still bulbs to plant, have not finished cutting out my LH winter skirt for the costume mistress to start sewing- well she will get it Sunday instead of tomorrow, she wont do anything with it till next week earliest anyway.

Both dogs out with the dogwalker today, Bailey has not gone for almost 2 months while we investigated his limp, Abby has never gone, Dean said she quite enjoyed it even if he did, at my request, keep her on leash all the time - no idea if she is reliable off leash so not taking any chances. He has walked Bailey for 11 years and also walked Fancy for 7-8 years until a few months ago before she died and was too weak to go for walks.

Working a shift at LH tomorrow, filling in for another interpreter , I did not work last Sunday or this either so filling in my time! Saturday am accepting surrender of 3 young dogs coming from another province, all going into foster care with us( not me) and probably will be adopted very quickly.

Sunday is neighborhood Thanksgiving dinner- a new home this year, more people than usual I think, wont be a sit down thats for sure. I am doing garlic mashed potatoes and coleslaw and cook the last of my beets.

Am thinking I will hear today that we had 'some kind of a temp record' here in TBay yesterday .. it reached 25C .. waht a glorious day it was and it was most surely enjoyed by many, including me ^_^

Have fresh pumpkin pies to make today, and will do some PRE chopping of stuff for the dressing for the turkey, having that MONSTER tomorrow. Not quite as big as yours Betty, but, I give THANKS everytime I open the fridge and see it defrosting .. sometimes I take for granted the ability to just pop on over to a friends farm, choose a turkey, pay for it and pick it up. Many people are not that fortunate, so, as I said.. for that, I give thanks.

Should go and start the first load of laundry as well .. guess you may as well say I am being 'domesticated' today LOL

Enjoy your weekend everyone ^_^

~M~

From ME to THEE :)


http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2412156755801&source=jl999

Thanks for the card, Marilynne. Gee, I sure wish my pie crusts would work that well. I've resorted to buying pie crust dough at the grocery store. I've rarely, in 42 years in Canada, made a decent pie crust from scratch. Bread, that's another story. Something about the flour up here. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Carole, that community Thanksgiving sounds wonderful, when I used to spend it in Florida we'd so the same; not so sure I'd want to do it on my street..lol..

Ann, should share the non-fail recipe I use, couldn't make a crust worth a *&^% and a friend gave me this recipe and told me a few tricks and never had crust not turn out...

I was up a few seconds after 4a.m. - got the turkey in the oven, all veggies done, platters of veggies/cold cuts/cheese/crackers etc. done, only thing to do is the potatoes and I'll do that around 2:30, other than that, I'm READY and so far, not a thing burnt, nada..

At about 7:30 who pops in with his truck, aluminum breaker/trailer to finish closing in my back deck..gee whizzz, oh well, he reminded me that snow is coming and he has other jobs to do so today is the day..actually he and his helper are working well, things going according to plan and another few hours and it will be fini...then he tells me they'll be back early morning, hey I can be up at 4:00a.m. what time are you coming..smilling here, think he would if it weren't for the fact that it's still dark out, going to put the 2 front windows in..

Every New Year's Eve, with pencil in hand I mark down 10 things I'd like to achieve in the coming year...all are now crossed off my list, even added a few and the only thing not done it the ceiling in the family room in the basement so if I watch my pennies, might be able to get it done before Christmas...

When I think of it, I sure have a lot to be thankful for..Lord has blessed me with great friends and family and has enabled me to achieve what I once thought was unatainable...

Couldn't ask for a nicer Thanksgiving weekend, it's weather perfect!

Enjoy your day and "M" thanks for the card!

I've had need of a handyman type to do quite a few jobs but dont really like to just phone unknown, but nobody seems to have a recommendation.( Guess all my firneds have resident handmen!) Yesterday, walking dogs, truck on street says Construction, Renovations, Handyman jobs.W hen I got around the block to the back lane, same truck was there and he was outside the garage of a friend who was also standing there! So stopped and chatted and had a dog visit and met fellow, got his card, friend really recommended him. Says he does handman type jobs when he has time in between bigger projects which is fine with me, no rush about most of the things I need. So I will get him over to see and quote and go from there. The more I think about this the more little projects I discover! Gotta make a list!

Glad everyone who got my card enjoyed it .. and, yes, wouldn;t it be SUPER to be able to make a pumpkin pie in that fashion :)

Am attaching a pic (or 2) of the LAST of my Pansies .. gosh .. they are SO pretty .. am holding off on taking them out ..

Hectic day .. not as hectic as Bettys I am sure !!! Lovely looking pies Betty.

Carol .. I hope that you do find a good reliable 'handy man' .. worth it !!

Bed early tonight as tomorrow it'll be 'pedal to the metal'

CIAO

~M~

This is a little better ..

~M~

Send those pies in my direction please Betty!

Accepted the surrender of a couple of 6 month old sheltie pups this afternoon, a newbie breeder who got in over her head. They are in foster care and I would not be surprised if the foster family called in a couple of days and said they wanted to adopt them so I will not be posting them on Petfinder until I know.

Still lovely weather here. Dug the last of the potatoes to cook for dinner tomorrow, left the carrots and turnips in the ground until tomorrow.

One of my rose bushes gave me a lovely surprise this week with a couple of blooms.

Pretty flowers...only a few in my garden, just have to realize it's that time of year..

Carol, let's hope the handyman can do all your project for a reasonable price...thank goodness I have a brother who does odd/sods so he's the one that closed in my back deck and if all goes well tomorrow will put 2 front windows in the bedrooms..

My part in Thanksgiving is now over, lot's of leftover so won't have to cook for at least 2 weeks..lol

I'm sure tomorrow when all the kids leave they'll be taking doggie bags with them.

Can hardly keep my eyes open so off to bed I go

It's been a great day..hope you've had the same

WOO HOO .. 'Done like dinner' :-)
Meal is done and served .. guests have come and gone, dishwasher has again proved it is worth .. have LOTS of leftovers .. AND .. since I am still up at 3am with Piper .. I am off to bed !!!
NOW .. it's 7:30pmish here .. if I get into my bed by 8 or 8:30pm I will be shocked .. ALWAYS something else to take care of ..

Beautiful rose Carol ..

Stay well all

~M~

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Went to my BIL for dinner today. Good food, good company. Only downfall on going out is no leftovers. Ate enough to last for awhile anyway.
Has been cold here, sunny but with a strong,cold wind blowing night and day. Had to wear gloves when I walked the dog today. At least the sun is shining. Frost tonight so maybe the wind has died down.
Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend - we have a lot to be thankful for in this country.

Happy thanksgiving everyone..

We do indeed have a lot to be thankful for...I thank the Lord each day for the treasures his put into my life!!

Still left with almost 1/2 turkey, fed 12, and made t.v. dinners...yikes, will that turkey ever run out?

Guess this is the OFFICIAL TGiving Day .. so Happiness in your 24 hours of it to everyone ^_^

I do give thanks for being a CANADIAN .. yeah, we complain about this and that, but, given what other countries live in and with, I'll take life here anytime.

Appears to perhaps be a 'normal seasonal day' here .. no more temps in the + 20s .. and .. we even have some clouds .. in actual fact, I think we are 'droughty' here .. no rain in weeks .. always worry as we have a well.

Opened the fridge to get out the dog food this morning and decided I would just take a package out of the freezer !! GADS .. gonna need a flippin road map to get around in there .. tupperware heaven !! Leftovers are great Laurie, but, they sure do jam up the fridge ..

Off to indulge in another cup of coffee .. usually only have one ..gonna be a treat !!

TTFN

~M~

LOL at the tupperware senerio..Greg just came and got what meat was left on the turkey, told him to take the whole thing home but he said he'd make the mess at my house, not his, nice kid right? Ended up going home with a lemon merangue pie and 3 plates of turkey...told me it was the perfect day for soup, so carcas is cooking, veggies from the veggie tray I had no idea what to do with will now have a home in the soup pot and I'll have supper.

It's about 55 outside, sunny but breeze is cool, really should be outside doing more work but nope, staying in my jammies and just playing around with a few projects.

Off for coffee/pie as well..if nothing else I'll have 10lbs. of extra weight on me after what I've eaten since Friday...diet time is just around the corner!

Sunday was just so wonderful! Sun was out and strong, nice and warm, no jacket needed. Got my front beds cleared out except for the chard, which I'll leave until frost.

Had gone to Cambridge for Friday and Saturday to see my daughter and grandsons, and had taken one of the grandchildren from here - they're the 3 musketeers, those kids. They had fun, I took them shopping to pick a present for the one whose birthday it was and out to lunch. We had fun.

Today a bit cold and overcast again, but went to a Thanksgiving service this morning and counted my blessings which have been many.

And for anyone that needs a handyman or other tradesperson, check out Homestars.com - they have listings for most bigger cities - and the listings are put there by the customers, so you get some idea of how they work instead of going in blind. I really like using that service and have gotten some good help from there.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving all . . .

G"Day all ..

TBay is going to be bathing in sunshine and temps of +15C again today, totally UNseasonal, but, what the heck, we'll take it ^_^

Puppy K was exaspperating to say the least .. seems Piper is good for only half an hour .. after that he has the attention span of a gnat and I find it frustrating trying to re focus him ..

Municipal election time here is replete with one strike at our Medical school, an impending transit strike, and .. City Council voted IN FAVOUR of 18 wind turbines to be built on a beautiful pristine escarpment just outside the city .. the residents near by have been fighting this for months.

I see on CNN that 9 of the Chilean miners have been rescued, how wonderful is THAT !!!

Off and into this day

Enjoy everyone

~M~

I've been watching since 5:30 last night, by 1:00 a.m. decided to go to bed, woke up at 3:00 and watched until I left for work..so glad it's on News Radio 7.40 ..know what I'll be watching all day...

It was overwhelming when the 63 year old came out, knelt and said a prayer of thanks he did, only one so far..apparently he's been their make shift chaplain for the last 69 days...

Sunny here, first time I've had to scrape the windshielf

Our neighborhood Thanksgiving dinner was a great success, had 12 adults and 3 children,Hostess had never done a turkey, bought herself an electric roaster but had problems so had to send it down to another neighbor who usually does it to finish off! Same neighbor ( him) was trying to whip cream and it wouldnt whip and eventual discovered his wife ( who is not a cook) had bought low fat so she had to go to store to get more! Turnip casserole I tried turned out quite nice.
Yesterday concrete repair folks were going to come in morning to do my little bit of parging repair and wouldnt you know it raining for first time in about 3 weeks! So it is put off. They are just fitting it in between bigger jobs so not sure when they will get back. Anyway they know what to do so I dont even need to be around.
Yesterday bought a new fan with light/remote control for the kitchen , store recommended an installer ( they used to install themselves) called him and he is coming tomorrow.
Also discovered a nearby OK Tire is doing carwash/detailing for $45 so made appointment for a basic clean up or FridayIt is just 3 blocks away so will drive down with dogs and walk home.
A productive day for me but still have not got the rest of the bulbs planted! Maybe today?

The detailing is a fantastic price, I've checked around here and they want $100+. Glad you enjoyed the community Thanksgiving dinner, what a great thing to do. Interested to know that low-fat won't whip, that's something I'd do so I opt for can

Betty that price does not include things like shampooing the upholstery - that would be over $100.00 might get that done in the spring.

I made pumpkin tarts last night - I do like Pumpkin but tarts work better for me than pie! They came out pretty good although I like the pumpkin spicier,the mix was ED SMith - will add my own spices if I do them another time.

You can't freeze pumpkin tarts though can you?

Well they are not likely to get that far Betty!
The EDSmith website says yes you can freeze , after baking, wrap airtight and use within 6 weeks. Could probably keep them in the fridge that long!

I cooked mine at 350 and it took 25-30 minutes , now I see they say 6 mins at 425 and then 16-18 at 375. just as you would do for the pie.So next time that is what I will do

They also say 1 can makes 12 tarts but I made 18 easy. I use bought tart shells- always keep a supply in the freezer.

This message was edited Oct 13, 2010 2:43 PM

Back in 'stress mode' here.
Rec'd a call from Lorna's Mom late this aft. Lorna's Dad has suffered a heart attack and is hospitalised in Newmarket ON. His condition is guarded.
Needless to say we are caught here .. just picking up and travelling down there is a tad difficult given the equipment Lorna would need to have with her .. not sure my car could manage it all .. but .. if need be, I guess I can get 'inventive'.

Would ask you all for positive thoughts and prayers .. her Dad is 81, so, there is cause for concern.

Thanks so much

~M~

Thoughts and prayers from here for sure Marilyn!

Thanks much Laurie .. no news during the night, as far as we know he is 'holding his own' but, due to the bed shortage he's still in Emerg.
And .. dontcha know it .. the dogs had us up last night several times .. so .. broken sleep in this house ..
Actually it's Puppy Piper that wakens to go out .. he in turn disturbs Lilly who BOUNDS to the back door ready to tackle anything on the other side of it that looks like something she isn't familiar with .. trying to check outside the door with a Terrier on FULL ALERT on the inside is almost impossible .. but .. ya get'er done .. the pup does his thing and you bump back to bed and then .................. insomnia sneeks up and crawls in beside you !!!!

Rainy here .. drizzlyish .. still in a holding pattern as far as to a trip east (quick or otherwise) .. doing LOTS of positive thinking ..

Take care all

~M~

Heavy rains here as well "M"..sending prayers for Lorna's dad..terrible feeling when you are so far away, bet she's torn between traveling south to be with him and her mom and between having you drive..

If you do come down, please let me know so perhaps we can meet up even if it means Newmarket Hospital...

Anything I can do seeing as I'm this close?

Thanks Betty for your kind offer .. but .. so far we are staying put.

Apparently Lorna's Dad will/may have a cardiac catheterization this afternoon. He had to have other tests leading up to this step, so, chances are this procedure will be a 'defining moment' for him .. all we can do is keep the good thoughts flowing.

Lorna's Mom had quite a BAD time with parking at the hospital this morning. There was NONE .. so , she had to go into a parkade, and then walk a GREAT distance to the Emerg. Her Mom is 80 and very well .. but .. I have suggested to her that perhaps she park in a mall if there is one nearby and take a cab to the front door.
Lorna's brother from Beeton will be taking her this aft.
So .. it's wait and see ..

Our crummy weather kinda 'morphed' into sun a couple of times today ..

TTFN

~M~

It's terrible you know when you have someone in the hospital and have to pay the high prices to park! Doesn't seem fair, when it's critical you should have a pass to visit you love done..maybe we should get on the bandwagon for that...

"M" Newmarket is one of the best hospitals you'll find anywhere so he's definately in good hands..

Sending prayers

It's finally stopped raining, calling for a sunshine weekend and wouldn't you know I'm taking mom (who cannot walk) to Buffalo, she, her doggie and my step-father..should be interesting...when she called to confirm today she said, 'but if you feel it's too much to have to watch me and wait for me I'll understand'

right..can't you see the trouble I'd be in...

Been around looking for Susan, where did she get off to..the others must be busy putting their gardens to bed..

Hope all of you are A o.k.

Lots to do still in the garden but Have had my mind on other things!

Electrician here this morning to install new kitchen fan with light- while he was here asked him to try and get timy haolgen bulbs in my under cabinet light behind sink- it faces in to the wall and I just cant get them in, even lying on the counter with my hear underneath so I dont have to look in a mirror. He couldnt either and then had the smart idea to just unscrew the light put the bulbs in and reattach! Bingo! Fortunately those bulbs last a long time!

I took a few bags of compostable garden debris over to a new community garden nearby that has 3 huge and empty compost bins- a friend of mine has been getting it organised. i will keep all the rest of the garden stuff to take over thre too.

Then I trotted off to Cdn Tire and bought myself a heated car seat cushion!
The heater in my Saturn is OK but does not start to blow hot air until the temp reaches at least the 1/4 mark. By that time I'm often at my destination! Wish I had thought of this years ago. (I dont have a garage) Also cleared everything moveable out of the car in anticipation of the cleaning tomorrow morning.

There was a fruit stand at C.T. and got some late peaches and pears.

You've had quite the day..do you do the pears and peaches down or are they for eating only? Hmmm looked at Canadian Tire flyer tonight, never thought about getting one of those cushions, just might do buy one...I don't have the electric inhouse start mechanism, tempted to get one so that car is warmed up by the time I get outside but now that you can be ticketed when leaving your vehicle idle more than a minute, yikes, just wouldn't be worth the ticket..can't understand how they think living in the north how you can use your vehicle without leaving it warm up??? beyond me!

Why on earth do they put lightbulbs in places you can't reach..

You can feel the night getting colder, I best put up the furnace. Am leaving for Buffalo tomorrow at 3:00pm for the weekend so wouldn't want Rose to be chilled..nice that there is someone to look after the furries..I should have a boarder all the time..lol

Tired tonight, long day ahead of me tomorrow so off to bed..

night/night

I share them with an elderly neighbor and eat them. Dont do any canning!

Betty I dont have anything 'fancy' on my car either, not even automatic door locks! And really turning on the motor and letting it idle doesnt seem to help, need to actually drive for it to warm up.

HI All
I'm lurking, hope Lorna's dad has an easier go from here on, will keep my fingers and prayers going his way.
Laughing at Carol and her heated seat..... same wish I had and two years ago got the extra heated seat for Christmas. It worked super for a bit then the remote went on the fritz and then it would go off and on by its self. It had a vibrating massage thing that would scare the heck out of me as I was driving along. A huge Buzz and then it would vibrate up my back and down!. Guests driving with me would think the car was going to blow up or something. Finally decided intermittent didn't cut it and it went for another type of ride, not with me.
Anyway weather has held nicely until tonight, it's cooling off and supposed to get back to the 9 degree for a high type of weather. It sure was nice for a bit with the 20's for over a week.
Ann

Hope mine is better than that Ann- I ignored the massage seat.

Well it was not too expensive so if it does not work out I won't feel I wasted a lot of bucks!

My last vehicle had heated seats - what a wonderful invention that is. Even if the truck is not heated up at least my backside was warm. Didn't know there was one you could buy - I will definitely look for one. I learn so much on Dave's Garden!

Lol can just picture you Ann, sitting doing all kinds of movements while you were driving, lucky someone didn't think you were having a seizure and call the police...

Think they are inexpensive at Canadian Tire aren't they? Had company last night so didn't spent my usual 1/2 hour going through all the flyers, besides I'm shuffling off to Buffalo this afternoon so need by $$$ for that side of the border.

Heard on the weather channel, but then I was half asleep, that Calgara might get a few flurries..bundle up everyone..

Hate to miss the gorgeous weekend they are calling for, had hoped mom and step-father would have changed their minds about going but no go.. me them and their dog..oh happy days..lol

"M" hope this morning brings good news re Lorna's dad..have him all all who need prayers in my thoughts... hugs for Lorna.

'Status Quo' in the Dad dept. He didn't have the catheterization (heart) yesterday, and, as far as we know he is still in Emerg awaiting a bed on the cardiac ward.
So .. each day that passes, healing occurs in the heart muscle, and as he is being closely monitored we all feel somewhat secure.

Today was the first day I had my Maytags advertised in the local newspaper .. got a phone call at 7:50am this morning, a fellow all excited as he wants to purchase them for his daughter .. told me he just had to get hold of her and run it passed her first .. never tend to get too excited about these calls, as invariably MANY never call back .. seems the trip to the country puts them off.
Going to have to coordinate the removal of the machines in conjunction with the arrival of the new set on Oct. 20 .. ah well .. it'll all work out.

Gorgeous day in TBay today .. sunny with a high of probably +15C

TGIF and enjoy your weekend everyone ..

~M~

Well he's in great hands "M"..healing is a slow process, best they have him there than sending him home...

It's 50 degrees here today, sunshine, wind is up but a glorious fall day..

Ready to leave for Buffalo at 2:30..told mom to be waiting in her van as I don't want to hit rush hour traffic on the queensway.

Now where is Paul when you need him to say 'go home today at 1:00pm' lol