Best/Worse/What did I learn/chat about our day!

Morning Joyce, you get any of this cool weather down you way..most likely not a lot left in the garden?

Goodness what will you do with all you free time other than making candy? Guess you take orders at Christmas which keeps you busy.

Suzanne just called, almost chocked, thought she said I have a 'costume' cut her short, but she actually said I have a question, wanted to know if I'd take orders for the bags I make, said no, materials cost around $50.00 and it takes an entire day to make one so nope, not into making them for $10. or $20 for sure..she asked me what I wanted, told her, doubt she'll get orders..lol, people don't readlize the cost of material, adhesive flannel, thread, buttons, pull cords etc. so make them for friends for FREE but not for pennies..won't go there

Michael Jackson's ready to dance..even had enough sparkly silver for the socks

An assassin...shoulder cape in leather as well as boots, thank goodness for the box of material that Barb shipped my way, needed red lining and with all fabric stores closed it would have meant travelling to Barrie..yikes, would have taken a good chunk out of my day yesterday..

She had included red/black fabric which I pieced for lining and it worked perfectly, so Barb, know you were part of an Assassin running around!

Off to make Max...

Goodness, you are one busy lady! Nice costumes!

Fabulous work, Betty....(as always...)

Nope not too much left in the garden. Lost my banana that Jaye gave me, oh I wish I'd known it was going to freeze! Today we're in the mid 70's, tonight heading for mid 50's...go figure....

Hypertufa class today. One girl canceled for sickness...so will just be 3 of us...always nice when you can give one on one directions...

Betty you have been so busy and they look great. that rain is coming our way tomorrow. Just what we need...........not. Have to finish moving sewing upstairs better get back to it......

Glad you are going to have a sewing space even though temporary, shaking my head, same feeling as when you have no car you figure you have to have it and now and when it's in the drive rarely do you need to go out...so happy sewing, hope you are supervising and not working too hard...

Just stopped raining here, almost seemed to be turning into .... won't say it! then it cleared, more to come though..

It's amazing when you have a similar pattern (basic outfit) at the size you want which is a size 4 for ex-daughter in laws little one, going zippytydoo..actually already have supper on the stove and cooking is a blueberry pie..ahead of the game, thought I'd put something on so that if Greg and the boys drop in they can have a slice..

Other than that, back to the grind as I'd love to about 6pm have the craft room clean so this week I can work on the placemat swap..

Betty - Those Costumes Look Fabulous! Is it 2 down 2 to go? What is the little girl going to be ?

No little girl, little boy, he's 3 but a big 3 so making size 4...no, once I finished this one, all done..Kyle decided that at 14 he'd come and do a horror scene outside to give those who come to the door a fright..Braedon, he decided that he and 12 friends who all purchased their costumes at $50.00 each for a green spandex costume, not sure what its called but the green people who sit and watch sports games and chear, have to ask him..so thankful he decided to go that route, could just imagine if he thought his grandma could so them..yikes, I'd have had to say no and it's rare I tell any of them "NO"!!! lol

Once again, Kyle always thinking of others... :) Well then you are almost done... and a week early !

Yes, but lots of sewing left and I've about 5 painting projects to get done within the next few weeks, might be a project to bring to work!

In the sewing dept. I've placemat swap, Christmas block lap size quilt, 3 Christmas stockings so I'll not run out of things to do for sure..

Rose has been in Toronto all weekend, should be arriving shortly, maybe I should take out the 2nd sewing machine, teach her how to sew and get things done twice as quickly..lol

Off to put ears on Max

Finally got home today, from church and running around doing errands.... Just for fun, we looked at 2 Open Houses today, and almost choked on the price of the 1st one..... $660,000!! They took an older house and remodeled it. 1952 house, with all chrome and glass. Even the fireplace was painted white, and they put a chrome electric fireplace insert in what used to be a wood burning fireplace........ Just toooooo much modern for me. Even one of the bannisters was a glass panel - no ballistrades, just glass, and no handle...... just a triangle of glass... ewwwwwww too much! Too much $$ too!

Wow - Susan - that's expensive... did you get any pics? Are houses more expensive where you live than they are here?

That's about what the houses in Toronto are going for, range from $450 up for something years ago you could have purchased for 175K...

Well, was hell bent for election to finish the costumes, going well then got a call from my girlfriend Geraldine..some of you wayyyy back in early years would have heard her Cinderella story..Not often am I at a loss for words, but couldn't seen to find any..

Spent over an hour with her, she's in Honey Harbour until Saturday (10 miles from me) so one evening this week I'll go visit with her..

As many of you know, when I'm feeling tired or not myself I tend to blabber...got a few seconds????


I'll try to capture a bit of her story...

Picture the Beverley Hillbillies, her boys are the same age as mine, Jeff and Claude hung around all through primary grades, Jeff went on to educate himself and Claude followed a few who had no interest in working, just drinking..although brilliant and higher than normal grades he quit school and never did anything with his life..Geraldine and I got to know each other through school events, my being Recreation Co-ordinator and doing programs at Baxter Hall which she attended regularly..

I was 10 months after Roger died in 1991 that her husband passed away at 54, massive heart attach; she had a hard life and was left with a little shack on about 60 acres, some thought it was the town dump, metal from skidoo's/car/trailers and the likes..

I remember the day George passed on, my girlfriend Valerie and I went out and did a grocery order for her and collected $$$ to help her out..George was a drinker but a hard worker...Geraldine although weighing less than 100 lbs. would do what she could to make her home as nice as she could..

I'll do it in different posts as I know much of larger posts go into cyberspace..

Early the next spring seeing many women within the community dealing with the death of their husbands, I contacted our District Government and was able to get a Therapist that deals primarily with grief come down (100 miles) to meet every Monday..

Doing and participating in group therapy isn't the easiest thing I've done but the ladies who joined in developed such a strong bond..

By the end of the year, another friend Betty whose husband had passed on 2 years prior but she'd not dealt with it before our meetings said she felt stronger and would go to Florida for a few months..bought herself a convertible, packed her car and off she went, absolutely no place in mind, said there were plenty for rent and she'd find something, NOT to worry..her children were shocked that their mom would do such a thing..she insisted she needed to do this trip by herself..

We continued in the group but no one heard from Betty until one spring day she came in looking 20 years younger, a smile from ear to ear..she had married while away, Bert had a trailer in the park where she rented a trailer, had lost his wife a few years earlier and both decided this marriage was it!

As Betty lived not far from Geraldine, and Geraldine not having a drivers permit, they often included her in town visits, community center events..etc.

That same summer, just before they were to pack up to go back to Bert's trailer (double wide) Bert went for his morning walk around the lake, came in, Betty was sleeping, made the coffee, brought it to her and saw that Betty had passed on..

He stayed the next two months and then left for Florida..

As the winter passed, Bert and Geraldine would talk on the telephone, became friends and then their friendship started to mature..he's this little lady, living in the backwoods, hillbillie style, not much to look forward to except her belief in the Lord..

One day she came to visit and said that Bert sent her airplane tickets to visit in Florida, never had she been anywhere and never had she been to Florida...her kids and friends were not happy, imagine, going to visit Betty's husband!! Have to say even I was a little nervous about it.

She came back and they talked on the telephone almost every night..Bert was a Mayor of a little community in Michigan and retired only months before, he'd spend winters in the south and came back north for the summer..come summer Geraldine went to visit and I got a call would I come to be in their wedding..off I went along with Jean another close friend of Geraldine's...

What did I find, a little mouse now a princess...talk about diamonds, top of the line clothing, getting ready to embark upon a new life, travels to Europe, almost every Island you could find, Alaska, life had changed to much for her..it was wonderful, I called her Cinderella, for a Cinderella she was...this went on for years..

Three years ago, she and Bert were here for Thanksgiving, I'll have to look for those photo's as I know I posted the story of their getting together and of our time together, they were here from Florida but for a few weeks..he always made sure than Geraldine had time to visit with her family and friends as well..

That Christmas Bert passed on..Christmas Eve day..I had just gotten to Florida to spend my winter holidays and called as I wanted to visit with both..what a surprise to hear he had passed on only hours before; from Clearwater to her house was only 1 1/2 hrs. away so off I went to spend time with her...

That year was difficult for her, but with her faith in the Lord she managed to grieve and to look forward to like again..Geraldine is 74 come Nov.24th.

We'd get together each time she came for a visit and when I travelled to Florida we'd meet..usually once a month she'd call to let me know how she was doing..

Last winter she met a gentleman 63, loved to tease her that she was robbing the craddle.. he was a doctor, had a place 4 miles from where her house was, he lived in London, Ontario..they got to be great friends and then became more..

Couldn't believe it when she called to say she had once again found another 'love of her life' ..went on more trips and were planning to move in together this October..he'd rent out his place and they'd live at Geraldine's..I was happy for her..she's a live wire, not bigger than a minute..heart of gold, true believer in her faith..

When she called me a few hours ago, I knew she had news, she always started her call with 'guess what my friend' so I said, 'you went and tied the knot with that young man' and started to laugh...

Her young man passed away October 13th. - heart attach..
she'd been with him for 2 weeks and they were ready to head south, busy talking about plans, future and he died, she called the ambulance but when they arrived they told her he had already passed on..

She is so heartbroken, says she can't even cry, says she's numb. We talked for ages without me saying much, kept apologizing for not having more to say, just so shocked that this happened to her again.

Will go over and visit with her Wednesday or Thursday night, I'll check her plans and perhaps take her out for supper..she leaves for Florida on Saturday morning..wants me to spend time at Christmas with her, would love to but just don't know my plans as yet..

So the costume (main body is done) and the crown, feet/hands will just have to wait..

Thanks for listening

Wow - Betty - What an incredible story with sadness but much happiness as well...

Sending prayers for your friend Betty. Life has had it's ups and downs for this poor soul hasn't it? I guess we truly never know what the future holds.

Betty, make sure she gets hugs from us! Sending prayers.

Sending prayers for your friend Betty. LOVE BEV

Betty - how terrible to lose 3 husbands........
Lovely that she was shown a better life in her later years, but to be a widow 3x...... o my......
Blessed that she has faith in the Lord, and this is standing her in good stead
Send her my love, and let her know that she's in my prayers. Geraldine must be a strong woman to withstand all this, but she has the Lord's help.

Cute outfit, Betty - have fun finishing it. Looking forward to pictures of the "done deal" ^_^

Hello To All;

Well ....the "Night Shift" begins ! DH & I dragging all day... we went to the Halloween Ball last night and partied like we haven't in a Long long time... Our group from my TV station went as "Hawaii Five-O"....

It was a lot of fun. I wanted to plant more fall annuals today but was pooped...

Plus I'm not sure if Belle likes Fall Annuals as I am missing ONE of six pansies and several of my snapdragons look as though they have been stepped on... so I'm gonna wait to see what is a goner...

Hugs to all... I'll be right back...

Mary

Mary, Belle was just packing the dirt in...really, poor girl is just helping!

Betty, you are a Saint to do all that sewing. I look back and see all the costumes I did for the kids....which usually had to fit over a snow suit....and I shake my head. lol Between using "footy PJs" or sweat suits....I had my base, and added to it for whatever I needed! I remember a red sweatsuit....duct tape....and buying a mask...and he was an awesome power ranger. DH's work socks made it look like silver boots! lol I think I did a batman that way also. lol The girls were all pink bunnies one year with footy pjs, headbands with ears sewn on made of felt and pipe cleaners.....and of curse the tale! lol Same done with black kittens. I have to find pictures!

I cringe when I think of what my DM used to do to me. Dear Heavens that woman....we lived in Florida. She would dress me as Aunt Jemima, and burn the end of a cork to blacken my face...and then drag me all over the nighborhood.

It has been a busy day here....so I am going to turn in soon.

Betty, I am so sorry to hear all the trouble your dear friend has been through. So much sadness.

Turning in....good night
Debbie

Hello Deb !

Well - I almost believe that ! LOL! I am out weeding... and have to yell at Belle for digging in the grass... (BUT isn't that what I am doing?).... so she is copying me?

I have this weird thing about living things... Even though the Pansies were $2.49 per 6 pack... I feel like I've killed something since I've planted it and Belle has dug it up ! so it's not the money... it's the moral thing... I'm just NUTS.....

LOL at the Kids Halloween costumes... I didn't realize you grew up in my homestate of Florida... Geez... Aunt Jemima... it really sounds almost like child abuse...

((BIG HUGS))) Debbie...

Well - Belle Really does seem to be trying to avoid the "Pansy Area"... it's just I planted where I think she was hiding bones..... Mean of me... I guess...

Night Night All !

Mary

Hello!!!

Oh what happy News, Welcome to world Beautiful little Kylie!
..I thought about you all weekend. Congrats "grandma" Debbie!!


Betty/Tubby!! Seeing how you two Talked, so brought Tears to my eyes, lol misting again!
Awe , Love that Shirley likes to fish!

Mary, Sigh, Hang in there! I know you are an awesome mom for those difficult girls and your DS, dunno eventually I hope things will work out for the best...

Betty, wow, so sorry to hear of your friends loss, How incredibly tragic.
The costumes are looking great! I think it should be a new ritual to have the kids while you are working on their costumes! Be grerat all the way around.

Linda Kay, I am so happy to announce,worked on my block!!! Ohhhh, I just love when something works out right!
...OH Gosh, It just sickens me that airlines or anyone else would not treat disabled people with priority! I will hope for a wonderful flight for you and Dad...You getting excited?

Oh Barb, so bummed to hear about the quilters gathering...OH, I don't blame you at all about needing to vent or getting angry. Shaking head, it was just rude...Sorry it happened.

Bev, Sending you hugs. I hope you had a somewhat relaxing weekend. You were on my mind all weekend as well...

Colors were Fabulous....GRRRRRR!!!! Talk about venting, My main B)(**&T%$ session is about batteries! I have purchased so many AA's for the camera. These are rather expensive and I have now changed, new batteries about 4 times! I am so mad, i am going to write a rather scathing letter to the Battery companies! I even bought the rechargable ones, They charged for only a half hour, i took a total of 4 pictures, battery drained... Not at all cool, so no pics of the Beautiful colors....
Which By the way, Linda kay...meant to say how much i loved your sisters colors in Michigan...So beautiful, i am glad she shared such Fall beauty with you.

Well...I am kind of exhausted..."We" lol meaning DH, pulled the boat, winterized and pulled the pier. We entertained a couple...Very good weekend.

LOL, Betty...Our annual costume party this coming weekend!! Good heavens theme is Outer Space, yikes! So I am thinking of Jane Jetson, from the Jetsons...or being Aquarius, lol inspired by Crissy!...Hi Crissy! You usually go to a Halloween paty too, What are you guys going as this year???

Hiya House, Dianne and Maggie, hope you all had great weekends...
Laura do you get into making your kids halloween outfits???
Well, I gotta shag DH off the chair, lol snoozing while watching his taped football game! LOL.

See you all in the morning...
Good night Mary and all the Night Shift!

Good morning Betty and Dianne and all you early birds.
See you on the Morrow...

Looking forward to seeing you then Judy!

Morning folks! Made Vanilla Roast coffee this am for a change. Smells wonderful!
Betty we winter our boat here on the farm. My arms are still tired from scrubbing zebra mussels off of it. Fortunately we can leave our dock in year round.
Stacey how are things going? Everyone getting into the routine - yours hopefully?lol
Betty I asked before but can't remember if you answered - is Mike going to PMH for treatment or can he go to Barrie? Do they use a Volunteer driver?
Went into Kingston yesterday to grocery shop. I bought all the ingredients I needed at Bulk Barn for both a Light and a Dark Fruit cake. Will make those this week and let them rest in cheesecloth soaked in brandy.
Mary I remember all too well when I could go out and boogie all night, sleep for a couple of hours and get up to do it again.Couldn't even think of doing that now. Glad you had a good time! So puppy wants dirt under her nails too eh? Wish we could teach them selective digging so they would be a help rather than a bother.At 1 house we owned I took about 3 hours to plant Grapes all around the perimeter. Came into the house for a drink of water, looked out and saw Rogue my Sammy gleefully pulling up everything I had just planted.I was so ticked I went out and gave him a tap across the snout, then sat down and cried because I had hit my dog. DH said he looked out and there I was sitting on a rock bawling away and Rogue was sitting on my foot with his head in my lap trying to tell me he knew I didn't mean to hit him.
LK how do you keep up with all these swaps? Wow, my head would be spinning.
Chrissy are you enjoying having your own office now you have been in it for a bit?
LOL Betty I know I am not wide awake, I just read you were off to box Max's ears. Oh no, poor Max!!!
Going to wash the kitchen floor - I have hardwood floors everywhere upstairs except the laundry and bath rooms. Sure makes for an easy cleanup.
Bought Halloween candy yesterday - enough for almost 200 - the joke is we only get 2 little ones, the rest of the treasure is for my DH.
Make sure you do something nice for yourself today everyone.
Dianne

On the run, making a list of what's needed to put an added touch to the costumes, so, just dropping in with a 'hi' and going to gab to all of you when I get to work!

I did choke on my vanilla coffee though Dianne when you said you bought enough for almost 200 and you only get 2...when Roger was alive I had to buy everything that day or hide it because Roger would have it all gone and blame the boys.. nice memory you brought back..

Too bad it's Monday, so could have slept in...

Happy I was able to do that for you Betty and thanks for sharing it with us. What is it with Halloween candy and men? I too have hidden it from DH but some years did such a good job of hiding it I couldn't find my stash. Those years Santa brought Halloween candy for the stockings.
How many ghosts and goblins do all of you expect? One year we lived in a brand new subdivison and had over 300 kids. I had bought candy for 100, when that ran out I popped popcorn which of course had kids doubling back as it was warm and tasted so good. When the popcorn was done DH handed out apples. Now that didn't go over well with some kids.For a few years friends made our home their last stop for their little ones. Children got candy, adult trick or treaters got a beverage of their choice. Then the fun began as DH would bargain with the kids - you know the I will trade you 5 Crispy Crunch for 1 piece of fudge. Think my DH enjoyed that bartering more than the kids did.
Need more coffee.
Dianne

Good morning to all. Just popped in to say hello. really busy scrubing mold and moving stuff so we can get to all walls. need to repaint and get some rollers so off to store. Have a great day . calling for rain here. Just what we need.

Laura isn't there a specialty paint you can paint with that stops the mold from growing and becoming a major problem?

Dianne, your hubby sounds like a lot of fun..I get between 60-100, I give out chips/chocolate bar and a pop to each..figure the pop if left over will do at Christmas as does chips and chocolate bars. All depends I guess on the weather, usually it's raining or snowing, not sure what they are calling for this Halloween..imagine with it being on a Sunday night most of the young trick or treaters will start around 6pm, just before dark..I so enjoy the young ones..hate giving to the teens that don't even bother getting dressed but I do.. you are ambitious, making your Christmas fruit cake already..my grandfather (mom' side) was a baker, we always got a fruit cake for Christmas, yummy in the tummy..after he passed on I purchase the boxed cake, can't for the life of me think of it's name, fruit cake from Georgia I believe..miss the homemade though; I remember watching him and my grandmother (paternal) getting ready to make it and talk about a lot of work.. do you think they'll ever be able to get rid of the zebra muscles in our lakes???


As for Mike, believe he goes downtown Toronto but not PMH, might be Toronto General..Ann goes with him, only has one more treatment, said they would give him 2 just to stop the growth but not much more they can do. Ann said he was feeling better over the weekend..just gets to feel better than back for another..believe it's the beginning of Nov. which at that time they said his hair would fall out..his sister in law is getting worse, hard for him to call or speak with her because she's on a downer and only speak of dying, sometimes even doing herself away so there will be no more pain..not good..

Judy so glad you got time to do some sewing, which project were you working on? Party is always at your house isn't it, look forward to seeing your costume, go for the Jetson theme. Bet Liz & Kenny's yard is all done up, she gets more fun out of halloween than any kid I know. No more cottage now till springtime right? Can't remember if Steve goes for the ice-fishing? Yes, next year if they want costumes, it will be a day with grandma so they can explain what they want and for sizing, that way I'm sure they'll be ok with what I've made..am sure Caleb will be disappointed although he'd never say so..

Had a list of things I need to finish the embellishments, left home 1 hr. early, stopped at Walmart to check things out, not going to spend $4 an $6. for something I can pick up at the dollar store..drove to 3 different dollar stores all open at 9:30..lordy why can't one close earlier and open earlier for all of us early birds?

Mary for a girl who has just started gardening herself you sure do take it seriously..lol.. glad you enjoyed yourself at the Halloween Dance..you are getting to be quite the social butterfly, out dancing at MIL/FIL's anniversary party, now Halloween, soon to be Christmas Dance, lordy..busy girl.

OMG Debbie that's terrible of your mom to do such a thing, guess you were too young to know the implications..could have been dangerous..not sure if I could name all the creatures and characters I've made over the years, both Melanie and Lisa said they still have them in a costume box, should ask? think it was last year that I was doing the coke machine along with Kyle and Greg

Good morning everyone! Sorry I didn't come on yesterday but I was dealing with this and it was storming almost all day so I just left the computer off. We had a couple of power surges, were in a tornado watch, a severe thunderstorm came over the house then turned tornadic when it got to Little Rock and was headed right for downtown where I work! It was 5pm and I was thinking how glad I was to not be at work or getting ready to go drive! WHEW!!! I am so proud of myself, I didn't freak out this time!! I was all over the storm radio and tv, but didn't freak out! Woo Hoo

I'll be back in a bit.

Listening to you about the little trick or treaters....we get anywhere from150 to 300...we have had more some years. Last year, I just couldn't handle it, DH and I packed up the car and left! I got so angry at the older kids...who were just in regular clothes, not costume.... and adults....the parents of the kids...asking for candy. Or a parent toting a 4 month old looking for candy. NOPE!

Betty, that era was the 1964 to 66 range my Mom did that to me in Florida. Like you said...I had no idea, but looking back when I got to be a teen/adult...OMG!

We have rain here. Temp is mid 60s but steady rain.

Saw on Breakfast television news this morning that a storm is moving your way..we had it last night, wow, thunder was just a cracking, Sailor gets upset, woke me up a few times to be re-assured all would be ok.

Usually the babies who come on Halloween are friends who just want to say, 'here's my sweetie' but don't take anything..those are large numbers, now why did I think you lived in the middle of nowhere and there wouldn't
be but a few kids. Knowing your generosity, maybe they bus them in..lol

Did you get to see Kylie and her mom yesterday or were you still feeling off? Will she be going home today??

Crissy I'm so proud of you, imagine you not fretting, you usually have everything ready so you can get in your shelter..is that your vehicle window??? yikes, that's not good!

Morning everyone!
Goodness, we always buy candy, but we get not trick or treaters here! I usually make a basket for the neighbor kids, so they are loaded with candy, before they go to town.
Betty, there is a paint called Kilz, that is good for stopping a small amount of mold, and it covers water stains real good, but if they have a lot of mold, it will not stop it! Especially if it is behind the wall.

Hard thing to get rid of isn't it..yes, I think when I had the flood and had just painted, I had to give it a coat of Kilz before repainting or the water marks would have come through..luckily for me I was just doing the drywall..

How close to being finished are you with the sunflower quilt?

Almost done, just a few more rows to stitch!

You'll have to post a photo..what size was it, wondering if I can do same with my Christmas swap blocks I want to put into something..I best get working from home soon, instead of wasting my time here I could be doing crafts/sewing etc.

Trisha sent me a photo of a store, so many pumpkins, all cut out for display (couldn't copy and paste) but let's hope I can add the verse...

Being a good person is like being a pumpkin.
God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all of the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a bright new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.
This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it on to a pumpkin of your choice. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.
Have A Happy Fall!