Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Come sit a spell...

You have me sooo laughing Debbie, it must be my fault as Paul says 😜
Storm left my region, touch wood ..say until Boxing Day we will have great weather, no snow but very very cold ..ok for me as it means shovelling..it’s -12 right now, give that Paul a to do lists..

Lordy it’s a zoo out there.

Couldn’t find a turkey big enough so bought 2, I’ll cook one on Tuesday and one on Christmas Day..plenty of left overs there will be.

Just put groceries away, had to buy another 12 bags a $$$ store..thInk next year I’ll make some using Xmas fabric I’ll buy on sale and that will be that..embroider the8r names and use from year to year, now I think of it lol

Dianne, how is your vision today.

Deb, did any of your dogs go to the Florida show?

Karen, had trouble finding something for Lenny, think 8n the morning I’ll make a phone stand like you did..you said you made some changes in design, care to share before I start one?

Going to have hot bath, have some eats then varathane the birdhouse parts, birdhouse,base and roof

Busy next few days, company tomorrow, gathering for Christmas carollers Sunday
Pie day and prep day Monday,Christmas Eve gathering here then Christmas Day here..I’ll need a nap thursday for sure.

Betty, Laura made a separate bag to hold the pellets, I did not. She also did a lot of hand sewing, I did not because it's too hard on my hands. I cut the piece for the bag 5" x 16". To close, I simply folded in the raw edges and top stitched. These are also washable with the plastic pellets in them, some are using rice but that wouldn't be washable. I used 1 1/3 cup pellets in the main bag and less than 1/4 cup in the bottom. I put in a handful of fluff at the open end of the main part and a small bit in the opening of the bottom. They should be rather loose after the stuffing.

Thanks Karen for sharing..gave Sharons birdhouse final coat, ,asking a coffee and heading downstairs..hoping to do one.

Must vacuum upstairs before doing anything, all the thread on the floor in craft room seem to follow me upstairs..lol

Lordy is it bedtime yet??

Didn’t spend a lot of time (quilting) of the Victorian Santa throw,got binding done, will have my soup the start to hand sew the binding!

Suzanne was here just after 7, I had put her pieced blocks together so she was able the sew all the rows together..says she might come in the morning and sew rows together..I’ll see how I’m feeling. If not too tired tonight I might get a few towns sewn.

Birdhouse has all its varathan coats, just waiting for it to cure and set it together..

I had already made 1 golf towel done, it’s in a gift bag, this morning I embroidered 3 other

Almost forgot to put my live flowers into arrangements, also got that done.

Nap time right??

Lordy is it bedtime yet??

Didn’t spend a lot of time (quilting) of the Victorian Santa throw,got binding done, will have my soup the start to hand sew the binding!

Suzanne was here just after 7, I had put her pieced blocks together so she was able the sew all the rows together..says she might come in the morning and sew rows together..I’ll see how I’m feeling. If not too tired tonight I might get a few towns sewn.

Birdhouse has all its varathan coats, just waiting for it to cure and set it together..

I had already made 1 golf towel done, it’s in a gift bag, this morning I embroidered 3 other

Almost forgot to put my live flowers into arrangements, also got that done.

Nap time right??

No more mice... 4 total over 2 days and none since. I think we are done. I would love to have a cat again but I worry that Ben would back over one with his wheelchair.

I think I have a sinus infection. I have until 12/26 off and hope to lay low and do extra sleeping.

I went out this morning and bought a used bunk bed set, youngest will come and borrow the pick up to get it home for his kids. I'm off to take a nap.

Betty - we have our new minister because the previous one retired. She's going to be here for at least 3 years, under contract :)
Heading to town - have to get my prescription, then our church's Longest Night aka Blue Christmas I'm the "choir" lol Well, let's call it "music leader" as I stand by the piano, and lead the congregation in song from our hymn book.

Beautiful quilts Betty. Hard to believe you are still making Christmas projects.
Pat, sure hope you are feeling better soon.
Enjoy your service Susan.

Morning all, body thinks 3 a.m. is the norm..

Susan, were you able to record the Choir?


LIndakay, the extra things I,was,doing,other than Sharons birdhouse was to keep myself busy while Suzanne was here working on her quilt.

Doug and Kathy dropped in for a visit..both loved their gifts..hard to see them as they live on an island in Cognashene and only get here when ice breaks in spring or freezes at this time of year.yesterday He came by scoot

They left at 5 so I decided why not pin Suzanne’s rows together as she wants to try and find a few hours today to getting the rows together..well it took me 21/2 hrs to pin and 1 1/2 hrs to sew and iron, she couldn’t do it that way she can go about the 10 million other things she thinks she will do.

I have 2 musts today, well maybe a few more lol

Must shovel the front walkway/deck as carollers come tonight
have company for carollers and need eats
Should run into midland and deliver a few gifts and drop into Canadian tire, could use 4 more folding chairs

Right now I’m enjoying a coffee, Ziggy is antsy, I imagine he knows something is a happening. Lol

Pictures didn’t post

Break time, waiting for daylight so I can shovel..

Started to clean craft room, thing I’ll put a sign saying closed for season...lol

Noticed the towel I embroidered re snowman is missing his boots..think they are embroidering on small side but at least he will be done

Even finished binding on linda’s Quilt and packaged it

I’m thinking Mr. Sandman gave you all a double dose so you could sleep in, I’m wound up tighter than anything..got the front shovelled..my day was planned now I have to rush things..carollers are leaving Mel’s at 3:30 so will be here around 4..the pizza palace at the corner which I thought would be opened closed today till after Christmas grrr

So off to find quick something for quick eats, deliver a few gifts, then to canadian tire for folding chairs, on special for $10 today

Haven’t even stopped to make myself presentable..who know, might be able to go to quick cut and get my hair done

On the run

Good morning. I have been up for awhile. I have been to Walmart to get last few things for Christmas dinner. Not so busy when you go early morning. I have my car packed with Christmas gifts for my step grandson. Going to drive an hour at noon to meet x daughter in law to give gifts to Nicholas. Have lunch with them at Applebees and come back home.
I made my Baileys Irish cream fudge last night, cut it up and put it in gift bowls. And I made a total of 16 gnomes for gifts.
That's it. I am done.

I wish I could say "done". I had ordered Ben a new laptop & then realized it was way more of a machine than he needed and much cheaper one would honestly work better for him. I hope to get into Best Buy and buy him a different laptop and return this one.
My youngest son said the kids wanted a loft bed & bunk beds. I told him my budget and he was supposed to find them. He didn't... I finally got bunk beds yesterday, lets see if he gets them moved out of the pick up and into his house before weather ruins them.
Well, caregiver will be here in a few minutes and I should get done what I can while I have help.
I feel terrible about even having to consider it, Ben is closer and closer to having to be moved to a care facility of some kind. The MD put him on a new medication and the UTI seems to be clearing up finally but he is still weak. I don't have the strength to do what is necessary. I don't see how we could get a hoyer in our bedroom to help him transfer from bed to wheelchair. The wheelchair he needs won't go thru our doorways. He is in constant pain but has been unwilling to make dietary changes to see if that would help.
Sorry to be a whiner. Just another day in Paradise here....

Pat we are here to listen. You are not whining !! You are just telling things as they are.I don't know what I would have done without this group of ladies as Warren went through his cancer journey. Go right ahead and and we will listen.

I was up at 3 am and of course am nodding off as I sit here by the wood stove. Might just take a nap.

Had to resort to a pain patch last night for my back. I am just starting to feel it take effect. Maybe as the pain lessens my overall mood will improve.

Our friend Frank who is home from his job in Cairo was here at 7 am for a shower and coffee.. He lives on the lane and has the water shut off for the winter. I laughed .... as we sat in front of the very warm fire while he had a coffee he said I am starting to smell myself . lol I offered to start his wood stove for him so the his place would be warm when he arrived but I knew he would refuse it. The joy of lighting that fire himself is just too great.

Betty what chairs ? I looked at the CT flyer and didn't see any chairs on sale.

LK there is someone on the lane who started making gnomes as a hobby. She started selling them and sure charges a hefty price.

Do you need a candy thermometer for the Bailey's fudge LK?

My eye lids are winning. I am going to give in and have a nap.

This message was edited Dec 22, 2019 1:29 PM

Afternoon, got home, got everything looking pretty, expecting about 12..thanks goodness for M&M’s..lasagna it will be.

Pat, as Dianne says, the gals on this thread have always had an ear to help me through as well..come sit a spell and know we are hugging you..have you discussed the possibility with Ben and / or his children..surely they can see how much pressure you are under.

Dianne, can picture you near the fire..almost thought it was spring today, sun was warming me up..yes CT has them on for 10.98, bought 4 and thinking of going to buy a few more next time I’m in town. they are products from Cosco. $10.98, padded seats

Mom just arrived, didn’t think she would get here until Tuesday..likely company will start arriv8ng at 3..I’m antsy. Lol

Made more phone pillows today and because I goofed, thought I'd remind anyone wanting to make some. Do NOT over fill. leave them a bit on the wimpy side. If too full they don't hold the phone as well.

Pat, I agree with Dianne. Please vent all you want. We have good listening ears. Someone needs to give awards out for caregivers. It is not an easy job.
Dianne, no you don't need a candy thermometer. You put sugar, evaporated milk and butter in a saucepan, cook on medium heat, just till sugar is dissolved. Pour that in the bowl with chocolate chips, nuts, vanilla, Baileys and marshmallow cream. Stir till chips are melted Pour into a foil lined cookie sheet then refrigerate.

4 cups sugar
8 ounces butter
I, 12 ounce can evaporated milk.

3 - 12 ounce bags of chocolate chips. I use 2 milk chocolate, 1 semisweet
1 cup chopped nuts
3/4 cups Baileys Irish cream
2 tsp vanilla
1, 7 ounce container of marshmallow cream.

Heat first 3 ingredients till sugar is melted. Pour over other ingredients in large bowl, till chocolate chips are melted, and all is well blended. Pour into cookie sheet. Refrigerate overnight

This is quite thick and takes arm strength to stir.

Oh LK I am going to make this fudge tomorrow. It sounds great. Sometimes when I can't fall asleep I have hot chocolate with Bailey's in it.

Betty you asked about my drops - I have 9 more days left. I've been doing drops 4 times a day since mid Oct. Now it is just 1 drop of antibiotic 4 times a day and another drop to add an antibiotic moisture to the eye twice a day.

Supposed to be in the 40's F here tomorrow. I ended up with windows up, sliding door to the deck open plus the door to the TH's yard today. I pretty much burn hard wood and it sure pumps out the heat. The only problem I have with burning hard wood is it creates a lot of ash. I have to clean the ashes out every second day.

Geesh I almost lost my post. I wanted to look at the photo Karen posted.. My finger was poised over the photo until my brain kicked in.

Deb any dog shows over the holidays ? I would hope that the dogs, the owners and the handlers get a rest. I know training doesn't take a break. I might have asked you this before .... what can I say my mind is a sieve.

LK how was lunch with your grandson?

Never did get a nap in. I laid down and my eyes turned into hoot owl eyes.

Debbie I had 1 of those Cowboy steaks for dinner tonight we BBQd when you and Paul were here. I diced it up and did it in a fry pan. Just as tasty !!! Betty have you tried them ? Foodland carries them. Only problem is you can't buy just a couple they come in multiples frozen in a bag.

I am thinking about getting a turkey breast to cook. Betty how did the frozen stuffed turkey breast taste? I've looked at them and wondered about how it tasted. Getting ready to make Turkey Chowder. Maybe even a leftover turkey pie. I have a recipe for turkey pie where you use up leftover stuffing and gravy. It freezes well too as does the chowder.

Stay safe, warm/cool and well.

Pat, I don't know where you get the strength for all you do. Lean on us any time you need to, we'll be sure to return the favor when we need to lean.

Ditto .... what Karen said.

Dianne - I've had one of those turkey rolls (turkey breast) and it was good. I know they also make a white/dark meat one. I prefer the dark meat.
Betty - our church doesn't have a choir. I'm the only regular member. It's said that if we had a full choir, we'd have no one in the congregation lol

Morning all, in the 20’s,am just as excited that the weather will cooperate for all travelling than I am for Christmas.

Had a house full yesterdauy

Carollers having fun

Somebody was video the signing, looking for those and post

Just got house back to norm, Ann dropped in for visit, brought me a nice minty neck warmer that you add to microwave,feels nice on the neck..

my brother Mike just called, his daughter Michelle is visiting him in Wasaga beach , they all thought they would take the hour drive one way and come visit with the kids,mshould be here shortly.Sharons called, wanted to go to Barrie, nope.my head is so heavy best I try to get a couple of winks in

Company just left, trying to decide if I want to give myself. Big push and go to town and finis( picking up what I need..

Dianne, I had an awesome lunch with the 2 grandsons. We are at Applebees. Youngest grandson Rory had half a rack of baby back ribs. Can't believe he eats so much.

Betty, looks like you had a busy day.

Glad you enjoyed..kids can eat you out of house and home..

Extremely a busy day, as soon as Mike and his gang left off I went to town, only had a few things, even got my hair cut, just so happened there was a lul..lucky me.

Come hell or high water I am hoping I don’t have to go anywhere tomorrow..lots to keep me busy but home I shall be.

Did get the table from craft room all set up for Christmas dinner..can sit 20 no problem..

Mom went to aunt Muriel’s this afternoon so seeing as I snuck a cheeseburger at McDonald’s before coming home I’ve only to turn all the lights off downstairs, outside,have a bath and call it a day..

How are you all doing?

Not doing much tonight. Waiting on oldest son to arrive tomorrow.

Ben woke me at 1AM and asked for me to call 911, his chest hurt. They took him to local hospital and then admitted him. He had 1/2 the stress today, the 2nd half tomorrow. I was unable to go to the hospital with Ben, I was still woozy from the sleeping pill I had taken just an hour or so earlier. Couldn't walk safely, let alone drive.

Once I woke up, I spent some time running errands like getting tabs renewed on car so youngest could borrow one after spending couple hours with Ben. Needless to say LOTS of stuff didn't get done

I told hospital staff that I wanted Ben to discharge into Rehab facility from hospital and they said they would have OT and PT in for evaluation but I can tell that Ben is NOT going for it. It is going to get ugly, I will tell them it is NOT SAFE discharge to home!!! I am not sure what I am going to do if I can't convince Ben. He's still talking about us going to his brothers on 12/26!!! (2 hours drive).

I need to get new tabs and "tie downs" of some sort on the Van so I can use the lift. At least then Ben would not have get in & out of car and I would not have lift the wheelchair in and out of trunk.

Not even 9PM but I am headed to bed.

Love early morning, sipping coffee with Ziggy by my side..lights all aglow..Christmas Eve is finally here.

Pat, I am hoping for your sake that the hospital doctors will find Ben needs to spend a few more days with them which will give you all time to discuss the inevitable, he needs more care than is, possible to get at home re lifting him 8n and out of bed..you need time to recoup..that is what I would like Santa to bring you tonight, time for you..

Jeff and his boys likely won’t get here until 5-6, Greg and his boys about same..must see what I can drum up for late evening eats..Jeff said he would order in but he forgot all closes early tonight, so I’ll have to have a backup plan.

Pies this morning, will separate the gifts of those I’ll not get to see til after Christmas, make a quick trip to Suzanne’s and drop off gifts and wait for the gang.

We are blessed as weather is cooperating, nice for travelling!

Be back to check in with you all on next break

Sorry to hear that Pat. Sending prayers.

Any news Pat?

Just called Suzanne to see how things were going, she had to be in the city this morning, had to cancel as she is sick in bed with the flu..she is one who leaves everything to the last minute and was having a lot of family tomorrow..I’ve 3-4 hrs I could go help but sure don’t want to catch It.

Decided on spaghetti, it’s a cooking, then Jeff tells me Braedon is in a phase re his eating so they will stop somewhere to get him his food. Refrigerator full, freezer full and he says likely I won’t have what he eats.log well, have to starve!!

Mom went to aunt Muriel’s this morning, getting her hair done at 1:30 then heading my way as mass is at 5.

We almost had an argument..she was going on about me cooking for all those who came to see the carollers, had company and ran the roads yesterday, starting to get things together for Christmas supper and now cooking for tonight..I said that is what moms do Christmas, make sure their kids have the best..no sooner did I say that she snarled at me, said I was up insulting her as she never did any of it..I did not say that at all, I changed topic, she pouted for awhile then said she had to go to aunt Muriel’s...

I just know she will pout when she sees all under the tree for my kids and friends and YES there are several things for her, she already has a few of them but they won’t be good enough

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE everyone....

I’m thankful you are all in my life..

Been an interesting season.
1st of all, Pat - I hope ou get things resolved for you & Ben re: his hospital care & stay.
Last night I lost my wedding band. Today I got the letter from the lab re: mammogram - it's clear. I was concerned. Today I also found my cell phone - been missing for most of a week, but found it today at the Library. Now, if only I can find my wedding ring. I'm glad I didn't lose the other two rings on my fingers, and I'm pretty sure it's in the house. I even went through the garbage, just in case.

Nice to have gotten news that mammogram is clear so you don’t have that worry over the Christmas season..did you not lose a ring some time back? You need to have a guard put on it..I have a few expensive rings, don’t fit me anymore, must get them enlarged..did you lose weight, is that why it has fallen off??

Kids should be here around 6:30, calm before the storms lol

Mom just left for church thank goodness she has been in and out visit8ng her sister and brother..one has to be so careful at what is said, she takes everything to heart, all is meant for her..oh well what can I say..

Was hop8ng to hear how Ben and Pat are doing..

Merry Christmas everyone.

Betty, sometimes we just can't please certain people, no matter what we do.

Hope you find your ring Susan.

sorry, this is first I have been on the computer. Yesterday one of the staff told Ben, in front of me, "I'm sure you want to be home for Christmas. We might be able to do the 2nd half of the stress in the morning 12/24 and send you home before the results are read." I personally wanted to strangle the idiot!

thankfully the MD took me serious when I told her I wanted Ben to discharge directly to Rehab so he could build his strength up, that a home discharge was NOT a safe discharge.

PT and OT came in to evaluate him, PT was pushing hard for Ben to stay home "with more informal support". Eventually I got him to see more clearly I could NOT take care of him and no amount of hours were going to make it safe, it takes more than one to transfer Ben. It take 5 EMTs to get him off the ground if he falls.

MD came in and told us they will keep him 3 days and have Social worker seek a Rehab placement. I sure hope they can. At the end of the 30 days if Ben is transferring well, it would be appropriate for him to come home, if not, we will have to find new solution.

The eggs are boiled and ready for me to make into deviled eggs. The Pretzel salad is ready for the next layer to be spread. The Cherry O-cream cheese pie not made (5 minute job but I still have something else in the mixing bowl!) ... dressing ready to assemble (sausage cooked, celery and onions, chicken stock all ready to mix together and put in roaster oven tomorrow. I'll finish up tomorrow and send it all to my sister's with Kevin. I will go out later in the day for dinner only, I'll spend the day at the hospital with Ben.

Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for your love and concern.

Merry Christmas everyone..

Pat, I’m sure it was very difficult for you pleading Ben’s case, hugs. Big time.
Surely they could see how difficult it was for you assisting him in his needs,let’s hope the next step goes a tad easier.

Had all my family with me last night, did the gifts last night, all went home thrilled with their stash lol..this morning I could have slept in but must get turkey on..had 2 to cook,did one yesterday and deboned, time to get the other into the oven,

My house is a disaster zone, getting up and I’ll try to get a few things done without waking everyone.Jeff’s and boys I’ll leave around 11 so I’ll get breakfast for them before they leave

Then Christmas dinner at 5 for

in for a long day!

Merry Christmas!!

Had a nice visit with my Aunt last night, now, heading out in another hour to visit my son and family, before heading to my brothers house for an early dinner.