Best/Worse/What did I learn today?? Chat with friends, fireplace on, come join in..newcomers always welcome!

A family from church has a memorial service planned for this weekend. I could not attend as I am leaving tomorrow morning to visit son & wife, deliver quilts. Today I spent a few hours at Marie's baking a cake & cookies, making Rice Krispy treats, a cranberry Ribbon salad & smoked salmon dip. A friend will take it to the dinner for me after the memorial. I figured if I could not be there, the least I could do is send food.

I left a prank gift for Marie (she was gone today to MD appts). I saw the idea on Facebook. I tied a few spools of wreath ribbon on a naked wire wreath frame with a note "Use your imagination, I'm busy! I also snuck into her Loralie supplies and took the materials she bought to make a cover for her serger. I know she won't try to get to it until long after Christmas so she won't discover it missing. I will get it and a new coffee can organizer made for part of her Christmas. I look forward to seeing her face when she opens her gift made with HER supplies! LOL I helped make her sewing machine cover. She ultimately wants a cover made for both of sewing machines & 1 serger plus an organizer to match all 3. We're working on it.... I'm guaranteed to give her something she wants since she hoped to get one made! We have the same serger so I can use mine to make the pattern. I've already bought her a quilt calculator & quick reference book.

Sorry to hear about your toe Karen. It sounds horribly painful. Glad you are on antibiotics.
Betty, I don't want to hear you are out shoveling snow, right after you got your shots. Taking it easy is not shoveling.
I work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 9 to 2 or 3.

If I had to use the longarm that whole 5 hours my legs would KILL me!!! I hope you truly enjoy your work Linda. I know you are good at it, you have shown us some of your work!

If I had to use the longarm that whole 5 hours my legs would KILL me!!! I hope you truly enjoy your work Linda. I know you are good at it, you have shown us some of your work!

re: will - I have one, and the advice lawyer I'm talking to tomorrow will not only give me other legal advice, but the firm will help me make a new will.
As for insurance - thanks for mentioning it. I'll look into it. I have insurance through my bank and just changed all the other details so will have to look into this, too

I'll be glad for extra warmth downstairs tomorrow. It took me hours to get warm once I came up today. Kicked our furnace up and wrapped in blankets while I ate hot soup.
I'm getting some swelling in foot now. Drats. Going to try and wrap it so I can get some sleep tonight. Started antibiotics this morning. If much worse tomorrow, will have it looked at.

Karen, I know the feet issues are never-ending with bouts of "good". I wish the good was longer. It's such a battle when people's temperature needs are different. I am sure you & your family have done all that can be accommodate each other. I spent more than 4 hours in the kitchen at Marie's yesterday and thought I would die. The house is set at 73 (for Phil) and I was wishing I could strip off more clothes!

Oh my goodness Pat, not sure you could live with me..73 is COLD, brrrrr
I just shut of fireplace which was in addition to furnace..sometimes 73 sure doesn’t feel 73.

Had snow overnight with a touch of freezing rain so took a bit to get the staircase shovelled..Marie was over and said she would do it but told her no, had to get in shape. Drizzling every now and then, nice to look at but not so nice to go out in..

Hope you are better today Karen. Would it not help having several space heaters Karen..damp would not be good for you…think one of my upstairs tables would act as a sewing machine area, I’m no good in the cold, besides it’s very bad for you!!!

Pat how sneaky you are, she will so love her Christmas gifts…one of these days i will have to take my serger off high shelf and use it or get rid of it… just hate the threading..I’m sure 2021 sergers thread themselves.

Lindakay, that is a full time job..you must be loving it. Hope you get a good discount when you are shopping.

Sharon how is Cecil today?

Don’t know about these shots, I’m paying big time today, need pain meds and sleeping pills, trying to talk myself into wether or not i can pass on them till tomorrow.

Marie did though bring in the box with snowman Xmas tree, Lordy, do i really need to put it up as i shake my head??

Was hungry for hamburger/macaroni/tomatoes so cooking away..i could so have a nap but best i not or i will burn supper.

Next week is your Thanksgiving, Pat will you be home by then? Do you all have plans?

Pharmacy won out..bitter bitter cold
Went into Foodland, they had just taken Chelsea buns out of the oven, had to bring some home.

Keeping looking at the clock, lunch/supper is ready to eat, a hot bath after and into a cozy bed just might be what i need..

wish i had hand sewing then i might stay up a tad longer

Ohhh just remembered before i left for pharmacy i put a load of wash in the dryer likely folding the clothes will warm my hands.

Had a date with my leaf blower today. I spent 5 hours clearing away leaves. I first did 3 hours and planned to finish tomorrow but when I heard the weather decided I had better get it done.

I'm chilled to the bone so will soon climb under the covers and read. I'll get Kai to snuggle with me - he is like having a heating pad on me. Diesel gave off heat like that too but Chaos doesn't.

Pat that was very thoughtful of you to provide some dishes even though you weren't going to be there.

Oh my Karen that toe sounds very painful. Hope it heals quickly.

Betty your meal sounds delicious. It's 1 of my favourites.

Stay safe, warm and well.

Betty, you are out shoveling just after your injections? What will we do with you? Please be careful.
Yes, I really love using the longarm. And yes, I do get discounts at the shop.
Susan, glad you are getting good advice and taking care of the legal issues.

I put the little heater on and it does help some. Really need to get one with a blower. This is just radiant and really doesn't do a lot. Got another bunch of ornaments made. Would have had another couple but one machine was giving me fits. Finally found problem and fixed it. By then was done had been down there for 7 hours and it was enough.

Evening, long day..had my bath, put pain patch on, just have water boiling for hot chocolate and add a Chelsea bun and that will be supper.

You will be tired tonight for sure Dianne, is the blower battery packed, the big one..you are amazing, no way i could do it. Haven’t looked at weather today but you are smart 8n getting it done because i think rain is on its way with odd flurry.i just bet it’s like having the fire stove on next to you with Kai by your side. I find the difference with Ziggy.

Ziggy doesn’t like this weather, been laying on the bed all day..maybe he is resting so he can mouse choice all night lol

Lindakay, what a perfect job, when I’m doing my frame quilting i find the table unit is low enough i can sit on a chair..did your boss stop taking in quilting orders?

Karen, there are so many new and efficient heaters on the market these days, think you best find your Santa wish list and put it on it..how is the tie coming along..

I got the snowman tress up downstairs, Lordy it’s pretty, i ohh’d ahhh’d at every snowman ornament..i have to decide to go to bed an hour earlier than bedtime so i can shut all the pretties off.

My 2 boys were here today, Evan was his interested self, had gone to bed early, ate breakfast and no bag of chocolates..they wanted to make mug rug/wine coasters, they were pleased with their result.

Went to midland and got my shoppings done then took everything off 2 tables and pulled them away from the wall, i have a small 9-11 and then 1-3 kids workshop 8n the morning so thought I’d best get everything ready today..counted up kits, 3 sets of mini lights were missing, main reason for the trip to midland, didn’t want to be short..when i took grocery bags in what did i find..a bag with lights, ribbon and batteries.oh well, have extra.

Was just talking to mom, she said Aunt Muriel really want to go visit again but the drive is hard for mom, although i barely make it to Midland with the darn seat belt on i offered to take her to Cookstown to meet up with her, not sure what day that will be.

Hot chocolate time

Betty you should see if your doctor will give you a letter exempting you from wearing your seatbelt. My SIL had 1 as she had a terrible back injury in her youth.

I am having a terrible time with ticks today. They are wily critters. I have 2 tick bites that I need to see the doctor about. They look infected with a black spot in the middle. I thought I had got all of the tick out.

LK that job sounds perfect for you. I know you will enjoy it.

Early to bed for me tonight. I've had my shower and am laying on the bed. Kai is already asleep. He goes full tilt all day so once he lays by the bed he's asleep.

Going into Kingston tomorrow for a MRI. They are checking to make sure I still have a brain in my noggin.

Dianne, how long did,you have to wait for your MRI?
oh my, ticks are dangerous on humans, best you get them checked out right away.Greg was extremely ill about 10 years ago.

I asked mr doctor a few months ago and he said you could no longer get a letter of exemption.

Ziggy is here laying next to me, thinking of you and Kai

I forgot to say mom was in a lineup at grocery store, the teller was having difficulties so it was taking a longer time, mom said the lady behind her had a containers of eggs and a bread, egg crate was half open, mom told her to go first, the lady who was smaller than my mom (mom in tiny) said thanks very much, said she was 87, mom said she is 90, lady didn’t seem to believe her. Lol

Hot chocolate is cold now, I’d have to move Ziggy over. lol

Hi Everyone. Betty - of course you & your mom have the same genes, so you don't look your age (70, aren't you?) and I'm sure your mom would look younger than her age, too!
Things are getting more overwhelming here with paperwork, etc (divorce paperwork) but I'm also getting more support from friends & neighbours, so that's good.
Neighbours Linda & Dave sent over some homemade veggie soup. Just finished it. YUMMY! So thoughtful.

I have about a third of the ornaments done. I could maybe be further along but I don't run my machines at full speed. I slow them down one step. Seems to stop needle and thread breakage so maybe ahead in the long run.
Stubbed my toe again today but at least this time it didn't bleed. It's less painful so hoping it's on the mend. Planning on leaving maybe Thursday so would like to be able to wear shoes by then.
My cousin Michael visited last weekend. He had been to a reunion of his Vietnam army unit in NC and then came here. He had his photo album of his time over there. Very interesting. He's going to come for our Thanksgiving on Sat.

Susan soon to be 74
Glad you are getting community support and agencies there to help guide you along..nice getting a meal, real treat.

Karen, i cant imagine Powhatan those brave men endured..so glad he will come for your Thanksgiving, wasn’t sure if you would go north for thanksgiving. Which ornaments are you doing..Sharon asked me to do her a few more free standing lace, Will if i get all else finished. Glad you didn’t cause more issues when you stubbed your toe.

I am about ready to take meds and cbd oils, moved the tables back into their place and moved the sewing machines back on them..had a good day, kids were patient, willing to learn but I’m done in..

I did the glue gun for them, didn’t want them to burn their fingers, guess who has burnt fingers lol

I'm making the ornaments from Juju. I already have the designs. I know a lot of the companies have them but hopefully no one will get the same as they got last year.

Are they the lace ones or the felt Norwegian scroll type

I want to make the snomeen that you can insert a candy cane for the christmascarollers, best i look for fabris and include 2 a day on my list of to do.’s
They sure lived getting those gingerbread ones that had clear tummies inserted and i filled with candies

Snow on the ground, best i get out and shovel steps and walkway

Drats, Andrew just returned my call, thought he had called to tell me he is retiring..insurance company put his plow policy up $4k and with the gas like it is he decided he would give it up.

He gave me name of a man who is taking some of his clients so we will see..I believe I paid $650 last year, goodness know what it will be this year.. i called Jules who he referred me to, he will drive by, look at the drive and call me with price. Stormy all morning, warmed up, quite slushy

Betty, I am making the free standing lace ornaments. One of my machines started acting up today. Guess I will take it in today. He can keep it until next week as I won't have sewing time until then any how.

I am glad you are getting support Susan, it's hard enough no matter what support you get!! A shared meal is always a thoughtful gesture.

TICKS!!! ick!!! I am such a wussy.

I was scheduled to go to Sumner Friday morning, as of Thursday the pass & 100 miles of highway had gotten snow storm & roads were closed due to all the accidents. The highway opened at midnight & on Friday morning, after checking on weather & road conditions, I went ahead and made the trip. The roads were good on Friday & fine coming home today.

I had a good visit & my stepdaughter Rebecca & her husband Scott & new Caviler Spaniel came for dinner Sunday & we played board games afterwards. It was a wonderful visit.

Carrie LOVED her quilt and even cried. Dana? Well Dana is Dana & hard to tell but I guess so. He asked me to make him a cover for the hot water tank closet (since I said I had left over fabric from his quilt). He going to be hosting in person Dungeon & Dragon RPG at their home beginning next week. (Open closet is in his game room).

Looks like the kids are enjoying the day. You group keeps growing.
Pat, glad your trip was safe. Sounds like you enjoyed the time with them.
I need to get my embroidery machine out and do some of the free standing lace ornaments.

Morn8ng, looks like it might be a clear day..i was up early but plow guy was even earlier.. he made a quick run from behind my car and i usually have the drive double cleared, so i went out and did the other 1/2..i will have to talk to him about widening and see what he says if not guess i will look fir someone else..have to see

Glad you were able to make your trip Pat, some just don’t show excitement when being gifted and you feel down knowing all the work that went into it.

Spoke with Jeff last night, Braedon and Caleb went and spent a few days are their mom’s..she is a school teacher, well, they came home with a cold now they are with Jeff all in bed Jeff included.

Now that i have the drive and walkways done I’ll play like some of you with machine embroidery although Ziggy is here next to me wanting to cuddle

Linda, through trial and error. I have found that using two layers of the Water Soluable that is white and looks like cloth, gives the best results. I put one piece in the hoop and put a smaller piece behind it and pin around edges. Just one layer tends to tear and the design gets skewed.

I do 2 layers as well, it’s called mesh water soluble.
Sun is shining and it’s quite slushy out..
Marie just left, think Sharon is coming over

Kept myself busy all morning, almost afraid to come upstairs and sit or that will be that

Just did border edging design on my first memory quilt, in the morning I will
sandwhich 2nd one so just maybe by weekend they will be done.

Sharon is coming over, she showed me a snowman face she cut out to appliqué, bad me, i thought it looked awful so told her to come over and we would embroider one for her as she wants to make it for her neighbour who loves snowman soooo i did an 18” med size and a large size so she can see what size she wants, meanwhile guess i could make 2 pillows for gifts lol

Jeff called, still a bad cold, told me there is to be NO Christmas gifts this year, sorry too late..all have gifts

Sure wouldn’t mind 1 short trip stateside so i could shop at KHOLS so i get get sweaters and jammies fir them all.

Best i make something to eat, didn’t have lunch so might as well have early supper and call it a day around 4 or whenever Sharon leaves.

While it would be great if Dana showed the kind of enthusiasm that Carrie shows, I know that is NOT him. I have come to accept that and it doesn't "hurt" like it would if I did not know this about Dana.

This message was edited Nov 24, 2021 11:06 AM

Sometimes, because it's all negative, I find it's hard to post here so I just sim through. Know that you're always in my heart even if I don't post

I spoke to Bob's lawyer today. He was returning my call from about 3 weeks ago, (before Bob was arrested). I'd said, in the message, that I had further info about Bob, re rape case. I told him that he was continuing to constantly see her. She'd tried to drop the rape charge against Bob, but the lawyer said "it doesn't work that way - she can't drop charges once they're made. So, he still has a "no contact order" with her (rape charge), and now one with me (assault on me). Busy boy, eh? I was able to take my Senior's Benefits (come into my bank 3 days before pensions) and move it into my new account, and on Thurs night I'll move my pension over to my new account, too. I don't believe he knows how to access my old bank accounts online, only his. On Thurs I'm going through with what he set up back in February, and that's to take $500 and give it to me from HIS bank. I have full access to it. It may be the last month I can do so, if he wises up and contacts his bank.
Yesterday was a court date, and because his lawyer has just been filled in on what happened, he's postponed it until Dec 6th.
btw - I got advice from a lawyer who said better to file for a divorce sooner rather than later.
I also got advice from a friend who used to volunteer for Senior's Outreach. She said the counsellor there should have offered to fill out all the gov't forms, and that I should contact the manager of SO & he'll do it for me, speak to the agencies on my behalf, fill out the forms & fax or mail them as is appropriate. Thank goodness, because I'm beside myself with all the paperwork, etc, that I have to contend with.
With RCMP, counsellors, gov't agencies (pensions, senior's benefits, and health depts) , and trying to figure out divorce papers, I'm overwhelmed. It's nice to know that Someone will help me with some forms and take that off my shoulders. I need the support in that way too, not just talking.

People keep telling me that I'm smart, competent, and strong. Not in this turmoil that Bob's created in my life - I'm overwhelmed.

This message was edited Nov 23, 2021 11:01 PM

Morning all,

Sunshine day, Linda came for a visit and just left, now Ziggy and i would be quite content to relax, enjoy the tree rotating with all its pretty ornaments, taking in all the sunshine while i can.. i had best get off the couch and get to my next project.

Susan, you can always drop in, we all go. Through turmoil and it’s nice to have a safe place, you did get a lot done and yes i am sure that all the paperwork is overwhelming, smart or not you can only do so much. Would have been so nice had the cases been behind you. Hope you can sneak in that $500 into your account.

Hope one of the neighbours invites you for Christmas.. hugs

Work to do

For Christmas I'm going to town, to the Legion. Every year on Christmas Day (except last year) they have a FULL Christmas dinner over the lunch hour. I've been before, and it's Really Very Nice. I'm going with Carol next door.
I'm going to the Seniors Outreach agency tomorrow @9am, and they'll fill out my gov't forms for me.
Last night I had a horrible time. At 2am I was trying to sleep when I thought I heard a noise. I got up, saw "something/someone" in the hallway & screamed & screamed. Turned out to be the extra coats I'd hung on the hallway hooks - warmer for the season, and it bulked out the vision. Would be about the "right" height for it to be a tall man.
I called the bank this morning and my banker confirmed that my pensions should go directly into my new accounts. I'll still watch Thurs night when it's available online, and make sure they transfer automatically. Last night I transferred my Senior Benefits (for low-income people) to my new account.

Susan, even though I WORKED in a related field, the paperwork was overwhelming! I have helped many clients over the years fill out the paperwork. There are very few people who don't feel overwhelmed after all the paperwork, and add to that the chaos that Bob has stirred into your life with all this craziness of his.... t's wonder you can string two coherent sentences together!!! You are strong, and I admire your courage. Know that we are all routing for you and send you only the best of thoughts and prayers in your behalf.

I once freaked out during the night when I walked back to my bedroom and "saw someone". My glasses were off & I had hung a mirror at the end of the hall. I was seeing my own reflection in the new mirror!! SCARED myself half to death! I can empathize with your coat scare!

Sunny fairly mild day here.

Had my MRI on Sunday. Unfortunately it triggered a massive vertigo attack. It was so bad I had to call my neighbours to come into Kingston to retrieve me and my vehicle. I haven't had a spell this bad in a couple of years. I still am feeling the effects and am laying low. I did manage to get the wood stove up and running today. I envision dollar bills floating out of the chimney when the oil is on.

Susan you are doing a great job of getting things accomplished in this emotional and hurtful time. We are all right here lending support and sending hugs.

Mr Kai is 1 today. Due to my vertigo we can't celebrate his birthday as I usually do for the TH but will do so the first day I feel able. I am pretty sure Kai isn't aware it is his special day. He surprised me - he is usually VERY active. When I got into bed Sunday afternoon he crawled up beside me and laid down. He stayed there until the next morning, went outside and then came back in and climbed back up beside.

Betty our snow plow driver didn't raise his rates at all. Of course this is a money making plow for him. He has 1 mile of lane and 8 individual drives to plow. He charges everyone $40 to plow the lane and you make you own arrangements for your personal driveway. He charges $10 a sand. Now he and his brother have several dump trucks and other large construction vehicles so maybe that weighs in on what he charges. Over the years we have had 2 major snow storms where Dave had to use the front end loader to put the snow into their dump truck to haul away. It took him 9 hours to do the lane.

Deb how are the pups ? They must be quite a size now.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Sure wish we could all share a turkey dinner together.

Shopping done, packing almost done, heading up tomorrow. Will be giving granddaughter her pearls. Hoping she loves them.
One great has a birthday, we always celebrate it right after dinner on Sat. He gets a birthday party every year.
Can you tell I'm excited to be with family again?
Hoping you all have a happy turkey day.

THat is very sweet that you get to go again so soon Karen! Lucky you!

Kai knew you were not feeling good and was giving you some extra love and compassion. I can't say that Stanley notices anything. Basicly if I am sitting, Stanley comes & climbs into my lap. He never seems any more attentive based on my emotions or physical "un"wellness..

Thank you, Pat & Dianne. Your kind words are encouraging.
I'm going to try to sleep tonight.
I heard that Bob's in a hotel in town, half hour away to the West.. Makes me feel better knowing he's not closer, OR in the other town I frequent more often in the other direction. My neighbour Dave said he would come by tomorrow & install a chain on my door. He also said that Bob's dangerous & that Naomi is in for trouble with him.
Victim Services said they're both in trouble for keeping in contact, with their No Contact Order between them. It's not for me to prove it, but I have put a bug in Victim Services collective ears.

Good night everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you my American friends and family..
Hope today is special in every way…now I’m hungering for turkey..
Safe travels

Was thinking i have a turkey breast in the freezer i could cook it and have thanksgiving with you although i have half my omelette from yesterday a Cookstown restaurant and i had taken out pork sticks for souvlaki dinner which i must cook but will have a delayed one on the weekend while you are having leftovers.

Indeed you do sound excited Karen, so many miles you travel, thank god hubby likes to drive. Be safe and enjoy all the festivities.

Susan, good idea that you will get an extra chain lock, can’t be too safe..i so chuckled even though nothing to laugh about when you are terrified is the coats hanging 8n hallway. I think Susan you should not get involved with them seeing or not seeing each other because if they ever get wind of in and in their main mind set who knows how they will react and you could be in further danger..i would think Bob doesn’t have too much more to lose.

Dianne, happy belated birthday Kai..

i believe Ziggy also feel when I am unwell, lays beside me for comfort day/night..kudos to Kai for keeping an eye on you..vertigo sure had to be bad for you to call in neighbours to come get you and the vehicle..how caring of them. Did you take any meds prior to? I am not looking forward to mine.. doctor did provide me with 2 pills, I’m to take one before i leave for hospital then if I still feel i will be claustrophobic take the other just when they call me in..thanks goodness Sharon will drive me and hopefully no blizzard.

Debbie update please

Sharon, how are you and Cecil doing..are family coming today or will you go to them for celebrations.

Wouldn’t you know Sharon, Facebook memory photo of the day was of the Cracker Barrel near you with the porch misting ….i so miss Cracker Barrel, might have to go stateside and meet Debbie for lunch one sunny day next month..

I’m flitting from project to project today..with Linda visiting in the morning them my travelling to Cookstown with Sharon there went yesterday.

Enjoy the day

Rain,sleet here



This message was edited Nov 26, 2021 3:45 AM

Susan, I certainly agree about the chain. I am grateful to your neighbor Bob for helping you take steps to protect yourself.

Dianne, how you feeling today? I have had dizziness a time or two but NOTHING like your vertigo! Oh goodness, I hope it passes soon.

Linda, Karen & more, I am hoping you all have a safe & happy Thanksgiving.

Marie called yesterday to say she bought a WHOLE CART full of Build-A-Bear clothes (they fit the Cabbage Patch full sized dolls) from the thrift store and 18 unstuffed bears. I guess I know PART of what we are doing for next Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
We just finished our dinner. Ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn bread and pecan pie.
Dianne, sorry to hear you had a bad spell. Praying you are feeling better soon.
Pat, sounds like you will be busy making bears. Karen, hope you have a safe trip.
Susan, it is definitely overwhelming trying to do all that paper work. Make sure you keep copies of everything. Sending lots of hugs your way..