Best/Worse/What I’d I learn Today..Pull Up a Chair,come chat with friends, everyone welcome!

I am here and all is well. Cold finally moved our way. If you call mid 50's cold. Warming up to mid 60's for the majority of the week. I have the majority of the annuals cleaned up and spring flowers planted. I have a lot of coleus starts in the garage sitting in perlite and water, waiting for them to root. And another adventure I am trying this year is trying to get some Texas Olive tree seeds to germinate. They are an adorable small tree with morning glory type white flowers. Can't find one anywhere so I am trying this. Says takes two months for the seed to germinate and only about 10% germinate. Took several hours to get the seeds out of the olive, clean the seed, soak for 48 hours, nick and then plant. My daughter just shakes her head and says as long as ir makes me happy and keeps me busy she is happy,

Betty, I have you on my weather on my phone and it shows you will be receiving snow all night long. And also the majority of the week. Those rolls sound absolutely fantastic. One of the reason I never learned how to bake is because I knew I would not be able to control myself.

Pat, those clothes for your son's step daughter are adorable. You are so talented with your sewing. I am so pleased that you enjoyed seeing the family from your ex. Vern and I were married 47 years and I have not heard from his side of the family for over 2 years. He has been gone 3 years. There is a nephew from his older brother and sends a Christmas letter every year. Vern;s son is still living with me. It has been over a year and they have not started on reconstruction yet. He will be 59 on December 15 and has lived by himself fo many years. Some days I only see him when he comes downstairs for breakfast and dinner. He is actually very quiet and you would not even know he was here.

Linda, I do so hope that he can get that reversed. That will probably help him gain weight.

I got an e-mail this morning that my Amazon account had been terminated because of something they suspected was fraudulent. I didn't open it but went directly to Amazon. Still open. It was a scam but it sure did look legit. These crooks are getting very good.

Karen, hoping all is going good with you and your move.

Dianne, I can just picture you and TH enjoying the warmth from the fire. My parents heated by a wood burning stove and it was always delightful. My brother still has a word burning fire placeand they go out end of summer every year and haul in downed trees and cut and split a lot of timber. They distribute it amongst the seniors in the town who have no relatives and no means to buy it. There is an honor camp in the outskirts of town and many of the young men in there are let out, with supervision, to go into the mountains and help.

I keep sending because I do not want to mess up.

Betty, I have had numb hands before. Many times my little finger on my right hand was numb. It was always my neck.

Susan, how are you dealing with the snow?

Talk at you soon. Hugs, Sharon

had our fill of snow, and now the weather is getting milder so the snow & ice have diminished.
Still overwhelmed by everything I have on my plate, so haven't been posting. Sorry about that.
This morning I slept in until 11am, cuz I couldn't sleep until 3am. Missed church.

Hang in there Susan, it will all work out. Keeping you in our prayers.
Thank you Pat. Just very sad seeing him like this.

Sharon, I get that email from "Amazon" about once a month. I just delete it or report it as spam.....usually a wasted effort as I do not think anything is ever done about it.

Yes, along with the my "PayPal account has been suspended due to suspicious activity." Or from Amazon "please confirm you have ordered the newest phone" . it is endless. Text message "contact us immediately to set up delivery or your item will be returned" My newest was contact by messenger from a "friend" that she was locked out of her account and needed help starting new account.

The snowstorm didn't show up but boy is it windy. It is just screaming around the house. There are white caps on our small lake. lol I think Betty is getting slammed with snow.

I too get those nuisance phone calls. I have call display so usually if I don't recognize the number I don't answer but when the calls come in at 5 - 6 am I am usually in bed and just automatically answer. When they say they are from the Security Department and don't mention what company I either hang up or ask what company are they from. Some are not so quick on the uptake and sputter trying to come up with an answer. I think my husband played the best trick on 1 of the callers - he spoke a few words and then just laid the phone down on the table. He went back to what he was doing and he could hear whoever was on the phone so would occasionally call out "yes I am listening." He tied that caller up for several minutes.

No Pat I don't have a wet suit but I can be in very cold or very hot water no problem. I've always been like that. Would swim in Lake Huron in May - Betty knows how cold that is....

Zeke had a blast running and sliding on the frozen swamps this morning. He fills my heart with joy when I see him so in the moment. Chaos has got to the stage where he would rather stay beside me. Zeke also has no problem with cold water as the lake is still open by Mosquito Creek. At least there is no more duck weed to cover his face. A friend posted a photo of him on my FB page with duck weed on his face.

Susan your body was just taking care of itself. Mine sometimes does that when I have been burning the candle at both ends. And you surely have been doing that.

Betty did you find a helper ? That's far too many kids for you to oversee and with that many there are bound to be a couple of kids acting up. Where will you put them all ? Is it too late to split them into different groups of a smaller size ? Wish I was closer as I would help.

Anyone hear from Judy or Liz ?

Wood stove is smacking its lips saying 'Feed me' so off I go. This cord of wood I got is excellent. They didn't try to slip in wood that wasn't seasoned. That's a trick some suppliers use.

Good sunshine morning,imagine by the time you read my post it will be afternoon.

Lindakay, how overwhelming it must be for you seeing Todd failing day by day and nothing you can do..hugs my friend along with the prayers. Am sure you are also losing weight due to lack of sleep and worry, make sure you look after yourself.

You would think by now those calls would dwindle as most people know not to fall for them, guess some do so makes it worth their while. I keep getting notification about banking problems..shaking my head.

Dianne, how lucky you are to not have gotten the storm, right now i am laying on couch with support at my neck after having put pain med pads on, watching the rays of the sun hit the sun rays, so pretty. Should be spdoing something but what??

Susan, mental exhaustion will zap every bit of energy from your body, you joined everything, got involved in much, lost a dear friend, your body and mind is telling you to rest. I’ve been where you try to fill 24 hrs a day/7 days a week so you don’t have to think but it will catch up to you..rest rest rest.

I got a message from 2 cousins before 7 this morning, their uncle Pete died last night at 10pm, knew I’d want to know as when I was about 8 Pete came to live at our house as both his parents had died..think he was my first live lol

I called doctors office awhile ago, Katie is not only his receptionist but daughter as well, told her that not only is my hip,neck in severe pain, injections I got last month didn’t work, that the muscle in my arm is paining as bad plus I’m losing feeling in my hand. Lo and behold she said she would have doctor call me at 1:45 yippee

That was the doctor, think his phone died so he called back..

Stenosis could be further pressing on the nerves which is what he said might happen. He had after my MRI reached out to 2 surgeons, one did feel he should see me as he doesn’t do cervical stenosis cases where surgery is that high in the neck seeing surgery needed is to decompress the the spinal cord…and because of how it could leave me, he has sent a referral to the other specialist but they are so far behind it could take years, there are only a few surgeons that do the kind of surgery needed.

Here he was telling me about appointments, even when I went to hospital for surgery, went into the room and Dr. sack said she didn’t see it was worth having spinal surgery..he was going back 2017,2018 and 2019..i told him that is all well but it’s changed, in past several month much of my entire left side is failing, losing feeling and constant pain.

He said a couple,of times would I be interested in this, would I be interested in that, i finally got mad and said listen, don’t ask me,if I’d be interested in, i said you tell me what can be done and I will be there.

All my symptoms are to be expected that and maybe at some point a wheelchair.

So outcome is he will contact Dr. Wilkins in Barrie to have nerve testing.

In the meantime he will order injection meds and try again but doesn’t know if there will be a wait for injection meds.

Doesn’t sound like a good prognosis

Sorry to hear you have such a long wait time. Praying you can get your injections soon.

Betty - how sad is it that the Dr is basically telling you to figure out your own treatment plan?!?! Sorry to hear that you're going through all this pain. You're always in my prayers.

Today......... 2 hours of work - shovelling a pathway to my back yard, taking non-Christmas stuff out of the shed, getting a ladder to take Christmas stuff down from upper shelves, and moving it all into the house, then putting stuff back into the shed htat's NOT Christmas decorations.
I wish I had nothing else to do, but tomorrow's a friend's birthday and as she's originally from Nova Scotia, her favourite ice cream is Grape Nuts ice cream. I got a box of it from Georgia when I was there. It's ONLY available in Atlantic Canada & US. I'll make the ice cream tonight.
Also, an elderly friend gave me a mini-task to do before tomorrow. She gave me 4 sets of 2 circles to 1/4" SA on, turn them right side & iron. Doesn't sound like much, but I'll have to open up my sewing table. It's up against the wall. More heavy lifting. I'm tired.
Our Senior's group is going carolling on Dec 16th. We're going to be in a flat bed, with hay bales, towed by a truck. We'll be able to get the town firemen to join us in their truck

Oh Betty, I'm so sorry you get such a run around for your health care. Terrible shame you have to suffer so.Sometimes people say we should get health care like Canada has but I truly hope we never do. I really feel it's not a good quality of care. A dear friend died waiting for needed cancer surgery. Seems operating rooms were booked by how long the surgery takes. His was very complicated so His wait was alas too long.

I go to get my blood infusion tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to feeling better. Getting typed today was time consuming but tech was awesome. She hit a good spot and I never felt it.

This picture was taken at the moment we discovered that the delay in cutting/ serving the cake was due to no knife. Me in the forefront, my sister Marie next to me with her mouth hanging open, my son Dana & his wife Carrie. The service started almost 30 mintues late (I don't know why) and the officiator droned on for over 30 minutes about marriage before the vows were started. LOL.

It was an experience that I am glad is done!! I was so worried about if the weather was going to cooperate with, it's almost 4 hours away. I am used to events that are well planned, decorated and thought out. Throughout the planning of this whole thing, I have tried to just do whatever they asked of me and not interjected any of my own opinion on things. Many of the things I had asked about "tablecloth for the serving table, a guest book, decorating the HUGE arch" were all rejected by the bride and then at the time of the actual event, OTHERS thought they were important and scrambled to go purchase and put in place.

The bride was lovely, her daughter was beautiful & happy.. The couple are happy, the marriage ceremony is FINALLY complete & I am relieved it's over! THIS is the only picture I have so far. My stepdaughter took it, the timing was impeccable and too funny!.

Afternoon all,

Cold and damp, can see with the wind the snow banks aren’t as high.

Oh Pat, you put so much effort into the wedding and am sure all your suggestions from past experience would have allowed her to have the perfect wedding..must say from the photo none are too thrilled at being there…likely all the confusion.Did you drive back right after the service seeing it was a 4 hour drive or got to spend the night..was weather ok. Now it’s over and all happy campers you can relax.

Sharon was here for 9a.m. I have chicken Parmesan and potatoes cooking 8n the oven, have a young lady coming for class tonight at 5 so combining breakfast/lunch with supper.

Sharon wanted to get a few items to embellish hour house, not sure why, she has never been a Christmas person..what she does have is costly with a modern look.

She wanted some ideas with her staircase pieces, I’m very country, primitive, we managed to get designs done but wasn’t easy lol

We did groceries, went to Normans Garden center, bought some greenery for the mitts that I’m making from grandma’s quilt..Sharon brought a roll of textured fabric that I could use, will try one to see if i like it as good as the dusters.

Can smell lunch
Hooe everyone is ok and enjoying the day

Pat, you have NO idea how much you look like my newest neighbour, Pat. She is a retired minister, but did the service for her granddaughter's wedding. Of course THAT Pat wasn't falling asleep, she WAS the officiator lol

Oh I wasn't falling asleep! LOL... I was thinking You have got to me kidding me"

We drove up in the morning, ate a quick lunch, decorated and dressed, wedding, reception and home. We did not stay for cleanup. I was gone from home from 8AM to after midnight. We had a howling wind on the first 50 miles and after that not a bad drive, other than VERY dark. No stars, no moon BUT no rain or snow so it's all good!

Can't wait to see more photos Pat.

Oh wow Betty that's a lot to take in at 1 sitting especially when you are by yourself. Maybe next time you go someone can come with you. I used to go with Warren and take notes even before he got so sick. What he heard and what I heard were 2 different stories.

Tommy Douglas did an excellent job of shaping up our health system. Maybe if less newly graduated doctors didn't head to the US we would have more options. The almighty dollar reigns supreme although I do understand why the young doctors look for the highest paying job as they have such huge debts when they graduate. The pandemic has really played havoc with the medical system as well. Our local GP who has a horrendous caseload had to shut down because 2 of her NPs contacted Covid. 3 of the doctors in the township have come together for with a plan for long weekends and other holidays. 1 is on call for 1 day of the holiday weekend for emergencies. My GP is also the coroner for this township.

Oh Pat that was a long day and not so enjoyable. I haven't seen anyone in my family since 2005. Warren's nephew stopped in for a visit and I hadn't seen him for 10 years. It felt it was just last month and it felt so good to get a Mott hug. All the Mott males are very tall and on the larger size. My BIL was a bit taller than Warren about 6'4"and pretty hefty so when I hugged him my arms didn't go all the way around him.

Need to stoke the stove. I am trying to nurse it through the night so I don't have to clean out the ashes until morning.

Betty have you found some helpers for your in service?

LK how are you and Todd feeling ?

We are about the same. Waiting till the middle of December. Hoping the doc can give him a surgery date.

It does seem that ONE of the big differences in the health care systems is the WAIT to get things done. We sure pay more our procedures that for the same thing are provided by the Canadian system for free, but we seem to get our services much faster.

I had a SIX hour nap today! I hope I sleep tonight.

Pat, that is so disappointing for you and Marie to travel that far and has everything in such disarray. And all of your thinking and rethinking everything.

I have been cleaning an area in my front landscape. I have a nice bench there but need to get the place looking better than it does now. I worked on it yesterday and was suppose to work on it today but got sidelined by another project that was between the back door and the project. The bench is in a perfect time for this time of year. Full sun and you cannot go near the spot in the hotter parts of summer.

Betty, I am so sorry you are having such a struggle with your governments health system. Ours is not that bad but the worst is finding which doctor will take your insurance. Since Covid, you can get an appointment right away because the offices lobbies are empty. But I do not go to too many doctor's offices, so I really probably do not know about what I am talking about. And my doctor appointments are made while I am at the doctor's appointment. I do remember earlier in the year I was sick an needed to see a doctor. Got a video conference right away and during the conference they decided I needed to see a doctor and I was sent to the doctor's urgent care. I didn't even know they had their own urgent care. And, of course, it was about 25 miles away. 25 miles away from my home is just about out of town.

Dianne, your nephews will show up to see what you left them in the will. You should leave them a letter stating why they got nothing.

Karen, how did your infusion go? I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Linda, prayers for you and Todd. You little area was on the national news again. Showing all of the illegals hanging around on the street.

Time for me to go to bed.

It was a long day today and very tiring. I do feel a bit better and hoping tomorrow will be better still. While I was getting the infusion, I got a call that an iron infusion is scheduled for the end of next week. I never feel they do me much good but the Drs. seem to set great store by them. I feel so bad for Walt having to spend so much time waiting for my treatments. He won't have it any other way, bless him takes such good care of me.

Morning, damp out there, snow is melting but we still have lots.

Don’t get me wrong, we have the best health system in the world thank God, they just have to encourage more youth to go into the medical profession and change some of their laws i.e. there are many doctors and specialist who have moved to Canada and drive cabs because they are not certified here, GET THEM certified..now if I needed care, possible death issues I’d be looked after immediately and at no cost..Yes Dianne, back about 10 years ago the USA offered our doctors double if not trifle wages to move to USA..another factor is doctoring in small villages, my mom calls her doctor in the morning and is either in that day or the next..we just lost 2 doctors because wives do not like small town living and a few retiring/passing away. Those left are burnt out..i.e. my doctor was talking about 2017 and up, I was the one who had to tell him to look at results of MRI, then the health issues changed.

How wonderful Karen to know how much Walt loves you, am sure he doesn’t mind in the least. Mom doesn’t get iron infusion but is given iron pills, she curses taking them and i am sure she doesn’t take them 1/2 the time. Are you getting settled in, feeling like “ home”?

Sharon, the thing with living in the south is there is something to do in the gardens year round.how are the plants you brought indoors? My Angel wings that I cut in little seedlings are doing fantastic. How are the family, all well.

Will you all be getting together with family for your Thanksgiving or will it be a quiet one??

Turning off the news, the whole world is crazy crazy..

I’ve a lot of projects I can get to while sitting on the couch, in the mood for putzing around.

Good morning. I will be going to the quilting group today to have lunch with the ladies. Our group keeps getting smaller, due to covid, and others moving, or getting older and hard for them to get out. We used to have about 30 ladies, now only 12. So sad.

Betty, I get the iron infusions and take iron pills daily, still I remain anemic. Iron simply does not stay with me. I dislike the iron infusion because they take much longer and seem to have no beneficial effects for me.

Marie takes iron infusion occasionally,, supplements always. Ben had troubles with being anemic as well.
Sharon, it is what it is. I am glad Kevin & Gloria are married and can move on. Gloria's car, that was stolen a week before the wedding, was found but declared totaled because of drug contamination. They are car hunting now. This is going to set back their hopes of buying a house a little longer. Oh well.... moving on!

Good morning. Watching The View. Whoopi and Joy are a delight. Patti LaBelle is going to be a guest - she probably won't sing but she always has lots of great stories.

It's going to be a do little day here today. Both of my feet and ankles are swollen and ache. I got all the wood in for the day, rested a bit then took the TH on a short walk. I'll play some brain games with Zeke later and maybe some doggie pushups - that will tire him out.

Karen my mom had the same iron deficiency and had infusions, supplements and shots all of her life. She was always so worried my sister and I would be the same but we were both blessed and didn't have that problem. Bless Walt - you got yourself a keeper.

Sharon I hope you make time to sit on that bench in the sunshine. You are right - a couple of my nephews will be right there Johnny on the spot checking out the will. They are in for a big surprise. I even have made provisions in my will for the dogs as I cannot see myself without having at least one.

I bet when I walk early in the morning tomorrow I will smell turkey wafting in the air from south of me. Wonder if our Debbie is on turkey duty ?

LK I am glad you are going to the luncheon with your quilting group. It will do you good to get out and enjoy yourself - you have had a lot on your plate for the last while.

Betty you make sure you stick to the couch today !! I'll keep you company from here. lol

Wow Susan that's an awful lot of money for a divorce. If you can secure your assets from Bob and I know you will why bother ?

Dryer just buzzed so I had better get those clothes and towels folded. Well actually these last few weeks I have started rolling everything as it comes out of the dryer rather than folding them. Things take up far less space when rolled.

Stay safe and well.

All of today's prep done for dinner tomorrow. Then Fri will prep for Saturday's dinner.

2 dinners?


Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Yes Linda, DILs family invited us to their feast tomorrow. Then My younger daughter also invited us. Said they weren't doing anything big but wanted to be sure we weren't alone....and that is why we came back.

I made my weekly outing today. Went to Sprout, Trader Jo's and then Lowe. I was going to go to Home Depot but got everything I needed at Lowes, so I just came home. And all three stores, I got a parking place close to the door. Angels were looking out for me. Lowes had large containers of Snapdragons. They were $6 but each pot had 4 large plants in it. When I purchase succulents, I always buy the bigger pots and break them down to many smaller plants.

I did you one better Dianne, I spelled out who was not getting anything and that it is my decision.

Pat, you are just an angel here on earth.

Betty, I agree, the world has gone crazy.

All of you in the US have a wonderful Thanksgiving. The rest of you just have a marvelous day.

I am having Thanksgiving dinner at my daughter's and Brian is going with me. Usually turns me down for Sunday dinner but I guess Thanksgiving is different for him.

Our weather is in the mid 60s and wonderful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving all of you my friends
Sounds as though all are cooking up a storm adding to someone else’s menu or your own.
Sharon, Sprout is what kind of chain store is it. Glad Brian has decided to go with you.,
Dianne, how are your fee t and ankles doing today,,did they keep you up
all week?

Lindakay, how did your luncheon go yesterday the quilting group? Ahooe at odd can eat Thanksgiving dinner.

Yikes, just fell asleep while typing..
Best aI nap

Today I'm taking a maurice salad and a Water chestnut appitizer. Only have to go 5 miles so appitizer will stay hot. Giving salad dressing and final mix after we get there.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone !!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I hope your day is whatever you want it to be. I like to lay low on Thursday and veg.

We will have our family dinner Saturday at Marie's. We had freezing rain throughout much of Washington and that delayed trucks. Costco did not get their shipments of rolls or pies and many other things!

I have had invitations for today, Tday, but will stay home. ONE Thanksgiving is enough for me, thank you very much!!

Betty, I enjoyed getting together with the quilters.

Evening all, laying on couch, shoulders pushing into a pillow thinking of you all having Thanksgiving eats..must keep eye out for a small turkey, always like having turkey for just me as Christmas after cooking and baking I’m not hungry and don’t enjoy the eats..

Sorry to hear you have freezing rain in your region Pat, worrisome for family waiting for family members.

Today was a gorgeous day, should have been a jacket day but no go, was hurting too much so i went out to back shed with Marie, there were 3 more totes not open..drats, already I walk around wit Christmas pieces talking to them asking where to heck will you fit.

Are you feeling stronger today Karen? Mouth is watering as I hear you talk of your goodies.i had leftover, ribs and baked potatoes.

My entire day other than a few breaks was decorating mitts. I’ve got 14 of 20 done, 4 i gave away yresterday and these. I will finish last 6 tomorrow, look for tags i can coffee stain and write something touching on them? Any ideas??

So praying the young girl who should be here at 5 doesn’t show

Too funny, i tried my hand at setting the timer to music and lighting system once again, hope it starts and shuts down as planned

Hope the student doesn’t come today, how pleased I would be

Two large pans of Maurice Salad and two large pans of water chestnut appitite appetizers.. All gone. Now two more of each to make for Saturday.