Best, Worse, What did I learn today? Come take a chair and chat a bit! newcomers alway welcomed!

I just can’t believe that weather gets that cold, not what you are used to for sure. You will have to go on a shopping spree for winter garb.

40 something here, no rain but humidity was 92%. We sorted and cleaned, so much to do but we are reaching out for help to disassemble the sewing room custom cabinets etc and her son will store them in his shop. We have been advised the house would sell better with all the cabinets etc OUT and the room new floor & paint.

Morning, snow storm here, won’t be going anywhere.

Pat, guess realtors know best, will you have to remove the long arm? Glad you are reaching out for help.

Here is hoping next week you will push in the cleaning department but will relax for the week as Christmas is around the corner.

Must keep an eye on Marie, she has the habit of sneaking over and shovelling area I want to snowblow. Need snow so Greg can drop in after work and show him proper way of blowing the snow, there is a trick to it so you are blowing over what you just blew.
usually Ziggy is laying downstairs but seeing I’m working on frogs and ready to put bear mouth on the bear he is inquisitive as to what the furry thing is.

Melanie called me last night, every year its who is having what when so I picked Christmas Eve, I like that as it’s less work, I order Chinese food and they drop it off unless there is a storm and the kids have to go into Midland to pick it up, Melanie will do Boxing Day then Christmas Day each year we will plan it so this Christmas Day it’s at Sharon’s.

Chinese restaurant doesn’t open until 2 so I will call to make sure it’s still happening and get my name on list for last meal going out which I think they sat is 4pm

Guess I’d best see how to out the mouth on the bear, i set pins where I think it should be, let’s hope ok.

My day didn't get off to a vey good start and things aren't looking up. Around 6 am I was walking out out of the bedroom and somehow the glass in my hand slipped and hit the TH's crate and the floor. It shattered into a zillion pieces. I managed to get the TH outside and started the clean up. I sure hope I got all of those little slivers of glass. I took a wet paper towel as a final sweep then took a flashlight to shine over the area. I didn't see any glass slivers but will go back later and swipe the area with a wet paper towel again.

Then Zeke ran away when we were walking. A wild turkey was flushed out of hiding by Chaos. He went so far up the lane I had to take the Bronco to fetch him.

To top it all off I missed the garbage man. Chasing after Zeke delayed my trip up the lane to the township road. I have 7 bags of garbage stored in 1 of the sheds now.

Zeke must be going through the terrible twos or his teens as he is really misbehaving and defiant. Then he turns around and gives you this angelic looking face.

So that's my tale of woe. I am thinking about going back to bed and starting the day over.

No snow here Betty. It is actually quite mild out but gusty wind is in the forecast. Just needed a hoodie when I was out but my hands needed covering. I keep extra gloves and mittens stashed everywhere. My hands are always cold. I think it was from all the over use when I did SG. I still get cramps in my hands just not as often.

Chinese food sounds so good. Maybe 1 time when I am in Kingston I will order some takeout. Only problem is I am usually in town early and back home by 11 am.

I might even buy a turkey this year as it is 1 of my favourite meats plus I could make a lot of things to go into the freezer.

Pat are you in panic mode yet ? I can't see you being there as you think things through and manage your time well.

I have ordered a few things online and am having a problem getting them delivered. Purolator is excellent but pffft at the other couriers. I always make a point when I order things online to check to see if the company will deliver directly to me or the PO.

OK I am off to see if I can keep out of trouble. Maybe a nap will help.

Beautiful decorations Betty.
Dianne, sorry to hear you had a bad start this morning. Hope it gets better for you.

Dianne, I'll bet you would like to give Zeke a good shake!

Sharon & I are here to help Marie today. I got up early and pruned the roses & cut back all the flower pots,. There is a LOT more work that should be done but,.... oh well. The worst is done. Marie & I are not staying here, the new house will NOT have roses. I swear, if it has them, I'm ripping them out! I am NOT a fan of roses and will be happy to leave Marie's behind.

No panic Diane, my house is on the market, when we get Marie's ready, it will be ready. Until then we just slave away. We've recruited our brother & cousin to move the sewing cabinets to Marie's son's shop. ALL those white base cabinets and with attached shelves, the thread pullouts etc etc...

Betty - your decorations look adorable, tree & all!
Dianne - lousy start to your day, for sure. It can only get better though :)
Pat - good to know that things are moving along for you. I would have to have roses at any property I live on. Pruning helps :)

Busy as aways - just home from a Community Hall meeting.
Tomorrow afternoon is bowling, then at night I'm going by Community Bus to a Festival of Lights 1 hour drive away.
Dec 23 & 24th is our volunteering at the Casino in Red Deer. I'll get home at 4am'ish Christmas morning, then a group of us are going to the Legion in Olds for their free Christmas meal. It's between 11:30 - 3pm, and we'll leave here at 11:30. Looks like it will be about 5 of us. Our driver (Bill) will be picking up a friend at the hospital, to join us.

Can't sleep. Actually I am keeping watch over Chaos. He really overdid it yesterday racing off after Zeke. He did manage to get himself up onto his chair near the fire. He did just ask to go out so I put him out on the deck where he didn't have to use stairs. He's isolating himself from Zeke and I for several parts of the day. He has had some pain meds so hopefully that will help.

Happy to see you post Susan. You sure are busy which I know makes you happy. I respect that you do so much to help those in your area.

I finally got all my European Santas out on display. They sure look great. That's about it for my Christmas decorations but I might haul up the wooden feather trees today and decorate them. I'll but the 6' and 4' ones in the bedroom. I actually use my bedroom more as a den.

While I plan to come out of this house in a pine box I will repair and update things that I can do myself. A coat of paint does wonders.

Betty it sounds like you and your family have sorted who is hosting what and what everyone will supply for eats.

LK I know Christmas will be emotionally difficult for you this year so I am so glad you are with your family. How's Lizzie ?

To be honest Pat I wanted to give Zeke more than a shake yesterday. I put him timeout and that is a fate worst than death for him. He has to be right in the middle of everything.

Betty how is your mother handling Aunt Muriel's passing ?

Think I might go make Warren's Heart Attack Shortbreads. I have everything here I need to use. My cuisinart (sp) has died. Since it was bought in the early 70's it doesn't owe me a cent. I have used it so much over the years.

Hope the sandman found you all.

Sorry to hear about chaos not doing well. Praying the pain meds help him.
Yes, all these first without Todd is tough. And I am so happy to be here eith family. Lizzie is growing so fast. 5 ½ months and 60 pounds.

yesterday I heard from my daughter Michelle, that her pug Meeka, had passed away. She's beside herself with grief. The vet had told her, in 2020, that Meeka had very little time left. Yesterday the vet said that Meeka hung on as long as she did because of the great care Michelle & Lonnie gave her. They had planned on putting her down that day, because she was in pain. Michelle's upset with herself that Meeka didn't pass gently, but in great pain (heart attack, they figure). I tried to console her with the fact that she Did have a lot of years past the time they expected her to pass. Not sure how much it helped, but I hope it did.

Looking forward to the Festival of Lights tonight. It's a tour actually, about half hour, then we can go to certain shops for shopping and/or hot chocolate. We'll stay on the bus for the whole tour.

This message was edited Dec 14, 2023 10:53 AM

Oh Dianne, am sure hoping this mornings was better than yesterday.
No slivers found I hope, I’ve a habit of walking bare feet, the tiniest of slivers could certainly work its way deep into the foot. Zeke has been running away quite often, poor Chaos, likely running after him to tell him to get to heck home..what k8nd of meds do you give when his bones are aching?

Wish I could see photo’s of your European Santa’s, guess you have to have them high so dogs when playing don’t get them to fall. I too will be out of here in a pine box and the kids will have to upgrade as needed.

Mom is having a real hard time, looking for fault where there is no fault, mad at the world. Right now Sharon and I are trying to pick her up and drive her back home because I am sure she should be driving 100 miles each way then add in weather conditions but she won’t hear of it.

Darlene if you can imagine booked me 8n for next Wednesday 7:15am to check all bone structures to see if the doctor can help, new kind of clinic in our area. Hope he sees something my doctor has not.


L8ndaKay, double whammy, not only Todd but your sister as well, just do what you can do this Christmas, take time for mourn8mg or it will certainly come back to deal with. Hugs. Still sewing with DIL? How is Lizzie enjoying the Christmas tree, paying any attention to it?

Susan, sure doesn’t sound like you are setting aside down time for you..by christmas you will be exhausted.christmas lights are gorgeous to see, think maybe one evening next week I will see if Sharon want to go to Fort Ste Marie to see early settlers lighting ceremony then drive the area to have a look at homes.

Kyle birthday today, these grands are starting to catch up to me.lol

I got a beautiful arrangement from my Godson and his wife today, when he ordered it he told the florist that I so loved last years that after christmas I replace all live flowers/berries etc for faux so I could use it this year. Lordy you would have thought I got a matching set of arrangement..it’s beautiful

Last photo is from the back so i can enjoy while watching tv

had a post and lost it... maybe I'll come back later and comment.

Progress... all the cabinets not out yet but what has been removed is sitting in the garage for the next move.

My heart would be broken, the ideal sewing/quilting room having it dismantled. i give you 2 credit, not something I would undertake. Bet you are the ringleader. Are Marie’s children ok with sale of her house?

Ari just left, thought we could finish her project but no go so next Wednesday it is.

It was a great sewing room for ONE person & it was worthless for 2. All 3 cutouts to sit at machines were between the peninsula and the back wall.

Marie's son Chris is a cheerleader and says do what makes you happy. Her daughter Erin wants to run her mother's life (like she has always tried) Doesn't want her mother to sell the house and does give her mother credit for having MADE THIS DECISION long before Phil's death, literally years before. Her oldest, Matt, has cut himself off completely and that's his choice. She has basically told him, if he ever chances his mind and wishes to become a part of her life again, let her know. His decision has nothing to do with buying or selling.

Yes, DIL still sewing.
Lizzie likes to chew on things at her level, so ornaments are up higher on the tree.
Beautiful flowers Betty.
Pat, it's heartbreaking to see everything come apart, but hopefully you will have plenty of room to put it in your new place.

My youngest Adam called about 4. He was involved in a car accident, he's "OK". Broke his forearm in 2 places and totalled his jeep. "An old guy" pulled out in front of him on the highway and blocked both lanes. Adam swerved to miss him & clipped front edge of the guy's car, became airborne & then skidded the jeep on it's side.
Adam had one of his dogs with him & had the dog transported to the vet to be checked out. She got banged up but so far they think she is Ok.

Oh Pat thank goodness he is so ok, could have much worse, not that the breaks in his arm is good news. Let’s hope no side effects from the accident for his furry. Will Adam be able to work with a cast?

Pat - what a shock, to get a call like that. Good thing he's reporting that he & his dog are fine.

Yesterday Bob pulled a real stupid act. I was at bowling, but my security camera recorded him on my property. I've reported it and now waiting for the RCMP to show up. They asked if I wanted him charged. Of course I do. He's broken the terms of the Peace Bond which says he's to be 80ft away from me OR my property. He was checking out the RV (which is his, but on MY property).

Susan, Yep, Bob's an idiot, but then you knew that! So very sad that he has mentally declined and just doesn't get it.

No, Adam will not be able to perform his normal employment. We will see if his employer has any light duty for him. He might not, the injury was NOT on the job.
The showing of the house went well this morning, their realtor called mine with questions, that's a good sign. I have not heard how this afternoon went & another scheduled for tomorrow.

Marie and I got the single bed out of her bedroom (leaving the Queen in) and put it in "my room". She cleaned the carpet last night. We still need to move in the recliner, I think we'll pass on that tonight! TIRED.

I went back home & loaded up Stanley's 6 foot scratching post & put in our room.
I took the cans to recycle, Mark & our cousin finished getting all cabinets disassembled and Marie's son Chris & a friend got them unloaded into Chris's BIG shop. BIG progress today!

Sorry to hear about the accident Pat. Glad he wasn't seriously injured.
Susan, do you know what he was doing on your property? File those charges. He knows better.

He was checking out the RV that's now in his name only, BUT, it's on MY property..Until he has a towing company to take it off the property, OR he comes with the RCMP and I know about either situation, he is NOT to come onto the property for ANY reason. I guess I'll need to find a time to go to the RCMP. They were supposed to come tonight, but we just had a major snowstorm and parts of the highway they would have to cross to come to my place was shut down. A real mess with accidents, etc.

Drats Susan, it just never ends, you would think RCMP would have thoroughly explained he could not go on property, likely they did. Maybe he waited til your vehicle was gone thinking you would never know…great you have the security camera.

Not good about the storm, we had spring weather yesterday and today, rained for awhile, no snow in sight.

Pat, just what is not needed, being employed at Christmas time. Ohhh maybe just maybe there is a sale in the offing, wouldn’t that be grand. You sure did accomplish much, has your weather been cooperating? How is Stanley liking his new digs?

Lindakay, how are you doing sweetie? Hard time of year and know memories fill your day. Are you all organized re fabric?

Dianne, how are you and TH doing?

Eyes are heaving, likely the 5 Tylenol 3’s I’ve taken today then sleeping pill. King of promised myself to stay in bed all day, you would think after being in bed since around one I’d have enough of it, but not!

Waving to all others

Be careful taking that many pills Betty. Sorry to hear that you are in do much pain.
Fabric is getting there. Most if it's, in totes out in the storage shed.
I am doing ok. Keeping busy getting the house organized and ready for Christmas. It will be here before you know it.

yes, great that I have the security camera, and saved it to a flash drive. It shows the date & time he was there.
This is a "memory" month for me, too. Anniversary of my dad's passing Dec 12, "anniversary" of Bob's proposing Christmas Day; Anniversary of my mom's passing on Boxing Day. Roller coaster month. BUT, I still hold the "reason for the season" in my heart & thoughts.
Enjoyed the Lutheran church's Christmas dinner tonight - roast beef and all the fixings. They had a sweet program afterwards - adult's skit, professional singer with his keyboard, adult's comic rendition of "T'was the Night before Christmas" referencing people in the church (LOL very funny) and kids' readings from the bible.
Afterwards Santa came & gave presents to the kids, then photo ops with people sitting on his lap (me too!)
I got a 2 ft Santa from our local thrift store He's a handsome fella - only cost $18!
Here are 2 of the christmas ornaments I made for 2 of my friends.

Susan, the pictures are fun. Ornaments are pretty.

Linda is right. PLEASE be careful about the pills Betty. that sounds like too many, especially with a sleeping pill. an overdose is way too easy.

Weather has been cooperating mostly. It was too rainy back when I wanted to paint the exterior gate and it's been fine since I left! LOL... We had 3 showings today. I have not heard the feed back but I have 99 saves on Zillow so that says something.

I have Stanley still locked in the bedroom. He is not happy but I have not been ready to work on his relationship with the dog.

Marie is in a deep funk. I suggested we put off working on finishing the sewing room redo until AFTER Christmas and move anything that does not belong in the family room out to the old sewing room and finally decorate for Christmas. There are lots of contributing factors but let's do what we can to improve the situation, maybe that improve her mood.

Morning, for a lady that said she would stay n bed all day I was up at 5:30.

Got myself all cuddled on the couch, have shoulder brace on and hip brace over my nighty, quite a sight.

The ornament you made are lovely Susan, and the purchased Santa a great buy for
$18. Best you frame that photo with Santa. Hmmm is anyone else having trouble scrolling through photo’s? Seems I have to go back to the post then pick the next photo and so on?

Lindakay, Christmas is coming far too quickly, you you all be together for Christmas or will you be travelling to meet up with your other son?

Guess Marie everything is moving too quickly for Marie. Likely the move into another home and with you is something she wants to do but overwhelming t this time. You are right, decorating for Christmas might lighten things up for you.

Deb, Sharon’s Kunik (Inuk spelled backwards) did exceptionally well at the Florida dog show

Congratulations to Sharon!! I bet she's absolutely thrilled!!

Hoping to get some Christmas shopping done today. I've ordered what I could online, but need more. First I have a drive with JohnJohn to take his CGCA (Canine Good Citizen Advanced) test. For his class, it's being done at a store local to the training club, Farm & Fleet. I hope there aren't too many Christmas shoppers there. It's at 10am, so hoping most are still at church. It's primarily walking up and down aisles, stopping and sitting if I stop, basically being under control, not pulling on the leash, and not being disruptive with other dogs around. (There will be 4 from our class), and this is a store where dogs are allowed, so customers sometimes bring dogs in, too. I may put him in the car and go back and do some shopping. He doesn't do well walking with a shopping cart. I'll be glad to have this test out of the way.

Tomorrow I have a repair guy coming again to look at my stove. There is a gas leak somewhere, so I have the gas turned off. If he can't fix it, we'll have to change Christmas Eve from my house to my daughters. I only have 2 days to work next week, then, vacation days until next year!!!

Kunik is a handsome boy like his father. I hope Sharon can do as well with him as her beloved Inuk.
CGCA test sounds interesting! I remember when my cousin & I took dog obedience classes the ONLY dog her St Bernard could not get along with was her sister from the same litter!
Someone dropped off a bouquet of cut flowers at my house on Jean and called the realtor to tell him since I was not there. I picked them up & arranged them, I don't know who to thank!
I have ONE more gift to order and have delivered. I am hoping Marie & I can get the decorating done after we both get home from church. Unfortunately, I have to meet up a woman to transfer a bunch of donations to her. Boxes of stuff we have culled from Marie's house. Marie moves good white towels to "rag bin" as soon as they don't bleach white enough to meet her standards. AND lots of other stuff that was just surplus (if one is good, then a dozen must be better?? The difference between Marie & I!)

Good morning. Feels like a Spring day. Rain in the forecast.

Being quiet today. Zeke has gone for a walk with Piper and Jen. Chaos so wants to go but I can't let him. It takes him several hours to recoup once he gets home. Piper and Zeke run like the wind and Chaos tries to keep up. I'll leash walk Chaos soon.

Pat I chuckled when I read if 1 was good more is better. That was Warren's philosophy. There are 8 crystal shrimp servers in a cupboard I can't even reach without a ladder. When I asked why so many the response was for company. I just laughed.

Deb I hope things go well for you and John John.

What a gorgeous dog Sharon has. I had Sammies for years but their upkeep just got to be too much for me.

Time to throw blocks of wood around. I don't want the fire to die out. Plus this dampness plays havoc with my joints.

Kunik IS gorgeous! Congratulations to Sharon & Kunik's handler (Sharon is his handler?)
More IS always better!! At least so my Georgia Susan always said lol
Pat - lovely that you got some unexpected flowers. Obviously you deserve them, too.

I'm going to work on the 5 lap quilts today. I'd set them in piles, based on the 9-patch rows, and knocked them over days ago. Spent until 3am trying to figure them out, using pictures on my phone. I have 2 quilts more to "sort", but today I'll sew two together.

Morning,
Dull day, like you say Dianne a spring day, doesn’t look like it will be a while Christmas, I’m ok with it but the kids and snowmobile/skier sons are not impressed.

Susan, Graeme has been the shower ever since Sharon started to compete..that is all he does, shoes dog and makes a very good living. Sharon owns the dogs, right now Kunik is in level 2 for smells.

Bet Zeke loves going out on his walks, poor Chaos, his nose must me out of joint.
Screws up with a firing, must have mixed ice numbers and of course they broke in the firing, as well I did a melted snowman ornament for Grayson, he loves putting ornament on tree, should havebeen fired at a Lester degree but it will do. Wha t did I learn today? Cannot wait til week before Christmas to decide to do projects.

Yesterday only to off couch for thinks that needed to be done so easy kind of day, today body is saying couch again.

Tom from the restaurant dropped in with eats for me

Mom is coming I think Wednesday, big sight

Poor Chaos, it's not fun getting older, not for people or dogs.

We opted to attend a Christmas light truck parade last night. It was fun, Burbank is such a funny red-neck place, small town kind of place. You KNOW so many of the people and I wish we could practically continue to live here but it is too far out in the boonies for 2 old women! I took pictures but the beautiful colors were just white blobs in the pics.

LOTS to do and we are making progress. We made arrangements for the old sewing room carpet & the repairs and painting to take place AFTER Christmas.

The flowers were in a cellophane wrapper from the store. I just cut & arranged them, put them in a vase. I still don't know who they are from.

Beautiful Pat, could it be your realtor? Will give you hours of wondering ‘who could it be’? Maybe a secret admirer?

I haven’t been to any local Christmas designs, had plans to go with Sharon but just didn’t make it.


Young Vanessa comes tonight, a handful so will try to nap for an hour!

No, whoever it was knocked I was not home and so she called the realtor to ask. I think it's probably one of my female friends from church.

Was a nice thought

How can you go to bed at 6:30 and it’s spring and a get up at 9:30 and it’s a blizzard, white out

Quite a bit of snow, got front walkway & deck cleaned off as I think mom might come today and she says easiest way for her to take Bella out. No sooner had Jules done my drive that municipal plow went by so had to clear it. Back is all done so laying here resting my muscles.

Does look so pretty though.

We got the tree up and decorated, garland on the fireplace mantel and wreath above. Got garland on the front long ramp handrail and the front door. Likely we will put some decorations more up. My idea of decorating is much "less" and Marie's has always been MORE is better. I know she is scaling it back some & I am grateful.
Marie hired the grandkids to rake up more of the leaves. We have too much to do INSIDE for me to worry much about the exterior.

I'm with Marie - MORE is better lol
Pat, of course the outside can wait. You have a lot on your plate.
Betty - don't overdo, please.

Today is Tuesday Social Group, so I'd best get the 2 Christmas balls wrapped that I made to give as gifts to friends of mine - Joan & Dianne.
Because we didn't go to the Festival of Lights last Thurs (driver was ill), I'm going this Thursday.

There sure is more Christmas in and out here than less lol likely would drive most people crazy


Susan, you friends will be thrilled with the ornaments, guess the celebration oh lights ends Christmas?

No sooner did I come in after going back out to do the plow drift at roadside did Jules come, should have waited. When I was out earlier i couldn’t get the battery out of snowblower, well hard in Gary but i checked it, simple green button, push down and it pops up 😜