Best/Worse/What did I Learn today? visit with friends old and new, come sit a spell!

Hi everyone - Happy 4th of July!
Betty - sorry to hear that you're paining, but glad that Jeff's been able to clear up your yard.
Ouch on the ankle, momcat (I should remember your name, but some days I have better memory than others - is it Judy?)

I spoke to the courthouse about Dianne not being able to serve Bob with the papers, and they said it's in Judge's chambers and that I'm to still attend and explain that we haven't been able to serve Bob. The judge may extend the date to serve him by, or make a judgement on splitting the Divorce filing from the Property Division. I hope the judge makes a judgement to split the two, after all, it's been a LONG time coming.

Betty, hope you are feeling better soon.
Deb, sorry to hear about your ankle. Praying that air cast helps.
Susan, pray the judge majes a decision in your favor.

Awww, that is too bad Deb, hurts like the dickens I am sure. Certainly not something you wanted to happen in summer.. can you go to work or work from home.
How far was the next dog show? Too bad you couldn’t find someone to show them, disappointing for sure..nothing worse than having a to do list and not be able to do it.

Sure was a scorcher, I cut a shrub lower so you could see the pond outback one of the bedrooms, very humid I decided to come in.ldid 10-9 patch squares, made chicken and slidders for Jeff who might be coming back up tonight, if not, it will be done for when he does come up, now I cannot move, want to cry the pain is so bad in neck, just took t-3, sprayed some freeze on it, have my froggy across the neck for pressure in hopes it relieves some hurt.

Enough about me, hope those who are able to celebrate are enjoying good times!

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain Betty. Praying you are a bit better today.

Grrrr lost my post

Another sunshine day here, but a nice breeze, so was good early this morning, working out in the yard.

Linda Kay after 3Tylenol 3’s, spraying myself with ointment once an hour it helps.
Am watching what I’m doing today, have a lot on my list, but if I do it in small increments I should be OK although sore . Are the storms Linda Kay near your Del Rio house? Haven’t heard you mention if you’ve been getting feedback the sale? Weeks are flying, bet those puppies are quite a size and will soon be going to their forever homes

Susan, you must be exasperated with this court situation, having been separated for so long and uncontested you would think it would just be a signature and judge signs done. I’m sure they’ll tell you they have many more hoops you have to jump through before it’s finished.. too bad the court documents could’ve been handed over. One thing your court seem to be moving a lot quicker than ours.

I’m so excited for you getting that pull a long trailer you will love it. I had one about 15 years ago and never once used it, so I sold it, my dream was always to have a small RV and travel from place to place with a few friends but with Linda’s husband and Alzheimer’s and Susan losing her hubby doubtful it would ever happen but I can still dream about it.

Deb, how is it going with you? Are you listening to the doctor re staying off of it?

Dianne, are you getting this weather as well. when Cathy was here the other day she was saying that Foodland will mail be taking empties and selling alcohol, have you heard that yours is doing the same or is it an optional thing for each individual food line? The cottagers won’t be happy with LCBO staff on strike for a few weeks!

I imagine Pat that you have a list of mile long, trying to get down this weekend and not resting lol wish you lived closer so you could give me an idea what colour I could do my cupboards and if using chalkboard paint is the best way to go painting on older pre painted wood? The new countertops will have the appearance of poured cement so I’m thinking maybe a medium gray?

Just had a roast beef sandwich and now I think I’ll go downstairs and see if I can get the embroidery machine going to do the little poem, that asks people to sign the back of the Quilt as that wouldn’t take too much energy, would like to get the piece done by end of weekend. Baked the 33 wine glasses that I had painted in the oven on 350°;for 20 minutes and dropped them off at the restaurant so I don’t have them all over the house, so 60 more to go and my commitment is done! Hurrah

I managed to get grass cut, cut down limbs to help the shrubs do better and now I am inside for awhile. Not resting, good Lord no 😜 am working on that little piece for Shannon and Tom’s wedding so those in attendance can sign back.

Not really staying off it, with the dogs and responsibilities at home, that's impossible stay off it. But, I'm not doing too much, either. Ran to the store for a couple things, just sat down for a bit. Propped open the backdoor, so the dogs can go in and out. With this brace on, it really doesn't hurt to walk. Resting as much as is possible.

That is good, less you do the better.

Yep, get a kick when people say don’t do it, hello?? Someone has to do it, needs to get done

Great the dogs can go in/out on their own, save a lot of steps. When was the dog show suppose to be?

Doing good, a few mom’s from kids who sew have dropped in with homemade jam, now have strawberry, cherry and I thin huckleberry.

Just home from court. Not the way I wanted it to go - another court date of Aug 7th at 10am. Because Bob evaded service, we have a Supplementary order to fill out & he can be served by email, text, taping to his door, or serving someone he regularly sees so he can be said as being served personally. The judge wants 2 of these done, so he can be said to be properly served. Dianne has to fill out a form listing the # of & times she tried to serve, and I have another form to fill out to serve in two of the four ways. BIG SIGH. I almost should MOVE to Red Deer, the # of times I've been to court. I can take Dianne's form to Red Deer, so at least she doesn't have to return. I just have to swear that "Dianne told me........." (dates & times attempted)

That is the pitz Susan, almost worth forgetting about getting divorced!
That is a lot of travel which equals mega gas money.

So pleased, the guy who does fall cleanup and gutters 8n fall just came, i had done all the lawn cutting, a lot of trimming but he did the ditches, looks sooo clean. He will be back every 2nd Friday, 9ne less thing for me to worry about.

Tried ronr3st but couldn5 so went back,ou5 and did more limbs

looks cleaner

If nice tomorrow or between rain drops i will do some weeding

Last photos

Betty, your yard is beautiful. So much work.
There have been 2 offers on my house, but neither person could get the bank loan. Still waiting.
Susan, sorry to hear there are more delays for you. Praying it goes through soon.

Hot and humid here with no relief in sight. The sky looks like it is going to rain then in the next minute there isn't a cloud in the sky.

I had a dandy fall this morning. It included 2 dogs, a leash, gravel and steps. There is quite the rope/leash burn on my right ankle. I have wanted to cut down this 1 particular Ironwood but it hadn't happened yet. Good thing as it was that tree that stopped me from falling down the hill.

Visited the Farmers Market this afternoon. There was no fresh produce. The weather has a lot to do with that. I did get 2 large pretzels the Sydenham baker makes. Lots of people and more vendors this week. I hope people will keep coming. Had my mouth all ready for yellow beans.... darn.

Keiran and I finished planting on Wed. The local hardware store had all their bedding plants on sale for $1 so we had a blast picking plants out. They are annuals but are colourful.

Deb how are you doing? Hard isn't it with our pups needing things?

Susan you can't get rid of Bob no matter what you do. I went through much the same thing with my first husband. I even warned the lawyer that he might cause a stir in the courtroom. I was trying not to embarrass him at work - he was a high school teacher but ended up having the papers served there.

Pat how are you doing? How is Stanley?

LK how did you celebrate the fourth? More photos of the pups please.

This morning I was reaching into a closet for something and my hand grabbed something - it was something Barb had made me. Made me tear up.

Stay safe and well. No falls!!!!

Bit of rain then sunshine all day long. Greg , Jeff Noah and my brother Mike were going to go riding for the day so not sure what their plans are due to weather.

Oh Lordy Dianne, are you now considering cutting down the ironwood? Will have to go check what kind of tree it is. You will be sore for awhile.these days $1 for a plant a a really good deal, bet the gardens are looking good. Kieran enjoys spending time with you i am sure.

Marie was at the local market and said the only local veggies out were cucumbers, i could live on cucumber sandwhich, i will check Midland market if i go in town today and see what the have but a pot of yellow beans in 1/4. Cup of butter and dill would be o tasty about right now. Because of the weather they had to close 3 berry farms, either berries were green and no sun or hammered my heavy rain, sad as it’s their income.

Think of Barb a lot, she must need prayers, this morning I made a coffee in the beautiful lighthouse mug she brought me when they were here visiting, i look through the cookbook often. Same for Ruby, make her applesauce cake a lot.

Lindakay, hope soon there will be an offer that they can get$$ for purchase. You would think that realtors would check to see if they’ve been pre-approved and not wanting their time.

Don’t want to wake Jeff as he had a long day yesterday but think I I’ll sneak downstairs and set embroidery machine on to do please sign the quilt poem so maybe tomorrow I can get it quilted. Tom, restaurant owner who is getting married to chef Shannon has been having heart issues, hospital booked heart specialist appointment, not old, feel bad for them because plans for weddings are stressful, working long hours stressful, have a home on lake they are doing upgrades to to accommodatethosefrommothercountries coming for the wedding, grounds work as wedding is being held near beach he is clearly overdoing.

Off to be as quiet as a mouse lol
Love having him here though but once he is all set up with the spider, trailer hitch gets put on Monday (for his golf club / camping equipment then off he will go so enjoying all the time he is here now..

Betty - your yard is so beautiful. I could just drink in the beauty. How many years have you lived there? It's something that takes time.
Linda Kay - sorry that the deals didn't go through. Obviously people see it's value & I'm sure you'll get a sale soon.

My cargo trailer has been delivered and it's next to my car in my driveway. I'll take my car in on Monday to my mechanic to get a hitch installed. The guy that sold it to me talked about putting 600 lbs in it lol I don't think that I have that much weight to put in it, but we'll see. It'll be handy for camping though.
Almost finished stitching the lap quilt. I'm pleased with the stitching. Lot easier/better than the heavy material I was working with for the 5 lap quilts, for Cecil. That wasn't "fine" work at all, going through the thicknesses of material (at the seams, up to 8 layers). Anyway, they're done.
Next weekend I'm camping at a stocked pond with the Fish & Game group I belong to. About 15 min away, so hope I can have my trailer hitched up. It'll be a good test of my driving ability with a small trailer attached. I'll have people to "spot" me when I'm possibly having to back up.

This message was edited Jul 6, 2024 12:36 PM

This is what I would call a perfect day, 78F°, nice breeze
Community seems to be taking it all in, very quiet.

Susan it will be 20 years this coming September I’ve been here, to think there wasn’t a flower, shrub,trees, other than outer perimeter I’m now thinking i went a tad crazy lol
I feel I’ve accomplished so much this week and best of all it is starting to show, so I am overly pleased.

Think it might be a good idea Susan, it’s surprising once you take into consideration of the trailer, all camping gear etc that you are better to have pull capability bs not enough.

Fixed a birdhouse perch out back, trimmed enough that i am recharging the 2 batteries for 2nd time, did some transplanting..guess I am just flitting from one thing to another, not overdoing but doing.

Thought Jeff went home last night but at 10 in he walked. I am usually up at 5:30 pm, knew he would be tired after long yesterday with the boys so I did not want to wake him, finally about 8 after watching 2 movies “Christmas in July” hallmark shows I got up. Apparently he got up at 5 and went to Balm Beach for coffee, it’s the longest fresh waster beach in the work.

Had lunch and deciding do i want to have a nap, do I want to pain more wine glasses, do I want to work on baby quilt or have a nap..not quite sure what i want to do.

Hope you are enjoying a perfect day, last of your July 4th weekend.

Glad to hear you are not over doing it Betty. Have your shots finally kicked in and helping your pain?

I'm hoping, in 20 years, that I'll have a garden like yours, Betty! Tomorrow I'll take pictures of some of my flowers - especially the "Carol" peonies. I planted peonies in memory of Carol who had so many prize-winning peonies.
Here's the Friendship quilt I finished tonight. I did a label on the back of it, too, for Estelle & Larry. They do say that they'll be coming to visit now & then, because it's "only" a two hour drive.

Maybe I'll get a better picture of the quilt tomorrow, when someone can hold it up.

Twice today I posted and GONE
Will try later

Where does everyone get their quilt backing material? I realize that the backing I have is only 60" and I need about 75" wide, 2 yards/metres of it. My local quilt shop sells 108" wide for $40 per meter........ ouch!

Susan, I have used sheets for backing. A lot of times I sew 2 pieces of 45 inch fabric together.
Dianne, the puppies have gone to thier new homes. One went to a friends home here in Amarillo, so we will get to see him once in awhile. They are 8 weeks today. The biggest one weighs 20 pounds the other one is 15.

I know that I can sew 45" together, but I really prefer 1 piece backing, and normally I go to the thrift shop in town for sheets. The shop isn't open until Wed (M, Wed & Thurs only for 4 hours each day, and 2 hours extra at night on Thurs) and I'm itching to get it started. I guess I'll have to wait until Wed morning when I'm picking Dianne up from dropping off her motorhome in town and she needs a ride home.
Wow, that's one big "puppy" lol I'd call him a DOG at that weight lol

Hope you can find what your looking for.
The adult digs arev130 and 250 pounds. My Lizzie turned 1 yesterday, she is 105 pounds.

I too Lindakay use Wal-Mart sheets, they have nice designs… that is one heavy pup, will have to ask Noah how much Kilo weighs. Storm certainly did damage in Texas, hope it has passed by, know they say we will have remnant of it Wedn/Thurs with torrential rain..very hot and humid here at least by our standards. Did you get the part for your longarm machine?

Deb how are you doing?

Dianne are you getting this weather? Yesterday I stopped at the local market but it’s closed, the owner i think is about 95, hope he hasn’t passed on.

Pat where are you?

Susan, you are doing a lovely job, know when it’s given there will be tears.


I’ve been so busy this past week. Enjoyed Jeff’s company. He finally has all he needs for his new toy so left happy. Last night Greg came over, bought new hoodie and hat for his golfing buddy, the one that he and Jeff had that where made by a professional puppet guy in Florida, guess heat from it being on the putter and sun did a job in fading colour.. image, a hoodie from the GAP…lol

Lordy, with the heat i decided to start my project that will take me weeks, working all morning fighting to get doors off cabinets, screws all filled with paint, got all but 3 off, got the screws off the door next to stove, so much pain holding the hindges, must be 5 coats paint that I pulled door for it to come off, fell off ladder, back hit floor, head on screen door, nothing broken but head paining, back/neck hurts..nauseated..laid there for 3-4 minutes

Yikes, just to have a pretty kitchen, just starting with zinc that was undone

Guess that is it for the day and next few days

Have a 5:45 for 6 month review, good timing if I can drive, maybe he can give me a treatment

Guess. Will lay here til time to go for my appt, if I am up to going.

Been working on another 36 wine glasses, when these are done have 34 to make my 100. Will make sure these are done before I start with painting cupboard frame

Hope at 1 week

This message was edited Jul 9, 2024 3:29 PM

Thank you, Betty
Looks like you're getting ready for Hallowe'en with that orange outfit on the doll lol
It's 30c & humid here. The sweat was literally running down my face yesterday & I wasn't doing much, only trimming the edges of my lawn & an apple tree that died over the winter (winter kill because of the -50c temps). A tea rose in my front lawn also got killed, The other one on the other side of my front lawn is fine, and blooming but now it looks unbalanced with the one missing.
The flower at the end is a French Poppy - combination between a poppy & a peony. They come up ever year in my veggie garden.
Next to it is my False Indigo shrub - the flower spikes are a really dark purple..
Oh yeah, and my Mock Orange shrub. It hasn't got many blooms yet, but it will.

This message was edited Jul 9, 2024 1:25 PM

Very pretty Susan

That is the gold puppet made to resemble Greg
When it was sent it was bright orange..the replacement could have been brighter

Betty, you need to listen to your own advice and stay off ladders. I hope you went to the doctor, especially to get a treatment.
I love all your projects.
Yes, I have the longarm up an running. Misty loves it. She caught on pretty quick. We have several Pantagraph designs. She just needs to slow down and not be in a hurry.
Susan, stay cool. Drink lots of water.
Betty, my radar show that storm is heading your way.

It took me a while to read and get caught up! Deb, I am sorry you missed out showing your dogs. Susan, your trailer sounds like a great idea and I look forward to hearing about it. Betty... We are going to have to put you in bubble wrap! Linda, praying a sale of your home soon! We have not heard from Sharon in a while.

I got back late Monday, I got a LOT done this visit. Dana's Mommy-do list included put up shelves in his game room, weather stripping on the front door and clearing around the air conditioner. My new weed eater handled that quite well.

I added weed front flower bed and all along the front of the house. I thinned & replanted the iris (the only flowers they have), take out rotted steps to the shed and place cement cinder blocks. I consider that a movement towards my permanent fix. I cleared moss and grass off the exposed aggregate cement sidewalk and a portion of the driveway. Carrie had a pair of black fancy brackets and wanted a new decorative shelf in the dining room. The big wooden package box I made for them years ago needed repainting.

I should have taken a picture of before & after of the part of the driveway I finished. It was HOT (99) and in the evening the mosquitoes were like raptors, they were plentiful and hungry! I could not have gotten the driveway done without trenching around the whole thing, I didn't budget time for that job. There was nowhere for the water to go. The cement was lower than the ground around it. It was not a job that mattered to D& C, they couldn't see the value in it.

I got very little of the cutting out doll clothes done that I had brought with me. We played board games most evenings (if i was not a sacrifice to the mosquitoes).

Dana has a growth the size of his fist on his inner thigh. MD said since it is not cancerous, insurance will not cover the cost of removal. "It is considered cosmetic". I have encouraged him to fight insurance. He can now argue he has cellulitis for the first time in 10 years. It limits his mobility and disrupts his sleep. Kevin tells me that he has since talked with Dana and told him how to challenge the insurance. Kevin works as a referral coordinator between the clinic and insurances, he knows what he is talking about!

Ben's oldest, Mara picked me up Saturday and we spent all Saturday with Rebecca (#2) and Scott at their new house. The landscaping is nice with LOTS of potential.

We went to a fruit stand and Rebecca introduced me to some new watermelons. I bought a "Yumi", black rind watermelon for Carrie & I, and 1 for Marie. I understand it's popular with the Asian population. They are more expensive but DELICIOUS!

I missed my Stanley. And life goes on. Marie leaves next week to see her daughter Erin & family for a week in Cape Cod..

We’ve had bad weather today with heavy rain but not as bad as they said Lindakay unless it’s yet to come.

You must find it quiet without the puppies.

Yes did get a treatment, was suppose to stay for meeting then 6 months update but when he saw how i felt he told me to go home, do cold treatment and rest.

Have been doing so, putting my Mr. Froggie in freezer then laying on it. So wanted to sand at least the side that has the zinc but no can do. Thought I’d paint last 15 wine glasses but no go, might even give it tomorrow. Don’t want to screw myself up for going to Buffalo this weekend.
Great you have Misty to sew and quilt with you. Same speed is needed for sure, steady pace. Which pantograph do you have. Do you have a stitch regulator? Might be worth buying 9ne.

Betty, I'm doing OK. I'm working on finding others to help show dogs. Planning on going to Ohio in early August. A friend coming up from Florida will show for me.

I do miss hearing from Sharon about her gardens. I'm guessing she's getting all the horrible heat they've been talking about on the news.

Had rain yesterday and last night, which is supposed to be from Beryl. Still a little humid, but, things are starting to dry out today.

I have several designs, floral, waves, state of texas. My son designs them on his computer, and prints them out for us. Yes, I have a stitch regulator. I love it.
Enjoy your trip to Buffalo.

Pat we must have cross posted.

Yes, Deb miss Sharon as well..like seeing her gardens, gives me the urge to do more in my gardens. She sure knows how to pick plants that can survive heat and little rain. Glad you are improving and bonus points for being able to attend dog show, know how disappointed you were. My Sharon goes to a dog show around the 23rd Courtland NY

Omg Pat, how to heck can you keep up that pace? Glad to enjoyed your visit. Thought you said you were giving up making doll clothes, wondered if you would do so. How are your gardens making out in this weather?

With Marie going away for a week it will give you some much needed quiet time. Hmmm have to check out that watermelon.

Susan, your flowers are beautiful, must be a trick to glowing poppies, aI can’t grow them regardless what i do.

Dianne, how are you and TH doing, are you getting this torrential rain, so heavy right now, at least winds have died down.how are the gardens you planted recently doing?


Worked on more wine glasses today as i couldn’t do much, think I have 15 more to paint and I will have 100 done as promised. Just don’t want to leave it, i never know when i have an attack or do something stupid to myself and not be able to finish.

Jeff should have bought a spider sooner, i went to bed at 4:30 and fell into a deep sleep I guess, went to kitchen for a drink and there he was, had brought his laundry, had washed/dried it and was folding it. Said he was trying not to wake me up and hardest thing was trying to find where all the lights were… lol

Going to try this sleep thing again

Learning, before pressing send, copy and paste 😜

Deb - glad that your dog will be shown. Glad that your Florida friend will help you out.
Linda Kay - stitch regulator - on your sewing or quilting machine?
Dianne, every time I see the term TH, I giggle. I can HEAR the thunder lol
I miss Sharon, too. YOU, Betty, inspire me to do more in my yard. Hopefully this weekend my neighbour (Ken) will be by to pick up stuff to take to the dump, including the chip board on my back lower deck. He's going to put planks for the deck. Then he can put the gazebo up - metal rods with a canvas top. This is a barter for all the construction tools & ladders he took away in January. Great to have neighbours like this.
Betty - my poppies come up in my veggie garden all the time, no trick to them at all lol I like the look, so leave them wherever they come up. I've rototilled the garden, and yet - there they are the next year lol As for the peonies, they're very hardy even to -50c as it was last winter Yesterday's temp of +38c (103F) was unusual for this time of year here. It was normal weather for Winnipeg when I was growing up though.
My car is at the mechanic's getting the tow hitch & light assembly on my car. On the 19th (evening) I'm going camping, so it would be nice to have it installed.
The quilt I'm working on now is apparently classed as a Throw Quilt, rather than a bed quilt, (for its size of 70" x 67").

Stitch regulator is on my longarm.

ok, I don't know what a stitch regulator does, and now I understand why - I've never even seen a longarm, let alone own one lol

Great you are having help with some of your to do list Susan..finally you will get to relax by going camping.

Lindakay, sometimes I go manual and don’t use my stitch regulator, more so when I am random quilting.

Managed to get primer on cupboards today, I’m paying for it. Could feel myself getting tired so said ‘self, you had better stop before you do something stupid’ and self listened.

I’m comfy in bed, although it’s too early to sleep I can rest. Drats, used that Hot/cold spray on my neck and does it burn.

Susan, some if the new and more expensive regular sewing machine with a stitch regulator. It controls the size of the stitch, no matter how fast or slow you move the longarm.
Betty, I do too. Sometimes I use the manual stitch, as the regulator.