Best/ worse/ ? did you learn today #28visit with friends...

Just got in, Greg picked me up by ski-doo and took me to see what his wife was up to..like going in the Klondike lol..here's 15 women, pictched up tents..mason jars with candles in them for light, big bonfire going - no hydro - no way for heat except the fire and who knows how long it will go..all enjoying a drink having a time of their lives...OMG, surely there was something more exciting to do than that..Larry, a friend of Greg's (DS) has 80 acres up the road and they are camped in the middle of it so I'm sure they won't wake up any neighbors and what's in them just might keep them warm...oh to be young..however, Mel's 39, no young chick, nor are the other ladies..can't think that I did anything that crazy at their age...

Anyway, Greg said he would be back tomorrow and I'll go riding with him .. bit cold for me..we'll see...

He also said that Trevor (friend who had snowmobile accident 2 weeks tonight-about this time..is still in an induced coma..his sister arrive from NewZealand and apparently when she came in and was crying and talking to him his blood pressure went up..so let's hope....

Greg was also saying that a gentleman in Barrie that he does work for was in the Dominican for Christmas..mid week of their holidays he woke up and his wife had died..apparently the police had him in interigated him and he didn't know if he'd be coming back home..but, guess the tests revealed she died of natural causes...56 yrs old...last week his mother in law got up during the night and passed out, hit her head against the table and was brain dead so they had to pull the plub...Greg says the man is just devastated...terrible thing to happen...

Carol, if I showed you the photo of the small wolf you'd see it's almost the way she did it..but you are right, it's NOT right, we I'll put it away, because it's done with regular pencil crayons it I'll be able to work on it till I'm satisfied...and think you have a good point..maybe because mommy wolf is so light that the stark darkness doesn't do the picture justice..well, can't have them all be 'treasures' right...

So it's bedtime, early night, now I'll be worried about those silly girls..weatherman says it will be -19 tonight and warned all not to let the animals out and said that even dogs out for any amount of time could frostbite their paws...my cats aren't happy..scratching at the door..Sailor is upstairs playing ball on her own..if you give her a ball, she works on it till she wrips a piece that she can grab with her teeth, then throws it up and runs after it...she gets tired waiting for me to toss the ball... smark 'lady'...

So, will go over all the posts tomorrow..can't keep my eyes open, think the fresh air on the snowmobile was the last thing I needed to put me asleep..

Night all

Sharon, count me in for the secret pal thing. Thanks for organizing it!!!

We've got snow again. Actually, it's more like flurries. It's been "flurrying" all afternoon but we have less then a half inch (if that!). We're not suppose to get enough to amount to anything. Liz, Murphy loves the little bit of snow we have. He eats the snowballs we've thrown for him. I would love to see him in about 6-8" of anow. He's have a blast!!!

Well, I was pretty lazy most of the day. Got up early and hit the grocery store then went with DD and got our hair cut. Hung around the house and did nothing the rest of today. We're off from work monday for MLK day so we have a long weekend.

I will check back in with everyone tomorrow!!!

Night All!
Jeannine

This message was edited Jan 19, 2008 8:48 PM

Goodnight Betty. Sounds like a dangerous or atleast ambitious choice for you to go out on one of those tomorrow with the accident so recent. Carefull.

Gita I relate to the sentiment of that about the giving and selling something so close to your heart that you made.

Maybe that is why a lot of artists are famous after death.

Greg has been sweet about Mushi and to him and is accepting it now pretty well. shoooo.

I feel bad for that man that is losing everyone right and left and he himself is not good. What a life.

can you believe we got snow today! twice in a week...what is the world coming to?

I couldn't wait to get Ethan to sleep (we always have to tell stories and sing made up songs when he goes to bed, then we promise that we will sleep warm and dream sweet dreams, and whoever wakes first will come to the others bed...sweet little guy)....anyway, couldn't wait for him to sleep to come check up on you.

I have to laugh when I see Gita's posts now...finally, she is one of us.....isn't that just great!!! I think it took us all a while to lose the reserve that some of us have when it comes to making new friends. Took me awhile too.

Anyway...first I will answer questions pertaining to the Secret Pal group, then on to other things.

1. I have 10 of you who say a definite yes....not including me, 'cause I'll mastermind the show for this first few rounds. AND TROPI...JOIN IN ANYTIME AT THE END OF A ROUND. A round will last 2 months, then we will draw new names. If at the end of any 2 month period, one of you needs to drop out for awhile, not a problem....OK??

2. During the 2 month period while you have one name, you are to send that person 2 thoughtful little gifts. We should not spend over $5 total. That does not include postage. One could be a card, one could be a personal handmade thingy like a craft you made, some little thing you bought, a picture you made of your garden, seeds from your garden, anything like that would work. A pair of fun socks, a pair of work gloves, anything. You will see more what I mean in a little bit.

3. At the end of 2 months, we start with new names, and for another 2 months, same rules apply: 2 thoughtful gifts, no more than $5 total, not including postage.

4. On Monday, I will match up your names, if you can get the list below ready for me by then. When you get your names, you will get the info about your person that you need including address and e mail address (if OK with you).

5. This first round will be short because it will end on the last day of February. On that day, we will guess our secret pal, and after everybody has guessed, then I will reveal the correct SP list, and we will start over again on March 1, ending on the last day of April for the second round, and starting over on May 1 with the third.

During the month ...YES, tell us what you got when you get it, you just won't know who it is from, but it is OK to guess.....the rest of us will giggle but we won't tell. That is the fun part. Guess all you want, but nobody can tell.

Anything you want to change about this is fine.....it is ours to do with as we want. I kept the cost to $5 because I didn't want anybody to feel that it would create a financial burden if you played. We can readjust that amount as we need to...or we could just limit it to cards or poems.

As far as return address is concerned, I don't know. It will be a dead givaway, so what do you think. It really doesn't matter on a card if it has a return address or not, but on a package, it might. If you wait till the last part of the last month to send the package, then it doesn't matter because the time will be almost up. Or you could have a friend in another city mail it for you....or if you work in another town, mail it from there....don't use your name, just the friend's return address.
Maybe you can come up with something else.

OK, back in a minute with the rest of what we need...

The secret pals thing sounds like a lot of fun. I'd love to be involved.

Gita, your paintings are so beautiful. I know what you mean about putting a price on things reducing the value. It is the labour of love that gives so many things their value.

Judy, I loved hearing about your work party. It must have felt so good to know how appreciated you are. I think we often don't realize just how many lives we touch.

Rachel, how exciting to be planning on starting your family. I have a membership to a website called mothering.com that I like. Some people there can be very opinionated but I've gotten a lot of really good information from it. It has a more natural/alternative focus than a lot of 'mainstream' sites.

Liz, I think you asked how close I am to Betty. From here it's a trip across the river (by boat, ski-doo, helicopter or car depending on season). Then a 5 hour train ride to Cochrane. From there it's probably about a 7 hour drive to Betty's. In Moose Factory we're not really close to anything, except James Bay. We are lucky now that the train runs 5 days per week. It used to only run three days per week. I think I would go crazy if it wasn't for the internet. I do a lot of shopping online.

I know I had more to comment on but I can't think of it now. It is so cold here right now. It's supposed to stay around -25 to -30 Celcius for this whole week. That's before adding on the wind chill which can be brutal coming off the bay. Keith will be going crazy because I'm sure they'll have all indoor recesses at school. I really must get off to bed. I'd love to post more but I need my sleep more.

Alright - had to skip some more and will read later and comment on them. I read up to Liz asking Lucky's age. He is eleven and beginning to show it. He recently made a trip to the Vet and was given pain pills and a joints supplement. He also has a large hernia that doesnt seem to bother him, so nothing is being done about that. Even at eleven years old he still has puppy tendencies. My husband said it is the smartest dog he has ever known.

Gita, yeah I agree with the others. You have been holding out on us. Great work.

Can't remember everyone that I wanted to make comments to but I am a bit like Betty on Tropicana's latest news. Be careful.

Ii am off to sleep for a bit and will then return and read the unread posts. I look forward to hearing what else was posted here.

I want to be counted in for the secret pal game. And Wonder, the package has never been mailed the last I heard about six months ago. I gave this person the benefit of the doubt for a good while, but have now chalked it up to.......oh well.

Nitey nite all.

Can't sleep, must be the storm, bet I have another 6' to shovel if I go out now, just might do it..if I wait till morning it will be much too heavy for me..

Shar,you've got Ethan tucked nicely into bed and you are probably dreaming of all the fun you'll have in the morning...or, you could be too tired to sleep..

2:06am Ruby, looks as though a lot of us aren't sleeping with the angels...

Gillian, can feel for you, we've much the same weather in our area here today..thank goodness you have a close knit community because you have to be so dependant in many ways with all of them..such a remote area..know Keith and you said when you were visiting that you would have to think about taking on teaching in a closer area, wanted to be a little more accessible to the family, have you been thing of it??

Dawn so glad Greg has accepted your trying to make Mushi's last days home with you both! Hard decision for sure taking him home...will be praying for painless days!

Laura, are you at the beach? I'm envious for all of you out there sunning yourselves...with spring/summer type weather...

Well, think I'm going to go out and do a bit of shovelling...

Nuts/nuts I am...but when you get older these things tend to lay heavily on your mind..

CANNOT imagine what those girls are doing tonight in this storm, sleeping in tents? Have to read the riot act to Mel...probably half the reason I can't sleep..

We are now up to 12, not including me.....so we are on our way, my friends.

Answer these questions below and send the answers to me in a Dmail by Monday. Your answers will go with your name and mailing address to the person who gets your name. And for this first time, I am going to put your names in a bowl and draw them out in pairs, so it will be random. (I don't think we need email addresses, do you? )

OK, this information is what your secret pal will need in order to choose something special for you:

1. your favorite color
2. the color of your kitchen or bath
3. your birthday
4. your pets, their names
5. favorite flower or plant
6. favorite fruit
7. do you collect anything?
8. your hobby
9. would you classify your decorating method as contemporary, vintage, or eclectic?******
10. anything else about you that would help your secret pal get to know you better.

11. YOUR NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS

******Decorating style********* (I know you know what this means, but just to clarify since we are in different countries)
contemporary: modern furnishings and accessories
vintage: more like cottage garden style or antiques
eclectic: a little bit of everything
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you think anything should be changed with any of the above...just say so, this is all in fun and shouldn't be stressful. If anything it will give us something to look forward to, and for those of us who live alone, it will just be plain old FUN.

Number 10 should be fun, for example if I were in the secret pal group this time, I would say that I love hats, the gaudier the better. Or I would tell you that I wear flip flops all summer long.....just little things like that, that might give a hint for a little decorated gift.

OK.....Let's have a ton of fun with this, our own SPS (secret pal society). Keep in mind that you can join in or take a break at the end of each second month if you find that you need to.....maybe we should call it the Stressless Secret Pal Society......All in fun!!!!

OK, now. I want to answer and comment, and will try to make it short since I have monopolized this thread so much recently.
Cat, my dear...of course you are a part of us all. How could you not be? If you dropped out we would be driving you nuts with Dmails trying to find you to see what was wrong. We do that with every body else, and we would do it with you.
You make birdhouses????Wow! Now that is an idea for a gift, too, if it wouldn't be too expensive and if it could be easily mailed. You decide.

Oh Rachel...I have been looking for one of those kitty towers for my cats...they would love it. I don't think our walmart has them, but will check again to see. have to have it. And when you decide you are expecting, think of all the little booties and blankies and fun stuff that baby will have! not only that but extra aunts and grannies ....what fun!

Dawn, I know you skim the posts because you are so busy, but do you want to join our SPS or do you want to wait since you ARE so busy right now. Up to you my dear.....just whatever you feel good doing.

Starzz, I love the sign in your rec room, and i noticed it when you posted a picture earlier. It is a beautiful sentiment: Remember Me. When I saw it the first time, I thought about making one and hanging it up in my studio. It makes me have chills to think of all it could mean.

Ahh, Gita...you sell yourself short. I understand all that you are saying, and how special each painting is to you. Me, too. I give most of my work away also. However, I work through an interior design shop, one of those upscale ones, and several times a year they will contact me and say that one of their clients wants a painting for whatever purpose, and would I be interested in working with the client. That s what I call commissioned work. My heart is not in it because I am painting whatever the person is willing to pay for. It is often a fun painting to do, and I enjoy doing it, but still it is impersonal. Liken it to this: if you are a speed typist, you are asked to type a 500 page document. You are a professional so you make sure that all grammar and punctuation as well as format are perfect. You spend hours and days and weeks perfecting the document. It is something you did, but you still charge for the work. So I see my commissioned work in that light. It is a business transaction.
If you said to me, I would love to have one of your landscapes, I would say to you.....Oh, Gita, I am honored that you even want one of my paintings...please come choose whatever you want. and of course it would be a gift.....BUT the paintings that you choose from would be those paintings that I really care about.
Something from my heart to yours....just as your paintings will be to your daughters.

Last year I had a favorite painting and a sweet lady asked to buy it. I didn't know her at the time, so I thought about it, and decided if she liked it enough to make such an offer, then fine with me. It was a bit different, and so I decided to sell it. Time has passed, and now I will do paintings for her as gifts because she has become my friend.

I hope that explains how I feel about selling my work. I have saturated my friends with my paintings ....and I have painted since I was old enough to hold a paint brush, so I would have to buy a warehouse in which to store them if I didn't both sell and give away.

OK enough of that. I hope we have a good time with this secret pal thing....once we try it for a few months, we might want to drop it for awhile, so we will just wait and see. It sure will get us through the rest of the winter, though.

I hope you all are sleeping well and that you have a good day tomorrow. My boys will be leaving at about noon, so I will check in with you after that. Take care, sleep well, and stay warm. BETTY.....do not go out in the middle of the night to shovel snow!!!!!! Also....a great wolf drawing, very finely detailed, but I do see what you mean about the baby one. I'll bet you fix it, though.

Nite...

Your post came in a little too late Shar...did go out and shovel and thank goodness I did, can't believe how much we got in a few hours and it's still falling steadily..figure if I go out every couple of hours I should be able to keep us..so quiet out there..street lights are on, everything is covered in snow..should go out and take a photo ...

Feel the same about some of my pieces that I paint 'trompe l'oeil' of course some of them has over 100 hours and often the wood is about $150.-$200.00 and someone says, I'll give you $200. if you are willing to sell..well I'd rather give it away..which I do..am sure unless it's your sole income that all feel the same..

SHAR...NO SUCH THING AS ANYONE monopolizing the thread..you know that..

Funny what you learn when you don't go to bed during the night..cats/dog upstairs/downstairs playing like crazy...no wonder Sailor is tired some mornings...the racket they make...

Cat..you asked about birdhouse...yes I do make some..enjoy making and painting..thought I might get a 4x4 and put a piece of wood across the top and do various birdhouses...here's a few I've done...

Searching for the birdhouse photo's and came across this pretty spring setting..still need rocks for the pond but I'll find those come spring..lol

Can't believe I got that ambitious..to dig a 4' pond...no wonder my back hurts..lol

Shar how come the boys are leaving so early tomorrow..ahh..dah/just dawned on me that it's Sunday...then comes Monday right?

Think my birdhouses must be on work computer so will post Monday..you can barely see them in this photo..

Found a 'lily' though in my search

If you look towards the back you can see the winter birhouse...will post a better on for you on Monday Cat

Now I've shovelled, played with pictures, visited with friends, did a load of wash, foiled more pieces of glass...off to make hot chocolate then see if I can get some sleep in..lol

Nite, Betty. I haven't been to bed yet. I should be helping you shovel snow. My new meds have given me sleepless nights.

The pond is beautiful. If I had a flat spot in my yard, I would have one. would have to have help digging.

Stay warm. sleep well.

It's me again. Was able to sleep a few hours and feel pretty good now. Looks as though I am in the right place. You ladies are on my sleep schedule now. For over a year now I have been on a really weird schedule. I would wake anywhere between 1:30 AM and 4:30AM. Of course that means that I am nodding out about 7:30 PM most evenings. Since last weekend I have been doing things a bit differently. I am laying down whenever I feel like it, whether day or night. Last weekend I spent a lot of time sleeping.

Maybe at some point I will get back to what most people consider normal hours. The weird thing is that even with so little sleep, I felt pretty good for the most part. I didn't know until recently that sleep issues come with menopause, so that could be some of the problem.

I am with Cat when she says that she feels inadequate when comparing everyone's artistic talent, to what in my case is talentlessness. Is there such a word? ha-ha Over my 52 years I have created a few things. I can't think of anything that I have stuck with for very long though. Way back when I used to latch hook rugs, but haven't done that in many years and no longer have any of these ones that I did.

I have found that most things take more patience than I have and thus I become very frustrated very quickly. That is myy story and I am stticking to it. ha-ha

Sharran, thank you so much for volunteering to organize the secret pal society. This sounds like loads of fun to me. One of my favorite things is receiving gifts in the mail. Last summer I had the mail deliverer and several shipping services busy delivering things here. That is how it has been since getting involved with Dave's Garden and I love it.

My only plans for the day are to prepare a meal for later. I am going to bake a ham, fix a sweet potato casserole and fix green beans. I have a package of potato rolls and some good punch already and am lookng forward to having it. This will be only the second ham that I have ever prepared and I hope that this one comes out as well as the one I did at Christmas was.

I hope that all you special ladies have a wonderful day. I will check in again later.

Ruby

OMG..it's been snowing since I went to bed so that means back out I go for another run of it..was going to take a bath and do my hair but with putting on a cap and sweating no sense, so I'll sit here looking like an old hag until the snow stop, which isn't likely to be today..coming down in buckets..

Now if you read my posts last Sunday, it was beautiful, ALL the snow had melted and I was picking up tree branches and burning them..well when I finish this post I'll take of photo of my snow bank where I park the car and along where I'm shovelling lifting and throwing..won't move tomorrow..the township plow has passed and of course makes about a 3' drift at the end of the drive so until my guy comes, and he must be exhausted, he's been working since early yesterday, I'll be housebound...but there is a variety store next door..easy access for anything I need so I'm ok..

Mom just called, she's at the cottage and they are leaving for the city..she and Jim went to Rame last night..came home 780.00 to the good so that pays for her trip here/back and Jim's back to USA..can't believe it..every time they go the win! She should make a full time job of it..lol..

Felt to much more relaxed when I sat going through my photo's last night, the beauty of gardens..
Jacket and shovel is waiting so off I go...

Good morning everyone. It's cold again here this morning. Was 4 when I got up. If we can't have any snow, I'd just as soon spring get here! LOL. Be careful out there shoveling Betty!
I will get my answers dmailed next Sharon.

Betty..I so enjoyed seeing your gardens and pond again. Your Stargazer Oriental lilies are lovely..so many blooms..
Can't belive you were out in the middle of the night shovelling snow....espcially since it was so very cold.
I hope Mel and friends are ok..probably had enough alcohol to keep them from freezing.LOL

Sharon..so since you mention this is a short time...it is almost Feb...should we just send one gift to our Secret pal till we start again at the beginning of March?
About the Remember Me sign..when I look at it, I remember loved ones who have passed away..just sort of give them a thought as I pass by. Sometimes I wonder exactly what things I will be Remembered for..what stories they will tell..when I am gone.

Ruby..your dinner sounds so good..I'm with you when it comes to crafts..I have done a few things in the past..remember the covered hat boxes and covered photo albums..all done with material and a glue gun and ribbon...and I have made dried floral arrangements and swags..some wreaths...but certainly can't paint or draw.

Gillibean..that is quite a trip to make to come south..Whew! Were you and Kieth born in Moose Factory or did you move there?

Well I bettter send off my inof to Saharon now..
have a great day..I am debating about going back to the Hardware store today and buying a completely impractical thing for my garden..don't need it..but I want it..shouldn't spend the money..but it's only $30.00..go get it..amuse yourself..it is on sale..you will regret it if you don't go and they are all gone..
Back and forth....

Talk later.........

I'd go get it for sure Carol, that is if you can get it out of your yard..just in from shovelling again, it looks as though it's non stop for the rest of the day...went to try to move my car into the area I just shovelled so when the plow guy comes he can do good job..wouldn't start..can't believe it would be that cold out, but then I'm warm from shovelling..

Plowman is here now..so perhaps I can get someone to give me a boost or wait till it warms up or call for a tow truck...great start to the day..see what you are all missing???

Went and purchased dog food and a gardening magazine this morning, now I can sit and relax for awhile..had the clerk take my photo next to my snow bank...here goes..don't you laugh at how I'm attired, shovelling isn't done with Sunday best..lol

Here's where I was shovelling..getting pretty high, can hardly lift to toss it up...

Cat..if you look directly above the snowbank you'll see my birdhouses....I will have to track through 3' of snow to get to back shed but as I see the snow on the metal roof of it if I don't get it off it could very well collapse..Greg said he'd do it today but know he's working and better not take a chance..change of plans, out I go..

This message was edited Jan 20, 2008 11:17 AM

Betty,

Love all your Garden Shots!
The Lily is the one I couldn't think of the name of earlier. It is called the Stargazer Lily and is available in stores around Mother's Day and Easter.
You can plant them in the garden when they are done blooming and they will come up again and flower for you. SOO fragrant! Same for the white Easter Lilies. Here the bloom in July.

Thanks again for all your comments--especially to Shar. Have you posted a picture of yourself yet? If you have, I can't remember. I'd like to see what you look like.......Please add it to your "personal" info.
Many times when I am reading a long post, I like to click on the name and see their picture. Makes the "conversation" more personal.....

Gita

morning all,

dawn, that makes me sad but i know you'll give him your best did they give you a timeframe? sending you prayers

gilli, wow your way up there, stay warm

shar, will dmail you

betty, all the snow for you again, have the house to myself so have to do some cleanning those pictures sure look good i cant wait for spring
jeannine, he is so funny bet he keeps you in stiches
cat do you make a lot of birdhouses take pictures

tropicanna lucky you now go build me a snowman lol

ruby. hes still a cutie! my smooth coat she's is getting up there its funny to see all the white hair comming in.

ok going to make it short the sewer saga continues, got the plummer to come out yesterday to snake and run a camera, it was determined that at the end of the ladderal pipe at the main there is a blockage and there was a little standing water it was at 30 feet and guess what is at 30 feet... the city.
so i call the city to go clean out the main three hours later they come knocking at the door to say the main is as clean and dry for 7 houses down and sorry you had sewage but keep the cap off your outside clean out and it wont happen again.
im just bubbling inside i guess thease jack---'s think were stupid now in all the years i have had that cap tight as can be and this had never happened he kept saying drain is clean sorry, well i have to call the insurance lady on tues and ask her one more question and then dh wants to dig up the area at the main just to make sure the cast iron pipe hasnt slipped off the city clay pipe before i point fingers.
i want to have all my ducks in a row before i file a claim and fight them so im a little aggitated then to find out after i settled down last night the water ran a small line under the dresser so we had to dig up more carpet and sanitize all the floor and lucky enough the hardwood floor did not buckle up.


so everyone have a wonderful day i'll be back later

Thanks for the pictures Betty. Hope you don't have to trek thru all that snow to put seed into them today! :-)

Awwwww Liz, so sorry to hear of the mess that you are in. I hate it when things such as this occur. It really sends me in to a funk. I absolutely hate to have things be disorganized around me. I am very short tempered when having to face any sort of household maintenance that disrupts the flow and routine.

I have been meaning to ask this morning where Rich Hill MO is? I am not sure which state MO is. It is interesting that you mention having no snow. We just had our first snow fall on Thursday. It was warm on Friday and Saturday, so most of it melted. It is very chilly today though. I hate having to go outside when it is this cold.

Here is wishing everyone a very good week coming up.

MO is Missouri Ruby. And Rich Hill is on the west side of the state about halfway down. It's one of those "blink and you'll miss it" places!

Forgot I had roadside assistance when I bought the new car..say they'll be here in 45 minutes...so might have wheels after all..lol

Got 80% of the shed room clear of snow..the top I can't reach so was thinking I might go to Canadian Tire IF my car goes..apparently it's -26 outside...and pick up an extended type broom or shovel for it..

With all the shovelling I guess I warmed myself up and didn't feel the cold..waiting to hear from Melanie, sure hope someone checked up on them early morning to make sure they are all ok. am sure they are..just the old lady in my worrying...

Gita..I'm in the photo file..and did check with DavesGarden Admn and they say photo, correct birthdate is listed, so not sure what's happening...

Betty's got wheel...off to shop..

Opened to DG a little while ago, and had 8 DMails....YAYYYY. I have a nice list of everybody's info....just have a few more to go.

Just for your inquiring minds, here is a list of those who have sent me personal info and addresses which I will give to you tomorrow when you get your Secret Pal:

Rachel
Vicki
Cat
GG (gardengirl)
Carol (starzz)
Gita
Liz (still need your address, Liz)

So...I have this all compiled and am waiting for the rest.

Gita, you asked about oil paints. As long as they still feel soft in the tube, they are usuable. But if they have not been used in a while, there might be a settling of oil when you first squeeze it out, If this happens, it might be hard to get the separated pigment to mix back in with the oil, but you can give it a try.
Also, Gita..you asked for a picture of me, so I will attach one (if I can remember). AND, please let us see the lighthouse painting. I love lighthouses.

My boys left about an hour ago, so my house is quiet again. feels weird.
Ms. Betty, you are going to be sore tonight, you are using those deep down muscles to shovel all that snow...be careful, very careful. And you do look cute with all that monstrous mountain of snow behind you. Makes my paltry dusting of snow last week look like a drop of salt! But it sure is cold here, so cold my bones hurt!

Now to go make beds and do all those little chores, then I have a painting to work on.
You all have a great day!
Sharon

Greg just dropped in, told me to get my gear together and he'd take me over to his house to pick up another snowmachine..I keep saying I'll go, but then it's a little to cold today and I'm tired and sore..so off he goes to pick up Mel for a ride..although I'm not so sure she'll go either, says she's suffering from a major hang-over..lol...they were all celebrating Brenda's 40th..there must be a better way to celebrate than freeze to death...

So a few things to finish on the Stained glass..not major and then it's clean up time and rest for the remainder of the day..

Bad news came once again, Bernice next door, you may remember I said that her daughter Michelle this summer had broken up with her husband, he had started hanging out with some who were using drugs, he was in a very bad shape and I had asked for prayers for this young family..they got together for a week and separated again due to drug use, she moved to her mom's across the road and when she went back to get her things he had sold everything..anyway I helped her as best as I could..Paul did a bankruptcy for her so she wouldn't be left with all the bills, even found her a vehicle so she had transportation...she managed to find a place in Midland..well mid December Shawn and Michelle decided they would give it yet another go, he was travelling from here to Whitby to work, staying a few days in Witby when weather got bad..his mom and dad left for Florida just after New Years and were so please that things might work out...Shawns' mom called Michelle yesterday to check up on them...Michelle said things weren't 100% but they were all trying...

Shawn had an opportunity to work with a friend yesterday to make additional money...last night the call came to say he had been electrocuted...hydro in the place he was doing work had not been turned off as had been said..shawn is 32 yrs. old leaving a family of 3..prayers would be greatly appreciated..

Oh Betty, what horrible news. I can hardly believe this.
Prayers of course, I am glad they were together and trying, though. How terrible for the children as well as everyone else.

I could hardly make Bernice out..she started with 'dear neighbor, we need your prayers' my heart just aches for them..called Darlene to tell her..we can't believe since New Years' how many deaths there have been with friends..scarry..and then Trevor (in coma) and Denise dying of lung cancer...think that's why I'm gettin paranoid with my family...worry about what they are up to, calling to check up on them..Greg says 'but mom we're grown kids' but doesn't stop that ache inside that you have from worry that one day it could be your own...thanks for caring!

How awful. Thoughts and prayers go to the family

Betty, I am so sorry! Such sad news for your neighbor. Prayers coming to all of you.

Jeannine

They certainly need it..went out to start the car and drive it so that battery charges up, but the winds are up and it's snowing to beat hell..wow...must go and listen to the 6pm news and see if Shawn Lloyd's death is on and also weather forecast for tomorrow...

betty, prayers are going out for you and the family

When it rains it pours. What bad news. Aren't you afraid to ride the snowmobile so soon after the accident Betty? Loved the pictures of your yard. Is that some sort of ash tree by the pond? It is pretty and lacey.

what a sad story. Poor girl. Is Sean her x husband or the drug guy?