A week that was

 Again, I must say thank you to everyone for your kind comments on my last post. Chris's friendship meant so much to me and your heartfelt comments were appreciated. I had my good cry on Thursday evening, though I suspect more tears will fall next Wednesday at her funeral, and for now, I am trying to focus on the good memories we made together.

With the exception of the shock of Chris' sudden death, it has been a pretty quiet week. I did a bit of grocery shopping on Tuesday as well as a trip to the thrift store. One of the items I purchased at Value Village was a summer dress; it is the one I'll wear to her funeral. I did make a trip back to the thrift stores on Thursday, mostly to wander the aisles and remember Chris. Since she wasn't there I did buy more yarn. Not that I've run out of yarn for mittens and toques but I'm down to certain colors and I was able to pick up a couple more. 

I'd have to count, but I think I've got ten pairs completed. With the ones I'd left with D in June, I think I'm about half way through this project. I'm using the bits and pieces of the leftovers to make toques, though I've only got one of those done so far. Hopefully I can provide ten or so of those as well.

Wednesday was stitch and chat, with S, B, and I in attendance. I hadn't gone last week because of the cold I was still dealing with, and I learned that Io had been there as well. I'm sorry I missed her. I told the ladies that I'd seem them next week, unless something crazy happened. Well, it did, but since Chris' funeral is Wednesday morning, I'll be able to attend next week's meeting.

While I was out on Thursday, I got my hair cut. And when I say cut, I mean I had it chopped off. I'd let my hair grow out through the pandemic, and kept it tied back in a pony tail as it was a good 5-6 inches below my shoulders. Recently the shedding was driving me crazy - I'd brush my hair in the morning and take a handful out of the brush. Even so, there were more errant pieces that seemed to find their way into my knitting or into the dishwater. It was time for it all to go. Initially, I had thought I might go for a short bob, but decided on a pixie cut. 

It was a good time to get rid of the long hair, as the extreme heat has arrived in earnest and is forecast to hang around for the week or so. It was 28C (82F) on Friday, with the temperature expected to increase daily until we reach a high of 35C (95F) by Tuesday. I'm sure the temps seem mild for some of you, but for us that's freaking hot! 

In advance of the heat, I've done some meal prep so I'm not going to need to do a whole lot of cooking. I expect the grill will be fired up a number of evenings. My son doesn't enjoy potato salad, but I found a recipe with bacon and red pepper that I'll try. He's told me he doesn't like eating cold potatoes so I may be enjoying by myself. 

The landscaper showed up about 5 p.m. on Friday evening to finish off the last few items on the to-do list. When they arrived, I asked if it wasn't quitting time and was told they'd work until midnight, if they had to. (They didn't, nor did they finish) The steps from the lower deck were built and installed, the edge finished along the front of the deck and the boards replaced on the shed. They plan to be back sometime today to finish the last couple of items, to install the edging between the grass and rocks, to repair the step into the shed (it was damaged when they replaced the boards on the shed), and to replace the latch on the gate. They're also going to give me a piece of lattice to cover the bottom of the shed. I'll share photos of the completed space in next week's post.

I had decided not to list the house for a few weeks because of the expected heat. I've no desire to sit in my car with an unhappy cat in the carrier during a heat wave. The forecast has now been revised, and things may be back to more reasonable temperatures by the end of July. If that continues to be the case, I'll be in touch with the real estate agent next week, and with any luck we can hold the open house on the weekend. I do want to have a cleaning crew through before the open house, so it will also depend on when I can get that booked. Decisions, decisions.

I was out early this morning to move some containers around the back yard. The front flower bed got a good soaking too, as there is no rain in the forecast. My ferns are still looking terrific but I suspect a few days of heat will cause them to start dying back. If I can keep them going for another couple of weeks, I'll be happy. 

The rest of my day will revolve around sports. There are three baseball games and two football games being aired and I'll definitely watch the Blue Jays as they play in Seattle, and the Riders game with the B.C. Lions. Another mitten is close to being completed, and then for a change I'll switch to knitting a toque. Beyond that this is very much a nothing day. I had made plans with Chris to go for coffee this morning; she'll definitely be on my mind as well.

Have a great week ahead everyone.