A hodgepodge of a week

 We've had several days of light rain this week, adding up to about 2 inches overall.  It's been needed and I haven't had to water my containers for several days.  It's been cool though too, with temperatures struggling to reach 20C (68F).  I was ready to see the heat break but not so thrilled with these cooler days.  I'm not nearly ready for summer to end.  Sadly, the forecast shows two nice days (Sunday and Monday) and then we're back into the cooler weather for the next ten days or so.  

I did get out one day, in between rain showers to harvest a few of my veggies. It may not look like much (and it isn't) but for the few plants that I have I'm happy.  I started the tomatoes and larger green peppers from seed in late April, while the jalapeno and small red pepper plants were picked up in July when the garden centre was selling off the last of their plants.  I picked another green pepper and several more tomatoes this morning.  I'm hoping to let the rest continue to ripen on the plants but the nights have been getting cool.  5C (41F) has been the lowest thus far. 

Oh well, with the cooler weather, it certainly has given me time (and perhaps a push) to get some deep cleaning done around here.  I'm almost finished the main floor but am starting to lose momentum. Hence starting this blog post on Friday rather than tackling the spare room.  I'm working on doing some decluttering at the same time and have started another box for donations and a bag for clothing.  Neither have much in them yet.  

When I haven't been cleaning, I've been watching the IHHF women's hockey. Our Canadian team started out slowly but have been gelling as a team as the week has progressed. I'm disappointed that the networks are showing so little of the ParaOlympics.  There are two hours scheduled this afternoon on one of our major networks so I'll catch up on the news before the football this evening.  I've been working on a crochet project at the same time.  It's a hexagon African daisy and I'm using up a few partial balls of various colored yarn along with a huge ball of white yarn I'd picked up at Value Village. When I run out of purple, I have two balls of pink but will need a third. If that runs out before I have enough pieces, I'll use some yellow yarn for the flowers, though again, I only have two shades.  Oh darn, I will have to buy more yarn. :p  

I did go shopping again this week, for groceries, cat food and litter, with stops at the local thrift and dollar stores as well.  For less than $25 at the thrift stores, this is my haul.  Three t-shirts for Eli, a blue cake pan for D, the basket to hold my pumpkins, more fabric for pumpkins or napkins, two good sized balls of cotton yarn, a crochet craft kit and a Morris Design candy jar.  The crochet craft had an original price of $25 - which I never would have paid - so I think I did well.  There is enough cotton yarn to make two more shopping bags, and I couldn't resist the candy jar.  It appears it was a promotional item as the company sells candies.  I did find a cookie jar listed at $33C, so I expect is has some value.  I've no intention of selling it, instead it will have a place in my kitchen.

I've been reorganizing a bit in my craft room, taking stock of what I have, with a plan to use as much as possible in the next few months.  I've started on a few Christmas crafts, as well as Halloween.  Here are some finishes:

The larger "Boo sign" will be hung on my front door in place of the wreath. I have a set of battery operated miniature lights that I'll add to the sign to make it more visible.

The smaller Boo sign is for my tier tray. I  want to add some fake cobwebs to the Happy Halloween frame and will display it on the china cabinet.  (Any real cobwebs have been dispensed of this week). 

The last is a wooden pumpkin which I sanded, painted and covered with paper napkins.  This side I like the best because it almost looks like a face.  

The winter/Christmas item is this board that will be leaned against the wall on top of the china cabinet.  I used a sheet of scrap book paper for the base but I wanted it to have more of a 3D effect so added the trees and stars. 

In other news, D is getting Eli ready for school.  They had their last meeting with the occupational therapist on Wednesday.  K will be writing a report with several recommendations for the school and plans to visit the classroom in a month or so.  D has had a call with the principal too, to go over a few things that came up last spring.  One of them, which I just learned of, was he was called Elias at school even though D and Eli both requested he be called Eli.  The only time any of us call him Elias is when he is being naughty.  I wonder if the use of that name had some negative effect on him in the classroom.  The new preschool teacher started work this week and is planning to meet with a small groups of parents and children over the next few weeks.  Eli and two other children are the only ones returning from last year,  everyone else has moved on to kindergarten. I'm hoping they'll be able to make him a "helper" for the younger children as a way to keep him engaged.

On a pessimistic note, we're seeing an increase of Covid-19 cases here, especially among children and young adults.  The small town that D lives in had six children attending the ER just this week. (She has a friend who is a nurse). So she's quite concerned about the risk to Eli.  Most of the city school boards are mandating masks for elementary school children and recommending masks in high school.  But the smaller towns have yet to make announcements even though school starts on September 1.  D is planning to send Eli to school in a mask regardless, but knows that it will be difficult for him to wear it if others are not.  

Our provincial government has basically given up.  There will be no more health orders, they're leaving it up to the personal responsibility of individuals.  I guess they're unaware of how that's gone in other jurisdictions.  Of course, they were re-elected last fall so they've got three years or so before the electorate can hold them accountable if/when things go badly.  I'm tired, so very tired, of personal freedom (a term used by our health minister) overriding the welfare of the collective.  If that's the case, let's do away with seat belts and bike helmets, bring back lawn darts, smoking in vehicles, and permit drunk driving.  On the latter aspect at least two of our current provincial politicians have some experience - one resulting in the death of a woman.  

Too, we're in the midst of the federal election campaign.  The leaders are promising anything and everything to secure the votes - even when the promises appear to be contrary to the values held by the party.  To be honest, I don't think anything they are saying will swing votes.  Many people are so entrenched in partisanship that listening with an open mind is damned near impossible.  (I'll admit even though I try I get easily frustrated.) Thankfully it's a short campaign, just 36 days, with the election to be held on September 20. 

On a far happier note, I'm off to visit a friend tomorrow in a nearby city.  I've been feeling a bit claustrophobic, only getting out to shop and am starting to crave contact with others that aren't family.  We're planning to visit the Farmer's market and take a walk in the park, with a stop for coffee or tea at a patio.  It's been nearly two years since I've seen C in person - it will be wonderful to see her again.

Since I've covered the week's happenings, I'll wrap this up and publish it today.  I may be back with a post on Sunday as I'm planning to take my camera with me.  I haven't been outdoors for a walk for some time, getting my steps and activity indoors instead.

Take care everyone and have a good weekend!

Almost goodbye (to the cold weather)

Monday morning was the coldest morning to that point, with a temperature of -37C when I went out to feed the birds at 8:30 in the morning.  I won't tell you the wind chill because at that point it just doesn't matter.  Just know that my nose hairs froze in the few minutes I was outside. Usually the birds don't arrive at the feeder for several minutes after I've left the back yard, but there were several waiting in the tree in the next yard as I filled the feeder.  Inside the house I watched them from the kitchen window - they were definitely hungry and the feeder was empty by mid-morning.

I needed to run an errand for D on Tuesday so ordered my groceries for pick-up that afternoon.  I stopped in at Value Village since I was in the area and found a pair of Osh Kosh shoes for Eli for $5.99 - regular price is about $20. When I checked my receipt I realized I got the senior's discount so paid just over $4 for them!  They are gently used and should be good summer shoes for him.  Later that day I needed to mail an envelope so made a pit stop at the Dollarama and also Walmart for a few craft supplies. I also picked up Eli's birthday present, a bike helmet.  His mom bought a bike for him last year but he really wasn't interested, although he could reach the pedals he couldn't figure out how to make them go around.  This year, he's taller and I suspect he'll have no problem.  He turns four in under three weeks. I'm hoping to make a trip out to help celebrate as he won't be able to have friends - it's all weather dependent.

The rest of the week was about housework, Ancestry, staying indoors, and a bit of crocheting and knitting. I finished the baby blanket but didn't start on the sweater as I'd originally planned. My daughter asked if I could make her dishcloths - I've got one finished and another on the needles now.

The cold weather has continued through the week. This morning it was -38C; I continue to go to feed the birds first thing in the morning before the wind gets up.  It's definitely cold but not as bad as it would feel with a wind blowing in my face. I went around the side of the house to check the furnace exhaust.  I'm glad I did as there was ice from the exhaust stretching down to the ground, about 18-24 inches.  It wasn't blocked - good thing as when the exhaust blocks the furnace shuts down. Thankfully we seem to be near the end of the really cold weather; we'll be back to more seasonal temperatures by Monday.  

Some more good news this week, our province announced that Phase 2 of the vaccinations will start in April, and my age group (60-69) will be eligible.  With the increased volume of doses expected over the next several weeks, I'm hopeful I'll be able to get my shot(s) sometime in April or May. It was also announced that they will be using pharmacies to deliver the vaccination.  I'm quite happy as I've received my annual flu shot at a local pharmacy and not had any issues beyond a sore arm for a couple of days.

Today is "Hockey Day in Canada", with three games throughout the day.  In between the first and second game I made dinner, caught up on blog reading and finished this post. Just in time for the next game and more knitting.  

Take care everyone, stay well and stay warm!

   

Countdown over, Christmas joy

 I had an entirely different post planned for this week. But those ideas went out the window when our health officials and Premier announced on Monday that further restrictions were being placed on gatherings in the home over Christmas.  Until Thursday morning, indoor gatherings in private homes could be as many as five, but after that we've been asked to keep our gatherings to just the immediate household. Failure to comply can result in fines of $2800 and though the risk of being caught is slim, I'm a rule follower.  

While disappointing, D and I talked about it and decided to move Christmas to Wednesday of this week.  So that's what we did.  They drove up on Tuesday, in fact they were here by 7:30 a.m.!  Apparently Eli woke at 4:30 and insisted it was time to go to G'ma's.  D kept him busy for an hour and then hit the road.  Since they had to head back Wednesday, we had Christmas dinner on our Christmas Eve.

I hadn't yet picked up a whole chicken, so instead I roasted chicken breasts with poultry seasoning and sage.  There was mashed potatoes, gravy, two types of stuffing, and roast carrots and turnips.  Want to take a guess what part was Eli's favorite?  The turnips! I must admit they were delicious, but so was everything else.

It was a busy day: Eli and I went out to feed the birds and to shovel the driveway, while his mother wrapped the stocking gifts, she dropped off gifts at an adopt a family, as well as with friends while Eli and I played (or with Uncle C), and dinner prep took a good amount of time as well. A bath was in order for the little guy after dinner, and all shiny and clean he popped into his new Christmas pajamas.

My brother R stopped by briefly after dinner.  Eli was so excited to see Gr'uncle R and there was much tickling and giggling going on.  When R took his leave, D took Eli to the bedroom to sleep just before 8 p.m.  There was no nap that afternoon, he often doesn't, and within five minutes he was asleep.  At that point, D was ready for bed too, so the two of us put the gifts around and under the tree and she put out the stocking for the next morning, and took her tired self to bed.

Christmas morning started early, at 5 a.m. when one excited little boy was awake and ready to get into those presents. D explained that he had to wait for Uncle C to wake up, and he was satisfied with the gifts from his stocking, cartoons on television and breakfast.  We had sausage, croissants, and D and I had eggs as well. Although Eli has outgrown his egg allergy, he still doesn't care for them.  We wonder if his tummy gives him a bit of grief.  

I had informed C that he was to be up by 9 a.m., so D and Eli headed downstairs to ensure he did so.  A little voice told his uncle that Santa came!  I'd made a pot of coffee in time that it was ready when C arrived upstairs and in short order the fun had begun.

Eli is playing with his small Paw Patrol firetruck.  The large box to his right contains a large Paw Patrol firetruck.  The little one (from Uncle C) stays at G'ma's and the other (from his mom) went home.  Also in the photo is a package of Oreos - the only thing he asked for.  My homemade cookies just didn't cut it!

My daughter was thrilled with her afghan and her other gifts, while my son was surprised with the gaming chair.  D and I had brought it out and tucked it behind a side table and covered it with a blanket.  Eli was so excited to help bring it out and take the blanket off to show Uncle C.  I received a new set of sheets from my kids and Eli gave me a box full of paints for my crafting.  

The rest of the morning and early afternoon were spent tidying up the living room, playing with Eli, tidying up behind Eli, doing dishes, tidying up behind Eli, while D loaded her car and met a friend to pick up another gift.  C spent a lot of time with Eli - which I know both enjoyed greatly.  D had a t-shirt made for her brother with the wording "PUNK - professional uncle, no kids". Perfect!

With the car loaded, I asked if I could take a photo of D and Eli.  It took a bit of doing, as his middle name is not cooperation, but I did get some good photos.  First off, an outtake.

This is one of my favorites, even though Eli is in profile. 

I'm grateful that we were able to spend this time together to celebrate.  I know that Eli had fun, and even though our plans were pushed up by nine days, nearly everything had been done.  The house could have used a little more cleaning, but it needs doing now too after the visit. We won't be together again until at least mid-January when the restrictions may be lifted.  Already I'm thinking ahead to a visit near the end of January (dependent on the winter weather and road conditions).  

I'll be back on Saturday to wrap up the rest of the week.  Take care everyone and stay well!

Week 8 - Going, going....gone

Phew!  What a week this has been.  Everything started on Monday.  I made a run to our nearby Superstore to pick up a grocery order.  Let me preface this with, NEVER AGAIN!  I received the email about 15 minutes before my pick-up time.  So far, so good, but when I arrived at the store and called the number I was hold for nearly 10 minutes before someone picked up the call.  Then it was another 10 minutes before anyone came out to the car.  I was watching in the side mirror as the groceries were being loaded in the trunk when I realized it wasn't my order.  I opened my window and called to the clerk and she asked me to get out of my car and check my receipt.  Why she didn't read it herself, I don't know.  In any event, it turned out it wasn't my order, it was mixed up with someone else's and it took several minutes to get it straightened out.  I won't bother doing this again, because it wasn't a larger order, and I could have been in and out of the store in the time it took to complete the pick-up.  

I had just arrived home when my brother R called to say he was on his way into town to start the removal of the shed.  He, with some help from me managed to remove the doors, roof, and windows in the next six hours.  We did take a breather for a bit of lunch at one point.  What we learned that first day was the builder (a previous home owner) liked screws.  Each of the roof hangers had eight screws in them, in addition to two 4" inch screws - the latter inserted in the rafters before the roof went on. 

While I removed as many screws on the inside as I could, R was up on the roof removing the asphalt shingles.  The plywood in the center of the roof was removed before the rafters and the rest of the roof was removed.  R slid these pieces off the front of the building while I stood below to ensure they didn't fall over. After these were safely down, he came off the roof and with a little help from my son C, moved them aside.  The center rafters were taken out next and leaned against the fence.

The header above the door was removed next, then the windows came out.  As we'd been working in each we were removing trim pieces as well, and it was about this point in time I started marking the pieces of the puzzle so R will find it easier to put it back together at the farm.

Our final task for the day was to clean up the work area, putting away the tools for the next day, and moving the pieces we'd removed to the back of R's truck.  All but the roof pieces as they were hauled out later in the week. 

Looking through the window opening on one side

Tuesday started early when R and his son K (my nephew) arrived just after 8:30 a.m. It was cool but warmed up quite quickly.  It was time to start working on the walls.  Again we ran into screws and more screws.  There were two 2X4 boards on top, each screwed and/or nailed down every six inches or so. The bottom plates of each wall were also screwed and nailed down. In some spots there were three and sometimes up to five screws and or nails! One would have sufficed. The chipboard walls and siding were screwed into the bottom plates and the corner 2X4 as well.  Then each corner 2X4 was screwed into the abutting corner.  In some cases we couldn't get at the screws as we didn't want to remove the siding.  Other screws were counter sunk or stripped and couldn't be removed.  So R used his reciprocating saw to cut these off so we could lift the wall. Each wall that was removed taught us something, but it was really trial and error.

While the guys were working, I pretty much tried to stay out of their way.  I'd bring tools, or tea and water as needed, and ran out at one point to pick up sandwiches for lunch.  By that time they'd gotten two walls down and it was time to start on the back wall.  This was cut in half and the pieces set down on the grass.
The next task was to remove half of the floor because we needed to move the shed away from the lower deck in order to reach all those darned screws and nails.  K is a strong young fella (as his dad would say) and he dug around the base of the shed to make it easier to lift.  This was moved further over and flipped over to allow the joists to dry as the ground was quite saturated.

We took a tea break about then as the skies opened up and we had a heavy downpour for about 10 minutes.  When it had passed, R and K used a heavy metal bar and K's leg strength to push the shed away from the lower deck before removing the front wall, and then finally the side wall.  They also took the time to remove two large pieces of wood that were in the ground separating the grassy area from the gravel base of the shed.  After the rain there was a good inch or two of standing water on the lawn so getting rid of these boards helped it drain.
Last, the rest of the floor was flipped over to allow it to dry. We ended the day by tidying up, and R took many of his tools home with him.  The plan, initially, was he would return on Wednesday to take away all the pieces but that changed.  R decided to use the day to prep the area where the shed will be rebuilt.  

TBH, I was happy to have the day off.  Not only am I feeling muscles I haven't felt in ages, the housework needed to caught up on.  I spent the morning doing laundry, sweeping and washing floors, cleaning cat litter and so forth. I took a break in the afternoon as the temperature had reached a lovely 18C (64F).  I grabbed a book and a cold drink and relaxed in the sun room.

Thursday was the end of shed saga, at least the removal of it.  R, K and niece L arrived shortly after 11 a.m. to start the process.  With C's help they moved the 10 pieces in three separate loads.  R had borrowed his neighbour's utility trailer rather than the 12 foot trailer.  On the first trip he had parked in the wrong direction in front of the house.  Within 15 minutes parking enforcement pulled up to advise he was parked improperly.  Hmmm.....we never see the parking enforcement in our neighbourhood. I believe someone (a certain neighbour) called.  Now I wonder if he'll do the same when the RV's are parked on both sides of the street?  Probably not.

But I digress. The loading of the pieces only took 15-20 minutes each time but delivering it to the farm and returning was a lengthier process. It was just about 5 p.m. when I waved them away with the final load.  

The view from the lower deck isn't pretty, nor is the one looking into the yard from the side of the sun room.  But it's gone!  

Quite obviously there is work to be done yet to clean it up.  I'll have to get someone in to remove the gravel/shale base and bring in topsoil in preparation for sod.  I think I mentioned before that will wait until next year.  In the meantime I'll rake it and tidy up a bit and set out the planters you can see on the deck.  

Before they left on Thursday I reminded L that I wanted visitation rights to the shed.  She laughed and said, it will be a she-shed so you're welcome to come visit.  As it turned out, my first visit was a lot sooner than I had anticipated.  Friday morning, I received a text from R saying he'd forgotten his cordless drill at my house.  Since they've run back and forth to town, I said I'd run it out.  I was quite happy to go for a drive, it was sunny and warm - just a great day to get out of the house and out to the country.

R and L selected a spot up the hill and behind a bluff of trees in a small clearing.  The building doors will face south.  By the time I arrived they had one front piece, one side wall, and the back pieces up.  (He had installed the floor on Thursday evening...this guy never stops!)

I helped a little with the last side wall and the last front piece, mostly holding it in place while R screwed the bottom and sides of the walls.  He figures he's used about a quarter of the screws the original builder did. This is where the progress will slow down.  R plans to extend the walls up another 2 to 2.5 feet before he puts the roof on.  There will be windows added to all sides as L wants it to be bright.  He was showing me his stash of windows leftover from the house and old porch that was replaced a few years ago...there must be 20 or so waiting to be used for something.

We had great weather (aside from a bit of rain) for most of the week.  However, Friday afternoon it began to get windy and cooled down quickly, from 21C (70F) to 12C (54F) in just an hour or so.  Overnight we had rain and...no snow!  Snow was in the forecast but I saw no evidence of it when I woke up at 5:30 this morning.  We are expecting a cool weekend with highs of only 8C (46F) so I'll be spending my time indoors.  

I've got a pair of crocheted slippers started for my daughter that I'll try to get done today.  Sunday I'm driving out to see her and Eli for Mother's Day.  Our province is now permitting two families to be together.  D and I will wear our masks though to be on the safe side and I will change out of my clothing and throw it in the washing machine when I arrive home since I've also spent time with my brother and his family this week.  In our region of the province there are only 2 active cases of Covid-19 and none in the region she lives in.  Thus I feel the risk is lessened to a reasonable degree that I feel comfortable spending the day with them.


Take care everyone and stay well!  Have a great weekend and week ahead.

Week 6 - Light at the end of the tunnel?

Another week of near isolation is over and it appears there may be some loosening of restrictions here soon.  In Saskatchewan, we've had less than 350 cases and only 4 deaths (thank goodness) so our provincial government has decided to let things go back to semi-normal.  There is a five stage plan, but only stage 1 and 2 have actual dates assigned, the other three stages will be determined depending on well or how poorly the first two stages go.  The first stage will start on May 4 with the opening of medical services such as optometrists, occupational therapy, dentists and such. Boating and fishing will be allowed too, although only family members living in the same household will be permitted to do these activities together.  Assuming all goes well, by May 19 retail stores will allowed to re-open but again with significant restrictions.  We've been truly fortunate as none of our long term care homes have been affected though I am concerned that at least two of our indigenous communities have recently announced several cases.  Those communities could be hard hit if as this continues.

Based on Thursday's announcement, and a conversation my son had with his boss, I'm thinking he'll be back to work on May 19 as well or at least that's the expectation. I do believe management will bring most staff back slowly but C works in an area that provides general services to the other divisions so he's more likely to be needed.  While I'll be happy to have my time to myself, I do worry this might be a bit early. 

Another relaxation of the restrictions is that we can have contact with one other household.  I've made plans to drive out to visit D and Eli on Mother's Day, May 10.  We'll still maintain social distancing, so no hugs from her though we're pretty sure Eli won't follow the rules.  I'll wear my mask, as will D, we'll wash our hands frequently and I'll change out of my clothes when I get home.  I won't stay the night but will drive out early in the day and come home around dinner time.  Unless it's raining, I won't be surprised if we spend most of the day outdoors in her yard.  Eli loves the outside as he calls it, and there's lot of room for us to visit while he plays.

On a totally different note, and a happy one too, this week I received a parcel in the mail.  I follow Connie's blog at Far Side of Fifty.  Each spring she has a contest for her readers to guess when the snow will be gone from the snow stick in her yard.  I made a educated wild guess of April 2 and it turned out I, along with another reader, was right!  We each received a prize for the correct guess.  


Connie and her husband create hand carved wooden items, and I was hoping that the prize be one of those.  I was not disappointed at all, as the prize included a little fairy house, as well as two scrubbies and some lovely note cards.  All hand-made by Connie!  She's a prolific crocheter creating afghans, shawls, and baby blankets as well.  She's definitely an artist.

I did a bit of sewing and some crocheting and knitting as well this week.  When I went grocery shopping on Monday I used a scarf as a mask but decided after seeing several blogs mentioning hand made masks to give it try.  My first attempt ended up in the garbage.  I used elastic but found it wouldn't stay on my ears.  So I poked through my stash of sewing notions and found some bias tape to use as ties. Since then I've made another couple of masks, one for my daughter, and another to have as a spare. 

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous so I've been spending my afternoons in the sun room.  I used some of that time to finish a UFO (unfinished object).  It's the infinity scarf I started ...let's just say months ago! Obviously I'm not wearing the appropriate top but you get the picture.  AND yes, I need a haircut in the worst way!  Thankfully I'm not the only one.

This was my view as I relaxed on the little love seat in the sun room.  

Friday, the clouds came scudding in, but it wasn't raining so I got into the front yard to do some clean up.  I swept up the patio and driveway of needles and pine cones from the spruce tree. I got down on my hands and knees and cleaned up the front flower of debris, clipping off the dead leaves and stems of the perennials, and put down fresh mulch.  I leave the perennials through the winter for the bugs.  There were dozens of dead lady bugs and a few live ones too.  The latter I moved under the mulch as best I could.  Once everything was cleaned up, I brought out the patio furniture - just a small table and two chairs.  Of course, I had to test it out and so sat and enjoyed the fresh air and the bird song around me.

Today was another lovely day, so I'm posting this in the evening.  About mid-morning I headed outdoors to clean out the large shed in the back yard in preparation of having it removed. My brother has the week of May 4th off and will be taking it apart and moving it out to the farm. My niece L has all sorts of plans for it, as it will become her "she-shed" and art studio.  I'm grateful that it won't be sent to the dump.  

This photo was taken back in June 2011, just about a year after we moved into the house.   I kept extra pots, the lawn mower, hoses, garden tools, and so forth in it.  Everything except the lawn mower has been moved to the little play house shed. I'm not sure what I'll do with the mower - I might just tarp it for the summer because it doesn't make sense to move it to the garage as there is no grass out front.  To put it in the play house would require lifting it onto the lower deck, and then lifting it into the playhouse.  More work than I want to do.

Once the shed is removed, I'll clean up that area and prepare it for new sod. But I've decided the rest of the work will wait until next spring since I will not be listing the house this year.  For this year, at least, I'll use the space for some container gardening.  

Finally, spring has arrived!  (Even if my neighbour has his Christmas lights turned on this evening.) I'm starting to make some plans on what I might plant in my containers, assuming the garden centers are open for business by the long May weekend.  As I was searching for a decent photo of the shed, I looked through photos of years past and gotten some ideas.  Soon, I'll be able to start digging in the dirt again.  That makes me happy!

Take care and stay well everyone!  Have a great week ahead.

Week 4 - an end in sight

I'm referring, of course, to the painting I've been doing in the house.  The main portion of the basement is now complete. Along with my son's bedroom there is a back area, mostly for storage, that needs to be done but I'm in no rush.  I've made up my mind I won't be listing the house this year.  At least for the foreseeable future, open houses are a no-no, and I certainly don't want a bunch of strangers wandering through the house with the potential of spreading the virus.  Further, all signs would suggest that house prices will fall this year due to the financial fall-out of this pandemic.  On a positive note, I have a variable mortgage and with the lower interest rate my payment has been reduced by $50 every two weeks.  I

Sadly, there is no end in sight for the Covid-19 virus and the forecast models so many reporters and individuals were clamoring for would suggest we're in this for the long haul.  Here in Canada we haven't seen the spread to the extent that many other countries have but I expect with the warmer weather coming the number of cases will increase.  I understand that many people will want to be outdoors especially those who live in apartments and condos - they may decide the risk is worth the opportunity to escape the confined spaces.  Then there will the folks who simply decide they've been cooped up long enough and "gosh darn it no gov'ment is going to tell me" what to do.  It's the latter I fear the most. I'm fortunate to have a deck out back, a patio in the front, and a large sun room (for cooler days) so I can get the fresh air I crave.  Just this morning, I stood out on the deck listening to the birdsong. For a few minutes I can think that all is right with the world. 

I did go out on Thursday for groceries and to pick up a prescription for my daughter.  The two stores I went into had arrows on the floor to direct traffic, however there were a number of people who apparently don't read arrow.  Even so, it was fairly quick getting out of both stores.  Getting into the drugstore took a little longer.  I waited about 15 minutes for my turn as they were limiting the store occupancy to 50 people, including staff. I went back later in the day to mail the parcel to Eli and D with the flock of ducks I made for him for Easter, her prescription and some other items.  The wait wasn't quite as long getting in, but there was a woman at the postal outlet counter who ensured the rest of us waited for at least 10 minutes before she stalked out the store, angry that she wasn't able to do what she came to do.  (No fault of the clerk - this person ought to have gone to the main post office).

Looking at the photo, it's clear the momma duck's beak is a little off but it didn't look that bad in person. :p  D sent me the felt for the eyes, and without a hole punch I had to try cutting circles by hand.  They're not perfect, nothing I make ever is, but they were made with love.  Besides he's three and won't care at all - there's chocolate in them there ducklings. Each of the little pooping ducks holds five wrapped chocolates.  D says she'll put one out every day so that the little stinker doesn't get too many.

Currently I have another crochet project on the go, a tote bag and I'm trying to decide what my next knitting project might be.  I like to have one of each - the stitches are different so I don't get confused switching from one to the other.  I sorted through my yarn stash a week or so ago...I probably have enough to keep me knitting/crocheting for most of the year!  I did find a pattern for a sweater that I really like - we'll see whether I get it on the needles or not this weekend.

On Friday, I went to my nephew's home (I know, I know) to help him with his income tax filing.  I felt fairly secure in that he hasn't been working, and other than his parents and sister (my SIL who tested negative) he hasn't had contact with anyone for nearly three weeks.  He is in the reserves and is expecting to be called up shortly so his mother was insistent his return needed to be filed asap.  I could have completed the return myself, but she was also insistent that he needs to know how to do it himself.  Rather than cause more family dissension I walked him through the forms.  We managed to physically distance ourselves fairly well throughout the process and I made certain to change clothing and wash up well when I got home. 

The weather has been fairly cold all week, with lots of wind and even some snow.  Friday the temperature reached 11C (52F) so the last of the ice on the front patio and in the backyard disappeared.  Then, of course it cooled down and our forecast suggests we're in for chilly weather until next Friday.  Pfft! I was hoping to get out and started cleaning up the patio and deck.  The birds and at least one squirrel have been cleaning up the birdseed every day.  The other day I was able to sneak into the sun room and catch the squirrel getting his feed on.

I chuckled when I saw the result of the second photo. It has its eyes closed - is it thinking?  "yum, yum, good?"  

I've read a couple of blogs where the author has come up with a list of things they want to do when this pandemic is over.  Some as many as 50!  I thought I'd try to come up with 10. Except for number 1 they are in no particular order.

1. Hug my daughter and grandson in person.  
2. Have lunch at a local restaurant with my friend K.
3. Visit my brother and family at the farm. 
4. Allow the painters to come in and paint the living room/kitchen/foyer.
5. Visit the garden centers and purchase plants for the containers.  I think this year I'll try growing some vegetables as well.
6. Attend the stitch and chat at the library.
7. Go for coffee with a friend.
8. Take a trip out to the island to see my cousins and uncle.
9. Book a cruise - October 2021 is a possibility.  It gives me an opportunity to visit J in England.
10. Continue to express my gratitude to all who have worked through this pandemic, the health care professionals, the support staff, grocery clerks and those who stock the shelves, truckers, police and fire personnel, and even our politicians who have done so much to ensure we are kept informed and the appropriate safety measures are in place.

I'd love to see your lists, either in the comments or on your own blogs.  Take care and stay well!

More of the same - Week 3

Sunday and Monday were sad days.  When I went out Saturday to pick up a few items, I found myself apprehensive about being around other people and that feeling carried over for a couple of days.  I think the stress of the continuing increase of Covid-19 cases and deaths, and the fear that it could impact someone I know and love is beginning to wear on me.  Add in not being able to physically see and hug my daughter and grandson is making it more difficult to tolerate.  Thankfully, I still have my son living with me and he gives great hugs.

My sister-in-law continued to display symptoms of the virus so was re-tested on Monday.  The results weren't available until Friday, so this added to my anxiety.  Thankfully she tested negative once again.  She's also started to feel better so that is a relief for all of us.   

On the home front, I did get the basement prepped for painting on Monday morning while my son was at work.  He returned after a couple of hours so I didn't do any more.  I think of the basement as his space (with shared laundry) and while I'm sure he doesn't mind me being there, it's easier to get things done when I've got the place to myself.  Tuesday morning he was away again, so I washed all the walls, sanded down areas where I'd filled nicks and dents, and began the process of cutting in before C arrived home.  As I was working I found more dents and nicks where C had moved furniture for me so those got filled.  I had planned to start painting in earnest Wednesday morning while C slept....that boy can sleep through anything...but I just wasn't in the mood. Thursday was a write off too.  Friday I was back at it, and got the cutting in done.  By the time I finished that, I was done for the day. I may or may not do more today. 

My son won't be going back to work until April 20th.  There are three staff who work in his area, so his bosses have decided to rotate the three coming into the office for the next few weeks.  He called into a conference call on Monday and the decision has been made the earliest all staff would be returning to work would be the end of April.  But, of course, that could and probably will be pushed back even further.

I've given up on my pillow project for the moment.  I'm not happy with the way it looks and I think it's likely the yarn I'm using.  Perhaps that's why someone had donated it to the thrift store.  In the meantime, I've made a pooping duck (not to be confused with a peeking duck, :p )  The bottom holds five or six candies. In this case I've filled them with Smarties Easter eggs.

I didn't have the proper material to make the eyes so simply stitched a couple. It looks evil!  So my daughter is mailing me some felt and I'll remove these and replace them with felt that I'll glue on.  I had made another two duck head and bodies but some cat had misplaced my orange yarn so I couldn't make the bills.  I picked up another skein at Walmart on Wednesday when I ran out to do an errand for my daughter.  I'd like to make another three white ones as well.  My daughter will use them instead of Easter eggs for Eli's hunt.

In addition, I've finished a few dishcloths. As another blogger has said these are always useful! I've been watching last years men's worlds curling and I like to have something to work on in my hands.  It keeps me from eating my way through this pandemic.   

Winter returned mid-week with temperatures falling to -20C (-4F) overnight with snow.  We didn't get much of the precipitation so as it warms up over the weekend I expect it will disappear.  Even so, with the exception of the front patio it will be a few weeks before I can get out and start cleaning up the yard.  In the meantime I'm enjoying watching the birds at the feeder. 

Based on the size of these birds, I'd say they are pretty healthy!

That pretty much wraps up the week.  I'm continuing to stay home as much as I can and I'm trying to keep busy and avoid watching the news despite being a news junkie.  One difference is I've made a point several times this week to call, text or e-mail a friend.  I'm far too good at waiting for others to reach out, it's about time I was the instigator.  

Take care everyone and stay well!

Home bound (mostly) - week 2

Staying home 24/7 is certainly ensuring I get things done!  I did take Monday off as I was tired but I spent the day having to remind myself that it was my "day off".  By the end of day I felt like a slug and was ready to get to it early Tuesday morning.

The three bedrooms on the main floor are painted, including the trim, and the floors in the spare rooms have been re-scrubbed to ensure there are no spots that I missed the first time around.  The first bedroom (which I posted a couple of weeks ago) contains just the toys that Eli plays with when he is here; the second room shown here is my sewing room.  For the moment, it is neat and tidy because everything is tucked away in the closet.  It won't last. :)

My bedroom is done for the most part, though I'm going to have to buy a quart of paint to put a second coat on the feature wall.  Unfortunately I just didn't have enough to do the two coats.  :(
The difference between the two colors is more prominent in real life, but I'm happy the way the two colors complement one another.  I think I've figured out the old color. I used the Behr color match app to take a photo of the wall and it came up with three different options.  One of them seems familiar to me.  I really have to remember to keep the paint chip or write it down somewhere.  Like perhaps my blog?  For posterity the new color is natural gray...how simple would that be to remember?  Knowing me, not so much.

We did have a bit of a scare this week, as my SIL began showing possible sign of Covid-19.  Thankfully, her test came back negative and things went back to normal for a couple of days.  Then her doctor's office called and told her that since she was still showing symptoms she needed to self isolate.  She had been doing so at the lake house while waiting for the test results - I'm not sure if she'll be going back there or not.  My brother was off work as well but had gone back.  I'm a bit worried about him as he is starting to feel winded climbing stairs.  This is a guy who runs marathons for fun.  If it ends up they both have it, he'll likely have passed it on to others at work as well.  It's all very worrisome.

On another note, I've decided to cancel my cruise in June.  I'm sure that comes as no surprise to anyone.  I had so hoped things would settle down, but the longer this goes on, and with the increasing number of cases and countries shutting down their borders it is clear this trip isn't going to happen.  I'm definitely disappointed for a number of reasons.  I won't get to see my friend J this year, it's unlikely I'll ever get to do this particular cruise as the pricing was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and frankly, I'm itching to travel.  That's an itch I won't be scratching anytime soon!

While I was mourning the decision, I went through photos from the TransAtlantic cruise friends and I did in the spring of 2014.  J met us when we docked in Southampton, as did a cousin of one of our party and his partner. J gave us all a day to remember.  I have over 120 photos to prove it, but I'll only share a few here.  

Our first stop was Sir Harold Hillier gardens, where J was then employed.  We spent a few hours there and I was in heaven!  What a beautiful place!

The day was a bit damp but the gardens were so lovely it did not matter a bit.

Every where I turned there was another gorgeous tree in full bloom.  

The flowers were simply spectacular!

This was my favorite piece of artwork in the garden.

After we had wandered to our heart's content, J had arranged for us to enjoy a ploughman's lunch at the main building.  It was wonderful and totally unexpected.  After lunch I know we went to another spot but I can't recall the name.  I do remember that they had plants for sale...which had I been able to smuggle home in my suitcase I might have.  Probably not, though because that would have been an issue at border control.

It will be weeks yet, before our garden centres will open so I'm living vicariously through these photos!  

The grand finale of the day, of which I have no photos, was a proper English tea at J's home.  A good friend of hers made the cakes especially for our visit.  It was just an incredible day and one that will live on in my memory.  It was my first chance to travel to Europe and only served to whet my desire to return.*

Back to the mundane I spent the rest of the week cleaning house. The kitchen was first up and the bathrooms right behind it.  While I keep the rooms reasonably clean and tidy, I spent more time scrubbing cabinets and counters than I normally would.  I tackled the areas under the bathroom sinks and got rid of more items that haven't been used in months or have dried up.  I washed the floors on my hands and knees in order to get into the corners better than I can with my mop.  

On Friday, the crew showed up to replace the shingles on the roof.  They arrived by 8:30 in the morning - I was just about to go and feed the birds as they pulled up.  I warned them about the ice on the east side of the house and we agreed they would work off the front patio side.  About 2 hours later the shingles were off and I could see them rolling out the underlay.  I'm sure that isn't the technical term but it works.

The original truck and trailer for the garbage left just as the truck with the new shingles arrived.  I watched the crane lifted the supplies onto the roof.  It was a long day as the original crew of two completed the shingling, replacement of vents and turbine thingy (again, another technical term) about 6 p.m.  I had wandered out about 5:30 with a garbage bag to pick up a few pieces of shingle and the wrap from shingles.  The guys were good enough to ball it up and toss it off one side of the house.  I could have left it for them, but I figured it would save them a few minutes at the end of the day.  

Saturday I went out shopping for cat food, bird food, and a few groceries. I had planned my trip to hit the three stores I needed in order of opening.  That plan was thwarted when I arrived at Peavey Mart to find they didn't open until 10, rather than their normal 7:30 a.m. start.  No matter, I took my items home, wiped everything down with wipes before putting them away and then did the quick trip for the bird seed.  I shouldn't have to go out again for another 10-14 days again. My son has been called into work for a few hours Monday and Tuesday so if I think of something I'll ask him to grab it.

This post is getting incredibly long, so I'll wrap it up for this week.  Take care everyone and stay well!


*I know that J reads my blog too, so I hope you've enjoyed the memories of our last visit.  I'll get there again, one day, I promise!