A very quick update

First off, look who reached the 6 month milestone on Saturday!

He's really starting to be a little person. He adores his mom and dad, enjoys butternut squash and applesauce, and still won't smile (often) for G'ma's camera.  

I had breakfast with D and Eli on Saturday morning.  She's currently living in a friend's basement (bedroom and living area) and had her first shift back at a local retail outlet on Friday evening.  Dad J took Eli overnight and will do so when she works there, at least for now.

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I've been busy getting ready for my cruise.....12 more sleeps until I fly to New York.  For some reason, taking a trip gets me motivated to clean. I've and vacuumed and washed the floors in the entire upstairs of the house, cleaned the bathrooms, and did a bit more packing of my daughter's stuff.  I'll get some more boxes this week and take care of the baby's room next weekend.

My clothes and shoes as packed in my check bag, and I pulled out the carry-on this morning.  In the carry-on will be an extra outfit, undergarments, and pj's as well as a small bag of toiletries, my camera bag, a book, my itinerary* and a pair of ear plugs. The latter are for the airplane as I often sleep - I've been known to doze off as the plane is on take-off.

My old trusty purse I carried on many trips fell apart on the last one, so I'll use the travel bag I bought for Europe.  It has a shoulder strap with braided wire in it to ensure it can't be cut easily and has pockets I can lock to carry cash or other valuables.  It's meant to keep pickpockets at bay though I suspect on the Canada/New England that is less of an issue.  In my purse are my cash, passport, a pen, and a few other small items.  It tucks into my carry-on and that bag fits under the bag in front of my seat.  

*On my last cruise (Oct 2016) I got scolded by an American customs agent for not carrying my itinerary with me.  I didn't think I'd need it as we were arriving in New York overnight before leaving for the cruise.  He informed me I should carry it with me at all times.  Lesson learned!

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Work will be extremely busy for the next couple of weeks.  We're still in the midst of a transition.  I'm learning a new workload, getting to know my staff, and still finish up work from my old workload.  As well I'm responsible for orientation and this week's training of six new staff.  To be honest, I love being busy so though it may sound as though I'm whining, I'm truly not.  I've either asked for or volunteered for more work. 

It will make the time go more quickly....one more marble comes out of the jar on Tuesday, only 15 more months until retirement. 

I said this would be a quick update, but of course, I got wordy again.  I'll close off now with one more photo of my sweet grandson.

That's Sheldon beside him.  Eli loves him and so far Sheldon doesn't seem bothered by the baby either.

Have a great week everyone!

Ch...ch...ch...changes

Life can be unpredictable; but sometimes it is not.  Such are the recent changes in my world.

John had asked why my manager would change my workload when I'm nearing retirement.  Well, in fact, it was my choice to make a change....though I didn't quite get what I wanted.

I have been saying for the past year that I wanted someone else to take over my group at least a year before I retire.  My rationale is the work we do is somewhat unique and it takes a little while to get one's head wrapped around the concept.  I know I really started to feel comfortable a year in, so my thoughts were I'd still be around to help the new supervisor.

So when we were asked by our manager and her boss, how we envisioned the office reorganization, I made several recommendations, and at the same time requested a change.  We're in the midst of hiring, the first we've done in nearly 5 years and I was hoping to be given a group of new hires to train.  That's not what I got though.  Instead I have a group with three different workloads AND a project.  

I have lots to learn as one of my staff will be retiring in December.  I'm hopeful we'll be able to train someone to take her place before then, but if not I'd better know how to do her job.  As well, I have some new systems to learn so I can work with the other people in the group.  I'm certain I won't be bored!

And then there is the project.  I've been challenged to create a program to assist the new hires in their learning.  I won't go into the details but over the last couple of weeks I've created a plan that requires the approval of my manager and her boss, discussed with my peers what the program might look like and discussed it with several existing staff who I think may be part of the program.  

In the meantime I've been kept busy with my current group and have been helping with the process to bring in the new hires.  I like being busy and the time has been flying by.  

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The other big change, that was not entirely a surprise, is that my daughter has left her boyfriend and moved back in with me.  Now, she did this at 2 a.m. on Friday a.m. so the timing could have been better.  I woke up to the front door opening - my first thought was why was my son coming home so late as I knew he had to work that day, when I called out to him, I was surprised when she answered.

She showed up with the baby and most of his stuff.  Yep, she'd packed the car with his swing, his clothing, diapers, and toys.  She left Eli with me, went back to the house to get another load, as well as her bank card and other set of car keys.  I got the little one settled and back in bed, before I crawled back into my bed.  I was certainly glad I didn't have to work that day!

Later that day, she went back and brought back Sheldon.  As you can see he's a wee kitten, and just a little cutie.  J had threatened to put him outside and let him fend for himself.  While I've never been J's biggest fan, this even further reduced his status in my mind.  

So far the other cats want nothing to to with him.  They will tolerate his presence in the same room, so long as they can watch from afar.  Heaven forbid, should he come within a paw whap away.  I was playing with him on my bed yesterday, when Sami jumped up.  Sheldon did the sideways hop with his best floof on - Sami hissed and let him have a paw.  Then she ran away.  We've been keeping them separated most of the time, Sheldon has D's room, but whenever the other cats are all out in the sun room, we let him out to run and play.  The cat tree, kickaroo, and several of the other neglected toys have been getting quite the workout.

And of course, this means I get to spend more time with Eli.  

He's now four months old and his little personality is really developing.  He's a happy little boy (though he often appears serious in his photos).  He wakes up happy and greets his mom (and grandma) with smiles.

He loves to play on his mat, either on his back or his tummy, and is trying very hard to get himself to a sitting position.  He likes to spend time in his jolly jumper, bouncing and squealing checking out the baby in the mirror we have leaned against the wall opposite.  

He's a lot of fun!  But lots of work.  Between feeding, diaper changes, baths, playing and cuddles he keeps her busy.  He does have three naps a day and sleeps well at night.  Last night he went down at 8:30 p.m. and didn't wake until 3 a.m.  It helps that he has his own room and she doesn't hear his every move.

I'm finding (just 2.5 days in) that I'm missing my "alone" time.  I do retreat to my bedroom or outdoors when the chatter gets too much and, of course, I'll be at work for the next few days.  I know we can't live like this forever though, so have agreed to help my daughter find a place of her own in the next few months.  However, while she's here I've set some ground rules - she is responsible for all the baby's needs (care, food diapers, etc.), must keep their spaces tidy, and pay a small amount of rent to cover the costs of extra groceries and utilities.  

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So life has gotten a whole lot more interested/complicated, both at work and at home.  The next few months will be a time of learning, patience, and likely compromise.  

In any event, I have my September cruise to look forward to - today marks 9 weeks to sail-away.  I'm definitely going to be ready for a vacation!

I'll end with a couple of photos from this morning's walk.

Momma duck watching over her babies as they nap by the side of the pond.

And a lone baby duck - his momma was quite the distance a way from him with several other little ones.
He was peeping like mad to get her attention.

Have a great week everyone!

Weekend Wrap-up

It's been a busy weekend, such that I feel as if a couple more days off would be more than appreciated.  But alas, that is not to be, as I'll be back at work tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.

Friday, I had the duct cleaning company to the house at 8 a.m. only to learn that there was no easy access to the duct work.  I was told to have an access cut into the drywall just outside the furnace room and call them back at a later date.  Luckily there was no charge for the call-out.

I had arranged to meet my daughter after the duct cleaning but it was far too early.  So I read the news, had a couple of cups of coffee, and relaxed before heading out.  I got new glasses a couple of weeks ago and one of the nose pads had been irritating my nose; on my way I dropped by the optician's office to have them adjusted.

My daughter's boyfriend's mother (that's a mouthful) had arrived Thursday evening for a brief visit and is staying with them.  She was at the house with Eli when I got there, D and J were off at Lowe's buying garden supplies.  J was a little disappointed when I told him it's a little too early to garden here in Saskatchewan.  We generally have to wait until the long May weekend to ensure there is no killing frost.  Thankfully, they bought seeds not plants so he can prepare the garden plot in the meantime.

We left Eli with his Grandma D and his dad and went shopping.  My daughter had received a gift card from my brother and his family for Christmas.  We hit Ricki's and she spent her money.  Later we went to lunch, to my house to pick up a few items, and then onto a couple of other stores, before heading back to J's house.

I left and headed downtown to pick up my son from work, home to feed the cats, and then off to dinner with friends.  By 8:30 I was tucked up in bed...it was tiring day and I knew Saturday would be busy.

Saturday morning, I was up early doing some housework, before dressing for church.  

Eli was baptized on Saturday morning at the Holy Rosary Cathedral.  He was an absolute doll, not fussing at all, though D did say she "practiced" with him in the bath at home.

J and his family were raised Catholic, so having Eli baptized in the Catholic church was very important to Grandma D.  She provided the christening gown (which was made from her wedding dress) that her youngest children, including J had worn at his baptism.  She also had a bib made for him to keep.  The gown will be used again, as her daughter is having her youngest daughter baptized in the next few months, and another son and his girlfriend are expecting a baby in November.

Grandma D stood in for Eli's godfather (one of J's brothers).  His godmother M is a co-worker of D's.  She is so good with Eli.  She kept him calm, even though the water was much colder than expected.

There were two other little boys baptized yesterday morning.  Both were older than Eli, but he looked as big as one of them, and only a little smaller than the other.  What struck me was the multicultural aspect.  One of the families spoke Spanish, the second was from the Philippines, while D and J are several generations Canadian.  

After the service, I took everyone out for lunch to Ricky's.  It serves all day breakfast as well as a regular menu and I thought we'd be there by 10:30 or 11.  However the baptism service went long and by the time we arrived at the restaurant it was almost noon!  No matter, as we had a great lunch and good conversation. 

I took Grandma D, D and Eli to do a little shopping before dropping them back off at the car.  Off to home to change and then back out again to the grocery store.  By the time I arrived home around 3:30 I was ready to sit down. But first the groceries had to be put away.  I stumbled as I was coming into the house and tripped on the stair...I have a lovely bruise on the my thigh as a result.  

The rest of the evening was spent watching hockey before I went to bed at 9 p.m. to read.

Today, I was half-expecting D to come by but she didn't.  I did finally finish crocheting the beanie that goes with the mini turtle blanket.  Since I didn't have Eli to model it....I tried it on Saku instead. 

I think I woke him from a nap because he didn't get irritated with me until I'd taken the photo.  He doesn't look very impressed, and when I went to remove the beanie and the blanket he bit my hand (not breaking the skin).  I guess he let me know how he really felt!  

I took it easy for most of the day, doing a little housework (as little as I could get away with), some laundry, and a bit of reading while watching the hockey playoffs.  There is no curling so I have to watch something on ice.... :)  

It will be another early evening, as morning will come early...Saku or no Saku.

That pretty much wraps up the weekend.  This upcoming week will be busy as we have two days of meetings planned that will take me away from my desk.  

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Weekend Wrap-up

I loved my four day weekend last weekend, but because of it, this one was only a short two days.  I know that is a normal weekend, but I've been spoiled with three days for some time.  As John once commented, it is nice to be able to arrange my schedule to take advantage of working, at the most, four day weeks.  

But with only two days available, and curling season in full swing, I certainly didn't accomplish as much as I would like.  The house is a disaster, with baby items strewn in nearly every room.  My daughter was using my kitchen table to craft and left everything as it was.  I tidied that up, and put the bin, scrapbook items, paintbrushes and tray away in the baby's room.  We've always said about her that stops, drops and rolls when she enters a room.  While she did do a load of dishes (in the dishwasher) and some laundry for the baby, she left a load of her own in the washer.  To be honest, I won't be entirely unhappy if she moves on soon.

She did spend some time at J's but was back here by Wednesday saying the honeymoon was over.  Then the weekend came and she was back to his house on Saturday morning.  She reported this morning, that J had taken care of Eli overnight so she could sleep....she managed nearly 8 solid hours so was feeling good

Speaking of Eli, he had his first appointment with the doctor on Friday.  He's gained a pound since leaving the hospital, weighing in now at 8 lbs. 3 oz.  (Although he was 7 lbs. 14 oz at birth, it isn't unusual for babies to lose weight at first).  The doctor told D that he's going to be a short baby.  Not surprising as mom D is only 5'3" and J is only an inch or two taller.  

Eli has been awake for longer periods of time.  His eyes are starting to fade to the blue I expect they'll be (again, mom and dad are both fair and blue-eyed).  He is quite happy to spend some time hanging out on his play mat staring at the lights and listening to the music.

Although I didn't get a photo of it, Saku likes to join him on the mat.  I was worried that he, Saku, would have a difficult time adjusting to the noise and motion of a baby, but that hasn't been an issue.  (Yet, knock wood! I expect when Eli gets big enough to grab, it will be a different story).

I did manage to get my taxes done, as well as my son C's.  D is missing two T4 slips - I'm sure they were sent to her but she has never been particularly good at keeping track of paper.  I did some work done on the little turtle blanket, but not enough yet to take a photo to share.

Our weather has improved, with temperature above freezing.  I've got rid of most of the remaining snow and ice off the driveway today and took down the Christmas ribbons from the garage lights (about time, I know!)  

I did get my laundry done, the cat litter cleaned, and did a bit of cooking for the week ahead.  Nothing fancy, just a meat loaf for sandwiches, and taco meat for salads.  I have some chicken marinating in the refrigerator for supper this evening.  I think I'll grill it on the barbecue...have to check to see if I have propane.

I'm just watching the end of the Canada-Russia women's world curling game.  Last end, and Canada needs to score to win...which they just did.  It's definitely been a good game though the skip of the Russian team hogged her last rock.  If she hadn't there may have been a different outcome.  This evening, the Canadian team will play the United States.  With the 11 hour time difference I've been PVR'ing the games and watching them later.  This evening's game I'll watch live.  Baby Eli will be here to hang out with me for a bit as well, as his parent's attend a viewing at a funeral home.  The deceased is the father of a friend of J's, so they are going to support him.

That sums up the weekend. It's gone by in a flash.  I just hope the work week does the same.

Have a great week everyone!

Back to reality

I took an extra day off this weekend, so will go back to the office tomorrow.  I had planned this day of vacation in order to avoid having to work more than 4 days a week.  I've worked out my schedule to my planned retirement date and I'll use personal leave and vacation as needed to ensure I always have a long weekend.  Normally I would take Friday off but this week I'm one of only a few supervisors scheduled to be in the office this upcoming Friday so didn't dare ask for it off.  Monday it was, resulting in a 4 day weekend.  (I don't count Thurs afternoon as time off as I spent much of it worrying about my daughter and carrying for baby Eli).

Speaking of the little guy, my daughter has asked me to put this together for her.  It's a simple little blanket made of seven motifs sewn together and a little hat. 

We chose a darker green for the motifs and a similar bright green (as the picture) for the brown you see in the photo.  

Once complete we'll try to do a photo shoot with Eli.  I just hope he'll be as happy as the little one in the photo!

The Brier (men's curling) ended last night with a win by Brad Gushue's team (Newfoundland & Labrador) over Kevin Koe's team (Team Canada).  The event was held in St. John's, NFLD so the rink was rocking with excitement.  It came down to the last shot of the last end....exciting and just the way I like the game of curling to be played.  Truly, either one of these teams could have won - they are very evenly matched.

But as a result, there is no more curling until this upcoming weekend.  The women's Worlds are being played in Beijing, China and only the Canada games will be televised.  With a time difference of 11 hours, I'll be PVR'ing the first game, avoiding all sportscasts until I can watch it on Saturday morning.  It should be a good game, as our Canadian women (Rachel Homan) play the Chinese team who won the event last year.  

All of this to say, it's back to reality tomorrow.  Back to work and regular television programming, with a project to keep me busy at home.  All good!

Baby Shower

My daughter's co-workers threw a baby shower for her on Sunday. They had thought to keep it a surprise but realized someone who suffers from anxiety as D does, it was probably not a good idea.  I know she enjoyed herself, as did I.

We met a F's house at 1 p.m. and didn't leave until nearly 4. There were about ten women in attendance, including D and me.  F and C were hosting the event, and with the very creative and capable assistance of J, it was truly special.  I wish now I'd taken photos of all of the decorations!  There were streamers on the ceiling, balloons on the floor, and a chair had been specially decorated for the mom-to-be. 

The afternoon started off with a pot-luck lunch of buns, cheese, sausage, veg and dip, pita chips, hummus, and a plate of sweets.  I'm sure I missed something on the menu but I certainly can say it was all very tasty.  On offer to drink were coffee and iced tea.

Everyone was given five clothespins to attach to a piece of their clothing.  We were told we couldn't say "baby" or someone could take a pin for us.  I was the first one to lose a pin...though I held onto the other four. We wrote messages on the back of diapers ...for D to read at a later date.   There were word games, we all made babies out of playdoh (I am not the least bit creative!) and there were small prizes for all.  

Then out came the cake!  I mentioned J earlier in the post.  She created the invitation for the shower and a very talented friend of hers created a 3D version for us to enjoy.  

The base of the boat is made of paper, there is a ribbon around the base, and the rest of the decorations were made of fondant.

Isn't it amazing?  The detail is phenomenal.  Before cutting the cake, J removed the pieces on top and D is planning to allow the fondant to dry to keep as a memento of the day.

The cake itself was white cake with a blue icing between the four layers.

I can't imagine how much time it took to create the cake.....but I can certainly appreciate the artistry.

One last photo of the cake, with my daughter D and her baby bump.  Baby Eli has definitely been making his presence known lately.  As of today, his due date is a mere month away.

After we'd all had our fill of cake* (which wasn't much), it was time for the presents.  The generosity of D's co-worker's was simply incredible. From hand-made gifts to gift certificates, storage boxes, a basket full of items gathered from those who could not attend, and even a bag full of gently used clothing, D received the most thoughtful gifts.

When we arrived home, D helped me arrange the gifts on and in front of the crib.  This picture doesn't do credit!  There are two hand-made blankets, one in the softest baby yarn, and the one in the middle in the colors of the Montreal Canadiens (my daughter's favorite team).  To the right of that is a crocheted shark sleeping bag!  I can foresee a photo shoot using it as a prop.

On the floor to the left is a small blue garbage bin, a basket full of t-shirts, pants, socks, and other sundries, a bat h toy, storage boxes, a toque and mitts and a little red rain jacket (on top of the storage boxes), a travel diaper pad, along with two bags.  The one in the rear is full of toddler size hand-me-downs. Not pictured are the many gift certificates, including one to a baby store, two for City programs (swimming lessons) and one for a massage for D. 
  
The afternoon was wonderful, there was lots of laughter and a few tears over the sweet gifts, and the love these women showed to my daughter was beautiful to see.  I met her "work mom" R and we laughed several times as we discovered we often said the same things to D.  She's a lucky girl to have the support of her co-workers and friends.  

We're one more day closer to meeting our little guy.  Although I still worry how she will manage, I'm looking forward to the first time I get to see his sweet face and hold him in my arms.  Won't be long now!

*The rest of the cake will go to the office with D tomorrow so the rest of her co-workers can enjoy it as well.

Weekend wrap-up

We're having a sunny day here in Southern Saskatchewan, but with frigid temperatures.  This morning, I woke to -23C (-9F) with windchills making it feel at least 5 degrees colder.  Brrr!  I know it's January, I know this is normal weather for at least a few weeks every winter, and I know I complain about it every year.  There is a little cartoon that asks, "why do I live where the air hurts my face?"  The only answer I can come up with, is I blame my grandparents for settling where summer is a weekend in July, and the only good thing about the cold is no mosquitos.

However, it does make for a good day to relax and watch the curling on television.  The event is taking place in North Battleford, a city some 3 1/2 hours north of me.  It's just as cold there; my cousin who is attending the event has posted on FB that the arena is cold as well.  While I think it would be great fun to be there I'm grateful I'm watching it from the comfort of my couch.

I'm writing this post between ends, and sewing the loose ends into my almost completed afghan as I keep an eye on the television.  I'm about half done the sewing and the game is half-over so that part of the finishing should be complete.  The women's final is later today so I plan to complete the edging while that game airs.

On Friday I took a day of vacation as I'd booked appointments, thinking it was an earned day off.  Good thing, as it turned out to be a very busy day!  I dropped my son off at work, went home and did some chores before heading out to get some groceries.  I put those away and then was off to the salon to have my nails done.  From there I met my friend K for lunch where we spent nearly two hours catching up.  I dropped her off at home and headed for the drop-in oil change store where they complete the oil change and replaced a burnt out headlight in less than 20 minutes.  Then it was off to the Fabricland store nearby.  It will be closed on January 21st so pretty much everything is discounted.  (Not the yarn for some reason).  I picked up three more patterns, some buttons and material.  The one piece of material is perfect for t-shirts, the second I plan to make into bibs for the little one.  

So it is becoming apparent that sewing will be a priority in 2017.  At the moment my sewing machine and table are in the baby's room.  That's the next project for today.  I need to move my armoire in my bedroom to make room for the sewing table and chair.  I'd prefer not to have it in my bedroom but there is simply no other space for it in the house.  When we moved in here in 2010 I never thought I'd say that.  But having my daughter return with her furniture and household stuff (most of which was in a storage unit in 2010), and adding a baby to the mix is a bit of a challenge.  OMG, I had forgotten how much stuff a baby needs!

My daughter and I made a trip to Michaels on Saturday where she was able to get a scrapbook for the baby at half-price.  From there we went to ToysRUs where we found a baby bathtub, some toys, and diaper wipes at 20-30% off at their Babyfest event.  I couldn't resist this little octopus (Sock-to-pus) with the added bonus of 4 pairs of little socks.  He/she fits in with the fish/sea world theme, is practical, and is too cute!


Later on, in the afternoon, my son and I headed over to the mall where we did some errands before heading to Mark's Workwearhouse.  He used his Christmas gift cards (from me and my brother's family) to purchase two new pair of jeans and a new hoodie jacket.  He refuses to wear winter jackets...I have no idea what his aversion to these are....so this is a heavy knitted jacket with a fleece lining.  With a t-shirt and long sleeved shirt underneath it is warm enough for most days.  He also purchased a new pair of steel-toed shoes, the cost of which, will be reimbursed by the workplace as these are required.

Today, the cats let me sleep until nearly 8 a.m.  That's nearly a record around here.  I've got some housework to get done (between curling games) including vacuuming my bedroom and scrubbing the kitchen floor.  Dinner is in the fridge - I put together a beef noodle casserole with cheese that I'll throw into the oven mid-curling game this afternoon.  It's pretty ho-hum, just some leftovers I'm using up to clean up the fridge.

That pretty much sums up the entire weekend. Lots of activity, but nothing too exciting. 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know it's been cold or snowy or both across much of North America; stay warm and safe!

Prep work

With the impending birth of my grandson just a few weeks away, my daughter is beginning to move into the "nesting" period of pregnancy.  Just after Christmas she purchased the crib, on sale, from Walmart.  It was priced $10 less than the same version on Amazon with no shipping costs.  

Initially is was over at her b/f J's house, but last week she had his roommate deliver it to my house.  My son C was feeling the need to be productive (his words) so he put it together one evening when she was over at J's.  After it was put together, I pulled the bedding from the cupboard and dressed the bed.

As you can see, D has chosen a fish theme, more specifically Finding Dory. (That's Dory in the left corner).  The little doll in the right corner is from D's childhood.  We called the doll Benji, although I did some research and found it is actually a Fisher Price doll named Holly.  We always thought it was a little boy....so Benji he will remain.

However, if you are observant you'll note that I've put the bumper pads into the bed upside down.  Yep, those fishes are apparently floating to the surface.  My daughter spotted it right away....I told her she can fix it.  

She was thrilled to see it complete, but J was not.  He has been a snit for much of the past week because he wanted to put it together.  I'm not sure when he would get around to it, as he's been promising to put the winter tires on her car since early November....I'm not entirely certain it ever would have been built.

Speaking of taking forever to put something together, I am finally in the process of completing an afghan I crocheted at least 4-5 years ago.   I recently had to clear out what was my craft room and will now be the baby's room.  I found the project in one of the many containers of yarn.  With the junior hockey on television today, I decided today I'd get some work done on it.  I knew I had all the squares crocheted, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the strips had been put together....so it was a matter of crocheting the strips together. 

It now looks like this.   

As you can see there are lots of threads to be sewn in.  Once those are tidied up, I'll crochet and edge around the entire blanket. 

When I started it, the afghan was meant to be used in the spare room. Of course that room is no longer the spare room since my daughter has claimed it for her own.  

Oh well, I still think it is pretty and I can use it on the couch as a cover up.  

Also, in my clean-up of the closet, I pulled out a basket I use for travel items.  I was very surprised when I went through the basket to find a whole lot of cords.

I have no idea what they are for - obviously they can't be too important as I haven't missed them.  I tidied a bit, tossed the in an old shoe box and will either sell at a garage sale or donate the lot, with the exception of the white extension cord which I'll put somewhere where it is easier to find.

It's been a good long weekend, with time to relax as well as get a few things done.  I'll be back at work on Tuesday...thankfully it's a short week as I'm taking Friday off. 

Have a great week!