Happy Thanksgiving to all readers in Canada!
It's a busy morning, but I have taken a few breaks between cooking and cleaning spurts to reflect on all I have to be thankful for this year. In no particular order:
My little family - my daughter D, my son C, and of course, my over the top adorable grandson Eli. While we have (frequent) differences of opinion, I'm proud of the mom my daughter has become. She's learned a lot this year and I can see her putting it into practice in her own home already.
Yesterday, C and I went out to Melville to spend Thanksgiving with Eli and D, and while there he took care of several tasks to make her life easier. He put up a smoke detector, hung the baby gate at the top of the stairs, moved a few bookcases, and took various boxes out to the garage. At one point, I spotted C with Eli on his lap, reading a book. They, too, have a bond that is wonderful to see.
Eli - what can I say? He is truly the gift I never knew I wanted. He makes me laugh, his giggles are infectious, and he's just a loving, happy child. To watch him scamper up and down the stairs (his playroom is at the top of the stairs) is a joy. Last night, he tasted pumpkin pie for the first time, and loved it. I was happy to share!
My extended family - especially my brother R. We keep in touch almost everyday, sharing the mundane, and laughing at jokes only we would find funny. My older M and I keep in touch via Facebook much less frequently, but I have several cousins who I've become close too again through social media. B and her husband G, have been wonderful to me when I've visited Parksville as they live nearby.
My home - it may not be perfectly clean (especially now), and while there are some things I'd love to change about it, it's been home for over eight years and I'm comfortable here. Yet, I'm looking forward to the day I put it up on the market.
My cats - Sasha is 18.5 years old now, Saku over 10. In the middle of the night I heard Saku playing with a toy in the hallway, bouncing it off the walls and chasing it down into the living room. While one might think Sasha's days of playing might be over, not so. This morning (at a much more reasonable hour) was playing with the toy Saku had left in the living room. I love their purrs and cuddles. I'll miss Sheldon, as we took him to Eli and D yesterday. I'm happy to report he's settling in well, has found several hiding spots from the little guy, and D's bedroom faces south so he'll have sunny spots to nap in.
My work - although it too has its faults, I'm grateful for the 21 year career I've had with the organization. I'm blessed that it has provided a good living that allowed me to provide for my children (even into adulthood), maintain my home, and spoil myself with opportunities to travel. Just last week, my notice of retirement was formally accepted, and I'm in the process of completing the paperwork to obtain my pension.
My friends - what would I do without the people who support me? The Friday night crew have become much like family, we have our differences of opinion but we share more laughter than anything else. My friends here in the blogging world, who have followed me to this new blog when my world blew up in my face two years ago. I am truly blessed.
My future - while there is still much to be determined, I do know I'm going to enjoy my adventures on the planned cruises, and there is a move in my future. The timing of the move depends on the sale of this house, and the logistics that go with any move. To be honest, while it makes me a bit nervous to think about, I'm more excited than anything else.
My health - while there are more aches and pains than before I'm still able to manage the housework and yard work on my own. I'm pretty certain my foot issues of the other day were due to dehydration, though I suffered a bit yesterday as well. I'll just have to ensure I keep drinking more water than coffee, and if it continues I'll visit the doctor. In any event, the housework is calling my name again so I'll end this post by asking:
What are you thankful for? Have a wonderful day everyone!
I'm starting this post on Saturday, though I suspect I won't finish until Monday. At the moment, I'm taking a short break from house cleaning. I'm slowly making progress; starting in the kitchen this morning I cleared the counter-tops of miscellaneous clutter, thoroughly scrubbed them down, and threw out stale cookies and the onion skins from the plastic container (though the island is still a disaster). The fridge got cleared out too and I put everything I plan to take to D tomorrow on one shelf.
We had packed up the dry goods (or at least most of them) and taken them out on Friday, but somehow we managed to miss several items in the fridge. I also found her vinegar, baking soda, and canola oil in the one lazy Susan. When I made up my bed this morning, I tidied around the bed and found several toys as well. Those have been tucked into a box, along with a couple of t-shirts, some bathroom items, and a container of cat toys.
Before I go any further, I should give you an update on the move. It went well even though the movers were about an hour later than anticipated. Eli and I left the house about 7:50 to visit my office. He got to meet a few people (not too many were there on a Friday before a long weekend) and had a brief visit with Uncle C and two of his co-workers before we were leaving to head to Melville to meet the real estate agent at 10:00. We ended having to make a stop back at the house (movers were there by then) because D had put her wallet in the diaper bag; she needed to buy gas on her way out of town. The slight delay meant we didn't reach the house until shortly after 10, but the realtor wasn't there yet so I took Eli over to A's house to spend the day with her and her son Knox.
We had snow again yesterday, and the roads were wet but not icy. I did have to pull over to hit play on the I-Pad for Eli and the shoulder of the road was definitely slick. Later in the day when I returned home the roads were clear, there was just a bit of rain falling. Today would have been a perfect day, sunny, about 7-10C and clear skies. Oh well, it got done.
The realtor met me back at the house after I dropped Eli off, and we did a brief walk through. The previous owner left a few items behind, including a rocking armchair in the sun porch, a homemade bookshelf in the same room, a microwave in the kitchen and a shower curtain in the main bathroom. We also discovered that D will be able to use the garage to park (the inspector had given me the impression that the cracks were large...not so), and the shed has a cement floor. All good things!
The other good news was the basement. We trekked down the steep stairs to see how wet it was down there. While the musty smell is still there, the basement appeared quite dry. As a result, I've decided to postpone putting in the sump pump until the spring, but will pick up a dehumidifier for the time being. I did some cleaning while I was waiting for D and the movers, cleaned out the fridge and wiped out the cabinet drawers. I had just finished unpacking the groceries when D showed up.
The only "ick" moment was when I checked out the stove, both the interior and hood were disgustingly dirty. I didn't have the supplies to clean it, baking soda and vinegar work the best, so left it for D to do today. I talked to her earlier and she said she had cleaned out the oven, and was in the process of baking biscuits. I know she is excited to be able to bake what she likes, when she wants.
The movers arrived just before noon, and had everything unloaded and in the house by 2:30 in the afternoon. D and I started unpacking before they left, washing and drying dishes, putting away clothing, and I used the green machine on her couch. Saku apparently had decided to remind her he had been there, bad cat! We continued to unpack after they left, until the house had warmed up - we'd left the front door open the entire time so it was easy for them to move furniture and boxes.
Then it was off to pick up A and the boys. Eli rode with me, while A and Knox drove over with D, since it made no sense to move his car seat just then. We arrived back at the house a few minutes before they did, and when I brought him in, he was sooooo excited. He ran around the main floor and then went up the stairs where I showed him his playroom. (It will never be the spare bedroom...that child has far too many toys!)
When the others arrived, I decided it was time for me to head out. I was tired, my one foot was cramping, and I figured D wanted some time without me in her home (she agreed). The realtor had told me to let her know that supper was on him, so they ordered in a meal of pizza, lasagna, and Caesar salad.
Here are the boys enjoying their first dinner at the house. D bought this table and chair set used, and spray painted them black. It is set up in what is the dining room, though except for Eli will be used a craft space (with a few toys thrown in for good measure. The folding table is set up under the window, the armoires (both the pictured and the one to the far right of the ride on toy will be filled with craft materials...once every thing is unpacked.
I arrived home in time last evening for a shower before heading out to dinner with friends. I certainly didn't feel like cooking and it was good to sit and visit, though by the time dinner had arrived and been enjoyed I was ready to head home to bed. I'm not certain what is happening with my right foot. I wore my winter boots yesterday, and I remember, getting cramps in my right foot last winter when I wore them too. By the time I left D's, I had to drive without my boot it hurt so bad. I managed through dinner (kicked off my shoe under the table), but getting to sleep last night was difficult. If I weren't so stubborn I would have gotten up and taken some pain meds but I didn't.
Today, I went to do some shopping and a few errands, putting on my running shoes. By the time I reached my first stop, my foot was screaming in pain again. I discovered if I loosened the shoe it didn't hurt, as much, and I was able to keep going. By the time I hit the last stop, I also took off my sock and wore just the shoe. Again, it lessened the pain somewhat but I was glad to get home and get the foot elevated. So I haven't done as much cleaning up as I planned. I did manage the bit I mentioned before, swept up the living room (picking up odds and ends left behind by D), and the second load of laundry is in the washing machine.
I did google toe cramp and I wonder if I'm simply dehydrated. I know I didn't have anything more than a couple cups of coffee in the early morning, and though I had a bottle of iced tea with me in the car, I didn't finish it until I was on the way home. Today I started off with coffee too, and just finished a large glass of water. I plan to get several more ounces of water into me before bed because I sure don't need another drive with an aching foot. C is coming with me but he doesn't drive a standard and I've already packed much of the stuff for D in my car. I know I'll manage but I'd be much happier without the pain.
Well, I think I'll end this post tonight as it is getting rather lengthy. I'll try to get back on Monday with some photos of our Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for this year, with D and Eli in their own little home, and C and I enjoying the peace and quiet of mine.
In case, I don't I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
