it is cold outside

Brrrr is all I can say.  This Artic cold front has certainly been far reaching and lingereing...today has been 'warmer' and no wind.  Apparently it will take a few more days to return to our normal December weather, mild and wet.  And the chance of some flurries.

For the first time in many years we're having a real Christmas tree.  It's a cut tree, a Noble Fir and the boughs/needles are very soft.  At present it's still out on the patio in a bucket of water (and ice).  We'll do some of the decorating later this week and save some for our grandsons to do.  Fingers crossed that this is a good idea...decorating not undecorating, we'll see.

Shoulder problems in November changed up my plans for stitching and knitting....along with everything else.  Physio appointments have helped somewhat, along with exercises but the problem lingers on.   Meanwhile knitting needles are out, some things can't wait. No picture yet but I have completed a hat, knit over three needles.  It was a first for me.  Maybe just maybe I'll get brave enough to try a pair of socks.

Quincy seems to be holding a course.  Although he has lost weight, at this point he seems to be holding at a level.  As for the blood glucose numbers, still higher than they should be, even with increases in insulin.  So we continue with vet visits/number checks.  His energy level is better...and yes, he does manage to get into mischief.  Be it socks, shoes or hiding in one of the rooms ....he does like a challenge.  Insulin shots continue twice a day, it's part of  the daily routine now.   He's a special little dog.

Christmas is coming so quickly now, add to this a couple of December birthdays and one anniversary and it's the making of busy days ahead.

My plan is to try do some baking this week.  The ingredients have been purchased so now to plan one or two evenings this week and get baking.  Small amounts, lots of variety, and very little sampling on my part.

Stay warm, stay happy!

till next time ...









 

out of the fog....

Finally the fog has lifted, even for a short while it makes a nice change.  Now, if we could try for a bit of sunshine!

This fall continues beautiful.  The range of colors on the trees are striking....I really must take more pictures, soon, before the leaves are all on the ground.

On the homefront things are falling into place with the new routine for Quincy.  He's so good at coming for his insulin shots.  More tests are scheduled for Monday and hopefully this will give us a better idea of how things really are.

Knitting project continue, another scarf finished but no photo yet.  Stitching is on the go as well.  And a new cross stitch chart purchased, Halloween Greetings by Passione Ricamo (not like I really needed something new, this chart is delightful).  Now to kit it up and have it waiting in the wings...

This afternoon has been cooking day, for the week ahead  and the last dish is ready to come out of the oven.

So that's it from this corner.  

 

Giving thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a good weekend, not quite how we had planned things but nice all the same.   Beautiful sunny days and very cool nights.

For our grandsons, 'the bugs in the house go round and round'....actually it could have been any source, school, daycare, anywhere.... the end result the same,  Thanksgiving meal with daughter, son in law and grandsons postponed.   We did have turkey and trimmings and enjoyed the company of my parents.  They too are dealing with health issues so their visit/dinner time was cut quite short.  So many changes for them, I wish it was different.

DH  had two days off ...in a row...really nice except he works an afternoon/evening shift today.  And then there were two, Quincy and me.   And this week Quincy has had his share of health issues, as of last Monday it was determined he is diabetic.  As of Wednesday, we have a new routine with twice a day insulin shots for the little guy.   Fingers crossed that things continue to go well.

My blogging has been quiet for some time.  And  although I finally realize that the big stuff I can't change as I would hope to,  I can  do something about the small stuff.   It's never giving up, believing and sometimes finding that silver lining.......

I do apologize to my followers.  I really enjoy reading your blogs and appreciate your comments on mine.  I will work on leaving more comments on yours.

And truly, I do give thanks, for DH, family and friends, living a good life,  enjoying creative endeavours and sharing with you on my blog.





 

Pumpkins for Cathey

Happy blogoversary Cathey!   Please check out Pumpkin's blog at  pumpkinpatchandco.blogspot.ca

till next time  .....

 

see you in September ...

September mornings are lovely.  There is a definite coolness along with a later sunrise each day.  It was even foggy. Trees are starting to show color....  Nice.

Thursday afternoon and early evening a very miserable storm came through.  It started with rolling thunder, not much, just enough to get the attention of one little dog....thunder, bark, thunder, bark and so it continued for the next few hours.   Thunder claps moved closer, along with lightening under one or two very loud cracks and then TV/internet/phone service was out.   Power remained on in our area.  For Metro Vancouver, in an hour there were 200 lightening strikes.  This continued out the Fraser Valley as well.   To round out the evening the heavy rain started, so much so the parking lot looked like a small river coming through it.  And when it seemed to be done, the rain came down even heavier.  Eventually calm did return.  And there was quiet in the household too.   From all his guard duty/barking Quincy had to catch up on his zzz's.   I made a cup of tea, put the radio on and had some stitching time.  By the time DH got home from work, it was dry outdoors, TV etc was working again, all was well.

It must be late summer madness....went to the market and along with regular purchases picked up a case each of pears, peaches and tomatoes.   The first two are 20 lb boxs which sound like alot but really isn't that much but the time you take some out for fresh eating/sharing with family.  As for the tomatoes, the 40lb box of #2's was the same price as the 20 lb box of #1's so of course it was the larger box.  Roma tomatoes are wonderful,  I just keep telling myself that.   There is one pot cooking on the stove for sauce.  Another batch will be for the Tomato Salsa recipe from the Mennonite Girls Can Cook blog.  Fresh tomatoes are added to everything!  I will use some of the pears to make pear butter.  Very easy oven recipe.....it's like applesauce but with pears.  Once cooked the ladled in to canning jars and a short water bath.

To add to "what to do"  that wasn't planned,  one of the wire closet shelving came adrift from the wall.  Great....take everything out, including stowed away dog toys....really neat thinks Quincy.....DH mutters about getting rid of stuff ...ha!   After some discussion it seemed a better option to upgrade to a heavier style of closet organizer.  After a trip to Home Depot, one large box  purchased and back home again....this box has so many pieces and an instruction book, not a mere page...it will be nice but definitely not a quick build.

Tomato tosses were considered.........

Have a great week!



 

Last weekend of August

It is the end of August...just where did the time go??  It's been a wonderful summer.  And still the sunshine continues. 

have a good one!

 

check out a giveaway

Be sure to check out Lindalee's giveaway.
lindalees-crossnmystitches.blogspot.ca/

summer silence

It has been far too long since my last post.  Now we're heading for the end of August, then onward to September and Fall.  Summer is great but Fall is the best, the perfect blend of warm days and cool evenings.

We've been enjoying an awesome summer.   The really hot spell only lasted a short time.  Otherwise it's been mid twenties every day.   And as much we need the rain the lack of it has been quite a change from normally damp summers.

Many batches of roasted tomatoes have been made and frozen, along with jams (strawberry/guava, peach/apricot  and red current) and sauces (rhubarb/onion).  And bread and butter pickles too.   Now it's time to get chopping leeks, celery and peppers to freeze.   And kale pesto....turned out wonderful. 

We've enjoyed time with our grandsons too.  My goodness the boys are growing.  Pictures next post. And their Mom and Dad just celebrated their 9th Anniversary.  Congrats!

This time has been busy with my parents as well, medical appointments are now part of our routine. It's ok.  I'm glad we live close enough to be of help. 

Knitting needles are still going, stitching needle is currently gathering dust...........I think I need a kick start to get going again.   One piece of aida cloth is currently under a coffee bath.   The warm brown tone is looking pretty good.

We attended a local Blueberry Festival  two Saturdays ago.  My main reason was to visit the Pic-Knit displays.   I came across one vender selling fleece, rovings, wool.....sooo many tempting things...I can away with a hand spindle and some fleece to try hand spinning.  At the indoor area many ladies had floor spinning wheels (tradional and modern styles).    Definitely fun to watch.  Outside again there were many displays and food to try.  Home made blueberry pie....it was yummy.  The event actually carried over many of the streets of Dowtown Cloverdale.  Next year we will plan to stay longer and take in more of the venues.  And take a camera!

And that fleece...still in the bag...I've much more reading to do!  I'm pleased with the Ashford spindle from NZ, compared to making one, this one is beautiful.

From this corner, have a good day everyone!  And a great weekend! 

I do appreciate your comments.

till next time.....








 

nothing but blue skies ...........

Our weather forecast continues sunny and warm for at least another week!  Temperatures in the mid to high 20s and cooler at night, perfect and not the heat wave that we've being having the past few days. 

I'm still trying to sort out things with the move to Bloglovin.  I can see/read other blogs but still can't post a comment.  And that 'posting a comment' part, I know I'm way behind and am trying hard to catch up.

It's just after 5 am  and quite light outside  The coolness of the morning, birds singing and stillness is wonderful.  I left out quiet because the AC is still going indoors.   It is a balance.   A nice time for coffee and toast.  A nice time to collect thoughts, mull over ideas and make some plans.

Yet another work day for me.  Hopefully by next week I can move to a shorter work week for the rest of the summer.  The time off will be nice.  The time spent with  family, priceless.  My parents are getting older and they have both been having health issues.   Giving them their space but being around to do more for them, it is something to be worked out.  And that's fine with me.

DH and I haven't made any travel plans thus far and it might end up being put off till next year.  That's ok too.  Day trips are fun and a change of place.  There is nothing better then heading to the beach. 

That's all for Wednesday.

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