almost out of March

And what happened to March....is is Spring in this corner of the world, still soggy mind you.  There are blooms and blossoms everywhere, yellows, pinks, whites, purples.  Just wonderful!

Finally a couple of completed projects to share.  There are two more stitching projects in the works and due to be mailed this week.  Once I know they've been received I'll post pictures.

The knitted hat was my second time using double ended needles.   So one day, I'll graduate to making socks...one day, maybe.  The stitching, purely for pleasure.  The simple things is destined to be a pillow cover and the Eiffel Tower perhaps on a craft bag.

 

and that's it for now.

February chills

The upside is beautiful sunshine today but my goodness it is cold and the wind has picked up.  The forecast continues this way all week.

Today is an extra day off.   It's the family taxi day.  I'll drop DH to work later today and then take my Dad to a medical appt.   For me, it's bonus time to stitch and maybe a coffee while waiting at the appointment.  It's all good.

During these cold snaps as our windows are older, we use sheets of rigid insulation.  They fit perfectly, in the windows and are easy to store when not in use.  Likewise during summer heat waves they help out a lot.  And they're not expensive.

One new recipe tested this week, from allrecipes.com, Italian baked pork chops.  Very easy to do and ready in 25 minutes.  And from Cooking Light  2014 recipe calender, baked shrimp with tomatoes. Very good.   Both recipes are keepers.

We have a small visitor at present, a ladybug.  I found it on the living room drape, I guess it found it's way indoors to escape the cold.  Well I did put it back outside in a planter by the patio door  but in checking a few hours later it was roaming around the dirt.  The dirt was so cold to the touch...so relented and put it in the flower pots by the kitchen window.  So far it's staying put and probably quite warm and cozy.  For the moment, the ladybug can stay.

that's it for now.

good bye January

Here we are, the last day of January.  It's been four weeks since Quincy's passing.  We are adapting to life without him. .....some days are easier than other.  I guess we will know if and when it's time to open our hearts and home to a new critter.

I'm still working my way through the GYB Party links and reading blogs.  Thanks to folks who have stopped by and those who have become followers.

The new computer is working just fine. .... now. It's so much nicer to to be able to view a blog and even leave a comment without waiting what seemed like forever.  Now I just have to catch up.

We've had many, many grey days here.  Today, sunshine and blue skies.  There are signs of spring, snowdrops and crocus in bloom and many trees with buds.  Still winter isn't over yet and there's a chance of snow for Sunday.

My progress on stitching and knitting projects has been slow.  Hopefully by my next post, some new photos to share.

till next time...

Blog party 2014

Welcome to my blog!

Trying to write this post....well it's taken days.  Apparently the new computer and blogger won't play nice .... log in sure but try do anything else, not so much.  The problem can be resolved but not in time to write a new post.  Thank goodness the old computer still works!

So here we are, January 25th and the party is about to begin.....

I live on the West Coast of BC, in the burbs.  DH and I are heading towards 25 years of marriage.  We have two wonderful grandsons, Noah 5 and Nate 3.   Both boys are on the Autism Spectrum.  There are challenges for sure but they are also making great progress.  They are the loves of our lives.

I love to knit, cross stitch and sometimes crochet.  I hope to learn to hand spin yarn.  I have a drop spindle and have read up on the "how to's"  but have yet to  try.    I defintely enjoy time in our patio garden.  It might be winter but today we had sunshine and 13 degrees C, it felt heavenly and such a treat!  Mind you it was quite cool overnight and very frosty this morning.

I love to cook.  I'm always on the look out for new recipes.

I enjoy many music styles, along with a nice glass of wine.

Thanks for stopping by.







 

today we are sad

Quincy's battle with a diabetic condition is done. Letting him go was the hardest decision for us but our bottom line is his quality of life.  He's weathered so many things and keeps on fighting.  This morning was different, he looked frail and tired.  Yet he was still trying to make us feel good.  I guess it is true, loving something so much, so times you have to set them free.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

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!