Happy Canada Day

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

where is summer??

One week of summer and we've yet to really have much warmth.  The weatherman keeps promising warmer weather......sigh

A few months ago, after much talking/discussion with DH, I decided to give my notice to my employer. My last day was June 13th.   It feels like forgetting what I knew and remembering what I forgot.  Over the years there have been so many things that have had to stay on the back burner and now, new doors are opening. It is time for me to focus on my family.  Time spent is priceless.

The past two weeks have been very different.  I'm rediscovering cooking, starting from scratch, everything fresh and not so many 'rushed dinner's to prepare.  Mind you it's is a work in progress.  My "to do" list is a bit shorter too, well I can dream can't I?  At least it is a start.

One of the first projects that I completed was finishing a crochet blanket that my daughter started. Some of the squares needed to be squared up (sure made it easier for joining).  I had some yarn that matched and made a reasonable border.  I think she's pleased with the finished piece.

The remembering what I forgot, OMG, my stash of stitching, knitting and crafts, how nice to rediscover them!  Even the sewing machine that has sat idle, I'm already thinking about  new projects.

Enjoy the sweet days of summer!

Happy Easter!

So everything is ready ...and then the phone call, one of the grandsons is sick and plans will have to be postponed till next weekend.  It happens for sure and I guess it's our turn.  My daughter is not amused by the change of plans.  I understand how she feels and reminded her of all the times she got sick when she was young ...   The treats in the plastic eggs will keep just fine till next weekend for a belated Easter egg hunt.  With any luck it might be dry by then.

In my wisdom, I did most of the cooking yesterday afternoon/evening.  So the fridge is very full and likewise the freezer... no worry of menu planning this week!

And next weekend we will try it all again.

Happy Easter everyone!

April at last

It is Spring on the west coast...sunshine, rain, flowers blooming, rain  and sometimes more rain. And in between the raindrops, time for pictures.

 Both recent stitching projects have reached their destinations.  Happy Spring went to Char for the SNS2 Easter/Spring Exchange.

Boulderneigh sheep went to Michelle.

And this little fellow...had a lot to say!

till next time.

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 ...