Lazy Sunday

 Blue has broken through the silver grey of a perfect winter sky this morning. Sunshine is bouncing off the snow and what first threatened to be a dreary day has turned bright and pleasant. Helps the mood immensely .

I am busy working on a little baby blanket, not for anyone in particular, I was given the yarn and decided to create a blanket. I can donate it when it’s done. I like to do that. I use up unwanted yarn, the shelter benefits and it keeps me busy. It’s a real joy to be interested in doing crafts again. I t was a long time that I was  not interested at all. Getting to be a more normal me. I still have blue days but I didn’t get into this overnight so it will take time to get a handle on it .

I had a moment the other day and bought myself a teddy bear. I have always loved teddy’s and I could not explain why I did it but I did and as a result meet “Ted”. He is deliciously squishy and makes me smile. Am I slipping into my second childhood? Am I just an old lady who is having a flight of fancy? Only time will tell.

Well I need to get back to my knitting. I also have plans to clean out the fridge at some point in the day . I also wish to finish watching the Crown. Busy busy day.

Toddles Linda

This and that

 Random tehoughts about the last month. I need to start making a list of blogging ideas. I t helps me to focus and remember.

On December 1st the.No Cooks came here for supper and coffee. It was so much fun to see them and spend the evening together just like we used to. I miss those Friday night get togethers. I did manage to get a few decorations out and had the house looking festive for the occasion.

There is a lot less decorations this year. Only two trees and a couple of others things. No where near the total house overhaul that I usually do. However I don’t put it all out every year but I think this is the least I have ever done.  Still I was glad to have it out when they were here.

The Banker and I did our yearly Safe and Warm raffle basket. The theme was the little red truck. We raised $505.00 for the shelter. 

We also donated two hampers. This picture is one hamper.

We also sent 48 pairs of men’s socks and 36 pairs of women’s socks. I think we did very well this year. We had sort of decided this year may be our last of doing this but now we think we may give it one more try.

I found some tiny toque ornaments I want to try knitting and some granny square stockings  I want to make. I have ordered up the yarn for the stockings and now I have to find some for the toques. My scrap Afghan depleted my stash of spare yard. It feels so good to be interested in doing things again. I’m not back to normal yet but I’m getting there! 

Toodles, Linda

Random Thoughts

Do you ever wonder how great you are at handling pain? Since we cannot feel what others feel do you ever wonder how much of a wimp you are when it comes to pain or do you have a high pain tolerance. Sometimes I wish we could figure out w way to know this. I would like to feel I’m not a wimp but I suspect I may very well be.

As we all know there is a big push to lesson single use plastics to save the environment. Last time I got groceries I got deli meat, already packaged in plastic, hot dogs, double wrapped in plastic and bananas which have a hardy outer skin that does not need too much protection. All of these items were placed in separate plastic bags and then placed into the paper bag that will save to planet. This makes me shake my head.

Due to some health concerns I have Homecare visit me each day. I am grateful that I live in a country where this privilege is afforded to me and I do not have to hike to the hospital each day for dressing changes. Another thing I am pleased is that when the nurse or the aid gets here and if they are early they will come in and chat for a bit. They could wait outside but they come in. That pleases me.

Currently I am working on going through all the boxes and baskets or bags that I have stuffed full of things and are starting to pile up all over the house. It’s threatening to get out of hand and I need to beat it into submission before that happens. I have done around my chair and am currently working on the dining room table. It feels good to see the progress.

The banker and I did several medical related appointments last week and when we were done we got pumpkin spice lattes and took a drive around town. It was wonderful. I have not been out and about for awhile and it felt so good to be out and see what’s happening around the city. I. Had a lovely time and got aMy favourite flavour of latte to boot.

Well, I think I am going to knit for a bit before I go to sleep.

Toodles, Linda

Catching up on jobs today

 I have ignored some things that need doing around here for some time now. As I am feeling more like my old self these days I have started to show some interest in getting on top of things. It’s been awhile since that has happened so I am taking advantage while I am in the mood.

At the moment I am doing laundry because I do not want that to get out of hand again. So I am cutting it off at the pass and keeping on top of it. The other job I tackled today was sorting the warm weather clothes from the cold weather clothes and thinning the heard by donating some that I do not wear anymore. 

I just have to put the summer things in their tote and this job is done. I have to admit it’s a little personal triumph to get these things looked after. I have been a sad lump for long enough, it feels good to be easing back into the land of the living. 

For quite some time I felt like that old saying of one step forward and two steps back, like there was a road block behind every road block and I just could not win, no matter what I did. Things are looking up and I am feeling much much better.

Right now I am going to go and knit for a bit, then go do some work in the kitchen. One of theses days I will tackle my craft room. That will be a most daunting task.

Toodles Linda

Fall has arrived

 I caved in in the wee hours this morning and turned the furnace on, 3:00am to be precise. I could not take it any more. The house is nice and cozy now and that’s the most important thing. I do love fall but I am not thrilled with what comes after. I like the nip in the air but I delay turning the furnace on because it costs so much to heat the house these days.

I missed blogging last week and I was so sure I would get one done on Tuesday but best laid plans and all that. It has been a busy week. The Banker and I ventured to the big city for me to attend a doctors appointment. I am hoping to get some surgery done and this appointment was to start of the process. I have not made up my mind if I am going to make the details public but my nearest and dearest know what I am talking about.

It was so nice to be out and about. I don’t get out much these days so our little trip was a real adventure. The fact the doctor had good news for me was icing on the cake for sure.

I finally got the mountain of laundry done, now I have to keep on top of the current stuff. I have some crafty things I need to get making and I am currently doing some knitting for myself. I have gotten some personal problems taken care of thanks to family and friends and right now my life is 90% better than it was. Many game changers have taken place and if I could I would dance the drunken monkey dance of joy down the street.

The banker and I put a new seat cushion on my recliner and it makes a world of difference. I need to make an extra cushion cover for it so when one needs to be washed I can cover the cushion. I don’t want to have to sit on foam without some sort of covering. We made a sort of large pillow case so it’s super easy to remove and wash.

A nap is calling my name,

Toodles, Linda

Nearly Missed It

 My goodness here it is Friday already and I have not done my blog post. I need to try and get back into the routine of posting on Tuesday like I used to. The good news is I did manage to remember the blog, not that I have any great big news to share, or even little news for that matter.

The Banker brought me a pumpkin spice latte a while back and it was wonderful. I love pumpkin spice .

I’m having a popsicle for lunch, how fun is that? Strawberry and something else. It’s rather good. I will have something more resembling food later on. I grabbed the popsicle because I was in the laundry room , finally conquering mount laundry that has been dominating this house for far longer that it should have, and I felt I deserved a treat. I really am a bit of a child . I predict that the laundry will be vanquished today. In my head I will be doing the drunken monkey dance of joy.

The trees outside my window have slipped on their prettiest part dresses and a nip has slid into the air. This is my favourite time of year. My coffee (laced with pumpkin spice creamer) and I

sat on the veranda this morning enjoying the autumn newness until home care arrived to do their thing. Lovely ladies who just do the best job.

Well I need to go and change the battery in my smoke alarm or beat it to a pulp. It’s doing that low battery chirp that drives a person crazy. 

Toodles, Linda

Guess Who!!! Yes it’s me!!

 I promised Busy that I would start to blog again and I did that some months ago, not good on the follow up but as I have recently promised to try my best at doing better with my life in general I decided I had better get on this promise. It’s a small thing and I actually enjoy blogging. I just wish I was more interesting.

I have dipped my toe into crafting again and have made a scrap Afghan. I’m trying to upload a picture but my iPad is being cranky about it. I till keep trying. My next foray into the craft realm is going to be a diamond dot painting. I have never done one and I think it’s going to be fun.

I finally had to replace my washing machine. I got the cutest little one off of Amazon. It is awesome. Yes it would be nice if it was bigger but it works wonderfully. I can throw a load in and walk away without it bouncing around the laundry room like a demented frog. It fits in the only space I have to have a washer in my house and it’s plumbed in so I don’t have to drag it to the sink when I want to do laundry. 

I went through a bad depression not long ago but things are on the upswing again. I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and stop causing my friends and family concern and upset. That is something I never want to do.

Well the iPad is still being cranky about pictures so maybe next time.

Toodles Linda

I think I got the pictures to work! Go me!!

Food and I

I spend a lot of time thinking and I devote a lot of time to trying to figure out why things are going the way they are. Currently my relationship with food is the topic of choice.

Food and I have a long dysfunctional relationship.  I do want to start out by saying I do not blame my Mom for any of this, I believe with all of my heart that anything that went on between us was done with the genuine intention of helping me. No ill will intended whatsoever no matter what the outcome was. 

I look back a my childhood pictures and I now see a little girl with puppy fat. Maybe she would have outgrown it or maybe it would have stayed had it not become concern. That we will never know because I was put on my first diet when I was 7 or 8 years old. The grapefruit diet. Mom and I did it together. It was with that decision that battle lines were drawn, the food control gauntlet was thrown down and a war that would last for years was begun.

I stayed fat all of life through the determination on my part that I was going to control what I ate. Food was my comfort, my reward, my incentive, my friend and my control. I could always get myself to do something I might not be too keen on with the promise of a food reward. I would willingly cook up something I was craving an not think twice.

This has now changed. When it first started to change I was amazed. It was a totally novel experience and I admit I was enchanted for a brief period, now I would like to know why. What changed you ask? I have lost a great deal of interest in food, Not just some food  almost all food. I can miss meals and not feel deprived. The other day I had ice cream, my total addiction in the past, something I could not stay away from at any point in time, I ate half of it and threw the container out!!!!! WTF I just knew I would not finish it and I had a mild repulsed reaction to the thought of it. 

I have no idea what is up with this. A container of yogurt, some nuts, a chuck of cheese and a bit of fruit is often supper when I remember to eat it. Breakfast is no problem I seem to manage it. My weight does not seem to change, so I have no idea what the heck is going on. I remain a mystery unto myself.

Toodles Linda

I Have no Excuse so lets move on

Yes its been a minute but I plan to be back here more regular in future. So lets forget the gap and move on. I actually have things to talk about for once. Busy and the Carpenter were here and worked like rented mules once again for me. He finished the upstairs bathroom and I have to say it lovely

 I just love it and have had nothing but compliments on it. Busy took a round out of my yard and got it looking like someone actually cares about it.

I really cannot thank them enough for all they have done. She cleaned up the back bed a well and I had planned to get woood chips for it up my next door neighbour asked if he could plant some vegetables in there and I would not have to pay him to mow my lawn. Win win so he is using the space and I don't have to buy wood ships or pay for mowing. Its all good.

I am amazed each year at how quickly the green comes back in  spring. One minute nothing and the next leaves are out and the Hostas and pushing out of the ground. The peonies are reaching for the sun and the birds are singing. Its wonderful. Busy arranged my veranda so I can get my walker down to my bench with no problem so coffee on the veranda is once again a thing at this house. 

Speaking of morning coffee one thing we do when Busy and the Carpenter visit is one of them make coffee first thing in the morning and we sit and chat over a fresh brew to start the day. It is one of my favourite things that we do. Its a nice little ritual to start the day.

Well I need to go do some laundry. 

Toodles, Linda

Surprise ts me!!

 Well winter has been making its presence known this last week, So super cold I opted not to poke my nose out the door. Not even No Cook could tempt me. Thankfully its starting to warm up but we have March to get through and she can be a bit testy.

I really have not  been up to much as usual. I am finally making a effort to work on my endurance and strength. Needless to say I wish there was an easy quick solution for this. Its my own fault I have lost so much mobility and therefore its my job to get it back. So I have started to work at that and while I am not doing a tremendous amount what I am doing is kicking my butt.

Something I have noticed this winter that has me less than impressed is how poorly the handicapped entrances to a fair number of businesses are very poorly maintained. So many automatic doors do not work. The ramp may or may not be cleared. The access is often blocked by a large lump of snow. We were at a restaurant that had a good seven inch high ridge of snow and ice right at the door. Not easy to navigate with a walker or wheelchair. Another place the handicapped parking spot was shoveled but just enough so a car could get in. To get out and get a wheelchair or walker to assist you would have put you in a snowbank. The cleared spot was serviceable for the delivery drivers though, Silver linings. Some places think the ramp should double as a ski jump so the steeper the angle the better. So much fun!! Rant over

I crocheted on the weekend.!! My fingers are so much better I can now get back to the crafting I love so much. This whole last year I have felt bloody useless because I can't do the things I love to do.

Well I have a to do list of 15 things and I have 8 of them done so far. I should get back at it. So far today  I've had yet another fight with my washing machine (it refuses to stay level no matter what I do). It was bouncing around like a demented frog and knocked a brand new container of oxi clean onto the floor. Oh goody yet another mess. First world problems for sure.

I am also once again trying to get the craft room sorted. Its become a dumping ground since I have not been crafting, No pictures as the people who read this blog have seen it before. 

Yes I am still sorting, organizing and purging. It seems to be my favourite thing to do!!

Toodles Linda

 Its been a minute, I have no excuse, lets move on shall we?

So Christmas came and went. I stayed here but was in touch with my family through the holidays. Gotta love modern technology. I even managed to do a bit of decorating for the season

Not my usual extravaganza but It was enough to make me happy. 

January arrived and we could finally say good bye to 2022. It was not my finest year and I had high hopes for 2023. Until I promptly got sick and lost my voice. I am hoping this was the last kick at the cat. I am hoping for up hill from not on.

My fingers are almost better so I am anticipating getting back to quilting soon. I never made one quilt last year. I do not know how to be if I cannot craft. 

I don't have much to pass on, I usually make notes to remind myself so I know what to blog about. I will start to do this again. I plan to get back to blogging regularly in future.

Currently I am working on getting my craft room back into order. It would be right at home on an episode of hoarders and that has to end. The craft room and the kitchen are my weakest spots. 

Anyway, that is all I got

Toodles

Linda