One of the Best Christmases We have Ever Had

Well its come and gone. All the panic and the prep and it was all worth it. Everything got done, maybe not as fast as it should have but it got done. Thankfully the Wee Girl is still little enough to not notice her bad Aunty didn't get her gift finished until almost after Christmas and it never did get wrapped but she got it. Next year will be much different. I will have my act together.

Big changes this year, Busy and the Carpenter have moved so they are closer to the grandbabies but farther from me. Fortunately its all very good roads and the trip is not that long. It was odd to think that we will no longer go to the old place but times change, things evolve and move on and this is just another new chapter in our lives. Its not important where we are, its important that we are together.

So I hopped into the car and hit the road to the new place on Saturday morning. The weather was cold but the roads were clear. Had a little snow and blow but not enough to slow things down. made good time and got to the new house before dark which was my plan. The Carpenter came out, shoveled a path for me, then brought my stuff in from the car. I felt like princess.

A warm welcome and a hot cup of coffee and I was settled in in no time. The Pilot, The Teacher and The Wee Girl were the next to show up around supper time. It was so nice to get to see them. They are great at sharing pictures and videos so I can keep up with them but its nice to see them in person. The Wee Girl is a talker. This sweet soft sing song voice goes pretty much all the time she is awake. She speaks really well and is not that hard to understand. She has her moments when you have no idea what she is saying but mostly its pretty clear. When Grandma asked if she would like some chicken for supper she very clearly replied "No thank you, I have pickles." Too cute

The Farmer, Miss Mouse and Tater Tot came in from farm the next day. The kids had so much fun together. They hardly had any tears or disagreements considering they are 4 and 2 years old, that there is a tremendous amount of excitement at this time of year and the sugar intake is through the roof. They ran miles around the divider wall in the kitchen. I think Miss Mouse and I were the only adults that did not get in on the game of  "you can't catch me". Its not hard to be happy when the air is full of squeals and happy giggles. Little ones make Christmas so much more!!

The time passed in a blurr of fun.

 One big hit was there was tobogganing in the back yard. The yard is slopped enough to be just the perfect tobogganing hill for little ones. Gramma took them out and they had a grad time. Coming back in with rosy cheeks and noses. She had to get in on the fun too. Gramma is game to pile in on the fun.

We had our usual feast of appetizers for Christmas eve supper. One thing is for sure you get fed very well when you stay with Busy and the Carpenter. They both are good cooks and the kids are no slouches either.

New matching Christmas jammies were soon in order and cookies and milk were set out for the Jolly old elf.

Notes were written to Santa , and the adults made them pose for pictures then bedtime but not before some silliness happened.  Tater Tot was having some concerns because his name starts with a W and he could not find any presents under the tree at home with any W's. He could not figure out where as where all the "W's" went. He thought there should be some W's under the tree. He was also concerned that Santa would be able to bring a horse on his sleigh. A horse was all this little boy wanted for Christmas and he sure hoped Santa could hitch a horse on with the reindeer and bring him that way.

Tater Tot and his parents went home for the night and would be back in for Breakfast and presents in the morning. This is the reason why: That Santa, he does bring Ponies:

Buck and Shorty, two rescue ponies have come to fulfill a little boy's fondest Christmas wish and live a better life. One where they will be cared and looked after. Tater Tot saw them for the front door for the first time while still in his jammies.  "Get my clothes on" was the next thing to be heard at top volume. I think it was a good thing that it was so cold outside or we would never have gotten him into town for the rest of the day. Tater Tot is one happy happy boy.

The Wee Girl is less locked into the present thing. She likes to open and then play with what she has.  Tater is more lets open it all and see what we got and then play. So while Buck and Shorty were stealing the show on the farm, we were watching the Wee Girl open her stuff from Santa.

She, I was thrilled to see, got a broad variety of things from Santa. She was definately on the nice list. She got a large play dough set, her own power tool set and a doctor kit, which she used to give everyone a check up. A Frozen Princess dress with fancy shoes was in amongst her other gifts. It provided one of my favourite pictures of the day. She is not limited by gender stereotypes is our girl

Papa made special breakfasts for our special little people. Santa pancakes were a yummy hit

We devoured breakfast, opened our gifts and laughed at the antics of the little ones for the rest of the day. Prime rib supper that melted like butter in your mouth has replaced the more traditional turkey dinner. 

Oh yes we got a tutu as well, which we slept in that night. There was even a good natured wrestling match which as short, sweet and ended in giggles not tears. Wrestling is a family thing, we all did it at one time or another in our childhoods.

Boxing day we took the little ones skating. The Wee Girl has never been before. She did well for a first time but much preferred Uncle to be pushing her around on a chair. Tater Tot just needs to get his balance and he will fly around that rink like the wind.

Back to the farm for a delicious ham supper then home to bed as the fun was over and it was time for the travelers to hit the road and head back to our own homes.

It was a lovely time. Everyone was happy, in a good mood, we had good food and drink. Lots of laughs and good times. The kids added their special sparkle to the events and there is the happy thought that there is another one coming. We even know what flavour this one will be this time round. A new baby is the best thing ever!! I can get busy and make another loot bag for next year.

It was sad to leave everyone and head back to real life. I was well looked after there. Busy takes good care of me and so I am spoiled. (Came home and had to make my own meals and make my own coffee, how rude) We drew names this year but we still seemed to have plenty to open. Loot bags overflowed and everyone did well. Apparently we were all on Santa's nice list. 

The weather was cold coming home but the roads were great. I made it home, safe and sound, and am snuggled in until the new year. I was sick for Christmas, I hope my family forgives me for passing around my germs but I so wanted to see everyone. I spent most of Thursday sleeping, taking drugs and drinking a hot lemon drink I found on Pinterest that is supposed to help with soar throats. Today I got groceries and picked up breakfast. I will not go out again until supper tonight with the No Cook girls. Today I can swallow without wanting to cry, I can breath and the coughing is not as intense. I have had this for more that two weeks so I am happy for it to be heading out.

I have my new Kerig coffee maker, my new power drill and a lot of other assorted goodies. I have lots of new pictures to scrap book and some crafty things that need to be done for the new year. Its all good. So even if its tatertot casserole and not prime rib at my house and I have to make my own coffee and get it myself, its all good. This year goes down as one of the better Christmases in my history. I love to spend time with my family and I am so very very grateful that they include me.

Toodles
Linda

Pre Christmas Panic Still in Residence

Oh my goodness I have to get my act together better next year. I have never been this far behind at Christmas in my life!! I am usually far more organized . Well I think I can safely say that I will be making some changes next year. Every time I think I am gaining ground a million little things pop into my head that still need to be done and I am back behind the eight ball.

But lets not focus on what is not done, lets concentrate on what is done. The house is decorated, minimally but its decorated. I am 97% finished my Christmas shopping and if all goes well that will be done tomorrow. I have finished the two dish cloth orders of 10 cloths each.

one order

order two need the ends woven in (that is now done!!)

 I have sewn up the pajama pants that Princess Diva ordered up and I did a bit of sewing for my own Christmas gifts.

The donation money has been delivered to the Safe and Warm Shelter.I finished the puppet orders and the jeans have been mended for the Hostess's brother.

Speaking of the Hostess, she was in town and we had our annual Sushi lunch. We had a lovely meal and a lovely chat. I always enjoy out sushi lunches. KitKat and I went out for supper on the same day. I had  been shopping first thing in the morning but I pooped out on that. I never pass up a chance to go out with friends. They are among the most important treasures in my life

I also managed to make my secret santa gift. Something I was sure I would make right after Christmas last year but oh no I did it the day before it was needed

Same as I did with the cookie exchange cookies, Did them the night before they were needed as well. 12 dozen  I was still doing them at 11:30 at night!!

Lordy I need to get my act together. I like it better when things are relaxed and easy not frantic and last minute. I am trying to learn my lesson so I don't repeat this performance next year.

On Sunday while I was frantically knitting, Desi and I watched The Bishop's Wife. I love those old movies but Desi fell asleep. I was multitasking!! Go me.

Well I should get myself to bed. Its late and I have a seriously busy day ahead of me tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be another night of fret and sweat. Sunday nights I seem to love to fret about a million things, which kick starts my hot flashes and means I just don't sleep.

I will leave you with a picture of the cute little gnomes I got from my secret Santa. I got other stuff too but these little guys are the cutest.

I hope your Christmas Prep is under much better control than mine is!!

Toodles.
Linda

Christmas Prep

I can safely say that things are moving along a little better than last week. Things went into the basement and things came out of the basement. The window down there was finally closed up and the furnace filter got a long needed cleaning. KitKat stopped in and at her urging and kind offer of help I went down into the basement and she handed me stuff. So much quicker and easier with two of us. As I sit here and type it occurs to me the air conditioner is still uncovered. Crap!! Why do I only remember it when its dark outside???

The crafts sale booth props are away, autumn decor is put away and Christmas is starting to show up around here. My veranda is just the way I like it

Garland, bows, poinsettias and wreath all in place. Giant red Christmas balls and icicle lights, as well as the first year, this jaunty little snowman made an appearance.

Having this little guy in front of my house makes me ridiculously happy. I got him last year and I was so proud I remembered to get him out of the shed before the door froze shut for the season.

I got some Christmas shopping done. I actually went to a couple of stores and got some things on my own. I wasn't out for hours and hours but I was out long enough that my legs were letting me know I needed to get home. It felt good to be out and about, doing my own stuff rather than bugging my friends to get things for me. I even went out today to get butter and  bread. I hate leaving the house on Sunday unless its to do something with a friend

Groceries were purchased, (I love Superstore Click and Collect.) I finished two puppet orders and I have half the  dishcloth order of 10 done. I have the blue jeans mended for the Hostess's brother. I have another secret project just about half finished. I don't have my cookie exchange cookies made but I still have tomorrow night. I feel like a got a good deal done for once.

I washed the laundry room floor!!! I put tote boxes back into cupboards that have been out for months. I have been getting the Christmas decorations out because we are having a cubicle decorating contest at work and that is right up my alley. So I may have put many tote boxes away but I have pulled out more. My house is awash with them.

I have been taking things to work a bit every day and I still have stuff to bring. I figure that be finished by Wednesday this week. By the time I haul the last of the decorations and the donation stuff to work, It will be Wednesday at least. I really need to get doing stuff to build up stamina. I am a complete wimp.

So I have some sewing projects to deal with this week. I need to finish up the Christmas shopping, Just a few stocking stuffers left to get. I need to get presents wrapped and some Christmas cards made. Do my baking to take with me to Busy and the Carpenter's. Somehow or other it all gets done.

I am not doing the all out decorating that I usually do. I will restrain myself because I don't need to haul it all out every year. Happy accident. I have a school desk that I was trying to get rid of. It didn't sell and I never got it into the shed before the frozen door thing happened so its in the dining room like a sore thumb. Turns out its the perfect place to put a small Christmas tree. I love it when things work out. I can pretend I meant it to be that way.

Lets hope that this week is a very productive one.

Toodles.
Linda

Moving at a Snail's Pace

Slow and steady wins the race, that is what they say don't they?? I need to keep that thought in mind. I had a huge "to do" list this weekend, all of which seemed very possible as I sat at my desk at work. The thing is my mind has not quite accepted the fact that I don't get around like I used to and my legs are the ones that make the rules these days. I cannot stand or walk for a great deal of time before I need to sit. Puts a kink in what one does.

So no stuff transported to the basement, no decorations on the veranda, no cover on the air conditioner, no organizing done in the basement, the dishes are not finished and no sewing has been started. Just so you don't feel that I am having a bit of a pity party. Three loads of laundry was done, the autumn decorations were boxed and bagged and one of each (box and bag) made it upstairs, much, much knitting was done, The dishwasher was unloaded then loaded and unloaded again. The recycling was gathered and will make its way out of the house this week as well as the weekly bag of trash. Cat food was purchased, a puppet order completed and 99% of the scrapbooking supplies have been removed from the entryway and been put back where they belong. So all was not lost but I get frustrated because there is so much more I used to do.

I was going to get out some Christmas decorations this weekend because we are having a cubicle decorating contest at work and I want to join in but that will be for another day. For this week I have made a nightly plan of what I should do each night and |I am going to try to keep on it. I have much to do before Christmas and if I hope to get it done, I need plan, a list and a way of coming to grips with my limitations.

Teddy Bear and I went to the show last night. We saw Breathe and it was excellent. We went for coffee afterwards as usual and that was my only outing all day. It was good to get up and not run out the door on errands, I wanted to stay home and get started on the ever present list of things to do.

So another week is done, and a new one lies ahead full of possibilities. Wonder what interesting things it will bring??

Toodles.
Linda

Did you miss me??? Probably not

I have been busy , getting things done, scrapbooking, quilting, etc etc and before I knew it I had missed a weekend and then another. Yeesh I need to get on track.

I finished the second raffle quilt!! I am so happy that its all done.

when I put it on the bed to take its picture I realized it was barely long enough. I could not leave it that way so I opened up the binding, added some on and made it the proper length. I do not like skimpy quilts. Thankfully I had lots of material so I looks like I intended it all along.

I made posters and tickets and have been selling all that I can. I am not a great ticket seller but I am doing the best I can. I have also recruited some of the no cook girls and we will make a decent showing, I think.

This past weekend was my scrapbooking weekend. We started Friday at noon til midnight, Saturday, 8:30 to midnight and Sunday 8:30 to 3:00. I got 62 pages done, if I remember the number right. I know it was over 60 anyway. Not the full year but I have the greater part of it finished. We have such fun! The Banker, KitKat, her sister and I have a fun weekend of creativity, laughing and good food. I am already looking foreward to next year.

Yes it is always nice to have a nice light portable hobby like scrapbooking. This is not a hobby for the faint of heart and I am so grateful to my friends who help me transport all this stuff. I could do it on my own but I would need a day to load the car and another to unload. I took all my paper and the Banker sorted it by colour for me which she loves to do and I love that it is all done. There is still bags in the entry way waiting to be unpacked. The house elves are on vacation apparently. Little bastards. I also have notes and lists of things I want to do before next year so I am better organized.

We went for our traditional Chinese food supper and then I came home. I promptly got the flu later on Sunday night and was sick as a dog on Monday and Tuesday. Today I am fine but I can tell you I am righteously fed up with getting sick every time I turn around. I can't even talk about it.

 Today I took another yet step on the down hill slide. I knew I was getting old when I could fall asleep sitting up in a chair but today I put the seal on it. This morning when I went to work I took and used a cane. I have finally caved in and given up and admitted its better to use one than to not. I feel more stable outside with it BUT it is a merry old blow to my vanity. Hmmph.

I don't use it inside where I am on a level playing field but outside with the uneven ground, and the ice and the million other things that can kick my feet out from under me, I have succumbed.

I got the cane with my second cat Minou. Her former owner rubbed her belly with it and when she came to me they brought it along so I could continue this practice that she loved. We did the cane thing for a while but she and I both preferred the hand to belly action. Over time the cane got put away, until today. I am grateful that I have it. The ego is a little bruised but it is what it is, I am an old lady with bad legs and I am not as sure footed as I used to be.

When the hell did this happen??? Letters will be written and heads will roll!!

Toodles
Linda

Short and Sweet

I am oh so close to having the second quilt finished, Oh so close. I should have it done tonight and then be able to post a picture tomorrow or the next day or on the weekend. You know, whenever. Seriously I will be posting pictures once it done. I have one end left to bind and then its all done! Yahoo, yippee, drunken monkey dance of joy.

So why am I blogging and not stitching?? Who the hell knows. I was making a point to take some time and order some prints as my scapbooking weekend is getting closer. Then I ordered a little something to make for the Wee Girl. Not sure I will get it done for Christmas but if I don't she can have it later. I keep looking for something to make for Tater Tot but he is a harder customer. So while I was doing that I thought I would crank out a short blog post before I walk away from the computer.

This has been a good weekend. A little sad because I am missing so many people that aren't here anymore. My Mom, my Dad, my oldest brother, a number of dear friends. I have been being sad because things will never be the same again. I am not going to get into it all because it will only make me cry and that is pointless. Things change, time moves on and me boo hooing about never having a family Christmas again where we are all there is NOT GONNA HAPPEN so I need to pack it away and enjoy the now, the present, the fact that we are getting a new baby. Change happens, better to embrace it and roll with it than be sad for all the might have beens.

I am convinced it is never going to snow again this winter. I have both snow shovels and the ice chipper in the house. PLUS I go the light up snowman out of the shed before the door froze shut and I cannot get into it. This stuff never happens. I have had that stupid ice chipper for four or five years and I think I manged to get it into the house once. I also got a snow shovel to keep in the car. I have a little emergency one in there all the time but this is a full sized one. I have had a bit of drama with snow shovels the last two weeks but now I have them all plus an new one. So if it never snows again, you are welcome.

Saturday was lovely. I watched the Remembrance Day service on tv, then went out for coffee in the afternoon with The Hostess and Teddy Bear. A London Fog and a butter tart, so yummy. I do like a tea/coffee break in the afternoon.  We had a lovely visit until the Hostess had to leave to have supper with her brother. Teddy Bear and I decided supper out sounded good so off we went to dine on liver and onions. Not everyone's treat but I love it.

The rest of the weekend was productive. I have soup made for next weeks lunches, pork loin cooked for sandwich meat AND I have the laundry all done (at last). Sidewalks are shoveled. The quilt is nearly finished and the dishwasher has been emptied and is getting refilled. I, in my infinite wisdom made a doctor's appointment early this morning, on my day off no less but it worked in my favour. Teddy Bear always has coffee out in the morning. Her daughter and grandchildren live with her so its a quiet time for her. Well not this morning I butted in and had coffee (plus breakfast) with her. Love me a fast food breakfast, I do.

We parted ways and I came home to quilt until the paw patrol butted in:

Is a challenge to get anything done with these two knucklheads making their presence known and begging for attention

Who you talking about Mama??

Anyway I should get back at it. I have a load of laundry to fold, finish the binding and then I want to get to bed in good time. Back to work tomorrow.

Toodles,

Linda

Winter Has Come

Its like Mother Nature flipped a switch. We had Halloween and the next day we got snow. Blah. Oh well at least she waited until the kids had there night of tricks and treats. Now we can settle in as the snow settles around us. I love the snow as long as its not so deep you get stuck in it but its the ice I dread. The less stable I am on my feet the less I like to be walking around in the winter. Oh well not much I can do about it, just get on with it.

I has 11 little hobgoblins for Halloween. It was cold out and I am impressed we get any kids seeing as hardly anyone on my street puts their lights on. I love to see the kids so I am grateful for the ones who are brave enough to venture out. The fact that my neighbour has 5 kids helps.

I decided to ignore the snow this weekend, once I got home from running errands on Saturday morning, as more of the white stuff was drifting down fast and furious.

Fuzzy picture because I took it through the screened window, too lazy to actually open the door and take it.

 If the cats had not run out of dry cat food, I would have stayed in the house. My prescription could wait but they were flopping about the house with dramatic abandon in an advanced state of starvation, I went out. I will point out that they have food, wet food, but since I offer both on the menu once one goes missing its their cue to decide I am starving them to death. Drama queens.

Once I got home I rummaged around in the sewing room and came up with enough material to make a quilt backing. Some quick sewing and pinning and I was quilting on the second donation quilt. No trip to the fabric store required and I was thrilled.

I need to get this one done pronto so we can get selling the tickets on it. I also need it to display at our scrapbooking weekend which is coming up very soon. I will  have it done, I always do. not to mention we have a three day weekend coming up which means lots of quilting time for me. Oh that sounds like bliss. It is for sure my happy place.

Right now I have a pot of chicken soup simmering on the stove and my house smells divine. I will also be making a pot of porridge soon. All of this is for next week. I am also cooking a couple of extra chicken breasts for sandwich meal. I need to get into the swing of preparing the meals before hand instead of standing in the kitchen each morning wondering what the heck I am going to eat. I am over that!! Its so annoying when I don't plan ahead. Its not the big things in life that will do me in, its will be the small things that will push me over the edge.

Big news in the family. The Pilot and the Teacher are busy cooking up a little brother or sister for The Wee Girl. I am so happy about that. I love it when babies come. This is so exciting for them. I am starting to peruse Pinterest for baby things. I know better than to just make stuff without checking with the parents first. I have learned that lesson. So rather than waste my time and money, I check first before I make anything. I can still look though. No harm in that.

Second bit of good news, Busy and the Carpenter have sold their house and are moving closed to Miss Mouse, The Farmer and Tater Tot. I am happy for them. They will be so glad to be settled and have the sale over and done with. Having their own place will be great for them, when they are out there for the majority of the spring to fall season anyway. They will be farther away from me but the highway is good from here to there and if the weather is crap, I would not be travelling no matter the distance so its all good. Its a new chapter in life.

Other than that not much happening around here. Starving cats, marathon quilting and watching a lot of cooking shows for some reason. Not that I actually cook, I just watch them on TV.

Hope you  have a lovely week

Toodles,
Linda

Its Monday and I got nothin'

I sat down here this morning and was noodling around on the computer when I decided I should do a blog post. Well I got nothin'. can't think of a thing to post. Not much going on here at all.

I have not decorated for Halloween which is tomorrow so I should get my butt in gear or just not bother. I have not got my treats yet but I will get them at some point today.

The weekend was quiet. Not much blog worthy material. I am still knitting dishcloths and I have not started to quilt the second quilt because I have not got the backing material. Money is the issue as it always is.

So you see not much of anything to say. I will be back when I have something, anything to share.

Toodles,
Linda

Its Sunday Already

Its a beautiful Sunday morning. Warm and golden. These days are treasures. I should be out raking leaves and tidying the yard but we all know that is not going to happen. However things have been happening in the great indoors.

I finished the first of the donation quilts. This one is for the office. I have shown it here before but here it is in all its completed glory:

Pinterest calls the pattern Preppie Plaid. It was quick an easy and worked up a treat. I am so happy to be able to quilt again. I have to watch that I don't over do it but its one of the joys of my life.

I have been back at knitting dishcloths. It feels odd not to have puppets calling my name so I decided to build up the dishcloth stock again. They are great for gifts and they sell really well.

So well I posted this picture on Facebook as my status yesterday and I received some orders for the grey and white ones. They are simply the best dishcloths ever no matter what the colour. I use nothing else. Not to mention they  are fun to knit,  it's an easy pattern that I have done so often I could do it in my sleep. So yesterday I settled in and knit while I binge watched Designated Survivor. For me this is not a bad way to pass an afternoon.

I did a little crocheting as well. The Sailor asked me to make some Christmas themed button flowers for her. She wants them to dress up some Christmas gifts and cards. So I quickly made these up.

These silly little things are so fun to make. Its like eating salted peanuts, you can't stop at just one. I have a jar full of the little darlings in all sorts of colours just right for scrapbooking and card making.

That was my day yesterday. I had visitors, The Banker, Teddy Bear and KitKat were all seen over the course of the day. Today has been quiet. I have managed breakfast and that's about it, so far. I am hoping to get the kitchen tidied up and I do have to go out to get cat food at some point today. The rest of the day will be finishing a quilt top, and more knitting. I still have 5 episodes of Designated Survivor until I am caught up to present.

Right now I am going to go grab a cup of coffee and sit on my veranda for a bit. I want to take advantage of these glorious fall days. Its my favourite season and right now its putting on its best show.

I am not talking about my leg anymore. Its better but not totally healed and I am sick to the back teeth of dwelling on it. So there.


Toodles,
Linda

Craft Sale and more Antibiotics

This past weekend was the big Craft Sale. The one I have been making puppets for for an entire year and its only thanks to my wonderful friends that I made it there this year. I had a great sale and most thankfully The Banker had a good sale too. The first time she tried this with me, she did kids clothes and never sold a thing. This year she had framed vintage pictures and handmade purses. She sold well and declared that she was pleased and had no regrets.

The No Cook girls helped us to haul everything into the arena and set up our booth. My guardian angels were on my side because when we pulled up to unload there was not a soul in sight and we got right up by the door. Our booth was located in short order and instantly thing got going.

Its good to have minions !!

In  no time at all the booths were set up and all ready for the big sale.

This was the banker's side of the booth

This was my side. We even got our picture taken and got onto the local radio station Facebook page. We felt like celebrities!! Every other picture was of the product, we were the only people.

These are the minions taking an amazing amount of time doing some weird sort of musical chairs, trying to get settled so we could take their picture.

I sold 3/4's of my inventory which made me very happy. The No Cooks showed up to dismantle the booths once the sale was over and then we all went out for Chinese food. All in all a great weekend.

In other news, My cellulitis has not gone away. I have another course of antibiotics and I am off work for yet another 7 days in the hopes that this round works.  So I am not a happy bunny but it is what it is. I just have to hang in there and work at getting better.

All this trouble I have been having with my legs makes me so tired.

Toodles
Linda

Antibiotics Round ...........I can't keep track

I am not sure who's cornflakes I spit in but it must have been someone with some clout because things are not going at all the way I want them too recently.  I am doing my level best to demolish my good leg. So let me catch you up to speed because I am indulging in feeling a tad sorry for myself and when one is feeling whinny and miserable they like nothing more than sharing their misery.

Number one: we still have the pinched nerve situation in the good leg. I have been taking my pain pills like a good girl and it appears that the druggist was correct. They take a month to kick in and I think now I am finally feeling them doing something. Even though I am totally aware that with nerve pain you are never pain free but manageable will be warmly received. This started back in May so manageable would be wonderful

Number two: I took a header in the coffee room at the office. Caught my foot on a credenza and went down like a ton of bricks, all my considerable weight on my good knee. I ended up with the Mother of all bruises.

The knee

The right side

looks much the same on the left

The back of my chubby leg

Impressive No???

My knee cap is so tender and so swollen but the leg still works. I tend to smash my knee cap into solid objects regularly just so I can remind myself of the pain. Its soooo much fun

Number three: I am having another visit from my old friend cellulitis. Not in the left leg where it first took hold but in the right. Thankfully I am not as foolish as I was the first time round, I got myself to the doctor and got a round of antibiotics. I think this is the third course I have had this year. I am off work for this week and am keeping my leg up and iced. Taking my pills and doing as I am told. I want it to go away!!!

I am so tired of one thing after another, They aren't big things, many many people are far worse off than I but right now I am not a happy bunny. Walking is  such a big part of one;s day and when every step hurts it can wear on you.

I am determined to be better for the weekend. Its the big craft sale and I cannot miss out on that money. That;s not even up for negotiation. My wonderful, wonderful, so good I don't deserve them friends have already volunteered to man the booth if I can't but that is too much to ask. When you only get two days off a week you should not have to give them up to sell stuff for someone else. Not to mention I enjoy doing the sale. I like to see the people and all the wonderful things other people have made. I am just going to have to be better by then. My antibiotics take two to three days to work. I really wish they could make more pills that acted instantly.

Enough of the misery. I had a good Thanksgiving weekend. I did not cook my turkey in the end, it just seemed like too much work but I spent two days quilting which makes me happier than I can say. I have to get some more material because I did not get enough for the backing. I talked myself out of it and now I have to go back. hmmph. That will teach me, better too much than too little.

On Sunday the day started out just the best way, I got to facetime with The Pilot, The Teacher, the Wee Girl, Busy and the Carpenter. So nice to see them all even if the connection was not that great. Next best thing to being there. On Monday The Banker invited Teddy Bear, KitKat and I up to binge watch the current season of Game of Thrones. We had the best day. Good food, The Banker had gifts for us and we just had a really good time.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Toodles,
Linda

Decorating, Entertaining, and Little Lady Pees-a-Lot.

I just want to say before I start my little blog post that I have been looking over what brings people to my blog. Some time ago I did a post titled "Sweating Like Rented Mules". This post brings a number of people to my blog. I don't know if its amusing or unnerving at the number of people who are interested in sweaty mules................makes me go hmmmm.

Enough about that. I think that Lucy and I have found a solution to her peeing willy nilly outside the litter box. She is a senior lady and had trouble with her aim. Not to mention that she will pee on things that are left on the floor. Towels, blankets, empty baskets, etc. Its a long story and because I left a rather flat basket on the floor of my bedroom she thought it was her own personal toilet and I did not notice it. I am not going into all the details but I did not discover this until some time had passed. ( in case you were wondering, it also took place before the redecoration of said bedroom). I dowsed the floor with a urine odor killer before the new flooring went down and its done a good job as far as I can tell. However Little Lady Pees-a-Lot now felt her washroom was in my bedroom. I installed a covered litter box. Madam is still missing the box on occasion. We have a habit of pushing our butt up against the wall of the little box to pee. She will be in the box but still pee out the door. Sigh. Its a good thing she is cute

So I came up with this

A boot tray from Walmart which is long and narrow so the box fits in nicely with space at the front, along with a lip around the edge. I tried news paper and then paper towel, then I had a flash of inspiration and started to use puppy pads to catch the liquid and make clean up easy. This has done wonders for the problem. Thank goodness.

Ok so on to more fun things. Cat pee has limited appeal for a topic of discussion. I have been back to work, making my way through month end once again . I still have my leg issues but I am working on the weight thing so baby steps. 

I had said I would host book club this month. I had to get the house smelling nicer than it did before I had the group over. I am not sure what happened but I got inspired and got out the Autumn decorations for the first time in a very long time. I don't know what got into me but I finally felt like sprucing the place up and doing some seasonal decorating.

I love knick knacks, decorations and do-dads, incase there is someone in the known world that had not figured that out yet. Needless to say I have a few pumpkins about the house.

I love my entry way, its a great place to add some seasonal decor. 

I knitted these pumpkins years ago. They were fun to do and I think they turned out ok for me not having a pattern.

Fall is also my favourite season. I have a passion for pumpkins. I may need a 12 step program.

I forgot I had this one. Its wooden slats held together with wire. No idea where I got it but I am glad I have it.

Got this idea from pinterest. I like the way it looks, little hits of autumn in amongst the milk glass.

See I have a pumpkin problem, and I don't care!! I have cut off the corner of the buffet because I had nothing to place on that corner. I have something there now and it will do but it needs something added to it. right colour but too plain.

Its a vintage overgrown brandy snifter ( have no idea what it should be called) and its amber but it needs something added to it. I will have to think on that.

Here is the rest of the decor. No explanation necessary.

And the centerpiece of the table just waiting for all the book club snacks to surround it.

There is a wreath on the veranda, a scarecrow in the front yard and a nice Autumn sign hung on the veranda as well. Only thing I did not do was the real pumpkins stuffed with flowers on the step. Its been so long since I did this sort of thing, I am so tickled. Could this be the beginning of me getting back to the old me? I hope so.

Book club was a hit. Some meetings are better than others and I always judge the success by how long people stay. It was close to 10 when the last of them shuffled out. I call that a success. 

I have the second quilt top just about finished. I have the sashing yet to figure out and I will get at that soon enough. The last of the puppets are done and ready to be boxed up for the craft sale. I got stuffing today and spent the afternoon finishing them off.  That is worth doing the drunken monkey dance of joy, 

I had a great day today. I ran some errands this morning. Part of the plan was to stop in at the Banker's for coffee because her Sweet Baboo is away and she was home this morning, rare for her. She texted me early and invited me for breakfast. Well she had me at bacon. I scooted through my errands, had a lovely breakfast with her and then got my stuffing. Leaving her place I spied a friend at a bus stop. I offered her a ride home. She live near me and my city is not so huge that giving a friend a ride then back tracking to the craft store is no big deal. She said she was headed to Walmart, which happens to be in the same area as the craft store. We had a nice catch up chat on the way to the stores. I left her in the craft store and I spent the rest of the day assembling porcupines. DONE two weeks before the sale!! I am giddy.

Next on the plan is a silent auction item and the donation quilt for our local Safe and Warm Shelter. I have also been asked by Mommy Bug to made a mermaid blanket for Ladybug. That is going to be fun. I am looking foreward to focusing my attention on other things without the puppets hanging over my head.

I am a happy happy bunny today!!

Toodles

Linda