Starting to Organize

This is is, this is the start of getting my craft room, purged and organized. Lot of pressure on a little two drawer filing cabinet. but its the start. I got it from KitKat for $10.00. Her work was getting rid so she got it for me. I will one day paint it to make it pretty but for now, its in place and ready to fulfill its purpose.

I used to have two plastic tote boxes for files. Great idea but not easy access. No easy access, the filing piles up and is never properly done. I am sick of it. The one box is cracked and broken, so they do not hold up to the use they get in this house. This metal cabinet offers sturdiness and ease of access. A very good place to start.

Even better is that I got it Friday and today it is in place, AND my files are in it. Usually something like this waits for weeks before I get the urge to actually do it. So if the cabinet was still sitting in the entry way this time next week, it would not have been weird. This is weird.  I even purged the craft magazines I kept in the second drawer and am donating half of them to a charity shop. So miracle of miracles, its in place, files are in place and the plastic tote boxes are empty. One is headed for the trash and the other will be filled with storage stuff.

I even purged out a grocery bag of recipes. I am a fool for saving recipes. For someone who does not really cook this is crazy. So I purged, (or at least I started the recipe purge). Google can find me a million recipes, so I don't need to print them unless I have tried them and decided I really like them. Then I have a binder I can put them in.

Ok I have wandered away from the craft room project. Now I have the file cabinet, I am going to start going through this room, section by section. I have lots of boxes in this room and when I want something I do not know which box its in, or I have no idea I even have it. The plan is numbering the boxes, making an inventory of what is in each box and keeping it all in a little book. While I do the inventory, I am going to purge the stuff I will not ever use. The purged things will go to a charity shop or they will be trashed. The craft books will go to the Rotary Club. I am looking foreward to getting this done.

The room will still be full, but at least I will know where things are. That is the plan anyway. The first hit is going to be the craft books. I have an entire bookcase full, some of which I do not need anymore. Time to thin the herd.

Toodles,
Linda

Some Annoying Stuff, a Sad Event and a New Project

This weekend I just could not seem to make myself work at the million things that need to be done around this place. I did promise myself that if nothing else the kitchen was getting cleaned and the bathrooms were going to be done. Both projects got accomplished. I don't know what is wrong with me these days but there is definitely something. I am so fed up with having my kitchen looking like a dump, yet I had to force myself to actually get it back in order. Its there now and I hope to at least make an effort to keep it that way.

Last night, Teddy Bear, KitKat, the Sailor and I went to Tarzan. Teddy Bear and I managed supper at A&W before hand. It was a nice outing after a rather interesting week. Monday I came home to find my city supplied compost bin had been liberated from my yard. I found it three or so houses down the alley the next morning when I drove to work. They are all numbered and I have a record of my number.. So there it was, all stuffed full of yard waste at another house. Some people thought I should have dumped it but I waited until garbage pick up day. I had hoped they would return it. NOPE, I stomped up the alley and took it back. I don't understand this. A phone call to the city would get you a free one or maybe you could ask before you just decide to take. I am amazed at the sense of entitlement so many people have these days.

The next thing that happened, I found out my credit card got hacked. Yeesh. The Visa company was super nice about it and had actually flagged my account before I had phoned them. The hack happened on a Friday and I discovered it on the following Monday . The charges have been removed and my card has been cancelled and the world moves on. Thank Heavens it my low limit card.

Busy's niece passed away this week. Its so sad but she was not living a life that you would wish on anyone. She has been in a semi vegetative state and its just been such a sad thing. She is not suffering anymore but now her family will now have to find a new normal for themselves. Death is never easy no matter what the circumstances. That little family has had a lot of loss to deal with lately.

I was listless today. Really crappy sleep last night. I was awake every hour or two, hot flash after hot flash, no real rest. I was ticked to no end this morning when there was no bacon. I really enjoy my Sunday mornings, and part of that is a full breakfast. Thank heavens for coffee is all I can say.

I actually worked on the laundry that I started last week. Laundry is not a hard task, its not like I have to use a wash board but I have managed to leave it sitting about for a week. I also managed something else, I started a new project.I worked on the  Rrunners for KitKat's new bedroom. It was nice to spend the afternoon sewing.

She has painted her bedroom terracotta and cream. There are hits of blue in the decor. The runners she has on her dresser and chest of drawers are old and mostly green. I volunteered to make her some new ones. She is very fond of anything Celtic, so we found a Celtic knot pattern and I have at last started working.

One runner with have three of these knots and the other will have just two, one on each end. I managed to get the top made for the longer one today.

I am really hoping she likes them. I have a Celtic knot stencil to use when I am quilting it. I need to get some cotton batting to use to give it some body. I have lots of spare material to use as the backing. I will bind it with blue I think, there is lots of terracotta in that room so I think blue will be a better bet.

I need to get going at the second church quilt. I want it done so that I can get it delivered before next March. If I don't snap out of this slump soon I don't know what will happen. You would think it should be easy but I don't seem to be in control. Its most annoying.

Toodles
Linda

Inspite of the Rain

I have come to believe that when I make a hard and fast plan to do yard work on the weekend, it decides to rain. Rain it did today, thunder, sheets of the wet stuff, all of which sent Desi scurrying to hide under the sewing table. He is a big 'fraidy cat that boy.

I have so many plans for the yard and so little ambition to actually do them that when I make up my mind that something is actually gonna get done, its frustrating when Mother Nature pitches a snit and tries to do in my plans. (yes it is all about me!!). I admit I was tempted to find a book and park myself on the couch for the day but I didn't.

I fooled her today, I got some stuff done inspite of the rain. I long ago figured out that I am not made of sugar so I so not melt if I get wet. After groceries and breakfast this morning, I decided that at the very least, moving the hosta might be a good idea. It would be easier to dig it out of the flower bed in the back since the rain had soaked the ground. I did not realize how big it was or how heavy that sucker was going to be. I was tempted to leave it where it was but I managed to get it out, into a container and dragged it to the front of the house. Huffing and puffing all the way.

I got a hole dug in the front bed and heaved, shoved and plunked the new hosta into its new home. I hope it will root and thrive. Its so big and healthy, I would hate to think that moving it killed it.

My symmetry loving self thinks this big new plant should be flanked by another variegated hosta for balance but I am telling myself that three different ones looks just fine. I need to add an edging in front of the bed. I just need to finish the one I started when I put in the flower beds originally. Putting that plastic stuff in is hard to do when you are doing it on your own, its all curled up and acts like its alive while you try to dig it in. Best of all, now my front hosta bed is complete. Providing they all live.

I next tackled some of the trees. I borrowed loping shears from The Banker and I planned to make the best of them. One thing on the hit list was this.

When I go to back my car out of my yard and look down the alley to see what is coming, this is my view, Trees trees and more trees. Makes entering the alley an adventure. These trees belong to the house next door which is currently a rental and does not get much maintenance. I took the law into my own hands today and now it looks like this

At least now I can see before I back out. I had great fun with the loping shears. My next attack was this. Trees that insist on growing up through the fence from the yard next door and shade my rhubarb plants. It they are left to do as they please  they are going to ruin my fence. Not happening.

I should have been at them long before to day but you know "the best laid plans" and all that. Several snips with the shears and this is the result.

I would love to get on the other side and snip the rest of them down but I decided maybe that was pushing it. Its not my yard. I also chopped off a tree in the front that was growing in the middle of the lilacs. I had just finished piling the branches in a  bunch to be hauled away later when the heaven's opened once more and poured down. I had hoped to clean out the jungle that you can see in the right side of the picture, but I decided enough was enough. I took my damp self back into the house.

That over grown space is the space between the fence and my shed , it needs to be chopped down. There are boards in there that I want to lift, put a thick layer of paper down and then return the boards. I hope this will  keep the jungle foliage from returning as quickly as it likes to, Once that is done I can finally paint the last wall of the shed . I still need to paint the door. Its primed but not painted.  I also want to snip off the suckers that are sprouting like mad around the big maple tree that lives in the back yard. They also like to worm their way through the fence and that is not good. I hope to do some of this tomorrow. If not then some time this week.

I am pleased I got something done. Its not much but at least its something. I retreated to the house and a treat of watermelon for my efforts. Followed but time spent knitting and a wee nap for good measure.

Before I forget, I need to share my wonderful gift that I received this week. Some time ago I had asked a wonderfully talented friend to paint me something. I gave her a few things I wanted and she went to town. This is the result

I love it!! The cottage, the sheep, and the wee pig. I want to live there. She would not take a penny for it and I totally intended to pay her for it. That was why I ordered it. I will have to think of something else to pay her back for her generous gift. I have a plan already but I need to get the details organized. For those of you that are wondering, yes I did have a spot to hang it up!! Smarty Pantsers!!

Back to the yard plans, I  now think I would like to dig out the front flower beds and add new dirt. I need to finish digging the back bed, make the wine bottle boarder, trim up the big maple tree and widen the sidewalk,  A trip to the city dump to gather some free wood chips is also on the list. I want to trim up the lilacs and pull out all snow on the mountain that has grown in and around them. I. will get plants bit by bit and then once and for all get the place looking as nice as I can get it.

I am tickled pink that my little shrub that I planted last week is blooming it pretty pink blossoms.

I have such hopes that after three attempts maybe this one will actually live!!

Toodles,
Linda

Quiet Long Weekend

Its the Canada Day long weekend and it has been a quiet one around here. I indulged last weekend and bought this. It looks so pretty out on the veranda.

On Canada Day I started the day with breakfast on the veranda, on of my favourite things to do, Once that was done, I actually got at some yard work, precious little but some none the less. I hauled the four bags of dirt out of the car and filled in the hole I dug where the dead bush lived. I, then, planted a wegelia bush which should have pale pink flowers in, This is my third attempt at growing a bush in this spot so I am hoping this one lives. The spot gets more sun now I have had the big tree trimmed up.

I have high hoped for this little guy. Then, since I was out and about with the shovel and such,  I planted the potentilla in the back flower bed.

 The stupid ground cover is busy growing back where I dug it out but i will keep at it. Two miniature lilacs will join this at some point but for now its just this baby bush.  The rest of the day was devoted to binge watching Game of Thrones Season 6 with The Banker, KitKat, Teddy Bear and Sweet Baboo.

Saturday was quiet. I got groceries and finished the church quilt. It too took the best part of the day but I got it done inspite of my helpers

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I also managed another breakfast on the veranda. It rained in the afternoon, so no more yard work. Laundry was the only other thing accomplished this day.

Today has been another lazy day. Its raining and dull and I just don't feel like doing much. I am doing dishes, getting some stuff done on the computer. I should go pick up my prescriptions but I have not made it out of the house yet. I do see a nap in my future.

I may just go find my book and curl up on the couch. Its that sort of a day.

Toodles
Linda

Another Year Older

I did not blog on the weekend. Its not that I forgot but its just that I did not know what I wanted to say. I needed some time to think it through and decide what to share and what to keep private.

It was a very nice weekend. I got some yard work done!! I actually dug out the dead bush and removed some of the soil that I think was not great and was laden with weeds. I find digging an interesting experience now  so I was proud of myself that I did it. I added some fresh soil but I need to get some more before I plant the new shrub in there

I bought two shrubs and some petunias this weekend. I am not doing as much planting as I usually do, too expensive this year but next year I will be better prepared.

There are petunias in Mom's wash tub and that makes me happy. I hate to see it sitting empty, She used to plant petunias in it so I like to do it too in her honour. I even spray painted the butterfly thing orange for her. 

I really have to work on the lawn, its more weeds than grass at the moment. Its always something

The peonies are blooming like mad across the front of the house and I love them. I wish they were all pink but I have mostly white ones but these ones have hints of pink

This potentilla will get planted in the back flower bed, then next year I will get two miniature lilacs to flank it. My neighbour is cutting down the trees between our properties (they are growing into the power lines) so there will be more sun on that portion of the flower bed. I have more digging and planting and arranging to do back there but I have this year and next to do it.

Friday at No Cook I got to choose where we went for supper, Chinese of course, and then we went for ice cream for my birthday. On Sunday, Teddy Bear took me out for Breakfast for my Birthday, after breakfast we went for coffee then a little shopping, By noon she had me home and she was off to clean out her shed. 

I got my butt in gear and got quilting on the Blarney Night quilt at last. Once this one is finished I am going to do another right away so they have it for next year, not just the promise of one.

I got cards, texts and facebook wishes. All in all it was a good day. Any day I can spend quilting is a good day in my world. I bought my self a couple or three presents which mostly arrived on Monday but hey I accept presents any day of the year

A couple of these things are from Best Friend and Birthday Twin. This is how I love the mail. I would be happy if it was like this more often. Can we all say Needy Baby Greedy Baby ???

So  I am another year older. I have been in my house for ten years this month. I am now the same age my Dad was when he died. I have accomplished somethings and failed at others. This birthday brought o many feels I didn't know what to do with them. I am going to do my best to focus on the good, embrace the blessings and let that which is beyond me to change, go,  because it hurts my heart and I cannot change it. 

Toodles'

Linda

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What to do on a Rainy Sunday???

Well I plan to sew. Once Coronation Street is over I will park my self at the sewing machine and sew. I have cushions to make for a co-workers bistro set, I have a quilt top to finish and a quilt top to start. Lots of projects to do and the rain is a good excuse to get at them.

Yesterday was Parade day in town because of the fair. I ran out and did a quick errand before the parade blocked off my street. I sat on the veranda and listed to a marching band, watched clowns, princesses and a couple of floats float by. The parade starts on my street, so I get a sneak peak.

KitKat and I went to Fabricland and I got some material to finish one quilt and to start another for First Sister-in-Law. KitKat bought the material for me to make runners for her dresser and chest of drawers. Now she has her bedroom painted the old ones don't match. These will be quilted Celtic knot runners. I cannot wait to get them started and show them off. A trip to the fabric store turned into coffee and then Teddy Bear texted us and coffee turned into supper out. I love days like this, where you have plans but happier, more fun plans take over.

Last night was a rather "finish" night. I finished the last baby sweater:

So I can get that delivered to the new owner this week. (I need to find something else to knit now). I finished the owl I was making for Birthday Twin's granddaughter;

I found this silly little guy on Pinterest and then tweaked it to fit the yarn that I had on hand. Birthday Twin is very pleased with it. Its always a relief when the person who asks you to make something is pleased with the end result.  I can wrap it and her Monkey up and get them mailed away.

The wine bottle project is coming along nicely:

12 down and only 116 to go. Before you pass out I am not planning to consume all that wine on my own. I have commissioned my co-workers and friends to recycle their empty wine bottles my way. So excited about this, can't wait to see the end result.

So on this rainy day I shall putter away at my sewing. I may do the odd chore or two and if someone decides that they want to go for coffee or something else, I will go that too. I may plant a plant or two or I may make some tea and sit on the veranda. This is a lovely day and I plan to enjoy it.

Toodles.

Linda

PS.

Two chair cushions finished!!

Duct Tape on My Shoe

Oh Lord, I do wonder at myself some times. First on my list of things to do this pay day is invest in new work shoes. I have a pair of flats that have given me a horrible blister, so I cannot wear them anymore. I cannot mess about with sores on my feet, not these days. I usually wear a pair of black runners that have nice support but the sole has come loose. Every now and then it bends back and I fear it will trip me. Which is why I started to wear the flats.  I have come to think, poverty is the mother of invention and apparently can override any sort of personal pride. I now have duct tape on my shoe. I will forgo a little personal pride to avoid a trip and fall. Friday cannot come fast enough is all I can say! (yes I have tried glue but I do not trust it to hold) The upside is the shoes are black and so is the duct tape. Its not the silver stuff, I do have a smidgen of pride left, people.

I have heard back from Revenue Canada and we are having a difference of opinion on who owes who money. Long story short, I am going to have to file an appeal. This has certainly taught me to triple check everything from now on. One stupid mistake and its has begun a series of unfortunate events that just seems to go on and on and on. Sigh. I just hope it does not take until this time next year to get it all resolved.

I have other things in motion to fix some of the unfortunate events and I have had help to fix others. It just as been an eye opening lesson that has made me do things I had hoped I would not have to do. This adulting malarkey is a pain in the butt sometimes. My greatest hope is that this time the lessons are learned that need to be learned and things will move to normal again. I am once again grateful for the helping hands that seem to be there when I need them. That is enough said about that. I have no desire for this post to become a "woe is poor little me: post.

It was a lovely day today. Just right for veranda sitting and lawn mowing both of these things I did. Once I found the key to the shed. With my darling Mama's voice singing in my head "If you would only put things back where they belong this would not happen" I searched high and low for that stupid little key. Cursing myself for not putting it back right away when I used it last I  finally located said key on the floor in the living room. I must have left it there and one of the cats used it for a play toy.  Once the lawn was mowed today, the key was hung back in the kitchen exactly where it belongs.

I just finished with the lawn and was preparing to tackle the last of the flower beds at the front of the house, when Teddy Bear showed up with a cool drink for me and a coffee for her. She was a very welcome sight I can telly you. We indulged as we sat on the veranda and chatted. It was a most lovely surprise. Drinks consumed she toddled off and I weeded that last bed, leaving only the corner with the dead bush to be dealt with.

I know anyone else could have this all done in  a day but I can't. I putter at it as I am able. There are no rules or laws that says there is a time limit. I will do as I can, when I can, because it is good for me and I need to work at getting myself back to where I was before I got sick. I have had many offers of help but I need to do this on my own and I need to do much more of it.

It was lovely here to day, sunny but cool so I was happy to take advantage of these days. I cannot stand the heat, never could, so these days are precious. They are to be taken advantage of while they last. Next weekend I hope to dig out the dead bush and dig up some more of the back flower bed. If the weather cooperates that is.

I will leave you with this on picture, does this not look the very epitome of sadness? He just looks so forlorn and depressed. Poor baby. He really isn't, he is just seconds away from falling asleep. Silly cat.

Toodles
Linda