Saturday, January 31, 2015

January

Here we are the last day of January, and closer to the end of Winter.   We do have a very weak sun which is trying to get through the clouds, however, not having much success today.

Accomplished a lot of sewing yesterday, all 120 small blocks are finished, now I need to start on the other 120 blocks.  These are bigger and not so many small pieces so they will make up a lot quicker.
Also during this coming week I am going to start piecing the blocks for the six quilts for the girls.

Also got a lot of de-cluttering done yesterday, but still have to decide what has to go, and what is going to stay.  Big decisions have to be made.

Having a relaxed weekend, and of course, the big football game tomorrow.  Never did know much about the rules so was never really interested.  I will be watching it as Dave will be.

Have a good weekend.

Patricia

Friday, January 30, 2015

Friday.....

Only an inch or so of snow fell last night but it was just enough to cover all of the dirty snow banks on the side of the street, so everything is clean and white again as I look out my window.   Morning clouds are breaking up and it is looking as if the sun will be shining today. 

All of my good intentions of doing some de-cluttering fell by the wayside yesterday, but I wasn't lounging around doing nothing......well...... for a while I was, computers can be a big time waster.....can you call browsing through a free motion quilting blog wasting time?  I must try and do some of the techniques I saw and read about.   

Do you get aimlessly searching around the web, looking for quilting related subjects and then wonder where all the time went?    

I did go into the sewing room for a couple of hours and worked on my daughters quilt blocks,  making good progress.   Today, I will cut fabric so that the next session in the sewing room will be at the sewing machine. 

This is not getting things done, so must get a move on..................

Have a great day


Patricia

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Grey

The blue skies and sun of yesterday have now been replaced by grey clouds which are going to bring us some snow flurries today.

We thoroughly enjoyed the concert last night.  Because the feature singer is very popular, and the concert was free........not too many things are free these days........the queue was quite long when we arrived.   We were hoping we would not be disappointed, no worries, got excellent seats.  The next performance, the jazz community has one concert per month, will be in late February, then another mid March.

De-cluttering a storage room today, you know the one, the one with all the seasonal decoration etc. that won't see the light of day until November. 

Yesterday, I finally removed the poinsettia from the living room, the leaves had started to fall and it looked quite near the end of it's run.   In the past I have cut back the stems and new growth appeared.  Transplanting them outside during the Summer, and bringing them in before being nipped by a frost.  Putting them in the dark as per the instructions, however, never had any blooms for the second time.  It seemed like a fruitless exercise, so did not even bother with this plant.

Have you ever had any luck in getting a poinsettia to bloom again.?

Having a late lunch today, so should finish this post.

Have a great day.

Patricia

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Sun & Jazz

It is very cold this morning my thermometer is registering -17*C at 8:30 a.m.  Blue skies and not a cloud in sight, and there is a big ball of fire up there which may warm it up just a bit later today.  

Going to a local jazz concert tonight.  Every month the jazz community in London, ON presents a free concert, we have gone to three so far and thoroughly enjoyed them.  The two I liked the most was the first one of the season in which a female group from Toronto sang a lot of the old, and I mean old songs from WWll.  Then the second one presented just before Christmas when seasonal music was played.    Do you like jazz?

Walked 4 kms yesterday and hoping to do the same again today.

Only 40 more blocks left to do, I had a total of 120 to complete, then I can start on the other 120 which are in a different pattern.  Liking the way the blocks are looking. 


Have a great day.


Patricia

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Today the sun can't decide......

whether to shine, filter through the thin clouds or slip behind some darker ones, that's OK as we are not having any additional snow.  However, that may change later on in the week as the forecast in the newspaper is showing  a lot of snow flakes for Thursday.

Yesterday I visited my Mother, she is doing very well for her age.  Even though her eyesight is poor she still insists of cooking a meal when I visit her, (Mother's are like that).  For dessert she made a rice pudding, not with the instant rice, as in her words, that rice is tasteless.   So she uses the long grain rice and being British the pudding has to be baked in the oven.   Now, I mentioned previously she has poor eyes, so just a little too much rice and not enough milk was in the baking dish.  We added more milk, when ready to eat, it tasted good, however,  it was definitely a "stick to the ribs" pudding.   We had a good laugh about that.

Walked 4 kms this morning,  and just as I expected I don't need a lot of persuading to go and do it, and after walking for just two weeks I feel a lot better for it. 

Going into the sewing room to work  on DD1's quilt blocks after posting this.   To give my self a position change I will also be cutting some of the fabric required for the six quilts I will be making for the girls who were adopted at the same time as K, who just celebrated her 17th birthday. 

Must go....

Have a great day.


Patricia


  

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Sunny Sunday

It was a beautiful sunny day, however, being damp due to the temp hovering around the zero mark it felt quite a bit colder.

We had a busy Sunday, taking Dave's three grandchildren to see "Paddington".  We all enjoyed it very much.  I recognized several of the British actors in it.  
 How do families afford to take their children to see a movie in the cinema?  Seniors and children under the age of 12 were $6.00,  so that was $24.00 plus $7.00 for a student ===$31.00 .   Then there is the pop corn and drinks to two = $14.00, and pop corn, hot dog and drink for one===$12.00 for a total of $50.00.  This movie was in an older theatre, so the prices are a lot cheaper that what would have to be paid if we had gone to one of the new super movie theatres.

We then went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner to celebrate one of my grand daughter's 17th birthday.

Patricia


Friday, January 23, 2015

End of another week

Friday and did walk my 3kms today, total of 14 kms this week.

Cloudy again today but mild, the brisk wind is feeling quite damp and raw, making it feel colder than it actually is.

DD2 and GD--K took a quick drive to London to the Driving Testing Centre so that GD -K could write her test to get her beginner drivers licence.  The smile of her face coming out of the exam room told us she passed, not that we would have any doubt, so even before she did the "thumbs up" we already knew.  Now she plans on having the practical driving lessons, being taught by a professional.

Had a good guild meeting last night, it is so much fun to get together with these ladies. Lots of show and tell, which included our blocks for this month's chemo quilt. The theme for January was red and white hearts,  they all looked so bright and colourful.   Should make the days a little bit more cheerful for a chemo patient.   I hope to have something to show at our next meeting in Feb.

Have to pop out to the grocery store for a few things, so better get going.


Have a great day.



Patricia



Thursday, January 22, 2015

Beautiful

Last evening we had a light dusting of snow which made everything sparkle in the morning sunshine.  Beautiful, just wish every Winter day was like today.   Yes, we have lovely blue skies and bright sun shining in my windows today.  The temp is -4*C, however, there is a lot of heat from that big ball of fire in the sky.

Walked for 3 kms this morning, and feeling much better for it.   Hope to get another 3 done tomorrow so that will give me a total of 14 kms for this week.  

Yesterday, the de cluttering of my filing cabinet was on top of the things to do list. Wanting to make sure nothing was destroyed by mistake I read everything before shredding  it.  It took a long time, however, I did get rid of a lot of old and unwanted papers.     It filled two large bags, however, won't be able to put them out for pick up until next weeks garbage day.  Because of that task, which had to be taken care of, no sewing was done.  I am taking some time this afternoon to sew some more blocks.

Must not waste time here, so better get moving.


Have a great day.



Patricia

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wednesday already.......

Where does the time go?

Had a great time with "the girls" last night at dinner and theatre, that is the good news. 

The bad news, we got a parking ticket, can you believe that a restaurant does not have any parking for it's customers?  We had not been to this restaurant before so did not know about the parking situation,  that is no excuse I know, but it ticked us off that there were no visible signs indicating a parking voucher was required.   I drive on theatre night, so everyone chipped in for payment of the ticket, which I appreciated very much.  It turned out to be an expensive evening, dinner with wine, of course,  theatre ticket,and then a whopping $74.00 parking ticket, but only $42.00 if it is paid within seven days.  I paid it today.

A ho hum day regarding the weather, cloudy  with the sun desperately trying to poke through.  Not all that cold, about -5*C and no wind, so no complaints from me today.

Trying to get back on track with healthy eating habits, so making a big pot of vegetable soup, it is simmering away as I write, and should be ready soon.

Sewing this afternoon on DD1's blocks.   Guild meeting tomorrow night, and my comfort quilt block is already made.

"Soup's on"............

Have a great day


Patricia

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Grey again today

As my title indicates, we have clouds and a few flakes of snow today, possible breaks of sunshine in the forecast this afternoon, so keeping fingers crossed

Had intended on doing 3 km's again today, however, started walking and talking with a friend and did 5 km's.  I still have to talk myself in going, but hoping after this week it will become more of a regular routine and I won't need that talk.   I feel so much better and have more energy, and I need that at this time of the year.

Did not do any de-cluttering yesterday, hoping to do at least an hour of it today and every day for the rest of the week.  Should get a lot accomplished that way.

Worked on DD1's quilt blocks yesterday.  Why am I attracted to quilts that have a lot of small pieces in the blocks?  I guess I like the complex look of the quilt when it is completed, even though it is simple to put together.  Using small pieces of fabric require exact cutting and sewing, and patience, of which, I have a lot.   It also uses up small pieces of fabric which is always a plus.  

Looks as if I have answered my own question.   What kind of quilt attracts your attention?   One made with traditional, modern, small or large blocks?  Complicated or easy?

Going out to dinner and then to the theatre tonight with friends I use to worked with.  Always enjoy chatting with them all.


Well must go........


Patricia

Monday, January 19, 2015

Grey Morning

Another grey day by the looks of it, temp last night only went down to -2*C and much the same as I write at 9:30a.m.

Had a nice home cooked dinner last night, and finished up the apple crumble, with vanilla ice cream.  We then went to the movies to see "American Sniper",  quite enjoyed it even with it's graphic scenes.

Did some more hand sewing on the binding, slowly getting it done.

I intend on doing some more de-cluttering this afternoon, where does all this stuff come from?

When this is posted I am out to do my 3 Km's at the arena, five days this week at the same length and next week increase it to 4Km's, and then I should be able to tackle the 5 Km's as I did last Winter.  Hopefully when the warmer weather gets I will be fit for the gardening.

Everyone, have a great day.


Patricia

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Milder

Overnight and this morning we have had milder temps, currently there is a light fall of wet snow.

Did some sewing on DD2's binding yesterday, a couple more days and it should be all sewn on.

Not much to say today, however, trying to keep my resolution to post every day during 2015.

Have a good Sunday.

Patricia

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Late Posting today.

Our temps hovered around  the zero degree mark all day, however, no snow melted.  Wet snow or rain is in the forecast for tomorrow.

Just finished dinner and now getting ready to go to the movies,  "The Invitation" is being shown at the theatre at the Western University, which is just down the street from where I am this weekend

Dave had his last treatment yesterday at 5:30p.m. and I surprised him by being at the hospital, I was there for the first one so thought it fitting to be there for the final one.  The hospital has a gong which patients can hit when they have had their last treatment, and then everyone in the waiting room applauds.   Because he is the last patient of the day, no one was there, so he didn't bother.

Plan on doing some hand sewing a the binding tomorrow if the weather is too nasty, other than that so sewing will be done.

Patricia

Friday, January 16, 2015

A quick hello

Just popping in the blogger land for a few minutes today, I will get to read your posts later.

We have sun, and snow flurries today, but all in all it is not a bad day.

Busy today, walked 3 Km's, went to the grocery store and also the pharmacy.   Took my car to the car wash, it was a disgrace, however, I know it will not stay clean for very long on the roads today, but it was clean.  Filled the car with fuel, then went to the bank to do some business there.  Had my lunch and made an apple crumble.

We are going out for dinner tonight, to celebrate the final treatment, so we will have the apple crumble for dinner tomorrow.

Finished 120 blocks for my DD1's quilt yesterday, I am liking the way it is looking and I am sure she is going to be pleased with the final product too.  Plan on doing some hand sewing this weekend.

Have a great weekend.


Patricia



Thursday, January 15, 2015

Thursday

It was cold again last night, and it is cloudy this morning, so the temps should moderate some.  The forecast for the weekend is predicting day time temps around +1*C, so it appears we will be coming out of the deep freeze for awhile.

Had a nice visit with my Mother yesterday.  Opened one of the wines she received for Christmas and we both had a glass with our sandwich at lunch.   We don't have one with our dinner as I have to drive home shortly thereafter.  Dinner last night was liver and onions, and it was very good too.  Her insurance agent dropped by and the policy was renewed for another year, she has difficulty reading and sometimes understand all of the details, so she prefers to have someone else there. 

Need to do some errands and go for my walk before lunch and then I can sew during the afternoon. Still working on DD1 quilt, she requested the colour to be earth tones. 

It  is hard to believe we are in the middle of January already, the time since Christmas has just flow by.  As far as I am concerned Winter can now be over, but we have  Feb to get through yet.  A friend suggested I should embrace the cold weather, bundle up and get out in it.  Sorry, I don't embrace the cold, give me any of the other three seasons to embrace and I am much happier. 

Which season of the year is your favourite.

 One today and another tomorrow and Dave will have completed all of his treatments.  Tests that will be done in July will indicate, success or failure. 

Well, this is not getting my chores started is it, so .....

Have a great day

Patricia

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Two days in a row

The sun is streaming through the windows again for the second day in a row.   It still remains very cold, but that bright ball in the sky makes everything OK.

It was so nice yesterday, friend (he is more than a friend, he deserve a name) Dave and I went for a drive yesterday to visit his sister, however, she was not home, should have called first, but it was one of those spur of the moment things.   On our return trip we stopped to see a huge flock of wild turkeys feeding on the grain or corn which had  fallen, when it was being harvested by the combine.  There must have been 75-80 birds, never seen that many before.

Getting ready to visit my Mother today, have not seen her since Boxing day,  the snow during the past week or so has prevented me from driving to her house. 

So will make it a short post again today.

Patricia



Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Tuesday

After a beautiful sun rise the sun is still streaming through the windows as I write this morning.   Icicles almost two feet long are hanging from the roof, and it is very cold.  Low last night was -20*C.

No sewing done yesterday and none will get done today. I do have the binding to sew down on my DD2 quit, so will make sure that hand sewing project will accompany me in the future.

Not much news today,


Patricia

Monday, January 12, 2015

Snowy Monday

Yes, we had more snow fall overnight, however, the temp has moderated some, only -1.4C this morning.   A rude awakening tonight though, down to -17C or lower, and feeling a lot colder with the wind chill factor.   Ok, so much for the weather.

As I looked out of the window at my friends house this morning, it looks as if we had several visitors during the night.   Lots of tracks from the deer that roamed through the property.   Previously, I have seen five on several occasions just as it is getting dark.  Lots of birds at the feeders today also.

No sewing today.

Well, that's for today.


Patricia



Sunday, January 11, 2015

Quiet Sunday

The weather has improved.....well......... it is not so cold, windy or snowy so anything is an improvement.

Went to see the movie "Wild"  and we both enjoyed.  

Came home to a delicious roast beef dinner.

Patricia

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Saturday..

Where has this week gone, it couldn't go fast enough for me.   It has been a snowy, blowy and cold week.   The city streets are looking drivable, thanks to the snow ploughs, salt, sand, a little heat from the sun, and of course the traffic.

Schools were closed for two days due to the weather, and I am sure a lot of people were not able to get to work.

DD1 left a message on FB for me today, only 72 days until Spring and those days can't go by fast enough.   Not that I am wishing my life away, I just don't like Winter any more.  When the children were young we used to be out in all kinds of Winter weather, so I am beginning to think not liking it now is an" age thing".  The grey cloudy days cause me to be very lazy, a mild case of SAD?

Yesterday I did attached the binding to my DD2's  quilt now have to hand stich it down, something that can be done in front of the TV in the evenings.    Also worked on DD1's blocks.    Keep on forgetting to charge battery for camera., so no photo's yet.

My friend has only five more treatments next week and then he is all finished.   Tests at a later date will indicate if they were successful.   The prognosis was good prior to the treatments so we expect a positive report.

Taking advantage of the cheaper hydro rate to do some laundry, so should now get it in the dryer.

Have a great day.
Patricia

Friday, January 9, 2015

Blizzard......

Yes we had blizzard conditions last night, more snow and high winds which blew it all around into drifts.   My driveway will need digging out.......again.

The best part of this morning we have blue skies, the sun is shining and those clouds are white not gray.   The wind is still blowing but not nearly as bad as it was.

Worked on DD2 quilt blocks again last evening, so pleased, they are coming together really fast.

I think this weather calls for some tummy warming food, so going to get a crock pot stew started with some biscuits on the side.

Keep warm

Patricia

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Snow, snow and more snow

It came down all day yesterday, finally stopping around 6 p.m.  So how much did we get, I took a ruler and measured the pile on the front deck wooden railing.....seven inches.  Mind you it all looks very nice, light and fluffy on all of the tree branches and hanging over the eaves....BUT.  this stuff has to be removed from my driveway.  Did I tell you  I hate Winter?

I started to shovel this a.m. and half way through the process my neighbour used his snow blower to remove the rest.  It was not too difficult to move due to it being the light, dry fluffy kind of snow.  No good for making a snowman as it does not stick together, not that I was inclined.   It is very cold but the sun is trying very hard to break though the clouds.  I HATE Winter.

The street is still snow covered even though the ploughs have been by a couple of times.  Have not seen the trucks which spread the salt and sand so it must be too cold for that to melt the snow.  I was planning to visit my Mother today, however, thought better of it.  Don't like travelling on the country roads by myself.   Not much traffic uses them and it is so easy to get into difficulties when they are covered with snow.   I do have an emergency kit in the trunk which contains extra gloves, scarves, coat and lined snow pants along with a good pair of walking boots and a snow shovel.  Reminder to myself to put in a candle and matches and also some of those chocolates that I have been eating.  I really do HATE Winter.

De-cluttering was done in my bedroom yesterday morning and I have a large bag of clothes for the thrift shop and a small bag for the garbage.   I use my  old socks for dusters, handy to just fit over my hand and get into all those nooks and crannies.    

Sewing all afternoon and got a good head start on the blocks for my DD2's quilt.  Happy with the progress I made.  Plan on a couple of hours of sewing this afternoon.

Patricia

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

A Snow Day......

Definitely a snow day for the school children, as the buses did not do any pick ups today.

Yes, I think Winter has officially arrived,  as I write we have at least 5 inches of snow on the ground and the forecast is predicting a wallop of snow which will result in 8 inches or more.  Compounded by winds which will result in a windchill reaching -25 C in the afternoon. 

It all looks very pretty from where I am sitting, very quiet as all of the traffic sounds are muffled by the snow.  The newspaper this a.m. has an article about "frost quakes", which results from a patch of ground that is saturated with moisture which freezes and the underground ice cracks.  This causes a loud bang,  I heard it only once last year, it's early Winter so there is always a chance we may hear it again this year.

My neighbour is fighting a lost cause I think, as he is now blowing the snow off my driveway, with the wind starting to blow it could be an ongoing chore today, don't know what I would do with him. 

There is no reason for me to go out today, so a closet to de-clutter this morning and a sewing afternoon in on my agenda for the day.

Stay safe and warm.

Patricia





Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Sunshine......

We had another dusting of snow over night, and again we have blue skies, however, a bit more cloud today.  Had to bundle up when I went to the hair dresser this morning as the wind is making it feel quite bitterly cold. 

Had a very nice dinner with my quilting group last evening, and received a very nice gift from my secret Santa, thank you J.  Sorry to hear the news from J. as she announced she would be leaving our group.   I didn't have dessert at the restaurant  so I opened my box of chocolates after arriving home and had a couple.  Oh well, the New Years resolution will have to wait now until they are all gone.    ha ha. 

Visiting my late husbands niece and nephew this afternoon for a cup of tea and a chat.  Did not have time to see them during the Christmas season.

Have a great day.

Patricia


  

Monday, January 5, 2015

Movie...


"The Imitation  Game", was an excellent movie and would recommend it, we both enjoyed  it very much.

Turned cold overnight, with an additional inch of snow, the sun is trying to get through the clouds as I write, but thinking it won't be too successful today.  Hoping we don't have a lot of additional snow during the day as I have to drive out of town to the restaurant for our guild's holiday dinner and secret Santa gift exchange tonight. Looking forward to seeing everyone again.  The highway's are usually cleared of snow and ice fairly quickly so don't expect any major problems.

Need to do a bit more de cluttering and cutting fabric for a DD1's quilt, so I better make this post short and get moving.


Update:  Now we have beautiful blue skies and sunshine, however, a bitter cold wind is keeping the temps down.

Patricia



Sunday, January 4, 2015

Catching Up..

I have been away from blogger for a long time, so taking my time to catch up on everyone's blog.
There is a lot of reading to do, so I may not comment on your past postings.  Promising to comment on your 2015 posts. 

Side streets in the city are still very messy, the main ones are looking quite good.  Over night the temp rose a bit, and now it is above zero so some of the snow and the ice has melted, however, the forecast is saying colder temps are on the way.  It is January in South Western Ontario so can't expect anything more than the weather we have currently.

Going to the movies this afternoon to see "The Imitation Game", we saw "Unbroken"  last week.  It was very well done and we enjoyed it.

Patricia






Saturday, January 3, 2015

Spoke too soon...


As I am writing this post wet snow mixed with rain is falling.   If it continues we will have some very messy streets and roads to contend with.  This little burp in the weather is nothing compared to last Winter, so not complaining......yet.

Yesterday, I took down all of my outside Christmas decorations, so glad I did it now.  They still need to be put in their containers but at least they are dry in my garage.

Going to a former co-workers 90th birthday party this afternoon, it's just a "come and go open house", so won't be staying long. 

Have a great day.
Patricia

Friday, January 2, 2015

I am still here........

Thank you Patricia for your concern, I am just fine.

Life just got so busy and honestly I did not have too much to say, so took some time away from blogging.  I am now back for 2015.

A quick recap of what has been happening during the past few months.

I have completed the top of the quilt for my youngest daughter, (photo to follow when camera battery is charged),  the top for my eldest daughter is what I am currently working on.  Collecting the fabric for my son's quilt.   Hoping to have all these completed by Easter.

In my last post I mentioned the six quilts for all the girls who were adopted at the same time as one of my grand daughters.  All of the girls have now wrote a little message and signed a six inch piece of fabric, all of the fabric for these quilts has been purchased and I know the blocks I will be using for these quilts.   All of them are to be completed by August.

A former co-worker's Mother found three quilt tops belonging to her great  grand mother, and asked it I knew anyone who would complete them.  These quilts were all hand pieced and were beautiful, so I took on the challenge.  Purchased the backing fabric and sent them to the quilter, then I attached the binding.   Two were completed and my co-worker was able to give them to her Mother just prior to Christmas and the last one I will deliver today.

The new person in my life is making me very happy and the future may see some major changes.

Everyone in my family is well, my Mother celebrated her 97th birthday in August, 2014,  my grand son became engaged to a very nice girl, (another quilt to be made for them in 2016), 

We had a green Christmas, and now it is Jan. 2nd and we still have no snow, and I like it that way.  Blue skies and the sun shining through my windows this morning, however, that can change very quickly as we have a lot of Winter to get through yet. 

The quilting guild I belong to will be having our holiday dinner and gift exchange on Monday, Jan 6th, looking forward to that.   This will bring all of my holiday celebrations to an end and then back into a regular routine again.  

Did I make any New Year resolutions?  Of course, try to be more conscious of healthy eating habits, please note I didn't say "diet and loose weight".  Will I keep this resolution?  yes, I will try to do my best.   Did you make any resolutions?

It looks as if I have recovered from "writers block", so I will now wish all of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.

Patricia