Everyday Angels

Sometimes we get busy and forget to stop and look around. When we take a moment to pause its easy to see there are angels everywhere. Today was Mom's Adult Day-Care program. The women who work and volunteer to run this program are angels. Not only to our family, but to the other participants as well.

It can't be easy. There are a dozen clients, each at various stages of the illness. I know just from what I've seen at drop offs and pick ups, it can get a little hectic for everyone. But these Angels never show a single sign of frustration. Always upbeat, smiling and cheerful. It always inspires me to know that I can entrust Moms care to them for a day.

Today at the pick-up, things seemed a little more chaotic than usual. But even in all that, they took the time to fill me in on the day, what she ate, and even a funny story. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but it kind of put my day back in perspective. It makes you appreciate the simple little things we often overlook.

On another note, I've been thinking of trying to spruce up the blog. I have no ideas....yet. But I just think I've let things get a little stale. And when I logged in tonight I noticed I lost a follower :(. I know it's silly. I remember reading someone else's post awhile ago about losing followers. She said she likes to imagine they died so it doesn't feel so much like they left her on purpose. I don't know why but that made me giggle.

Just in case you were wondering, I really appreciate each and everyone who comments or even just reads my babble. I've encountered quite a few Angels through blogland. Thank You :)


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Awaiting the end of November

Or more specifically Movember. Are you all familiar with the Movember movement? In case you're not, it's a unique fundraising effort for the cause of fighting prostrate cancer and general awareness. Participants stop shaving for the month of November and grow a mustache. It's become a big deal around here. Even some ladies have signed up and stopped shaving their legs for the month. (Don't worry, I donated money instead of going "furry"). Nobody wants to see that! Lol



Sounds good, right? Except for weeks now half the men in this town look like creepy 1970's bad porn stars. I'm not kidding! And for many it appears they are under the mistaken illusion that they look hot. For the record guys, there's no rule that says you can't trim them. (Or remove the remnants from your last meal!!)

It's almost the end of the month. Shaving day is just around the corner. Hallelujah !
Not everyone can wear a "stash" like Tom Selleck



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Dancing the night away

No, I wasn't out kicking up my heels tonight. I wish! Instead I had to work late at a meeting. But all I could think of was getting home. Why?? The big Dancing With The Stars finale, of course!

So forgive me for the short quick post. And forgive me for not visiting your blogs tonight. You will find me on Facebook, with a rag-tag group of pals from all over. Some rug hookers, some just hysterically witty ladies (and a couple of gents who comment when we start to get out of hand). For the past 2 years we've all logged in to "watch" DWTS together. The friendships have grown and the comments get colorful.

Go Shawn!




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It's starting to feel like.....

It took me a little longer to embrace it this year. But there is no denying it now - Christmas is just around the corner. Our little town is in full swing. It started with our first Black Friday promotion followed by the big Town Light Up ceremony Friday night. And last night Santa stopped by our parade of lights.

The stores seem to have stepped up their decorations and shoppers seem to be getting on the "buy local" bandwagon. It's all good. You can feel the change of attitude downtown. However, despite weeks of unseasonably warm weather, the cold chill of late November blew in this morning. (With a vengeance). Perhaps just in time to snap me into Christmas mode.

My rug has stalled again. I started hooking in the background and I'm just not feeling it. Part of me said " just hurry up, finish it, and move on". The other part of me said "sleep on it". So that's what I did. It sits in the corner.

Yesterday when I was downtown I saw some cute knit cowl scarfs. I thought "I could make those". So last night after the parade I grabbed my knitting needles and some fun boucle yarn and made this



It is very cozy and came in handy today with that cold wind blowing. I've started another one in beige but its different yarn and its not knitting up as quickly. If I can find some more of the boucle yarn I might make a few and see how they do on etsy.

I can't believe Christmas is just a month from today. I guess it's going to come whether I'm ready or not ;)



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Do not disturb.....

I wish I had a sign like this to hang around my neck sometimes. But it looks like tonight I can just sit and hook. No commitments, no distractions (I hope). I haven't touched my frame since Sunday.

I am hoping this rug will be a Christmas present so I better get moving. After I finish the plaid border I think I need to add a few more elements to the design. Not sure yet if it will work, so stay tuned.




Today our little downtown was hopping. I love looking out my office window and seeing people coming and going. We "borrowed" an American tradition - Black Friday. Stores decorated, promoted and best of all, offered great sales. And judging by my window view and a brief foray into a few stores on my lunch hour - it was a booming success. I didn't have much time but I did put a few items on hold to go back and get tomorrow.

TGIF

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Directing and stuff

I guess it's been days since I posted. It's terrible when work interferes with blogging! :). I wish I could report that on Monday night I received an Oscar for my big debut in the Directors chair. But sadly that is not the case.

You all know we've moved to a new work building and the formal Council Chambers was finally ready for our meeting Monday night. And it's all tricked out with the latest technology. Video screens, multiple cameras and monitors etc. Heaven for a nerdy tech geek like me! I got the task of controlling the cameras and videos for the meeting. I had this little touch screen controller for the cameras, with the only instruction being "just figure it out". Lol.

I was hoping to get an Oscar for my effort. Uhmm, instead my reviews were.....not good. Ok, Bad! I felt like Lindsey Lohan at her latest film screening. And I thought my artsy pans and zooms were stellar! However the truth is my skills were only a small part of the problem. The equipment still needs some tweaking. So maybe my next "production" will be better.

Since I've worked the past 3 nights I haven't pulled one loop on my rug. So far tomorrow night is unscheduled so I'm hopeful.

I also want to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. Tomorrow I hope you all



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A cautionary tale

Let this be a bit of a gentle reminder to you all. Blogging and drinking are not a good combination. After a certain number of glasses of wine, it's best to just step away from the keyboard.
I was a teeny tiny bit under the weather this morning......OK, I was hungover - I admit it. I don't remember the last time that happened. As I hovered over the coffee pot this morning all of a sudden panic swept over me. "Oh dear, I think I did a blog post last night"
I'm not sure if the cold sweat I broke out in was from last nights activities or the fear welling up inside me. I logged in and held my breath. Ok, not too bad. A little sappy but not as drastic or stupid as I feared.
I also may have left a few comments. (Hopefully sensible. If not, Sorry). I do recall writing an impassioned comment about the demise of the beloved Twinkie. (I think it was Beth's blog). Thankfully just before I finished it disappeared. I took that as a sign from above to "step away from the keyboard". LOL

This afternoon I got back to my rug. I found some different green wool so I continued on with my original plan. The strip of wool for the crow wing is being replaced. That is just temporary.



I'm using a fun plaid for the border. As soon as I see how that works, I may add another few things to this design. I'm glad I didn't abandon this rug. I hope it's finished before the holidays are over. :)

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You can have hundreds of friends throughout your lifetime. I believe that people come into your life at different times when you need them. All of them are important, irregardless of the length of time they bless your life. Friends can be either for a season or a lifetime.
Last night one of my "lifetime" friends called me to go out tonight. I haven't seen her for a long time. Her family has had some terrible struggles in the past year. The sad truth - I just couldn't deal with it and I distanced myself. And worse, I was ashamed of myself for it.
So with much trepidation, I accepted her invite. And I had the most lovely time. Honestly, it was like no time had passed at all. We just slipped back into things like nothing. We laughed, we shared (the good, the bad, and the really bad), and we drank copious amounts of wine ;)



I guess it's OK if you don't get to see your old friends as often as you used to. The important part is that you're there when you need each other - like tonight.



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It's time to start....

Shopping! Reminders of the impending Christmas season are everywhere. The grocery store is playing Christmas music and even Sirius Radio has started an all-Christmas station. Yippee, it's now programmed as a favorite in the car. (Big sucker for the holiday tunes). And yes, I belt it out when I'm alone in the car. (Don't judge)

But the biggest reminder (for the past few weeks) is the un-ending, whiney, drone coming out of Aunties mouth "ohh, I have nothing bought for anyone. It's only a few weeks away, (blah, blah, blah)." Now imagine that playing over and over in a loop all.freakin.day!

So, I've taken tomorrow off and as soon as we drop Mom at adult daycare, we are heading for the city to shop. And we are not coming home until she has an arm load of bags! (Even if it kills me)

My biggest problem with Christmas shopping?? Not buying everything for myself of course. It's sooo hard. Lol.
In an effort to try and satisfy my urge to buy myself everything, I made a pre-emptive strike. I splurged and ordered myself the most gorgeous gloves. They arrived today.



Danier kid leather black opera length gloves!! Oh my......they are freakin gorgeous. They just are my favorite things ever.



Did I lie? Are they not awesome? Merry Pre-Christmas to ME :)

Wish me luck tomorrow. And give me the strength not to leave auntie in a dressing room if she starts to whine. (Kidding). (Well, sort of....lol)

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Chats on the Porch

It's time again to join Patrice and Wendell for a short chat.  I have missed the last few weeks, but am happy to join up again today.

But before we dive into this weeks questions I will just give you a quick update. 
I went to the hospital this morning for my tests.  The lab opened at 7am and I arrived at 7:20am - and I was #100.   Holy cow, half the town was there waiting.

And don't I love walking around with a bottle of pee in my purse!  I kept peeking in to make sure it didn't spill, while trying not to let everyone in the waiting room know I had a bottle of pee.  Eventually Vampira called my number and drained me of vials and vials of blood.  She might as well have just hooked me up to bucket.   Just sayin.   Stopped at Tim Horton's on my way to work to replenish my system with a large coffee and a bagel with extra cream cheese (which I inhaled in record time).   I will keep you posted.

Anyway, on with today's questions.

Questions

1. What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? For anyone not in the US, what's your favorite fall side dish?

I admit I'm a little jealous.  Thanksgiving in Canada was last month, but since it is one of my favorite holidays, maybe I'll host another big meal and celebrate with you guys too.   I love the stuffing and the cranberry sauce.  The day after it is turkey sandwiches - bite of sandwich, bite of cranberry.  

   2.    What's the first thing you do when you have a headache?

I know the answer should be drink water, but honestly it is grab a handful of Advil

   3.    Do you like to "people watch"? (Observe people in public while waiting for something or relaxing)

I do like to people watch.  Sometimes its fun to try and guess who they are, what they do etc.  But I have learned to be careful to engage them in conversation.  I think I am a magnet for loonies.  Seriously, if there is one wacko in a crowd, they will attach themselves to me. 

4.     Where's your family most likely to eat for a day to day meal? (Read= not holiday)

We always eat in the kitchen.  The house I now live in was my grandparents.  Many years ago the dining room was sacrificed so my grandmother could have a small beauty parlour in the house.  It never went back to a dining room.  Now its the computer room.

5.     Tell me about your plans for Thanksgiving Day. Or tell me something special you will do soon.

Nothing special planned I'm afraid.  I soon have to think about the next big holiday and all the stuff that goes with pulling that one off. 

A whole lotta shaking going on

The shaking was mostly me. I spent most of the last 2 days wrapped in blankets in front of the fireplace. I'm not sure if it is all my thyroid problems or a combination of that and a slight reaction to the flu shot. Normally I'm the one in the house who is always complaining it is too warm. Auntie and I go to war with the thermostat - she cranks it up, I sneak it down. This time the shoe was on the other foot. I was shivering and freezing, everyone else was melting.

I have a whole sheet of tests to get tomorrow. I will be glad to get it over with. Tonight I have to do that stupid 12 hour fast before the blood work. I think I need to tape my mouth shut tonight.




I seem to have about 1 good hour of energy a day. The other day I tackled that burlap again. I managed to draw out a small pattern. Here is just a small section I worked on.



I had a piece of soft green wool saved for the background. I cut it up and discovered it is not good wool. It's fraying and breaking.



It's not going to work, and I've trolled through my stash and I don't have anything else that will work with my original plan. So, I think I will just finish this up quickly and use the other side of the pattern for something else. No point wasting time on something that you don't love.


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Burlap and sharpies

I have a strong desire to hook lately. I have missed the feel of the wool between my fingers. All week I thought about having the whole weekend to hook a small holiday rug.
I bought new burlap. I had a brand new sharpie.



And that's where the story ends folks. I drew (attempted) and it didn't look right. So I flipped it over and tried on the other side. Still nothing but some mis-formed shapes.

Maybe I'll have the artsy spirit tomorrow. Today it seems to have left me.

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It's all hugs and air kisses

That's how our monthly Ladies Dinner Club begins - hugs and air kisses. Immediately followed by our charming host handing us a glass of wine! Simon knows what "his ladies" like. Lol

I couldn't think of a better way to end this week. Normally I just want to go home and not move. It generally requires a bomb to drag me out of the house Friday night. But I really enjoy these evenings. Our little eclectic gang of ladies are quite entertaining.

Tonight's theme - Asian flare. Fabulous appetizers of roasted soybeans, tuna sashimi, and salmon, tuna or vegetable sushi.



Really, we had enough appetizers for a full meal. But, like troopers, we proceeded to the main course of sticky rice, shrimp Pad Thai, and mixed veg. And note the chopsticks. That's half the fun. I'm getting pretty good with them, except for the rice. But it does give us all lots to laugh at as we struggle with those sticks.



Dessert....? Of course! Homemade mango and peach sorbet. What a great evening.

Now for the flu shot update. First, thank you for all your feedback. I do appreciate all your comments. Even as I sat in the waiting room this afternoon, I was still unsure what I was going to do. As I expressed my concern, then began the guilt trip about Mom. I felt like if I didn't get the shot, I was the worst daughter/caregiver in the world. So....I did it. And as soon as I walked in the door at home, Mom sneezed! Can you believe it ?? I wonder if it was some kind of sign?

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Should I or shouldn't I??

I need some advice here folks. Every year at this time I am torn about what to do about a flu shot. I go back and forth, changing my mind about every hour.

The truth is, I'm not sure I believe in them. I believe we have a natural immune system that should not be messed with unnecessarily. All of this anti-bacterial stuff, and hand sanitizer gel everywhere - I fear it is weakening our natural immunity. And maybe taking these "flu shots" is further destroying our ability to fight on our own?

I just don't know. I am out in the public everyday. Moms condition is not the best and I worry about her getting the flu. It doesn't take much to knock her down. I would feel terrible if I passed on the flu to her. And her other health conditions complicate any infection.

So, herein lies my dilemma. Last year I caved at the last minute and got the shot.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Please.......

I have my doctors appointment tomorrow afternoon and he will be chomping at the bit to jab me.

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Odd pairs

Sometimes you come across some odd pairings.



Who hasn't worn 2 different socks before? (Accidentally or on purpose)


Things you just wouldn't initially put together



(this one really needs no explanation or comments - it speaks for itself)



And food wise, lets not forget dill pickles and ice cream, chocolate drizzle on seafood, or.......

I got an email today from a follower friend who told me to try peanut butter with my chili.........PEANUT BUTTER......
And her instructions were very specific - a little bite of PB, don't swallow and then a spoonful of chili. So I tried it. Odd, a little but surprisingly not bad. Who knew? Lol

Thanks for the food tip. Try it!

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Light bulb moment

Well, a lot of you have talked about all the great things you did with your extra hour. Ok, I'm not ashamed to admit this - I spent my extra hour sleeping. And, sleeping quite well I might add, with my new fluffy pillows. Yes, it made a difference.

I woke up feeling great.....for about an hour. And then it was back to feeling miserable. I've been complaining for the last 2 weeks about feeling tired and sick. Today was no different, just a little worse. Exhausted, aching all over, zero energy. Usually I can run up the stairs. Today, even if my arse had been of fire there was no way I could sprint the stairs.

And then I had the light bulb moment.....it's my thyroid. Duh! You would think someone with thyroid issues would have put that together long ago!! Suddenly feeling like not the sharpest knife in the drawer!

Years ago I had half my thyroid removed. The doctor told me eventually I would require medication. At the 10 year anniversary he was amazed that the function was still good. Well, that was a few years ago. I think my luck has run out.

I see blood tests in my future. But a little pill is better than this. So today was rather unproductive. It took all my energy to just hold my head up. All I managed was to throw a pot of chili on the stove.



I wanted to make some cornbread to go with it, but that didn't happen. The weather has cooled enough to make me want these types of comfort foods.

That's it for now. Gotta date with my new pillows.


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Falling back....

Yes, it's time to fall back. Not only the clocks, but it's time for me to fall back to normal. (Stop laughing, normal is relative Lol). It's taken me longer to get back on track after the crazy schedule of the past 2 months. The old gal doesn't bounce back as quickly as before!

I'm struggling to get back to routines and I haven't been sleeping well. My old pillows have seen better days and since tonight we get an extra hour of sleep (Yeehaw) I wanted to ensure that hour wasn't wasted staring at the ceiling trying to adjust those lumpy pillows. So 2 new fluffy beauties for tonight!



And I finally dug out the frame to finally finish the small rug I started a month or so ago. After I pulled those first few loops I remembered how much I missed it.



I need to get this finished so maybe I can squeeze in a couple of small holiday themed mats. And today I kind of committed to a commissioned piece. If I can make it work I think it will be very cool.

Thanks for all the great comments on our new town hall. I will probably post more pics over the next few weeks as more finish work is completed.


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A tour anyone?

Our relocation of our Town Hall was quite a big deal around our little small town this past year. People had big opinions on both sides. We renovated a grand old historic building in the middle of downtown.
One of the main goals was to retain as much of the historic character as possible. And I think we did a great job.
Since we've been in now about a week, lots of people are wandering in to look around. Staff have spent a lot of time lately giving impromptu tours. Well, we are proud and want to show it off.

So, if your interested, here is a little mini tour.
The Lobby



I love the ceiling details and light fixtures



Up the marble staircase to the top floor (my office)


Beautiful dark stained woodwork (original), and pebbled windows in the hallway






My office (still a clean, neat desk)



There are still a few workmen around doing finishing touches. We will continue the tour another time.



I'm sorry if I have bored you but I'm just so proud of how we have brought life back to this amazing building.

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