Grateful

I can't begin to express how much all your sweet comments meant to me regarding my last post.   It was a long stressful week but, as usual, my blog buddies have lifted my spirits.   And yes Julia, you were right - each comment had that effect!

Mom is doing much better today and (knock on wood) we have been "accident" free for the past 24 hours.  That in itself is something to be grateful for.  I am hopeful that if we are careful in the next few days that we can get her system back to normal.

I have had a few new followers recently - - Welcome!  I am so pleased that people read this stuff and comment and come back to visit often.  This little blog has given me more than I could ever imagine.
AND I just realized as I was typing this that I think I missed my blogiversary......yup it was 2 days ago.  Duh!!   I guess I will have to announce a giveaway soon.  (not today, but soon)  Only 4 more followers to get to 175!  Anybody know 4 people??  Lol  - kidding

I am also grateful for my friends outside blog-ville.  This afternoon I met up with 2 great gals for some chatter and a "special" coffee.  Another friend suggested we meet tonight at the local pub for a beer.  It sounded very tempting but I was so hot and tired from the week, that the thought of putting a bra on was too much to bear!  I sent her a text message saying I looked like I fell off a turnip truck.  Attractive, right?  Lol

And the other big "grateful" moment today was selling another rug.  Yes, the red rug has sold before I have even finished binding it.

Wouldn't it be great if they all sold that easily?   Oh and I almost forgot - I won a fabulous giveaway this week from Cobblestone Corner and Grandma's Biscuits blog.  I can't wait to show you when it arrives.  Jody had a very generous giveaway and has a very sweet blog. It was perfect timing too - made me smile.  I hope you all have a happy weekend and stop to remember to be grateful for something each day.

PS - Don't forget to visit Patrice at Everyday Ruralty.  Her Anniversary party continues!!

Chivalry is alive and well

I don't usually share a lot of details here about Mom's condition but this story is too cute not to share.  Today was Adult Day Care day.  I mentioned this before - there is an old fella there who has a bit of a crush on Mom.  It is just so cute.  He is 91 years old and he is always smiling at her or trying to sit beside her.   Some of the staff laugh because if he sees someone else going towards the empty seat by her, he shuffles a little faster to get there ahead.    But alas, Mom just ignores him - totally.  But he never gives up.

This afternoon when I arrived to pick her up, he is naturally seated beside her.  Mom is naturally looking in the opposite direction. LOL     Mom can't dress herself anymore and sometimes getting her to put her coat on is a challenge.  She won't bend her arms the right ways etc.   So one of the staff and I are struggling to get her coat on and before I know it - He jumps up (well, as much as a 91 year old can jump up).  He wants to help her.     Awwwww, how flippin sweet is that.......  Chivalry is alive and well at Day Care. 

Once the coat is on and she is ready to go he is saying "Goodbye Dear. Have a nice week and I'll see you soon" .  And Mom won't even look at him and she just says "Yeah, Whatever" 

Oh my goodness, I had to turn my head away.  I thought I might pee my pants laughing.    

Just Because

I've been saving this post because I wanted to ensure it didn't compete for attention with the charity auction.   The other day I came home to fnd a package in the mail.  I hadn't ordered anything recently.  I looked at the address and recognized the name.

I ripped it open and it was a present from my friend Kim.  When I read the card she said it was a "Just Because" present.  Aren't those just the best?    Look at what she sent me

A beautiful card and note, and some pieces of wool she has dyed herself using Kool Aid.  It makes such nice strong, bright colors.  

And a sweet little stitched pillow for Valentines.  I have always admired her stitched pieces on her blog and always raved about them.  In fact, I have secretly wanted one and now I wonder if perhaps I'm not as subtle as I think I am....... LOL

And then there was the little bag of sunflower seeds.  If you follow Kim's blog you know she always has lots of big beautiful sunflowers growing on her property in California.   And now I have my very own "Field of Dreams" sunflower seeds.

I bet that she blessed them so I just know that they will grow tall and strong this summer. 

The only thing better than getting a "just because" present is having friends who are thoughtful and kind enough to send you one.  

THANK YOU KIM



 

Fun, Friends and Charity

Today was a wonderful day.  I told you the other day that there was a surprise in store for my friend Terri.  She is the one who organized tonight's event to raise money for Palliative Care in memory of her brother Tim.  This is the 4th year.

Well, a friend nominated her for the Maritimer of the Week Award, given to a someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their community.   It was so hard to keep the secret all week.  I hardly spoke or emailed her for days, so scared I might spill the beans.  I'm not sure what surprised her more - the award or the fact that so many of her friends could keep a secret. 

It was a great thing to be a part of and she is so deserving of recognition.  She is a very special person and that is why we all go the extra mile for her. We all chip in to help, donating to the silent auction, preparing food for sale.  Everything is donated.  The place was packed and there were lots of laughs and lots of bidding on the auction items.  I won't know the total tally until tomorrow, but when I left my rug was up to a $225 bid.  WooHoo!!    Our goal for the night was $5,000.  I think we might exceed that. 

Before I left she handed me a gift and a card.   A thank you for helping out.  I didn't need a thank you for helping a friend but it was very touching.

The feeling is mutual

Christmas Blessings

We had a wonderful day full of so many Christmas blessings.   Starting last evening we hosted some friends after the church service.  Good friends, food and laughter - a great start.

By the time we went to bed we were about ready to drop.  Tired but a happy tired.

Santa  found all of us, even little Millie.

One of the greatest blessings of the day was that Mom was in a great mood.  There were even a few funny moments from her.  This is rare and was a lovely gift for me.   We had a morning visit from my cousin Mike (you know - the boy who killed Santa for me) and he brought a cake. 

I had Christmas Dinner ready at around 1 pm.  I cooked a 20 lb turkey and all the fixings.  Yes, I said 20 lbs - for the 3 of us.  Lol  But that means I get a couple of days off from cooking.  Mom ate a huge plate of food.  Another rare treat, as her appetite is not the best anymore.  She seemed to be on her best behavior for me today and I was so grateful.

I want to show you my most special Christmas present.  Two weeks ago when I picked up Mom at day care the supervisor handed me this package with instructions not to open until Christmas.

 
Despite being curious, I wanted to wait.  I knew this was going to be special.  Their project that week was to make something special for their loved ones.  I am blessed that the staff at Mom's program are caring enough to think of something like this.   What was held inside this little package ?

A simple little beaded bookmark.   A few beads on a simple white ribbon.  But it was enough to bring me to tears.  It has been so long since Mom has participated in holidays, the fact that I knew she actually made this has made it so special. 

Sometimes it just the little things that make a day special - like a small gesture from an angel.   I hope you all had a blessed day and have some angels in your life.

Faalalala

I feel a little more Christmassy now.  Attending the performance of the Nutcracker Ballet was a great idea.  I went with my friend Teri and her Mom.  We had some special little girl's in the performance.

The youngest was one of the mice and later a dancing gingerbread.  Her sister was one of the toy soldiers.  They looked adorable and did a fantastic job. 

I was impressed with the whole production.  Very professional and well done.  And some of those ballerina's were just amazing.  Not bad for a small little town.


Before the performance started we did a little shopping in downtown Sackville.  I found this great little carrier.  It looks perfect for when you have to take treats somewhere this time of year.

When I got home I discovered the beautiful pointsettia garden (in the first photo) had been delivered.   And one of Mom's Home Care workers stopped by and delivered this cute little mug with greenery.

He makes one for each of his clients, as many of them live alone and don't have a Christmas tree anymore so they enjoy the little wisps of real greenery.  It is so sweet and thoughtful. 

And the last (but certainly not least) bit of Christmas spirit I found this weekend . . .

A bottle of Chocolate Vodka Martini

Now that's some Christmas Spirit - Right . . . . .

I'm thinking garnishing the glass with a peppermint patty or maybe a mini candy cane

I'll let you know my review after I "test" it tonight. 

Remember - Be Nice

Sometimes we all need a little reminder to be nice.  Everyday stress plus all this holiday hoopla can take a toll on the nerves and common sense.

And especially at this time of year (you know, with Santa watching and all) we should all be on our best behavior :)

Do you remember in a post earlier this week I mentioned getting low on a pretty piece of plaid wool?  Well, last night I got a message from a friend that she found a piece of it in her stash and was willing to part with it.  Another example of the generosity of hooker friends.

So on my lunch hour I stopped in to pick it up (before she changed her mind  LOL).  As I was leaving I mentioned I was on my way to a local store to raise heck about an trouble-filled purchase.   I was all wound up and loaded-for-bear.   And then she hits me with this . . . . . "Now Kim, Be Nice"     Dang it.  Don't you hate it when someone is right ?   (And I had a really good rant all worked out for the store manager too)   And even worse, she had to remind me to be nice after just giving me a kind, nice gesture.  Sheesh, sometimes I need a bonk on the head. 

As I left and was driving to the store I realized I was smiling.  I looked down at that pretty piece of wool on the seat next to me and giggled all the way to the store.  And as I arrived in the parking lot I was repeating "Now Kim, Be Nice"    So I WAS and got my issues all straightened out.  Sometimes we all need a little reminder to be nice. 

Tomorrow I am going to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  That should help with the Christmas Spirit.

Keepsakes

Yesterday I had the day off work and went on a little road trip.  The sun was shining and it seemed like a perfect day for a drive in the country.

I went to visit family in Pictou County.  I took the scenic country route and just took my time enjoying the sights on the 2 hour drive. 

I had a lovely visit including a tasty vegetable quiche for lunch.   Before I left I was invited to browse in the china cabinet and take a china teacup and saucer for a keepsake. 

Before I knew it, the cabinet was being emptied onto the table.  She had so many lovely ones.  I selected this pretty blue and gold one.   It was a sweet gesture and I will always think of her and that day whenever I look at it.  

 

A Simple Day

Sometimes the best days are so simple.  I took the afternoon off work.  Since I got called into work for a few hours while I was on vacation, and the sun was shining, I needed to do something - for me. 

It is amazing what a few days of sunshine in a row can do for a person's mood.   This is only the 2nd time this summer that we have had 3 nice days in a row.

We went for a drive to Parrsboro, through the countryside.  No need to hurry, no schedule, and no dramas. 

We arriving at the restaurant for lunch,  and as we walked in the door a table at the back was wildly waving.  It was my cousin and her husband.  They were playing hooky for the afternoon too.  We had a little catch-up chat.  We live in the same town and rarely bump into each other. 

After lunch we headed to our favorite little boutique.  I started my Christmas shopping.  (I know, its shocking!)  In fact, I really started last week when I purchased gifts for 3 people.  I'm so proud of myself.    Today I added 2 more Christmas gifts and a birthday gift for a friend in September.   The owner was laughing at me, because she said "this is the first time you haven't bought a piece of jewellry for yourself."  It is true.  But........Shhhhhh - I pointed out a necklace I liked to Auntie and I saw her later slip it to Joan to wrap up.  Merry Christmas to me!   Hehehehe  But I didn't let on I saw any of this.  I will be so surprised when I open it.  Lol

On the way home we stopped at a new little market that sells fruit, veggies, baking, crafts etc.   I bought some beautiful yellow string beans for supper.  Since we were parked right in front, I left Mom in the car.  After a couple minutes a woman came out of the building.  It was an old friend of mine I hadn't seen in a long time.  She always loved Mom.   Before I knew it she had the car door open and was kneeling on the pavement having a chat with Mom.   Poor Mom doesn't really talk anymore but my friend carried the conversation.  I just stood back and watched for a minutes.   It made me happy.    And I could tell by the look on my friends face that it made her happy to see Mom too.

It was such a simple day but it was so pleasant.  I don't know why, but I seem to get so touched when people show special kindness to Mom. 

A great day. 

Butterflies and Blueberries

My last day of summer vacation ended on a high note.   Thank goodness, because the past 2 weeks have been less than stellar.

But today I spent with a special group of friends. Today was the third anniversary of the loss of a special friend.  One of his wishes was that his friends and family get together each year on this day. 

His parents host the event and, as per Tim's hope, it is less of a sad day when we are all together laughing and sharing.  Having his two little girls running around entertaining us doesn't hurt either. 

The girls (his girls) decided 3 years ago that their Dad was now a butterfly so the symbol is everywhere. His sister and I exchange something each year.  This year I received a beautiful pair of butterfly earrings from her. 

Before I left, Tim's Mom told me she had something in the kitchen for me ----  a 2 litre ice cream container filled with fresh blueberries she hand picked yesterday.  Not a leaf or a twig in the container.  And these are not those large high bush berries - they are the small sweet low bush berries.  It must have taken her hours to fill that container.  I felt a little guilty taking them but she said if I left without them she would kill me!    Now, what will I make with them??

It was a perfect day with great friends.   It might make going back to work tomorrow a little less painful.  Why is it the last night of vacation feels like "dead man walking"?

You've Got Mail

 Mail, at last.  It has been awhile since we have been able to say that in Canada.  The Postal Strike has ended and regular mail delivery resumed today. 

I came home for lunch and saw a stack of mail.  Sadly a lot of it consisted of bills.  (Go figure eh!)  That was one of the upsides of the strike.  No bills. 

We are lucky that it didn't drag on too much longer as it was really harming many smaller businesses.

Anyway, as I casually tossed aside the bills I uncovered a little gem.  A belated birthday card from sweet Lauren.   Check out the postmark.......

 It was stuck in the mail since May 27.    LOL   However, it was a fun little surprise.  Isn't it great when you get an unexpected surprise??   Thanks Lauren!

The next treat in the pile was special too....

 Awhile ago I won a giveaway from Teri over at White Sheep Farm.  There was a pretty card, a pile of 4 different wools and this

A Gift Certificate for $25 worth of wool from Wool-n-wares. 



Thanks Teri, I can't wait to spend my winnings. 

I loved all your comments on my last post.  I guess for now - rambling and unfocused it is!  You guys are the best.

Cracked

I'm cracked.   Not a big surprise, I know.  Lol    I wanted to title this post "Crack" but thought some of you might get the wrong idea. 

But I do want to talk about Crack.  It is not about the kind of "crack" you buy in a dark alley from a sketchy looking guy.  And not any other sketchy type of crack.  (PS you have to be careful when you google "crack" for images)  ....ewwww

Do you remember my post a few weeks ago titled "Hookers Crack"?  Well I was mocking my addiction to wool but later that evening I received an email from a fellow hooker informing me that there indeed was a product known as hookers crack that is used to easily transfer patterns onto foundation fabric.

Then she told me she was sending me some.  This sweet, thoughtful blogger was none other than Doris from the blog Moments in Time.   If you are a regular follower of Doris, you already know she is a lovely lady, an extremely talented rug hooker and instructor, and of course Mom to that little doggie Eloise.  If you have never visited her blog, please stop by and say hello.

My package arrived this week.  I couldn't wait to see what this hookers crack was.

It is slightly sticky so it adheres to the backing to allow clean tracing of the pattern.   And as I examined it, I realized it is the same material that builders use to cover holes etc.  It is known at building supply stores by the name Crack Stop.  Who-da-thunk that you could find useful rug hooking supplies at the local Home Depot?

Doris also included a sweet little bunny pattern so I have something on hand to test the crack.  I'm going to test it out this weekend.

I was touched by her thoughtfulness.  I think that is one of the wonderful things about this whole blogging thing.  You get the opportunity to interact with wonderful people you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to meet.  And it seems there is no shortage of kindness and support amongst us.

Thank you Doris.

A Good Friday (oh, and don't burn the calamari)

I hope you all had a wonderful Good Friday.  We certainly did.   The sun was shining and it seems that everyone in the house woke up on the right side of the bed.  Nice !

I prepared my World Famous eggs benedict with smoked salmon for brunch.  We had a few visitors pop in, including one of Mom's previous home-care workers.  He hasn't been assigned to us for months, yet he never misses stopping in on special occasions with a little treat for Mom.  He had a little easter bag filled with home-made fudge.

Isn't that sweet??  You can tell the difference between those that just do their job and those that genuinely  care about their patients.

 The evening ended with a great gathering at a friends house.  It's been awhile since I've been out to howl !  LOL

OK, there wasn't really any howling but we did have a great time.  And the bracelet was the star attraction.  I think every girl there wore it for awhile.  So I would say it passed the test as a "statement piece".

My invitation for this party had a notation at the bottom  "Don't burn the calamari".  So I should tell you about the last time I was invited to this house.   When I arrived Teri was just breading a bunch a calamari with cajun spices.  She dropped it in the deep fryer and then took me to see the recent renovations they made made to the hall and bathroom.

We got chatty and completely forgot about the deep fryer until we smelled something......Bad.  We ran to the kitchen (everyone else was completely absorbed in the hockey game on TV and didn't notice - or were too lazy to get up)    So, when you completely BURN spicy calamari ---- the smell is like nothing you have ever experienced.  Think dead decomposing skunk times 100.

We opened a few windows, cleaned up and started again.  It seemed like that was the end of it.......until it was time to go home.  The second we got outside in the air, we could smell it again.  The odor had completely absorbed into the fabric of my shirt. 

It was the dead of winter and I could hardly stand the drive home.  I had all 4 windows of the car down and I was gagging from the smell and my eyes were watering.  Freezing to death in the cold was a more appealing option than being trapped in a car with that smell.  
It was a smell like no other and it seemed to have a life of its own.  So last night the party was calamari-free.  Spending a few hours with good friends was just what I needed and was a perfect way to end a great day and kick off a long weekend.

It is another sunny spring day here and I am going to a Bird House sale.  You can read about it here.

Kindness and Arm Candy

Well its no secret to anyone that I like a little bling.  And last week I got a message on facebook that Deanne Fitzpatricks Rug Hooking Studio had just brought in a line of jewellry.  Handcrafted pieces of art from a designer in Montreal, Anne Marie Chagnon.  Of course I had to run right in the next day and look.  Necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets that are truly wearable art.  So unique and special. 

I looked and drooled, especially over a particular bracelet.  Kathryn, who works with Deanne, encouraged (forced heehee) me to put in on my arm.  I resisted at first but then submitted to its sparkly beauty.  It really is a statement piece.  

And guess what......?  NOW IT'S MINE...............

The entire collection is special and it is such a nice addition to the studio.  So, if you happen to be in Amherst this is just one more reason to stop in a visit Deanne and the girls.  Snap up a piece of this bling.    And wouldn't it be great if word spreads about the jewellry and someone stopped into the studio and discovered the art of hooking as well........ 

I am invited to a little party tomorrow night at a friends house.  I am planning my outfit around the cuff bracelet. 

It was quite a day today.  It seemed that kindness was everywhere.   I notice it more than I used to.  I think since Mom got sick I appreciate kind acts more.  Maybe they were always out there but I just didn't see them before?  I noticed today when I picked up Mom at her Alzheimers Day Care, how great the volunteers were with her.  It means a lot to know she is safe and happy there, with people who have good hearts.   Today it was little things and really big things.  I always try to note them now.

Sometimes someone does something for me that is so unexpected or beyond belief, that I really don't know how to process it.  This is what happened today.  I won't go into details but they know who they are.  It was a gesture that will stay with me and I will do whatever I can to pay it forward.  Isn't it nice, especially at Easter time to be able to experience kindness first hand?

Happy Easter to you and yours.