All's Well

Just in case anyone drops by that wasn't on Mom's email list... her surgery went well and all's well.

Toys and See you later

Son has brought home a nice new toy. One that I have not touched yet nor do I care if I never do. One that he played with all Saturday afternoon. One that requires special care and attention and water. One that comes with a video to tell you how to use and take care of it. I must admit he certainly did enjoy his first day with it. He admits to paying a lot for it but it is his own money. He probably did pay more than I spent on yarn Saturday. (I came home with enough yarn for some baby sweaters and 8 more hedgehogs. Mostly because he reqested some so no word was said when I got home.) We will not be getting into a discussion as to which has more lasting value.

If you would like a toy like his, they are described at the following web site. Knock yourself out.

http://www.dewdad.com/eurosteam.html


Yes, it is an iron. Doesn't every Man want one and buy the very best?
It is also recommended for sewers so will make use of it then, I guess.

I am off shortly to Cambridge to meet Mandy's Mom. Spend the night in a hotel, go to the hospital and sleep until Tuesday. Hope you keep well and will be back in a week or so.

Memories

Remember when you were attending the Boys and Girls Club, Jessica. Years before that my Mother had attended programs at the Club.

This picture is in the newest part as you head into the older part where the ball room is.

Nice to see her smiling face each time I go. Makes me think of them often. All good thoughts.

Had a busy day starting there on Thursday. Bus pickup at 9, Stitch and Knit and Chat, toe nails cut, bact to SKC till swimming at 11. Afterwards I had a lovely roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, mixed veg, thick rice pudding and my drink for $6.00. Bev met me for lunch and then we went shopping at various spots including Michael's where they had some lovely yarn on sale for $2 a ball instead of the usual $5 to $6. I bought the 3 I needed for some hedgehogs and that was it. Finished the afternoon with a Chiro appointment.



Trying not to start too many new projects as I would really like to get some finished off. Thought I would use up my yarn I already have for the hedgehogs but always seem to need some to finish them. Will get to the point where the yarn gets diverted to other projects as soon as I get my mental list completed of those I want to make one for. Right now that stands at 6. Think that 15 will be enough of them to make.

I think that I'll get lots of knitting done in the next few weeks but I can barely concentrate on writing today. Temp in the house had gone to 60F so I think I'm going back to bed until it warms up.

Don't be too surprised if I don't write again until well into February. 3 more sleeps until surgery and another 3 to 5 before I am home again and probably a few more before I want to sit up at the desktop computer where there is internet service.

Take care and enjoy life.

Finished Items

Had a very nice supper with Heather at Boston Piazza - her choice. Was nice as David decided to come also. Seemed very short but I am not up to sitting for very long. (I have cut my medicine to one pill a day so need more frequent lay-downs so I can keep functioning.)

It had started lightly snowing so the location was an easy drive for her. Was glad to hear their syncro swim team came 2nd in their meet in Toronto on Saturday. They have really improved in the year or so they have been together. Their next meet is in February in Waterloo but a bit too early for me to attend. Would love to see her one time.

Gave her the choice of purses and she liked both so home they went with her. One is a binder size bag that has been felted. It has 3 cables up the front. The yarn is Alafoss Lopi made by Istex in Iceland. 2 100 gm balls made the 2 purses and a small drawstring one for my cell phone. Thought I could wear it the small one or tie it to my walker for when I am alone when I come home.Heather's other purse is a smaller, more dressier style with cables up each side and forming the handle. Left it to her to felt or not. She has a top loading machine so it will be much, much easier for her. (The stripes behind it is the gift bag they went into.)Of course, I had to give her something in Western colours of purple and white as I usually do that at Christmas. This year she got a hedgehog for her birthday. Too bad the color is showing more blue than purple.

Have so many projects and so little time. Have to organize some for in hospital. Guess it will be my bamboo scarf and some socks are they are the smallest.

Had my Gentle Fit swim today which I certainly enjoy. Got some more clothes sorted and rearranged today but speed is certainly lacking. Want to have it done before Thursday night as I plan to go off all my meds by then. The hospital recommends 5 days before but I will have reduced the amounts for 6 days and none for 3 days. That is the best I can do if I want to function and get some things done before Sunday.

Had a nice phone call from my Sister this afternoon. Have only had one 2 line email since Christmas so was pleased to catch up with her. They have bought a larger trailer with a large Florida room. It is only 3 trailers from where they are parked this year so it will still be very convenient and will provide more room when visitors go next year. They will use the trailer they took down for the jamborees and weekends in Ontario.

My TV shows starting so think I'll get settled and get some knitting done.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday

First, to my first born – Flit – a very happy birthday.
As the first born, she got to teach her parents how to be parents, to be the first to do things and to set the standards and benchmark for the other 2 children. What we learned with her did not necessarily translate to what the others required or wanted or needed. They did manage to find some “different” firsts but life is more interesting with the differences.
Flit will also be the first to graduate from University. It is not an easy commitment to make as you can read on her blog but she is working on it. Hopefully this will be completed soon. No one needs her stress level for very long but she has a good goal and I am very proud of her.
Since I won’t see you today, Flit, here is a picture of your birthday present – a mobius scarf as requested. Hope you like the color and design. It will come wrapped around a hedgehog in natural colours unless you want to specify a school color set. Princess and I couldn’t decide which colours or which school. Hope you have some time for yourself today, a marvellous celebration and a fantastic year ahead.

Second: birthday wishes to the second child of the second child of the second child in my family – Heather
(I love seeing all the seconds involved.)
A very special birthday wish as you resume University study after your year of work. I know you have clarified some ideas and gained a new perspective on your studies and goals.
Hope you have a great day, celebrations with friends, a successful competition on Saturday that you are pleased with, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Here is a hint of the present you will receive when I see you.

Looking Ahead

Alright, what flowers should I plant in this new addition to our back yard? Always nice to plan and look ahead to lovely summer flowers on a cold, grey, wintery day.

This is what greated me when I arrived home yesterday. Achy and tired, it did not seem that unreasonable at the time.

Bev and I travelled up Tuesday afternoon leaving about 3 as it looked like it was going to start snowing. The temperature had dropped and there were some grey clouds with light snowflurries in the south edge of town. We actually had mostly clear skies and no snow on our trip to Cambridge. Our hotel was the second one south of the 401 so extremely easy to get to. Had a very nice room with the use of a swimming pool and hot tub. As you can guess we thoroughly enjoyed both although the pool was on the cool side. Would never do for Sister.

A big shopping area is across the road from the hotel so we went over there to Montana's for supper. It was a nice change as we haven't been there very often even though there is now one in London across the road from where Son used to work.

Light snow overnight which blew off the car very easily. Had to be to the hospital by 7:30 so I just grabbed a Danish on the way by. Bev got to go back, have a nice breakfast and a short nap. I got to see a nurse, give blood, have X-rays taken and then downstairs for an ECG. Everyone nice and friendly and moved me in the wheelchair with only one wait.

Went to the Fifties Diner for lunch - a place we really enjoy that has good, home-cooked styled food with large portions. I had the Montreal Smoked Meat platter with 6 slices of rye bread, cole slaw, french fries and enough meet for 4 meals for $8.95. And their deserts are great. Only complaint is that the fries are not home made.

Went to Mary Maxim's afterwards and did fairly well at not buying much. Only 2 items weren't on sale and my bill was almost half of Bev's so did very well.

By the time we reached the house, however, around my waist was so sore that I could barely move. I had only one thought on my mind and that was to get to bed. That is when I saw the outside addition. Inside there was the following --

overall it is about 2" higher than the old one. Yesterday that was the best present I could imagine. Son had decided it would be better in the long run even after I could do away with the plastic seat addition. He is so very thoughtful! And he called on his way home to see if I had eaten. At that point in time, I couldn't have cared less about getting something to eat although I was getting hungry. He brought home some lovely Thai food so I was thoroughly spoiled.

I am including a picture of the "picture" that Flit gave me for Christmas. When you take the back off, the center part is a lovely broach with a timepiece in it. The small box with the pieces of yarn stays in the frame. She bought it at a craft show that she had attended. It is so different, so appropriate and so very much me that I am just delighted with it. As yet, I haven't been anywhere I consider appropriate to wear it so it sits near my TV so I can see it easily. I am looking ahead to when I can wear it.

Getting Ready

Getting ready to go swimming this morning but going to try and get an entry done.

Had the car yesterday so managed to get some errands done. Not all, of course, but some.

There had been ice overnight but the roads were clear and it didn't start getting bad until evening rush hour. Drove Son to work and them home for the morning. Just out for the afternoon.

Got another basket and some items at the dollar store. Everything on one side of the bed is organized and the new basket is holding goodies and knitting that is all I want to allow on the bed. I have been known to pile half the bed mile high with books, knitting, clothes, etc. so this is much better. Sure helps to be able to get to my clothes racks. (By the way, Mandy's Mom, wore the 4th pair of pants I put on yesterday and the first 3 went in the "get rid of" pile. Hope you are proud of me. Now I just have to keep doing that for the next week or two. LOL)

Got my hair cut very, very short. It looks very nice even this morning after sleeping overnight. Go to my niece Shantel as she is an excellent hairdresser. Fits it in between 3 sons and husband and hockey and parents and all. Enjoy the time visiting her.

Have had a hunger for piazza so stopped before I got home to get a large vegetarian. It was starting to snow when I came out which was not too nice over the remains of the earlier ice made walking and driving a bit of a hazard. Made it home safely and Son walked up the driveway just after me so didn't even have to carry my things into the house.

Son was on the computer most of the evening after going out for a few minutes. Not sure of the status of the router so will just wait until I am told it is working. He has an exam Saturday so probably was studying for that.

Off this afternoon to Cambridge with Bev. Staying at a hotel with swimming pool so I don't have to worry about driving up tomorrow morning for a 8 am appointment. Pre-op at the hospital with blood work, X-rays, etc. I certainly didn't want to drive home afterwards. Hope the weather stays good for driving. Want everything to go with less hassel than Flit is having for the first week of school.

Step Closer

Had a great time yesterday with a meeting of our Red Hat Group. Met at the Red Lobster as we had missed our December gathering so needed something special. We also had a new member who seems so very nice and really got in the spirit of the group by bowing when we met. I like that! It ended up that we were there for 2 hours but weren't too noisy so there was no problem. Apparently the manager on duty is the son of one of our group so that helped.

Mention was made of hats on for $10 at Sears so Audry and I ended up going over. They were red mellon with a black or purple ribbon and bow around the brim. Figured we could add our own decoration either with or without the band to make them look different. Also I bought 2 bathing suits on sale for under $20 each. They keep well and I will probably need them before the summer.

Son called while I was taking Audry home asking how long the luncheon would be. I don't know why 4 o'clock seemed unusual for the end of a luncheon but apparently he was home and wanted the car. I thought he was off at 4:30 so I hadn't been concerned about the car.

When I did make it home I heard from him as I had 2 bags with me and he doesn't want more "stuff" brought into the house. I never had to account to his Dad so don't know why he thinks I am going to account to or listen to him.

Did ask him to get me a memory stick when he was out. When he came home much later after doing his running around he did bring back a memory card reader and a memory card. Now I can get my files transferred onto my computer so I can add to them and manage them better. So my ideal computer setup is now a step closer. Just need access to the internet and I'll be all set.

Oh yes, he also bought home a new Ipod Notebook for himself and will not discuss the price with me. Kids!

Heather's Fault

Heather came back from Alberta on Sunday and was very disappointed that we did not have any snow for her. She had bought new boots and had enjoyed the snow and skating and outdoor activities in Edmonton. Her car had sat in my yard for the time she was away so that if there had been snow, her covered car would not be an advertisement that she was not there to use it. I used it to pick her up and she drove it home.

Monday – there was snow. Only a small amount but enough to cover the ground.

It is all Heather’s fault. I certainly did not want to see any snow until Febuary and I have to stay indoors.

There is not enough snow to disrupt traffic so I will be joining Bev and some friends to go to Kitchener tonight to hear The Yarn Harlot at the K-W Guild. Very much looking forward to it as I enjoy her blog, books, and when I heard her the time she was here in London.

Today is the first day back for my swimming and just waiting for the bus now. Certainly looking forward to the warm water and don’t even care too much that it is only for ½ hour. Better than nothing at this point.

Blogger would not let me post when I completed the entry so it is now just after midnight and I am home from Kitchener. There was some blowing snow, some snow covered roads and a very strong cross wind. Certainly not as bad as some times we have driven it but not as nice as it could have been.

The guild now has 218 members and there were 63 visitors present due to word of mouth and people reading Stephanie's blog I am sure. It was nice to see that it is going so well. Also nice to see how the library has grown and the organization they have for it. The shelves were just a vague idea in my time.

Was sorry to hear of the death of Sally Laidlaw. She was a very nice lady, organized the Knitter's Fair and had a great sense of humour. She had been a member of the guild since the very start, I believe. The guild, by the way, started in 1986.

Stephanie was her usual delightful self and caused a lot of agreement within the group. How often have people thought less of our abilities when they find out we knit. Just trying to explain why so much yarn is required! I like the idea of considering knitting to be a sport which also ends the debate as to whether or not it is a craft or art. Have also noticed the other day that her newest book can be advanced ordered so must consider getting it. Just a question as to whether to have it shipped to London or the States.

I certainly hope she had a good trip back to Toronto and that the weather was not quite as bad as we had coming westerly through the snow belt. Like many people, Kitchener streets had proved to be a challenge. The main street, King Street, runs North South East and West. It also runs parallel to Weber Street yet crosses it at 2 locations. Apparently she had to call for further directions on her way into town.

Since I want the car tomorrow (actually later this morning), guess I better head for bed. Thought Son had to be at work for 8:30 but he says it is 7:30. Thank goodness for my nap this afternoon!

Useless Day

Got to go to the surgeon yesterday. Drive 1 1/2 hours to sign 2 pieces of paper and let him listen to my chest again. Some of the joy of having the surgery in another city.

Have to go to the hospital on January 17th at 8:00 A.M. Does anyone realize how early I have to get up at to ensure I am there in time? Certainly hope this gorgeous sunny weather holds. Have to work out about a drive but going to wait awhile before I think about that.

Delivered some items to Sylvia in St. Jacobs so we got our fix of apple fritters and a very extravagant, lovely meal at Benjamins.

When home I tried to copy some files onto a CD disk. Want to get them onto my laptop and use the CDs as backup for my files. (I am doing an index of my books and patterns so there is quite a lot of work I want to keep.) Disk drive won't write to the disk even though they are brand new ones I just bought. Screaming but not as loud as Flit yesterday. If Son would find one of his USBs I could just copy over the info that way but he is too focused on his first week of his having to train someone.

Tried to get some knitting done as eldest and a grand-niece have birthdays on the 19th . Managed 2 rows on 1 of the 3 projects. All in all, not a satisfying day.

Went to my family doctor this morning and got my flu shot. Had him looked at my one eye to see about the large blister like thing in the corner. It is just a cyst and a specialist would have to knick it to drain it for cosmetic reasons only. Other similar looking blisters are stys(?) and I don't have to worry about them. Feel more comfortable about it. They will take my staples out if required. Just have to bring in the remover that the hospital should provide before I am discharged. Made an appointment for my 2007 annual. Last year it was April - this year it will be December 13. Last time I remember that date it was a Friday and we were flying home after 5 years in Germany. Husband had gone overseas expecting to die in a car accident and not make it back to Canada; the car we were using that week wouldn't start, got it towed and the front bumper fell off; handed the last of 12 pairs of mittens to the Minister for a missionary family; the flight was an hour late arriving from Canada and several more hours late leaving due to mechanical problems; we had to sit beside the wings of a turbo jet so we didn't hear clearly for 3 days afterwards - but we made it to Canada in one piece so guess that is all that matters. Think I will remember the date easily for my appointment but will have to mark down the time.

Think I should pull my knitting out and see if I can turn this into a more useful day.

Update

Got pictures added for my Christmas entry. Had to do them one at a time which is very slow and ties up the phone line longer. As if there were a lot of people waiting to call me!

Did get a call from the Chiro's office this morning to see when I wanted an appointment so had one today. Feel so much better since I have been missing them and then with no swimming and sleeping in a "different" bed, I certainly needed something. Spoke to Dr. Roberts about the surgery so will plan another appointment the week before the operation. Will see how I am feeling to decide for any afterwards.

Watched some Bowl games yesterday and got the fronts for 2 hedgehogs done. Would like to use up as much of the yarn as I can. Friend Bev talks about having Craft Sales or going to a market so figure she can always try to sell them for me.

She now has a house phone and internet so must get a listing of some sites for her. Will have to remember to add my own.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Start of another year with no resolutions except to live each day to the fullest. Hope everyone had a great holiday season and is looking forward with anticipation to the coming year and the great things I am sure it will bring.

Had a lovely dinner at the Centre and will definitely sign up earlier next year. Great visit with daughter who picked us up after so we didn't have to worry about parking.

Son has finished his 3 weeks of training and will be out at his first asignment this week. It sounds like he is enjoying it. Name of the company is Nexient which I must try to remember. One of the other people who worked this territory has been offered work with the Post Office. That means more opportunity for him to have more full time work.

December 18 he got to attend Grandson's birthday party in Toronto. Turned out I was the only one from the family who wasn't there. Restaurant is downstairs so wouldn't even consider it this year. Maybe in a few months.

Mandy's Mom came for me on the Friday before Christmas. Traffic was very heavy as guess a lot of people took the day off to get travelling. Only forgot one or two very minor things so did very well packing. Can manage a few days without a watch.


Mandy had arranged for one string of lights. While decorating with Daddy it was obvious that one string was not enough so this was the result. He even bought some snow for the trees.

Every Christmas Eve the children are allowed to open one present each -- pjs of course. Some even model their presents in front of the tree that she choose on their tree cutting expedition. For a number of years they have gone out with some friends to cut down their own trees. Another holiday tradition that I really like for them.

And then there are children who, if you are lucky, will hold them up.

Another tradition we have is that I made him a stocking when he was born and put some embroidery on it. Every year since I have added a button or charm that has some meaning to them. Mandy also got a stocking when she was born although she doesn't like the fact she doesn't have as much on it as Alex does. This year we had gone with their Mom and 2nd Granddaughter to see Happy Feet. Their "addition" this year was 6 button penguins for Happy Feet, Mandy turned 6 and Alex passed the 6' mark.

Easy to tell who got the most toys. Got several that made "music" so the day was not quiet by any means. Several Barbies and 4 "Collector" dolls which pleased her.

The turkey was to be cooked the day before Christmas but didn't get done. Had lots of lovely seafood that night and the hot turkey dinner on Christmas Day. Kids weren't up till 8:30 a.m. (didn't have Grandma nearby to encourage them) but that was plenty early for me this year. Had a great time, kids liked their gifts, and I got lots of lovely things - much more than I expected. Mandy's Sunday Mom and her Mom came for Christmas dinner. Food was great, there was lots of it, and we had a very nice visit. Sorry I didn't get a picture of them as would be a nice memory. They really added to the specialness of Christmas.

The eldest and youngest granddaughters with their "personalized" Hedgehogs and Christmas Day silliness. Alex's is maroon and blue for Colorado Avalanch and Jessa's is for the Toronto Maple Leafs. A hit with all 4. Made another 4 for the girls that consider my son their special friend. 2 don't have theirs as yet and the other 2 were a big hit with the girls. Asked for a picture of each girl with theirs as a special record for me.

Boxing day Flit, Ross and Granddaughter #1 arrived so more gifts to open. Mandy's Daddy's Dad and Stepmother also came. As per tradition, Ross bought Chinese Food for everyone. The nice weather sure made it easy for travelling but didn't help the traditional "White Christmas" theme.

Boxing Day silliness with a new use for all the bows. Didn't work well for sitting down so they did get back to Grandma Pat to use again. She always wraps the gifts lovely where I use newspapers and plastic bags. Have Mandy trained now to look at the wrapping for a clue as to who gave her the present.

Mandy and her Mom brought me home on Thursday and my house proceeded to get turned upside down. Son had activities out of the house for Mandy and when my friend Bev showed up we got sent out also. Mandy's Mom had promised to rearrange the spare room and my bedroom for a Christmas present. Had been feeling very uncertain about some of this so she promised that she wouldn't throw anything out. She didn't but there are still 6 bags of garbage outside. I can now see things and they are all together so it makes it much easier for me to sort and purge. Am really delighted with how things look and am certainly going to try my best to keep it that way. They went home on Saturday after lunch.

Saturday is also of note because Son took his cat Spun to the vet. He had her for 15 years but she has been suffering with arthritis and going blind. She has been getting progressively worse so Saturday was the day. I am not a pet person but feel very sorry that the end has come. I am also very sorry for Son as she was such a part of his life for so very long. He goes to Milton friends for New Years each year so will give him a break.

Now to do some knitting, watch some Bowl games and eat some good food. Tomorrow I can start sorting clothes, doing some mending and other necessary things.

Hope the New Year is all you hope for.