Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

It has been a bit cooler today, which means that at least the air conditioning actually quits once in a while. When we came home on Sunday it ran steadily from the time we got home at around noon, until probably 10 pm. Mind you when the temperature is 39C and feels like 48C, pretty sure it would have to just to make the house feel cool.

So the reunion went pretty much like it always does, but surprisingly many of the ladies decided to give me a hand setting up. Not so much the clean up portion of the night, but I was grateful for the help getting the food out. 

Once all were fed and Harvey and I grabbed our meals we went and sat with the group. Of course the brothers all yakked a mile a minute, and the sisters (as well as a couple of in-laws) all yakked as well. Me, not so much included in the conversations, which is something I am very used to. Once everyone started to leave a couple of the wives of the brothers decided that perhaps they should talk to me for a bit. I smiled and joined in the conversation. One must make an effort to be present at times like this.

The next day, Harvey and I were left on our own. I cleaned all the dishes and containers that were left behind. It was much too hot to do anything at all, so we just sat in front of the fan. Harvey worked on his crossword book or computer, and I read or worked on my embroidery. The morning was spent with me setting up the silent auction with a little help from one of the brother's wives. The other that said she wanted to help did as little as possible.

The silent auction was okay. There were not as many items up for bidding on as other years, and while my knitted dishcloths went for a good price, most of the other items I made didn't even make what it cost me to produce them. Next time it will be dishcloths, and a put together basket of goodies as those go over very well. One brother and one sister did not bring anything at all for this. 

I spent most of the evening speaking with the younger generation and that way managed to keep away from the rest of the family. I find that is the best way for me to get through the evening.

But here are a couple of pictures from the Saturday night.

Nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews along with significant others.

The entire generation that is left along with their wives or husbands. Well one of the brothers is kind of hidden by the husband on the left hand side in the front.

The family of Nympha and Joe Phillips. All the brothers and sisters were there.

Sunday we all, or almost all of us had brunch and the first people to leave were Harvey and I. Time to get home and get ready for Kurt to arrive.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

The Journey Is Never Straight

 

Here I thought I was cruising along to a more simple, laid back life. One where I could relax and enjoy retirement even more than I already do. 

Then a couple of days ago after I told my sister Joanne, that our one brother was now in a Nursing Home and going to be assessed, she decided I should phone/get in contact with the other brother, Jay. 

Jay and I have never gotten along even as children. I really don't know why, but we just haven't. Joanne and Jay are closer, so I told her that perhaps she should contact him and find out what was happening with Jerry (disabled brother). So she did message him on Facebook and boy, oh boy things are getting complicated once again.

Jay was having fits and saying that we would all have to chip in and pay for Jerry's stay if it turned out he was to be put in the Nursing Home. We live in Saskatchewan and Nursing Home costs are based on what a person's income is with the government paying the rest and leaving the resident a bit for use on personal items. So Joanne started to send Jay information about that. Hopefully it helps Jay navigate the process a bit better. Though I rather have my doubts. 

Next thing I know, Joanne is messaging me that Jay says Jerry is now on 22 pills a day and they are costing a fortune. He goes on to say perhaps we can help pay for those..... Then it's a message that the place Jerry is in wants to give him a $750.00 a month shot!!! Perhaps we can pay for that as well. Cause you know a guy who hasn't worked in, oh I would say 25 years can't afford to (this is Jay, not Jerry who is disabled and gets disability right now).

My Dad made sure Jerry was well covered in his will, but both Joanne and I figure Jay somehow spent most if not all of that money, except for a small amount that couldn't be touched until Jerry turns 60 or perhaps 65. Now he is in trouble and Jay expects us to come to his aid. 

Harvey has already said that we would give money, but not to Jay. The money would go directly to the pharmacy or to the Nursing Home if that is where Jerry ends up. Joanne, crickets....nada, no offer to help out at all. To tell the truth out of the two of us Joanne and her husband are very wealthy and could easily afford to help out. Yet she does not seem to be willing to at all. 

I kind of giggled on one of her texts when she said "we" have a big problem and that "we" should be concerned about Jerry more. Heck, I have phoned him every Saturday for the last 7 or 8 years (probably more) and told her that things were very strange, that Jay was removing pills, and Jerry was really not eating very well at all. I would also buy Jerry clothing or give him small gifts. When I would tell her my concerns I would get, "Oh, well really that is not our problem." Perhaps if we had stepped in earlier things would not have devolved to what is happening now. 

Hopefully things will be resolved soon, and I can plan accordingly and get back to traveling towards a more simple and enjoyable life. 

Sorry for the rant, but things just got to me and I needed to vent.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Good Friday

 

I will be taking a short break to spend time with family. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

An Early Christmas Wish For You All

 I am going to take some time away from posting, at least until Kurt and Kris head home on the 28th. I want to enjoy spending time with them both and with other family members.

May this Christmas fill you with peace, joy, hope and love. Exactly what the Advent candles represent.

God bless you all.

Visiting

 We arrived at around 4:30 pm yesterday. Got the machine dropped off first and gave Kris the slips to pick the machine up when done. I will pay over the phone so no need to write a cheque to leave with Kris. 

Today we, well Kris and I went shopping and pulled up his carrots. I did some cleaning and will continue tomorrow. Just little things to make the house a tiny bit more presentable.

Kris is going to have lots of leftovers for the next while. He probably has enough Baked Spaghetti for two meals and Beef stew for another two. Who knows how many leftovers will happen tomorrow. 

I will visit with you all once I am back home.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

PS I thought I published this, but guess I did not hit the publish button.

Happy Thanksgiving

 Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers. It is a day early, but since Kris will be leaving tomorrow, our feast is today.

I will visit you all tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Toronto

 We have spent the last few days in Toronto, the place I more or less grew up. I lived in Scarborough from the time I was just over 3 to 17. This is home to me and it was so nice to be able share the city I loved as a child and teenager with Harvey.

While he has loved seeing the city, he has already asked me numerous times how on earth I could live in a place that was wall to wall people. I did tell him that while there were lots of people here when I left, the city has grown so much over the years.

What was really lovely was we got to spend a couple of hours with relatives that we would visit back and forth with.

Me, my Auntie Bev and Uncle Art. Bev is one of my Dad's surviving siblings.

Myself and my cousin Darlene. She is actually the age of my sister, so a bit younger than me.

All of us together.

Darlene, her mom and her stepdad.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. Pictures of our tour starting tomorrow. 

God bless,

Sunday Ramblings

 

It has been a mostly quiet day here on the Phillips homestead. We did travel to Torquay and put flowers on our daughters grave, a few days late but so very necessary. The graveyard has been kept up this year so we did not have to really trim much of anything. 

The rest of the day has been spent picking things from the garden, working around the house, trying to use things up and just breathing. 

I think I might need more of those types of just breathing days. Taking things a bit slower, working on just a few projects, and spending time with God.

On the way back from the village graveyard in the place Harvey grew up, and all our children were baptized by the same priest, Harvey said that next year we should work on house maintenance. I quite agree. The siding on our home is very faded and has a few broken areas. We can save the old siding and give it to Kris to use on his garage. There is painting to be done both inside and out, and the deck needs to be either painted or stained, or better yet tiled with small squares of wood that lock together and have spaces to drain water. I know there are windows that need painting in the basement and the kitchen window needs that as well. This is mostly because of the odd window shapes. 

I will still work on saving on groceries to try and pay off the range purchase. It didn't work last month, but with the garden producing and my foraging of fruit I should be able to save on groceries this month. At least I hope to do that. So keep your fingers crossed for me.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Good Friday

Wishing you a blessed day. 

Kris is here so I am busy visiting right now, and checking out his wounds. 

Will have a longer post tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursdays

 Thrifty and Frugal  

We are starting each day being pretty chilly and overcast, but by afternoon it is sunny and just above freezing. Snow is supposed to arrive later this week and perhaps even in to next week.

Kris sent me a text today and the doctor is not too sure what the "blotch" on the x-ray is so he is arranging a CT scan for the future. The doc figures it could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month before that happens. So while Kris seems to be calm and collected, me not so much so. I will be continuing to keep as busy as I can for the foreseeable future.

Also I told Kris we would be up to see him the weekend of the 14th, snow or no snow.😉

Now what frugal and thrifty things have I been up to this week.

1.  Used up one of the soup containers from the fridge freezer.

2.  Used up a package of frozen ham from the fridge freezer. 

3.  Used up a package of frozen chicken bits from the fridge freezer. 

4.  Used up the last two pork cutlets from the fridge freezer.

Slowly clearing the fridge freezer basket out. However when one makes a casserole or another meal from one of the packages, we usually end up having two meals. Could take a bit more than two weeks to get that freezer basket emptied, especially if we go away for a few days. 

5.  Once again hanging clothes, as many as possible on lines downstairs.

6.  The last little bit of thread on the spool from sewing the patchwork tote fronts was wound on a cardboard piece and added to the workbasket to be used to sew on buttons.

7.  Used up another skein of embroidery floss.

8.  Leftovers after two meals for each of us are being used for lunches.

9.  Darned a small hole in a favourite sweater. 

10.  This week has seen us have 5 no spend days. Hopefully there will be many more.

So there you have my frugal and thrifty works for the past week. I hope all of you had a great thrifty and frugal week as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

 

I love having Kurt and Kris home, even if it does mean extra cooking and household tasks. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Quiet

It has been a quiet day. I did a bit of cleaning in Kris's  house and in his garden. I also went to Fabricland and picked up a bit of fabric to see me through a couple of clothing items, and a quilting project. I will share pictures tomorrow, once we are home.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

Well, Kurt arrived at about 4 pm, which was a bit later than I had thought he would. Still I am glad that I had supper started and will be serving it soon.

Maebeme, those wacko's are still after him when ever they get a chance. Still he is handling it well with the help of friends and his other staff. His students love him and I have a feeling they would be up in arms and protesting at the school should things get out of hand. 

My Mother's day present was a lovely candle and some sleep inducing tea (which I should really get into using). Kurt also brought me back some thimbles for my collection. 

Harvey got a couple of puzzles and a whole bunch of fishing lures and such. 

Both of us got small bells that we can hang on our Christmas trees from Capris. 

I managed to get 5 more cloth napkins fashioned and I hope to get the remaining 8 done (or at least close to being done) tomorrow. We shall see. 

Picked lots of calendula and white clover. I am getting closer to having enough to make those infused oils.

I have been waiting for two and a bit years for an appointment at Nuclear Medicine for my bone density test, almost thought my doctor forgot to request said test. I got the appointment on Friday. Now that is a very long wait, and the questions they ask....wow. I doubt I can remember most of the dates. 

Off to get supper on the table.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Well after fooling around and finally re-starting my computer I can finally post again. However finding my heading photos takes me a bit longer. They are no longer where I expect them to be located. This means a bit of searching on my part.

I have been spring cleaning and today managed to get the 4th area of the house finished. Well almost finished as the curtains are still drying and I need to cut them down. Pretty sure there will be enough fabric cut off to make curtains for the hall window. I may have to add a rod pocket of a different colour, but I am sure I can find something that will work in my stash. 

I used up the leftover broccoli making soup yesterday, and today I used the woody stems of asparagus to make Cream of Asparagus soup. I had to substitute for the cream, but it still smelled and tasted wonderful. Two new soups will be in the freezer.

I am really trying to get meals ahead so those nights I just feel unable to cook, I can pull something ready made out. 

The hand quilting will be completed tonight and I will be able to spend time knitting. 

I have started planning a few projects for next month. Hopefully most will be started and finished before planting season begins. I haven't read the next section of my Simpler Living book and will do so at some point tomorrow, before I try and tidy/declutter/simplify my living room on Monday.

The next week will be a bit of a spendy week. Bills, travel, grocery shopping, haircuts, and eye appointment. I think I will get our allowances a bit early and just hold on to them until the end of the month.

Talked with my youngest brother today and he is down to only two pairs of pants, a couple of shirts, and is in desperate need of socks and underwear. I told him to find out what size he wears and will try and pick up a few things for him that he really needs. Pretty sure Harvey will agree that this is very important. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I hope this posts.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits And Stuff

 

I am sorry that I did not visit everyone yesterday, but I got some shocking and sad news. In less than a month I have lost 2 cousins, one I really did not know well as Ric was younger than me, but the one last night was about 7 years older and I knew very well. 

It has taken me a bit to come to terms with the fact that my generation is aging and eventually most of my older cousins will no longer be with me. 

While Gloria and I were not what could be considered close, I was great friends with her younger sister, my cousin Terry. I guess I should be thankful that my Aunt let me know via Messenger and was actually the only cousin (other than her family) that was told quite soon after. I believe it was because the three families spent many a Christmas, Thanksgiving, and weekends together while I was growing up. 

Gloria and a friend lived with us for a bit while waiting for their apartment to be ready to move into. They also came quite often to do Mom's hair, for some unknown reason and always stayed for a meal. One time I during a school break, I really wanted to go and visit Terry, and since Gloria (and friend) were going back to Port Colbourne on the train, they invited me along. Took some convincing of Dad, but he finally let me go and said they would be down the next weekend to visit Uncle Arnold and Aunt Sigrid so would pick me up. So much fun watching my gorgeous cousin and her equally gorgeous friend putting those guys that were trying to pick them up in their place. 

The last time I saw Gloria in person was about 15 years ago. She was still the feisty, gorgeous woman I remembered. 

Ric was one of my Uncle Albert's younger children and so I did not have much to do with him. However, we became better acquainted through Facebook and our last family reunion. He was always joking, and had a smile on his face. 

In both cases I did not realize they were ill, or perhaps in Ric's case he had a heart attack (not sure but he was a very large man). 

In Ric's case both Uncle Albert and Aunt Irene passed away before him, but in Gloria's case Aunt Siggy is still alive at the age of 96 (just like an aunt on my Mom's side of the family). 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. Give those you love a hug.

God bless.

 

Tuesday Tidbits

 

Good morning everyone. I think it is probably time I filled everyone in on what happened over Christmas, and how for the first time ever I did not run around snapping pictures madly. I just was in the moment the entire time Kurt and Kris were home. Strange for me. 

Both arrived home on the 23rd. Kris early in the afternoon (he had trouble getting Eiko into her traveling cage) and Kurt just before supper that evening. The usual happened... Kris made himself comfortable upstairs with me, and Kurt made himself comfortable with his Dad down in the man cave. 

The first evening at supper we got caught up on all the news. Harvey and I had thought that Kris was working 2 jobs for the city, turns out he was working 3 jobs as they hadn't filled his old one as of yet. That one should have someone starting today while Kris is still on holiday (he has one more week). Should take some of the pressure off him. So he is doing his own job that he applied for and got, plus the job of the person above him who his out on medical leave right now. 

Kurt has only 4 students registered to go on the trip with him this Easter. At first there was at least 12 that expressed interest but the number dropped as the financial problems of many began. He actually had to pay a bit this time around, and one of the students mothers is going with them and paying full price for her fare. Kurt always thought the school board would put the breaks on overseas trips, but he thinks it could be himself doing so. At least until the financial worries are less.

Shh, now don't let Kurt know I told you (that is if you follow him on twitter (can't seem to call it Xter) or Facebook, but there could be a book from him soon. He was approached by a publisher (who keeps changing their minds on what they want) to write something about hate/radicalization in Canada, that is suitable for Grades 6-9. He has another meeting to discuss this with them sometime in the next week. 

Since we would be heading to Harvey's sister's place for Christmas I made our big meal Christmas Eve. Now that was very strange. Since Christmas will be here next year I plan on making it a meal. 

There was no late Mass on Christmas Eve so we decided to attend Christmas Day Mass which was another very strange thing in this household.

Christmas arrived and the sons were very happy with all their little packages in the baskets. Both asked if they were allowed to keep the baskets as well. Of course I said yes, that I had planned on purchasing new baskets next year. Kurt was very happy with his little recipe book (I have since thought of a few more recipes to put in which will be part of the gift next Christmas), and socks. Kris on the other hand loved the ornaments, little tool set and the socks. 

Kurt got Harvey an autographed picture of George Chavello. He got Kris a Viking bracelet like the one he wears, and a personalized  travel bag for his toiletries. Me he got a set of cast iron stakes for my herb bed with lovely pictures of the herbs I plant (and some I don't, but now will). 

Kris got Harvey two beer brewing kits which will keep him occupied for quite while. He really got Kurt some lovely gifts, a horn drinking cup with a holder and a belt loop as well as a wooden stein. He got me a lovely big box of smelly things from The Body Shop (the box was actually an Advent Calendar) but I opened each box and all are in my cupboard or drawer. One of  my promises for this year is to pamper myself a bit more.

I made Harvey a pair of pj bottoms to replace the ones that ripped beyond repair and became rags. 

Harvey bought me a sparkly necklace which is worn as a torque (think I spelled that correctly). Kind of awkward but I love it.

Now since my birthday falls on the 29th my boys usually have my birthday gifts under the tree as well. I open them Christmas day as I have since I was a child (usually did not have a party growing up as it was so close to Christmas). Harvey got me the matching bracelet to my Christmas gift, Kris got me a gift certificate to Fabricland, and Kurt got me a beautifully carved stone angel. I can not for the life of me remember the type of stone, but it has a lovely sheen and reflects light amazingly well.

I think I have rattled on long enough for this post. More to follow on the visit tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

We got snow last night, not much really, but I believe there could have been a bit of rain before. The reason I say this is because our front steps are slightly icy, and when I went to my friends for coffee her driveway had what looked like raindrops in areas and those areas were very icy.

I have managed to make some progress on my next projects. However, me, being me thought that I could get done way more than the fingers or body (back mostly) would allow. I should be able to iron what I did get done after the supper clean up is done. 

Between tasks today I started to wonder why it is we allow family to hurt us as much as we do. I am working on not caring, but seeing posts congratulating or liking other's posts still give me a twinge of hurt or perhaps it is envy. Working on letting go and letting God, but as I am only human am finding that difficult. I really am not looking forward to the family reunion this summer in the least. 

I talked to Kris on Friday (shows how I am losing track of days, I thought it was Saturday), and he said he would phone at some point today. I should actually get in touch with Kurt as well. I need to find out when they will be home for Christmas. 

Cleaned and tidied the baking supply cupboards in one of the pantries today. Discovered that some things need replacing and some things are over supplied (like raisins). I hope to get some of the holes filled the next time I go shopping. 

Off to set the table and get the remains of our meal put together.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday Once Again

We are going to be going into the Tridium and I am a bit sad that due to my back I won't be able to attend all of it. I am however hoping to make Good Friday Service. 

Harvey is coming down with something, and figures he should sleep downstairs so we don't have both of us sick like we were at Christmas.

Kris should be home either tomorrow night or early on Good Friday. Hopefully bringing home our grandcat. I have made her a little Easter gift.

Some stuffed rabbits. She loves the other ones I made her and have pretty much worn them out. 

We picked up some brochures for our first (and perhaps only cruise depending on how we feel) from our travel agent.

I think we have narrowed it down a bit and might even do the land tour as well. That really interests both of us.

I said I was busy knitting mitts for the elementary students at Kurt's school. This is what I have gotten done so far. Some still need to be sewn up though.

I am working on the 10th pair right now. 

Speaking of Kurt, I got a text late last night that they had reached Barcelona. I hope he has a wonderful trip. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Oh yeah the dental appointment went well, except my mouth was frozen for 6 1/2 hours and not the 2 or so hours they told me.

More of a Rant Than a Roundup

 

I think I have been hurt by family members for the last time. I have one sister-in-law that never, ever reads what I post. Be it on my own Face Book page or the family page and then gives me crap for not letting her know. It is almost like she ignores me completely as I notice her replying to others in the family.

Then today I get a text message from one of Harvey's brothers re his youngest son's wedding. It seems that others have know about this since the beginning of the year. Not us though and we have already made plans starting the day after the wedding. They could have let us know as they did others in the family, but more or less chose not to. We are not changing our plans, but I know that this will cause some in his family to talk about us not caring enough about family. 

In my books it is more about them not caring about us enough to say, "Hey perhaps you would like to make your booking a bit later as "X" is getting married around then. 

This is Harvey's family and I should be used to this by now, but of course am not. Just done. 

Sorry for that rant.... The rest of my day has been wonderful. The sun is shining, the temperature in the city just great (though it is supposed to drop and snow again very soon), and I am feeling much better, just a bit tired. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Mid Week.... A New Year

 

Another lovely day here on the Saskatchewan prairies, a bit cooler but still lovely for this time of year. The extended forecast is calling for this to continue well into the middle of the month. I am looking forward to being able to take a lovely walk on one of these beautiful days. I just need to get my energy back up. 

I did finish off the shopping today and of course needed a bit of a nap this afternoon. This time it was only for an hour instead of one and a half hours. Could it be my energy is returning bit by bit? Still I am taking it easy and resting between tasks, I refuse to fall back into being so lethargic that I cannot do anything at all except talk and lay around.

Here are the few pictures I got over Christmas. None during the gift opening.

Kurt getting ready to leave. He was warming up his car so I managed to snap this photo.

Kris looking up something to help with the tech problems I asked him if he could fix.

Eiko decided to try and jump to the top of my bookcase...She made it. This is the first time she has every tried to do this.

Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland.

The fog deposited a coating of hoar frost on all the trees. The glinted and sparkled most of the day.

Hmm, this looks a bit odd, but it is a close up of the frost on one of the branches outside our front window.

Lastly a picture of the quilt I made Kris. It does fit his entire bed.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.