Quiet, Laidback Days

I am always grateful for those days that move calmly and quietly by. Life is so much easier when things run smoothly. 

I actually think that perhaps my decision to move with confidence towards a more simplified life is helping to make the days smoother. 

Today the household tasks were done quickly, even before Mass which almost never happens. We came home and Harvey made brunch, much less costly than going out to eat. 

I decided rather than working on two separate projects I would finish one and then work on the second one later or even tomorrow. 

The only news I have been watching is about the teachers strike in Alberta. This is only because of Kurt teaching in that province. There were two rallies being held there today. One in Calgary where a few thousand met wearing red for education and teachers. The other was in Edmonton where the count reached 20 thousand parents, students, and teachers on the grounds of the provincial legislature. I am not sure the UCP were at all ready for the ground swell of support for their educators. 

Of course there are a few that say 12% raise over 4 years is more than they got in their contracts, but the nurses got 20% and the teachers in the last decade had many years of 0% (I believe 8 years) and then 2 years of a total of 5%. Pretty sure the people saying this have had regular raises over the last 10 years to at least keep up with the cost of living. Hmm, that would mean that over 13 years they might have gotten 1.25% more each year. 

The teachers really do deserve more in the area of wages. The students also deserve to have smaller classes and more help in those classes. They need that help right away. One of the carrots the government held up was 3000 new teachers would be hired over three years. A whole 1000 a year which would be a drop in the proverbial bucket as there are 3000+ schools in the province. They also promised to hire more aides, however they laid off the vast majority of them over the past couple of years.

Still seeing all the support the teachers have garnered is wonderful and I hope it continues through what happens next.

Off to set my table and then get the potatoes and carrots in the roaster. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek

 

While it was cooler today the sun was shining, I found the office of my new doctor, and I managed to get in and out of the over crowded stores in record time. 

Just as I finished typing this the doctor's office called to set up an appointment. Shocked me greatly as I was under the impression I would need to phone there. I just might enjoy this doctor, even if we don't quite hit it off, I will make the best of it. 

Household tasks were done in a flash, and I spent most of the afternoon waiting for my pumpkin puree to thaw. However I did not waste that time, I worked on my quilt top and when the shoulders started to ache (and the back had a few twinges) I went to my chair after a bit of a walk and began to do some knitting. I am hoping to finish the quilt top tomorrow and start on another sewing project. This was an extra quilt top project to use up more of those fabric squares I already had out.

The house finches are back, as are the nut hatches. I have even seen and heard many robins. I now have some oranges for the orioles who will be arriving very soon as well. 

The only problem with spring is the infestation of box elder bugs we seem to be having. Spraying does keep them under control (we use soapy water), but man when the grass is covered with a moving blanket of them things are getting pretty darn bad. So far today, we haven't had to kill any in the house. 

These are box elder bugs. They crawl around on silent feet, and one never knows when one will be crawling on you. They kind of give me the creeps.

It has been a lovely day, full of quiet joys, and surprises. This time though the surprise was a good one.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits

 

Not too much has been happening around the old Phillips homestead. Just me spending time getting caught up on those tasks I have spoken about before.

The garden is still a bit wet so no harvesting was done. Good thing I had shopping to do, and cutting up that recycled fabric into 4 1/2" squares. Both things are completed, and I am slowly but surely getting caught up. I now only have the 2 1/2" squares to finish. Just a bit more decluttering done in the sewing/craft room.

Shopping was a surprise as things have gone up once again in price. My bread flour on sale was almost $15.00 for a 5kg bag, the same price as the regular flour on sale this week. Still I plan on purchasing another bag or two and putting them in the freezer for winter baking.

Since I didn't purchase meat my costs were low for what should be my last purchase of the month. My bill was only $172.00 about $100.00 less than usual (this is in Canadian dollars). I picked up some pantry items as well that were on sale. 

Hoping that our garden produces enough veggies to see us through the winter months, or that I can purchase items at a reduced rate. Really want to come in under budget for the year here as medical/dental expenses for me will be pretty darn high this year.

I think that this year is going to finish off as a challenge to almost everyone on keeping costs down as much as is possible. Really, my thoughts behind this are to keep our savings at a decent level as much as is possible, and trying to leave a much smaller carbon footprint so as we can travel a bit more before we are too old. 

There will be pictures of the weeks happenings come Saturday, well at least I hope. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.