Time..... Enemy or Friend?

I'm semi-retired right now so I think I shouldn't be busy!  Ha!  Not the case right now.  I'm feeling somewhat like I did when I was employed full-time.... lacking in extra time. 

I talked a few weeks ago or is it months?  ...... about my DD's FIL's fracture and subsequent entry into a retirement residence.  The process of disposing of his house possessions other than clothes and a few precious personal items has begun in preparation for selling his previous home, and I have been assisting with this process in whatever way I can.  It's taken time away from things that I normally do, and I've only stopped by a few blogs to see how everyone is immersed in their lives. 

And at the end of the day, I'm exhausted..... sitting and waiting for people to view furniture can be exhausting, ya know.  More mental than physical fatigue!  Anyway the end will come, just taking one step at a time.

Ugh!  Snowed a bit overnight.  Spring??  Where are you??  Come out now, no more hiding!!

A Series of Events

1.  A week ago I brought home a bag of cat food and put on counter intending to put away later.

2.  Forgot to put it away

3.  Cat recognizes crinkling sound of bag of cat food

4.  Cat wants food in middle of night

5.  Cat jumps on counter and slowly but very diligently moves bag over beside toaster oven

6.  Toaster oven moves to edge of counter and ..... yep, you guessed it..... I wake up in middle of night and hear .....

7.  Toaster oven has hit the floor

8.  Cat food bag has hit the floor

9.  Toaster oven smashed and is now garbage; cat food bag intact

10. This Sunday I want toast for breakfast

11.  No toaster, oops!

12.  Monday, I go to Canadian Tire to check if any on sale

13.  Winter clearance sale at The Tire so spot a sign that says $25.99 for a Black & Decker toaster oven

14.  Can't find one stored on the shelf, just the one on display

15.  Call someone to find one for me

16.  None in stock

17.  Department manager is called to double check

18.  Checks, nope, none available at $25.99

19.  But I want this one that has $25.99 tag

20.  Manager hems and haws, talks to another  associate about percentage off, and how much The Tire is losing .....

21.  Comes back and says that this one on display is not the one for $25.99

22.  I say but it says that this one on display is $25.99, not once but on two different stickers posted above it.

23.  He agrees and gives me a $79.99 toaster/convection oven for $25.99 without further argument

24.  Toaster oven works beautifully.

25.  Cat lives to see many more days.  LOL!

:)

While I Was Away...

I missed Blogland while I was away from you, but I also found the time away to be very refreshing.  While I missed having easy access to a computer, being away from it gave me a chance to focus, really focus on other interests.  The computer can be a real time sucker if you are lacking in self-discipline, and my discipline seems to have melted with the snow and run down the sewer.  Spending time on the net has become a form of entertainment to me because I've had more free time to fill this winter.  And it's made me realize that I need to spend less time staring at the screen and move on to more productive activities.  And I thought I was already doing that.  Ha!  Wrong.

Today was a full day of work at the pharmacy and I did not whistle while I worked today.  That's a reference to Carla's post if you're wondering where that came from.  One of the first transactions of the day was the sale of a $100 prepaid credit card which the individual indicated he would be using for online gambling.  He came back an hour later requesting a refund because the card was not accepted by the site he was visiting.  The receipt clearly reads "no refunds on gift cards or credit cards once activated".  Management policy is absolutely no exceptions.  This individual became livid, creating a very tension-filled situation which wasn't going to be resolved easily.  He refused to accept the policy and refused to leave the store, he refused to return on Mon to speak with the owner of the store to resolve this if possible.  He was just plain downright ornery.  After discussion with another store associate, we contacted the store owner at home who gave instruction to refund a portion of the $100.  What????  Now we are going to go back on this policy that you so strongly implemented and backed over these many months.  Confusion reigns!  And my point on the whole thing.... why are we giving a refund on a card that we have no knowledge whether it actually had been used or not.  For all we know right now, this person might have just made $100 from us.  Whistlling while I worked, not today!

The day is over and I'm relaxing with one ear to the TV watching/listening to the Montreal vs Pittsburgh hockey game.  Go Habs Go!  Keep on winning.  We want the Stanley Cup back in Canada.  It's been awhile.  Afterward I'm going to work on my March goals.  I didn't put goals in place for February and I felt a little bit lost.

Night all and thanks for stopping by.

 How's your week-end so far? 

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?

photo taken from this Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/ScottIsaacsMD

What can I say, other than it brought a smile to my face.  :)

Waiting For A Diagnosis!

My one and only computer has gone off to the 'puter hospital for a rest and loving care.... I hope anyway. 

It did collapse on me and now will be diagnosed and given a tune-up.  'puter, I miss you already.  Your friend at the library is being so wonderful to accomodate me, but your buddy only shares for one hour a day.

I'm not sure how it will be away, but I'm hoping it will be well cared for.  :)

Mani's and Pedi's

I love the look created by someone who can give a  beautiful manicure and I particularly like the look of a natural French manicure.  It appears so neat, clean and, natural for a lack of another descriptive word.  I have enjoyed many manicures in the past for which I have paid many dollars.  I loved the look of my beautiful, fake nails.  These mani's were completed in the past without much thought to the never-ending cost of filling in the new growth. 

When the time came where I turned from an "on my bum" job to "on my feet" working with food, these luxurious nail jobs fell by the wayside, as fake nails and nail polish were not permitted.  Now that I am away from this work, I am quite okay with performing the manicure with my limited knowledge of how to create a passable look and saving the cash for this service.

Now on to the pedicure.  Yesterday my daughter was telling me how she truly enjoys getting the pedicure done.  She loves someone rubbing her feet and just truly enjoys all that comes with the pedicure.  She doesn't spend the money on having this completed, but if she did have the extra I'm quite sure she would rush right out and have one.  Not me!  No, no, no, never, never, never.  I absolutely cringe at the thought of someone I don't know touching my feet.  Just thinking of a nail stylist filing my nails brings goose bumps to my skin.  And while I was strolling toward the exist at Walmart earlier today I had to look away from the nail salon where stylists were openly messing with customer's feet.  Cringe, cringe, cringe!!!

I was doing some surfing earlier and found this interesting article which talks about how the nail salon business came to be in North America.  Opportunity for employment at it's finest.

I think I'll be giving my daughter a manicure/pedicure for her birthday gift this summer as I didn't know she enjoyed them so much, particularly the pedi.

How about you?  Do you enjoy a manicure/pedicure? 

'splain yourself

Okay, can do.

"Busy, really busy since Monday", she says ..............
"Oh, come on you can do better than that", says she ..............
"No, really..... busy, very busy", she says ............
"Everybody's busy, but they do find time to blog", she says .............
"I know" she says, hanging head in embarassment. 

A week ago today, daughter's FIL (I'll refer to him as B) whose hip was fractured in a fall at home was moved from hospital, after a six week  recovery period to a retirement residence located 20 kilometers from the town where I live and where my DD's family live.  The actual move was uneventful, and thank God for that as last Thursday was the beginning of the snowstorm covering two days.  He does have a PSW with him 24/7 right now and will continue to have one until he is healed and able to walk more steadily with his walker.  The individual in charge of decision making re his care continues to create drama and the challenge to remain outside the drama is still there but I am finding it much easier to deal with.  When I talk to her, I state the facts as I see them.... only the facts!  And that's working quite nicely.

Because she lives a distance away, she relies on my DD and her DS to provide assistance if he needs something, but DD is bogged down right now.  She has picked up the flu that her daughter had last week and as all mom's know, you can't be sick.  But she is exhausted from carrying on despite feeling unwell and I am now providing support with kids and also assisting with B as there are some ongoing issues re his early days in the residence.  There were a lot of changes very quickly for him so time and patience for adjustment are definitely needed.  Distance, time challenges, illness have all come together in an imperfect storm for a few days. 

Tuesday afternoon I created some time to bake sugar cookies with a simple decoration of red sugar for the GK's for a Valentine treat.

mixing

rolling

baked

packaged and ready to go



Time to get a move on!  The rest of the day is looking busy.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or so the saying goes.  Did you miss me?  LOL

Received in Today's Mail

I was the winner of this lovely zippy wallet in a giveaway by Carla.  It is a cute wallet, a perfect size to use in my bag which I lovingly referred to my suitcase that travels with me wherever I go.  It shall become my new change purse as it is perfect for that purpose.  Her workmanship is so perfect, neat, tidy and finished so professionally. 

Thank you again Carla.  I am thrilled to receive this gift.  And thank you also for the wee treat you included. 

:)

That "S" Word!

snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow

Okay, what's the big deal?  It's February, it's the middle of winter, snow is expected, right?  Yes it certainly is, but so much?  The fluffy flakes started around noon yesterday and carried on through the evening stopping for a brief few hours.  I know the snowfall hadn't resumed at 2 a.m. when I turned out the light for sleep time.  When I woke in the morning the visibility was really diminished as the snowfall was quite heavy and winds had picked up tossing those flakes everywhere.  The storm of the winter thus far is supposed to carry on until at least midnight in our part of the province. 

So what's the big deal?  We're just not used to seeing so much snow.  At this moment, about 30 cm has arrived in my town with another 4 to 6 cm expected before it stops.  This is the largest storm in 5 years and in the intervening years, the winters have been mostly mild, hence the big wallop to the psyche.  This day didn't turn out to be an official snow day, but some businesses closed early, libraries, the town government offices, the regional gov. offices closed early also.  There were few people out on the roads so these places wouldn't be carrying on any business anyway. 

photo credit:  Province of Ontario traffic camera

Only in Canada would shovelling occur to assist cars to make it on to a major highway.  This is the main east-west route through Southern Ontario.

photo courtesy of my friend James

 What's under the blanket of snow?  Any guesses?

I've been through many blizzards/snowstorms in my life.  I'm an old gal, I'll survive this one too!!!  I've been indoors for two days and do need to get out tomorrow for some pics of this winter wonderland.  :)

'puter probs!

A brief post today just to let you know I'm experiencing problems with my home computer.  Windows won't load immediately, then cuts out, then reloads, then works for a bit, then disappears.  May need some tender loving care by a techie.  Right now, posting from the library computer.  Stay tuned!

I'll Be Back!!

Out & About... doing this, doing that

No post for 2 days in a row.  Tisk, tisk..... better smarten up or I will run the risk of losing my (few) followers.  I unexpectedly worked Fri. night, all day Saturday and then on Sunday.  My scheduled day was Sun and I was a fill-in the other days and I was so tired late Sun, my mind was vacant!  No blog thoughts ventured through, so thought best not to even attempt.

This morning I did finish up the tidy up/clean up that I didn't quite get to last evening.  After a lunch of a fried egg sandwich, I headed out to take care of business and pleasure.  First off to the bank to withdraw cash for two weeks of living, then next door to have a needed haircut.  It was a bit cold out there today.   I think about -8 C when I headed out the door. 

After those two items were stroked off my to do list, I drove to one of my favourite places to hang out for a couple of hours.

It is a book/novelty store where I love to grab a few magazines and books, find a seat by the window and flip through the pages while enjoying a Tall Blonde from....

located in the same building as Chapters.   I can easily spend two/three hours reading but only spent a couple hours today because it was so cold and I didn't want the car to cool off too much while I was enjoying myself. 

After my leisurely read, I was off to Michael's for embroidery floss, then to Freshco for a couple of items.  Oh my, the prices are atrocious!  Iceburg head lettuce was $1.97 a head, romaine was $2.98 a head, grapes, all kinds, $2.97 a pound and pink grapefruit which was smaller than a navel orange was $0.50 each.  I could go on about the cost of meat, chicken, etc.  but I won't.  Freshco sometimes has meat near it's sell date at 50% off  but none today.   Protein will have to come from other sources.  There will be no food waste, for sure, in this household!!!!!! 

Then home, put away today's purchases and then to check the blog to discover that I am the winner of a fellow blogger's giveaway.  When I receive it I will post a picture of her beautiful work and a link to her other beautiful creations. 

Oh and I almost forgot.  My grandson is a coin collector and for his birthday later this week I was able to find this set for him.  It includes a Canadian 2013 penny, nickel, dime, quarter, loonie, and toonie.  The quarter has a birthday cake with candle on it and it is so appropriate as he will be 13 this year.   

And that's the end of another wonderful day in my life.  Afterall, life is sometimes how you view it to be! 

SAD???

No, I'm not sad, are you sad?  More to the point, do you or have you experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder?  I was thinking about this earlier today when I looked out the workplace window at 5:00 p.m. and saw that the sun was still shining.  About a month ago at 5 p.m., the darkness was firmly entrenched in what was left of our day.

I have in past years experienced the symptoms that are associated with SAD; feeling generally miserable, lacking in energy, being tired, low spirit, depressed, craving for sweets, weight gain.  I don't know if those cover all the symptoms but those are what I can relate to in the past.  But this winter is different.  I can't point to any of these and say that I've felt them or experienced them and I was questioning myself today why this year is different.  And the answer I have come up with is my change in the work situation which has given me more time to spend outdoors.  I have spent time outdoors on the very coldest days even when the sun wasn't shining and just being outside for part of each day has made a big difference on how I view the day.  Some days I didn't really want to go out, but forced myself and was glad for having done so, 'cause my spirit was so much better for it afterward.

Tomorrow is the mid-point of winter.   Each day will grow a little longer, maybe just by a little bit but every minute counts, right?  In another month, we'll be pushing our clocks ahead by one hour, if that is mandated where you live.  It's just another step along the year, maybe not one everyone looks forward to but one that brings about rewards in itself. 

So I'm wondering how everyone is feeling and if you have experienced SAD, how have you coped with it or continuing to deal. 

 

 

First Month of the Year Gone - Challenges Wrap Up

Bye, bye January..... Did this seem like a really, really, really long month to you?  Okay, I'm exaggerating, it wasn't that long!  It's been nice having you around, but time to go!

This was the challenge for January which I participated in. 

Wk 1 Financial was to make do instead of running out to buy something.  My result was probably about 90% adherence, making a couple of unplanned small purchases.  Wk 1 Declutter was to get rid of "things" that clutter up my residence.  I don't have a specific thing so I chose to declutter 2 items a day.  I kept on decluttering when I reached 62, but probably reached 100. 

Wk 2 Financial was to bring in additional income.  Success here as I work a few hours a week at a p/t job and  I save all the wage earned.  Wk 2 Declutter was a cleanup of a junk drawer and it was successfully completed and with pics posted. 

Wk 3 Financial was to give, to donate financially and I chose to give to a drop-in center as well as to one individual at the center.  Wk 3 Declutter was a closet cleanout.  Job well done and patting myself on the back as it's a closet with  sliding doors, hard to access and a job I don't enjoy. 

Wk 4 Financial was to reduce my budget and I was able to do that by contacting my vehicle insurance provider and asking for the discount associated with not being a commuter any longer.  Reduction and credit received for this one.   Wk 4 Declutter was to organize the pantry/linen cupbaord.  Completed and looks much better. 

Was a good challenge for January, the month after the Dec. spend-a-thon.  In addition my personal challenge was to have a low/no spend month and I was very successful (in my eyes).  I spent 11 days so 20 no spends.  I spent zero dollars on groceries instead using gift cards only to buy and consuming from the fridge/pantry.  The hospital parking costs didn't amount to as much as I thought it might, as I shared a ride with my daughter for several visits. 

The gal who co-ordinated the January challenge is Here.  I'm happy to say that with her guidance this proved to be a very worthwhile challenge.  Decluttering "stuff" can be so satisfying and has me thinking about the things I am tempted to bring home.... need or want.  Mindful spending has kept me on track.  I've been able to deposit over $400 into savings.  

I will continue challenging myself through February.   :)

Carla's Challenge, week 4

Decluttering Challenge:  to clean up the messy pantry

Who is the slob that lives here?  What a mess!
My teeny closet serves as a pantry & linen houser.

Sort of dark in there, that's to disguise the mess!

That's as tidy as it's going to get!

Financial Challenge:  To cut the weekly budget

I made a phone call last week to the company that provides insurance coverage for my car and home, advising them that I am now retired, have reached the age of 65, and no longer use my car to commute, just for pleasure driving.  Starting in March I will receive a $43.33  credit for three months which will total $130.00.  I've been bursting to tell this on my blog but didn't want to spoil my news by posting early.  So that works out to just over $10.00 a week from my budget.  The credit goes back to October when I retired from commuting and reached that "magic age of discounts".  LOL!  I don't know yet what the monthly amount will be when the policy comes up for renewal June 1st because as we all know, even though costs go down, they do go up again.  So even though the cut doesn't come to this week's budget, I'm counting it as a major cut to my future budget. 

I'm planning to prepare a "wrap up to the January challenge" and post it in a couple of days. 

An FYI re Carla's Giveaway

Anyone interested in reading a blog about a fantastic lady who balances life as a mum, wife, entrepreneur, and does it with kindness and generosity.  Then please visit her recent  blog post at Carla's Giveaway where she asks you to do a few things, and you are entered into a draw for a cute little giveaway. 


Sneak Peek, but look further to see the beautiful lining. 




If you are a loooooonnnnnnnnng way away, she will send it anywhere.  She did mention down under and across the pond but didn't mention to the space station, so I guess you're out of luck Mr. Canadian Astronaut, Chris Hadfield from Sarnia, Ontario.  :)




GO, GO VISIT!!  Carla's blog, not Chris Hadfield.  LOL!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you to all my followers, new and old.  I really didn't think that anyone would be interested in what I posted here, but you are proving me wrong.  Leading a simple life, and a frugal life appears to be a very universal endeavour.  I have learned so much from many of the wonderful blogs I visit and everyday I find a new one that catches my attention and I add it to my list to read. 

Thank you again!  I really love that you visit and I love that you comment too!  

Just Because I Can Doesn't Mean I Have To!

My home is in a high rise condominium and NO, this isn't it.  This is a picture that I borrowed from a Wikipedia entry entitled "Tower Block".  I was reminded of my awe and wonder at the density of the population in Hong Kong during my trip there in the early 80's.  I can only imagine what it must look like in the early 2000's. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of living.  I'm not sure if I can cover them  in one post and please bear in mind, I speak just from my own point of view. 

I own my unit outright, and as a senior living on a decreased income it is very affordable.  I know each year in October how much my monthly common fee will be for the following year, and each year there is an increase.  The fee never goes down, although one year it remained the same.  The increase is based on the amount of the decrease in the condo's fund which covers repairs, major capital projects, cost of utilities, management fees, wages for the superintendent couple and a bunch of other smaller items. 



There are 112 units in my home building, and I can't control how the other 111 units consume utilities, but I can control how I use them.  So like many of my frugal readers and followers, I use only the water that I need to use, ie taking short showers, not letting the water run unnecessarily, only washing full loads and only washing on off hours.  There is no smart meter to record each individual unit's usage of power but I still use the washer/dryer only when it is most economical.  I know that not everyone here follows this method as during this cold weather I can look out the window and see the moisture escaping the vents during the daytime.  I'm turning off the lights that are unnecessary in each room, and as I leave a room. 

So as I said in my post title.....

Just because I can, due to it not impacting me directly, doesn't mean I have to!!!

I Guess It Was Inevitable

A...choo!

Considering I exchange money with sick people at my p/t workplace, it was inevitable that I would catch something and I have.  Despite handwashing,  hand sanitizing, sanitizing common surfaces around the cash handling area, someone has shared their cold with me.   It started on Wed. quite suddenly.  One half hour or so from feeling fine until my nose was bundled up with Kleenex to stop the non-stop sneezing and dripping. 

I have only been out a couple of times these past three days; on Wed. to buy Advil C& S and today to return the movies due back at the library.  I was cozy and warm indoors while the outside temperature hovered in the minus teens during the day.  I covered up, watched TV, watched the three British movies I had borrowed, ate soup, drank coffee and tea and o.j.  I'm feeling much better today and tomorrow will tackle cleaning up my world.  It's been badly overlooked the past couple days.  :)

We've had about four inches of snow starting at noon and ending about 6 p.m.  This pic is of a 80 vehicle pileup on highway 401, a major highway running through the southern part of the province.  There were numerous injuries, three serious.   Snowy weather means slow down while driving. 

A Day of No Spending, and Other Things

Today was my elderly friend, Ellen's day to visit the dentist for her initial consultation and I had promised her that I would accompany her for this visit.   Off we went in my little but very warm car for the one block drive to the dentist.  I am very grateful for underground parking.  While the car may be chilly it doesn't take long for the engine to warm and the interior to be toasty comfortable when it's sheltered inside. 

During her hour long visit/my wait, I took the time to familiarize myself with the settings on my camera.... oh the procrastination I have done over the years.  I learned a bit more how to operate it in different lights.  I feel just a little bit smarter today.  LOL! 

I had mentioned the needs to her at the drop-in shelter and she gathered up scarves, hats, gloves that she didn't use anymore, so we took the time to drive to the shelter for her to drop them off.  I took her inside so that she would be able to see the needs firsthand.  It is a real eye opener when viewed personally and she was troubled to see how many individuals were taking advantage of the opportunity to go indoors on this coldest day of the year so far.  Then on to our own simple soup and sandwich lunch which warmed us to the center of our being.  We both said a prayer of gratitude for it. 

Then followed a circuitous drive towards home along Lake Ontario, with a stop at Heydenshore Park to gaze over the frigid water.  I turned the car off for a bit so as to not waste gas but we didn't linger 'cause the car cooled off very quickly.  Off we headed toward home to snuggle into our cozy residences.  It was a simple, relaxed spend nothing day which I thoroughly enjoyed.  :)

Stay warm everyone, everywhere in the deep freeze!!

This and That From The Cat!!

Carla's Challenge check-in, Week 3

I'm liking this challenge.  I'm getting things done!!  This challenge eliminates something big that probably haunts us all during the winter...... PROCRASTINATION!!!

Carla's Challenge

As a part of this challenge, we were asked/required/ordered (LOL!) to clean out a closet, even two closets if we possessed overwhelming energy.

BEFORE!!  Blushing at this one!

THE AFTER.... That's better!

Sorry, the pictures are a little dark.  It's sliding doors so no light in it and hard to get a decent pic 'cause I'm not all that familiar with the workings of my camera.  Trust me, it looks a heck of lot better than it did in the before pics.  I live in a small space so that closet tends to become a catch-all place for stuff.  Mops, a bucket, potting soil live there along with shoes, hats, scarves, hoodies and jackets. 

For the financial aspect of the challenge, we were requested to "give", to find a way to donate financially.  This part of the challenge was not at all difficult and right from my heart as I know that everyone enjoys a Tim Horton's coffee/donut or something from this shop, so I purchased a gift card for $10 and gave it to the first individual I encountered outside the drop-in shelter when I stopped by to also drop off these items.  She was absolutely beyond delighted. 

The shampoos, conditioners were samples and the soaps are little hotel bars.  I can't use them any more due to dermititis which is aggravated by these scented type products.  The underwear was purchased at 50% off per package during Zeller's closing down sale way back in September.  During my closet cleanup I also found a couple of hats and scarves that I don't use any more, so included them and I'm sure they are appreciated with our extreme cold.  This shelter was created by several churches in the metropolitan area where I live and my church is a contributor to those who need help.  I am grateful for all that I have and grateful that  I can contribute. 

Decluttering challenge:  Mission accomplished
Financial challenge:  Mission accomplished

Spending has been low this past week. 

Late Reporting in On SFT's Challenge

It's Monday and I think I should have written a check-in yesterday.  Better late than not at all!

The Sealed Pot received a decent feeding this week, but it better not get used to it!  Not every week is going to have extra.  I worked 6 unscheduled hours filling in for an employee who was unavailable for her scheduled work time,  resulting in a  paycheck larger than expected.  So I split the approximately $60 three ways; $25 went into the Sealed Pot to be opened in December, $25 went into the Summer Sealed Pot I have decided to establish and the remaining $10 covers the government required contributions which are CPP, EI and income tax. 


Big Fat Paycheck!!!    NOT!!!!

None of my earnings from the store are used for my living expenses.  Since retiring from full-time employment and receiving pensions for income I had decided that I would live on the pension income because:
1.  I have a determination that I can live a happy satisfied life on this income
 2.  I will prove the so-called experts wrong and live as a senior citizen without $1,000,000 + to fall     back on! 

This retail income is gravy and I've mentioned before that I enjoy the workplace.   All of the money thus far has been placed into savings in one form or another.  I am so inspired by the many frugal, simple living blogs that I read that it is not at all difficult to stay on the path.  :)  If I have to tap into the gravy, I will, but I don't have to.

I enjoyed a lazy day today, spending a good portion of it watching the inauguration of President Obama's second term leading the United States of America.  Beyonce wowed the crowd with her singing of the national anthem, Kelly Clarkson sang as did James Taylor.  Very impressive ceremony to watch.  I admire the patriotism of the citizens, our neighbours to the south. 

Then it was off to work for a little while and now home and relaxing time.  Tomorrow is looking like a great day!  A cold snap has hit and it is bbrrrrrr out there.  It's -12 C right now at 11 p.m. and heading down to -15 C.  Although that's not bad compared to Winnipeg where it was -45 C with windchill.  Yikes!  I remember temps like that when I lived there in the late '60's. 

This and That From The Cat!!

Obsessed At The Moment

Way back in Nov. 2012, I blogged about my renewed interest in

All Things United Kingdom

I don't spend the money on Netflix, and don't rent movies either.  I put my name on the hold list at the library and I wait patiently until the selected movie is available for my pick up. 

 Wouldn't you know it, everything available yesterday with my name on it is British related.

and

It's a cold day here in Whitby, the temp is -5 deg C and going down, so a wonderful day to stay indoors, reading about and watching Brits.   Lots of viewing to do this week; the movies are mine to watch for a week.  Oh, oh....... and then there's Downton Abbey tonight.

Somewhere in here I have to exercise or my arse will become bigger from all thise sitting!!! 

I'm Quick to Forgive, ......

BUT NOT TO FORGET!!

If you're a Canadian, you know hockey.  Maybe you don't particularly enjoy it, follow it's progress over a season, watch any of the playoff games, but you can probably say you know hockey..... well, a teeny bit anyway. 

The unofficial start of winter is the beginning of the hockey season in early October, if it's a normal year.  The 2012 - 2013 season did not start in Oct, it started today.  Instead of each team playing 82 games as they would have been able to had they started in Oct, the games played will total 48 before the playoffs begin. 

The reason for the delay in start of the season was a labour dispute between the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players Association.  The issues between the two sides were many and difficult for the ordinary guy (like me) to grasp.   Basically wealthy owners and overpaid hockey players fighting over money!  For weeks both sides talked, they bargained, they didn't talk and then just separated until an arbitrator arrived to settle the whole thing. 

I said I didn't really miss hockey during the labour dispute but I really did.  I can't deny that I am a longtime fan, back to the days of broadcast on radio by Foster Hewitt.  Again if Canadian, you will know this name.  And here it is again, Saturday night and it's

www.cbc.ca

The boys are back and it's on to watch the action this evening.  Okay fellas, I forgive you for being away, but I won't forget the emptiness that was caused by your absence.  Good to have you back. 

Have to go now, I'm a little excited about the game tonight..... Montreal Canadiens v. Toronto Maple Leafs.  :)

GAME ON!!!

Catch-up Friday!

This is the view out my window this morning.

We received about 2 cms snow overnight and the temp this a.m. is -10 deg. C.  I think it  might be the coldest day of the winter thus far.   Not to worry.  I'll dress warmly and I won't even feel it when I walk to the library in my new winter jacket/coat.   

No post yesterday as I was out all day supporting my daughter.  She picked me up after her dental appointment and the moment she started driving, she poured out her thoughts about everything that was on her mind.  She's busy and overwhelmed at the moment.  As well as being a wife, mother to 3, she operates a home business and is a student of online university.  She is also  assisting in dealing with issues involving her FIL in hospital and pending move to a nursing home.  She talked and talked and talked and I listened mostly.  I think she just needed to get it out.  I was exhausted at the end of my day.

And today is a new day, and it will be a day to catch up/catch all that comes my way.  Other than the walk to the library, I'll have a tidy up/vaccum/clean bathroom type day.  Sounds so exciting, doesn't it but these things need doing and they won't go away.  LOL!  Once upon a time I didn't mind the "weekly catch up, but now it just feel like a thing to put on the to-do list as evidence that I've had a goal for the day.  LOL!   

This and That From The Cat! 

Out and About With A Friend

I've just come back from a wonderful day out with a neighbour/friend.   We first talked about going out for a day a couple of months ago when I met her outside for a chat and she mentioned a need to visit a dentist for a checkup and cleaning.  I told her about my excellent dentist, his great personality and his very friendly staff and she indicated that she would like to meet him.  I arranged for a brief meeting with him today and then we were off to have lunch.

Ellen was born in the Bermondsey area of London, met and married a Canadian soldier and immigrated in February, 1948.  She is now 86 and lost her DH a few years ago.  She is sharp as can be and continues to live on her own.  A couple of times last summer she did faint at home and as a result opted to give up her driver's licence and she is missing the freedom of her car to go anywhere at a moment's notice. 

She has been feeling a bit blue lately..... it's chilly out there, more gray days than sunshine and isolated a bit without mobility.  So I decided that we would have an afternoon out after the dental visit.  She wanted to enjoy a fish and chips lunch and insisted on buying mine as well and wouldn't take no for an answer.  Are all British elderly ladies SO stubborn????  LOL!  MQ, help me out here!!  Then we went off to the Dollar Tree for a couple of things that she wanted to buy.  I didn't spend a penny there as I am no/low spend in Jan.  I did buy $20 of gas which is in my allowable spending budget for Jan.  and will probably last me a month since not much driving planned.  Next we were off to the village of Brooklin where she wanted to point out her grandson's home and I in turn showed her where my daughter lived in the same neighbourhood.  Today was a clear, sunny day and the drive in the countryside to get to the village brightened her day as much as it did mine. 

I apologize that I didn't have my camera with me to take pics today to share with you.  We both love to talk and we were trying to outdo each other in that department.  She shared some of her wartime experiences with me, and I shared my Canadian thoughts and experiences from younger days.  I plan to share more days with her....... a kindness given always comes back to you, I think. 

As an aside, a blogger from a town in Ontario a ways north of where I live, is hosting an Ontario blogger day.  Here   Cindy, north of Wiarton is the link for details if you are a blogger and live in Ontario (near the bottom of the post).  :)  And check out those Checkboard Aussies, such darlings. 

So that's it from the cat!

Tell All Tuesday!

Or reporting in to Carla's Wk 2 Decluttering & No/Low Spend Challenge.  Aye, aye ma'am, Constance reporting for duty!  LOL!  Little wordy there Carla, from here on you shall be known as   CW?D&N/LSC.  No you won't!  I'll never remember that.  LOL!

Great results this week, once again patting myself on the back.... 'cause Allie's paw doesn't quite reach that high. 

To the declutter portion, happy to say I've chucked 53 items, just stuff, some books too, but stuff that as I'm making the decision to stay or go, I question the value I once placed on it.   Why did I ever spend the money on that?  Why did I think it would make my life so much better/happier/satisfying?  Why do I have so many candles??????  That one's easy to answer.  Early in this century I chose to enter into a relationship and I thought candles would enhance the romance in this relationship.... Ha!  He's long gone and now a large number of candles are as well.  The romance goes out and so does the power so I had to keep a few just in case.  =) 

The Bedroom Dresser Junk Drawer Before

After

And now to the financial portion... wait now, another pat on the back.  There were two unplanned purchases; the first was printer ink, and the other an eat in at a fish & chips place.  I thought I had an extra cartridge but must have used it and forgot that I had.  The fish & chips.... well I just wanted it and it was sooooo good.  So it has been a low spend week.  I did need a few groc. items but paid for them with a gift card. 

The extra income was generated by working 6.5 unscheduled hours at the pharmacy.  Another associate couldn't work her scheduled day so I filled in, which resulted in $66.63 gross and it was  painless earning.  I'm left on my own to do what I think needs doing all the while providing excellent customer service.  I haven't sorted in my mind how I will allocate this extra income, but Week 3's challenge now has me thinking in a different direction.   

So now you've heard my top secrets of this past week and it's  satisfying all around.  :)

This and That From The Cat!!







The Queens Are On My Trail!

The two most frugal Queens I have become acquainted with are now followers of my blog and I am delighted to know they have added me to their lists.   I just this past autumn discovered their blogs and read each entry (honest, I have gone back and read every entry each of them has added since they both started their blogs).  Each of these two ladies has inspired me in their own way..... Meanqueen, because she is retired as I am, and has the gumption to just get on with life and make it as good as it can be each day.  Frugal Queen, because she inspires me to find my own way to "good enough", to realize that there is no perfect and good enough is okay.  I'm including their links if there is anyone reading this who hasn't discovered their blogs as yet but would be interested in reading more about these two wonderful ladies.

Meanqueen  and Frugal Queen

Perhaps Her Majesty could learn a lesson or two from each of them.  I'll contact her and ask her to give you each a call.  Froogs, there has to be some wonderful quilting fabric in her castoff outfits.  MQ, perhaps her Bentley needs new decor.  :)