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!!

The Day After The Day After

This is what my world outside looks like the second day after Christmas. 

Taken from my perch a few floors up in our vertical village.  The pic is a bit dark as it is gloomy out there, however the snow has stopped and residents are into driveway cleanup.  A major advantage of living in a VV (not the store.... LOL!!), I don't have to do any clearing of snow.  This is the first major snowfall of the '12-'13 winter.  Not sure how much snow fell, looks like about 5 cm. 

Christmas Day was a wonderful, happy day.  Lots of gifts were enjoyed by the family.  The food was very tasty, as always.  A fresh turkey which was roasted to moist perfection.   There was much negotiating by the young ones as to who would enjoy the drumsticks this time.  But one participant was quick on the draw and indulged before anyone else had a chance.  I think this is my favourite picture of the day.  Sorry but lighting was somewhat subdued in part of the room.

Granddaughter Michelle enjoying Christmas dinner

Also in pic are GS Chris,  two DD's and at the end in blue MIL of daughter in middle of table. 

I passed on the Boxing Days sales, opting to relax all day at home.  I was very, very lazy, eating what I wanted when I wanted and doing virtually nothing.  Many hours were spent catching up on the many blogs I am following.  So many brilliant people out there with so many brilliant things to say and many, many displaying talent and skills which are so inspiring to me, a frugal grannie living simply on a budget.

Today's plans are simple..... 1)  move my @ss, tidy up my home, then..... 2) walk to library, pick up holds, then..... 3) review goals for Carla's January challenges..... 4)  review January's budget.  Busy day, time to get going! 



Reminder that Winter is on it's Way

"It's a marshmellow world in the winter, when the snow comes a tumblin' down...."

Not so fast!   No snow here just yet, but it's trying. 

I spent some hours yesterday shopping for Christmas in nearby Ajax and Pickering.  As I drove toward Ajax I could see the dark, angry looking clouds in the distance with the snow showers descending.  I just had to pull over to snap a couple of pics.

Mr. Sun is struggling to overtake the snow clouds.

Small specs in the picture are snowflakes on my car window.  The snow came down really hard for about a minute and none of it stayed.  

So winter isn't here just yet.  Yay!