Good Tuesday morning everyone. Hope all is well with everyone. I didn't bring my laptop with me so it's more difficult to do this with the iPad. I had a great first day on the road. Clear skies and dry roads. Can't ask for more than that. Day two was a little more challenging. I woke up in Freeport to an ice covered car thanks to freezing rain overnight. Fortunately the temperature had risen to 1' so the roads were fine. Trouble was it rained the entire way so not such pleasant driving conditions.
I'm ever so grateful for Bernies advise to take the 495 around Boston. I hadn't realized that the Boston marathon was taking place yesterday so there were lots of police along the highway monitoring the exits into the city. Good place to be avoiding. Anyway long story short, I'm here and weather is supposed to improve somewhat today. Had a great first day. Met an older lady who invited me to join her and a friend at the movies. We saw "Chappaquiddick". It was opening here first before being shown across the country. How great was that to actually be here to see it. More on that at a later date.
I'm going to sign off for now and hopefully find a real computer I can use at some point later. Stay tuned.....
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Monday, April 9, 2018
Tuesday, April 10th - and it's still winter...
Another busy week both here and abroad! Lloyd has been video chatting with me most days. Now he's staying with a family somewhere near the Chinese border so he expected internet access to be sketchy at best. He tells me via email, that he walked 14 miles yesterday and he was very tired to say the least. Not many goats there, just one old goat who survived his trek!
Tuesday I was meant to help out our friends bottling wine but due to some slight technical difficulties they had to postpone to Wednesday. Unfortunately that didn't work for me as I was meeting with my card boss that day. Fortunately they found someone else to fill in for me.
Wednesday was an interesting day for Lloyd. Not only did he go to a cooking school and had what amounted to a private lesson, he met a fellow traveler while at his morning coffee/breakfast place. They got chatting about where they were from. Turns out this fellow was from Cape Breton. Interestingly enough, we know exactly one person in Cape Breton, and of course, this fellow knew our friend Seward. It truly is a small world.
I was fortunate to be invited to the VanGaals for supper that night so I took my Ipad with me. Lloyd called while I was there and he had a chance to have a chat with Bernie. We both were able to catch up with them on their recent trip to Arizona.
Thursday he was going to Hualong Bay (not sure of the spelling of that one!). Patti and Greg had been there last year so now they'll have something to compare notes on when he gets back.
Our friends Jens and Linda came over on Friday for coffee and to see how Lloyd was doing so far. When they arrived, I was in the middle of painting a small shelf. I had picked it up at Value Village so I could display the T-towel that Brenda bought for me.( Not sure what made her think of me when she saw it!) The shelf was burgundy when I bought it and not so pretty, but not something a coat of paint wouldn't fix, and I just happened to have some on hand.
I had committed to driving our friends Charles and Laura to the airport for their early Saturday morning flight to Montreal, and then on to Toronto. We were discussing what time I should arrive and in order to get there in time I was going to have to leave pretty darned early. There was also a threat of snow overnight so in the end I went out to their place at 9:30 Friday night so I could be there. Good thing I did. We went to bed at 11:30 and got up at 2:45 in the morning. It had indeed snowed and it was still coming down pretty heavily. Driving was quite slow due to the poor visibility so I was ever so glad I'd come out the night before. After dropping them at the airport, I headed home. The snow wasn't quite as bad out our way so the second leg of the trip went a little smoother. When I picked them up, I also picked up their dog, Abby, who will be staying with us for a month. She's really a sweet dog, and no trouble at all, and Cooper loves a run through the back fields with her.
Saturday was a fairly quiet day. Some cleaning, laundry, etc so I called Brenda and Sharyn and they came over for tea mid morning. It certainly was a nice little break.
Patti had been chatting with me off and on during the week concerning an event she was helping with. The air cadets were hosting a fund raising spaghetti supper that was initially expected to be about 60 people but by Saturday the numbers had swelled to 175. That alone was a challenge but throw into that mix the fact that the venue it was being held in has zero kitchen facilities. She's very creative and came up with a plan that for all intents and purposes worked beautifully. She says it was a success because they had a great group of volunteers but the fact that they've asked her to return next year to help out, even though James won't be there anymore, speaks volumes. Only she could have pulled that off. In reality, SHE'S the one who should be running a catering company! She's much more organized than I am.
...and of course there was piping!
When I was painting last weekend, I had taken the spice rack down off the wall to paint behind it and it was still standing in a corner. That was this Sunday's job. Wrestle the rack back onto the wall, and clean up the spices. The jars needed washing and some things didn't have labels, etc so it took most of the day to chip away at that job. But it's really nice to get those things done. No one sees your efforts but you know it's completed. Another thing to cross off the to-do list!
Sunday evening it started snowing - again - and I was the only one out to craft night at Sharyns. I left a bit earlier than usual and good thing, as the roads were a tad slippy on the way home. 2nd snowstorm in 3 days. Dear Mother Nature - please check your calendar.
Monday I just couldn't seem to get warm. The temperature was below freezing and the wind was just howling, I spent the first half of the day cleaning out cupboards upstairs and the rest watching TV in front of the fire. I guess I can do that, I'm semi-retired!
One more week till Lloyd returns and I head off on my own adventure!
Tuesday I was meant to help out our friends bottling wine but due to some slight technical difficulties they had to postpone to Wednesday. Unfortunately that didn't work for me as I was meeting with my card boss that day. Fortunately they found someone else to fill in for me.
Wednesday was an interesting day for Lloyd. Not only did he go to a cooking school and had what amounted to a private lesson, he met a fellow traveler while at his morning coffee/breakfast place. They got chatting about where they were from. Turns out this fellow was from Cape Breton. Interestingly enough, we know exactly one person in Cape Breton, and of course, this fellow knew our friend Seward. It truly is a small world.I was fortunate to be invited to the VanGaals for supper that night so I took my Ipad with me. Lloyd called while I was there and he had a chance to have a chat with Bernie. We both were able to catch up with them on their recent trip to Arizona.
Thursday he was going to Hualong Bay (not sure of the spelling of that one!). Patti and Greg had been there last year so now they'll have something to compare notes on when he gets back.
Our friends Jens and Linda came over on Friday for coffee and to see how Lloyd was doing so far. When they arrived, I was in the middle of painting a small shelf. I had picked it up at Value Village so I could display the T-towel that Brenda bought for me.( Not sure what made her think of me when she saw it!) The shelf was burgundy when I bought it and not so pretty, but not something a coat of paint wouldn't fix, and I just happened to have some on hand.I had committed to driving our friends Charles and Laura to the airport for their early Saturday morning flight to Montreal, and then on to Toronto. We were discussing what time I should arrive and in order to get there in time I was going to have to leave pretty darned early. There was also a threat of snow overnight so in the end I went out to their place at 9:30 Friday night so I could be there. Good thing I did. We went to bed at 11:30 and got up at 2:45 in the morning. It had indeed snowed and it was still coming down pretty heavily. Driving was quite slow due to the poor visibility so I was ever so glad I'd come out the night before. After dropping them at the airport, I headed home. The snow wasn't quite as bad out our way so the second leg of the trip went a little smoother. When I picked them up, I also picked up their dog, Abby, who will be staying with us for a month. She's really a sweet dog, and no trouble at all, and Cooper loves a run through the back fields with her.
Saturday was a fairly quiet day. Some cleaning, laundry, etc so I called Brenda and Sharyn and they came over for tea mid morning. It certainly was a nice little break.
Patti had been chatting with me off and on during the week concerning an event she was helping with. The air cadets were hosting a fund raising spaghetti supper that was initially expected to be about 60 people but by Saturday the numbers had swelled to 175. That alone was a challenge but throw into that mix the fact that the venue it was being held in has zero kitchen facilities. She's very creative and came up with a plan that for all intents and purposes worked beautifully. She says it was a success because they had a great group of volunteers but the fact that they've asked her to return next year to help out, even though James won't be there anymore, speaks volumes. Only she could have pulled that off. In reality, SHE'S the one who should be running a catering company! She's much more organized than I am....and of course there was piping!
When I was painting last weekend, I had taken the spice rack down off the wall to paint behind it and it was still standing in a corner. That was this Sunday's job. Wrestle the rack back onto the wall, and clean up the spices. The jars needed washing and some things didn't have labels, etc so it took most of the day to chip away at that job. But it's really nice to get those things done. No one sees your efforts but you know it's completed. Another thing to cross off the to-do list!
Sunday evening it started snowing - again - and I was the only one out to craft night at Sharyns. I left a bit earlier than usual and good thing, as the roads were a tad slippy on the way home. 2nd snowstorm in 3 days. Dear Mother Nature - please check your calendar.
Monday I just couldn't seem to get warm. The temperature was below freezing and the wind was just howling, I spent the first half of the day cleaning out cupboards upstairs and the rest watching TV in front of the fire. I guess I can do that, I'm semi-retired!
One more week till Lloyd returns and I head off on my own adventure!
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Tuesday, April 3rd - hope you all had a lovely Easter Weekend
Wow, what a week. I spent last Tuesday bottling wine out in Wheatley River, then out for some supper with Lloyd, before he departed on Wednesday.
Despite a risk of freezing rain overnight Tuesday, it didn't amount to much of anything so no impact on flights. I drove Lloyd to the airport for his lunchtime flight. Once I knew he had a seat, I departed and did some errands in town before heading out to a friends for tea. Maryleah had invited a group of us ladies to her house to see some of her quilts. She was part of our needle felting class. To say I was overwhelmed would be a serious understatement. She has this collection of absolutely gorgeous quilts that she has made through the years. Aside from the fact that the tops are beyond beautiful, they are also completely hand quilted. The stitching in them is unbelievable. The backs of the quilts are just as beautiful as the front. I was absolutely awestruck. I'm so glad to have been invited but at the same time so very intimidated. I'd be really embarrassed to show her anything I've made. But during the course of our afternoon I was asked about our new business. Long story short, I said I would have all of them over for a luncheon when I get back from holidays, and they were all quite enthusiastic about visiting both my kitchen and my craft space. Lots of reorganizing needed there!
On my way home, I received a call from Lloyd. It seems he'd been rear-ended on the 401 on his way to Guelph. No one was hurt except his rental car. It happened between Guelph and Milton and he had to return to Milton to do a report. In the end James came to his rescue and picked him up so he was just in time for his get together with his friends. By all accounts a good time was had by all, and James transported him safely back to the airport the next day for his flight to Korea.
Thursday was a catered lunch for the Canadian Mental Health Association in town. I elicited some help from my friend Sharyn. Both Lloyd and Brenda were away so I had to go a little further afield. Sharyn was a huge help and I'm very grateful for her help. Lunch went well and they seemed really pleased.
Friday morning I was awakened at 5:00 a.m. by an incoming text message telling me that Lloyd had arrived in Korea. It was 5:00 p.m. there. He video called me at 12:30 (just after midnight there) to tell me about his first day. He had quite a lovely time and met some really nice people. Needless to say, there was food and drink involved!
I had decided to take the opportunity of 4 full days off to paint my kitchen. I spent all day Friday taking stuff down, washing the walls down with TSP and getting ready to start painting on Saturday. I had a lovely end to my day by going out for a bite to eat with Meghan (1). She came out to Fort Augustus to the church service and had some time to kill before meeting up with her brothers for the evening. We had a nice meal at the local restaurant in Mount Stewart, which she hadn't been to yet. I got to hear all about her mom and dad's trip so far and was pleased to hear all was going well. I'll get the full story when they get back.
Saturday was full on painting. The weather really wasn't the greatest over the weekend (still isn't) so it was a great way to pass the time. It took pretty much all day but by the end of it I was done. I had in my mind what I wanted to do and I'm pleasantly surprised that it turned out even better than I had imagined. The old kitchen had a light green on the to of the walls and white wainscotting. Now the wainscotting is a medium gray and the upper walls are a lighter shade of gray. The whole look is more subdued than what was there and I absolutely love it.
I also chatted with Patti who called to let me know they were back from Florida. A good time was apparently had by all.
Easter Sunday arrived with yet another dreary weather day. Now that the kitchen was completely dry, I set about putting things back in place. I've moved a couple of things into the living room and will leave them there till after Lloyd gets home. He'll need them moved to do the floor anyway.
After putting most things away, it was time to get cleaned up to go out. I was invited out for Easter dinner at my friend Sharyn's mother in laws. I was thrilled to be invited and had a lovely time. I'd not been to Anna's house before and I absolutely love the layout. We enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. A perfect way to end the long weekend.
Lloyd called while I was away so he called me back again in the evening around 8:00 which was 6:00 a.m. in Viet Nam. We chatted for quite a while and he told me all about his adventure in getting from Korea to Hanoi, but in the end he made it. He also emailed some photos of his first day in Hanoi.
Monday was yet again cold and windy. Some people, who shall remain nameless, sent an email about it being "a stinking hot 28'. " I told him I had two words for him - and they weren't Happy Birthday! He replied that I was kind of rude. I advised him that it was -2 and windy here, so you do the math!
Despite a risk of freezing rain overnight Tuesday, it didn't amount to much of anything so no impact on flights. I drove Lloyd to the airport for his lunchtime flight. Once I knew he had a seat, I departed and did some errands in town before heading out to a friends for tea. Maryleah had invited a group of us ladies to her house to see some of her quilts. She was part of our needle felting class. To say I was overwhelmed would be a serious understatement. She has this collection of absolutely gorgeous quilts that she has made through the years. Aside from the fact that the tops are beyond beautiful, they are also completely hand quilted. The stitching in them is unbelievable. The backs of the quilts are just as beautiful as the front. I was absolutely awestruck. I'm so glad to have been invited but at the same time so very intimidated. I'd be really embarrassed to show her anything I've made. But during the course of our afternoon I was asked about our new business. Long story short, I said I would have all of them over for a luncheon when I get back from holidays, and they were all quite enthusiastic about visiting both my kitchen and my craft space. Lots of reorganizing needed there!
On my way home, I received a call from Lloyd. It seems he'd been rear-ended on the 401 on his way to Guelph. No one was hurt except his rental car. It happened between Guelph and Milton and he had to return to Milton to do a report. In the end James came to his rescue and picked him up so he was just in time for his get together with his friends. By all accounts a good time was had by all, and James transported him safely back to the airport the next day for his flight to Korea.
Thursday was a catered lunch for the Canadian Mental Health Association in town. I elicited some help from my friend Sharyn. Both Lloyd and Brenda were away so I had to go a little further afield. Sharyn was a huge help and I'm very grateful for her help. Lunch went well and they seemed really pleased.
Friday morning I was awakened at 5:00 a.m. by an incoming text message telling me that Lloyd had arrived in Korea. It was 5:00 p.m. there. He video called me at 12:30 (just after midnight there) to tell me about his first day. He had quite a lovely time and met some really nice people. Needless to say, there was food and drink involved!
 |
| He couldn't find a Tim's - says he should have followed the police car! |
I had decided to take the opportunity of 4 full days off to paint my kitchen. I spent all day Friday taking stuff down, washing the walls down with TSP and getting ready to start painting on Saturday. I had a lovely end to my day by going out for a bite to eat with Meghan (1). She came out to Fort Augustus to the church service and had some time to kill before meeting up with her brothers for the evening. We had a nice meal at the local restaurant in Mount Stewart, which she hadn't been to yet. I got to hear all about her mom and dad's trip so far and was pleased to hear all was going well. I'll get the full story when they get back.
Saturday was full on painting. The weather really wasn't the greatest over the weekend (still isn't) so it was a great way to pass the time. It took pretty much all day but by the end of it I was done. I had in my mind what I wanted to do and I'm pleasantly surprised that it turned out even better than I had imagined. The old kitchen had a light green on the to of the walls and white wainscotting. Now the wainscotting is a medium gray and the upper walls are a lighter shade of gray. The whole look is more subdued than what was there and I absolutely love it.
I also chatted with Patti who called to let me know they were back from Florida. A good time was apparently had by all.
Easter Sunday arrived with yet another dreary weather day. Now that the kitchen was completely dry, I set about putting things back in place. I've moved a couple of things into the living room and will leave them there till after Lloyd gets home. He'll need them moved to do the floor anyway.
After putting most things away, it was time to get cleaned up to go out. I was invited out for Easter dinner at my friend Sharyn's mother in laws. I was thrilled to be invited and had a lovely time. I'd not been to Anna's house before and I absolutely love the layout. We enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. A perfect way to end the long weekend.
Lloyd called while I was away so he called me back again in the evening around 8:00 which was 6:00 a.m. in Viet Nam. We chatted for quite a while and he told me all about his adventure in getting from Korea to Hanoi, but in the end he made it. He also emailed some photos of his first day in Hanoi.
Monday was yet again cold and windy. Some people, who shall remain nameless, sent an email about it being "a stinking hot 28'. " I told him I had two words for him - and they weren't Happy Birthday! He replied that I was kind of rude. I advised him that it was -2 and windy here, so you do the math!
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