Monday, February 18th - Happy Islander Day - or whatever it's called in your province

Good Monday morning from the gently rolling hills of Wheatley River. I'm house sitting here later in March but an unexpected trip came up so I'm here for 10 days or so. Charles was planning to fly to Ontario last Wednesday to visit family, but due to the storm, he didn't get out. So instead, they decided they would both drive. I came out here on Friday afternoon and they left on Saturday morning.

It's such a treat to have a whole house again, not just one little room. Having a full kitchen at my disposal is also really appreciated. I brought what food I had in town and then went shopping and picked up more things to cook. I'm a happy camper at the moment!

My duties while here include monitoring the wine that's in the vats, looking after 8 ducks and one very large dog. Not too bad a gig.

Last Wednesday we had a snow day. I had finished all my cards on Tuesday so didn't have to go anywhere. It was predicted we would receive 20 to 30 cms of snow in town but in the end it was only 19, but enough to make a royal mess of things.

Thursday I went out to Fort Augustus to cook dinner for the VanGaals. I had asked Brenda earlier in the week if Bernie had any great plans for Valentines. I didn't want to intrude. She suggested that Bernie was hoping I was coming out to cook. So that's what we did. Our menu included a mixed salad, roast pork tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes and carrots and parsnips for vegetables. Dessert was heart shaped chocolate brownies topped with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. All in all not too bad a night. Some wine and Grey's thrown in and it was pretty much perfect.

I stayed overnight then went into town early to do a couple of errands. Then it was back to the Shamrock Club (after a sandwich at Brenda's) for a double basket weaving class. We missed last week due to freezing rain so we did a four hour class this week, instead of the usual two hours. I finished my second basket just in time to head out to Wheatley River.

Saturday was mild and rained for a good part of the day. It did melt some of the ice that was hanging around but it's still pretty slippy in spots. It did turn cold overnight but fortunately it wasn't an issue for travel on Saturday evening. I'd been invited to the Bairds for supper on Saturday along with the VanGaals. We had a lovely evening along with Jackie's parents. When I left to come home it was still slightly above freezing so my apprehension about icy roads was unfounded.

Sunday morning was cold but very sunny. It really was a lovely day. The sun came streaming in the windows for most of the day. Brenda and Meghan had gone down hill skiing out at Brookvale and stopped in for tea on their way home.

I built a fire in the wood stove and settled in for a movie on Netflix, after making myself some supper. I'm going to enjoy my time out here, I can tell.

Monday, February 11th - a lovely winter visit,i spite of the temperatures

After many days of frigid temperatures, it looks like we may get a ton of snow - 20 to 30 cms on Thursday.  Too bad it didn't arrive in time for Tristen's visit this past weekend.

Last week was fairly busy leading up to his arrival. I visited my friend Donna in Montague on Monday afternoon and stayed overnight. She had just gotten out of the hospital and was happy to have someone arrive with food, and to cook supper. We had a lovely visit before calling it a night.
On Tuesday I came back into town to start my card shop visits for the week.

On Thursday I went out to the VanGaals to make supper but I didn't stay over as Tristen was arriving at 11:30. As per usual, that late flight was delayed, finally arriving at 2:00 in the morning. But at least he got here.

Friday morning was quite slippery as the result of some freezing rain, which unfortunately cancelled our basket weaving class. Later in the day it turned to rain and temperatures were well above freezing. Tristen and I took advantage of that to head out to Patti Lane. I had trimmed some trees in the woods a number of years ago and the stack of branches was still there in a pile. My goal was to move those branches out to the middle of the lot so I could burn those at some point later on, without setting fire to the rest of the trees. There were also quite a few branches that I'd trimmed this summer. So Tristen and I set about moving all the branches out to one big pile. All I need now is a nice dry day without wind so I can go out and burn them.

Biscuits and jam before heading out to the woods

By the time we finished that we were both soaking wet, and just a little bit cold. I had it on good authority that Brenda had made cinnamon rolls that morning, so we called her a nd asked her to put the kettle on. While we enjoyed our hot beverages and warm cinnamon rolls, we discussed what to do for supper. It was decided that Tristen and I would go back into town and get changed into dry clothes and head back to Fort Augustus with pizza. On our way out, we stopped at the second hand store and pocked up a board game. We chose Clue, as neither of us had ever played it.

After our pizza, we played a game of clue before heading over to watch some TV. Tristen had also bought a jigsaw puzzle and he worked on that.

We were out fairly early on Saturday morning. The whole point of being there overnight was so that Tristen could go out to the woods with Bernie in the morning, but it was just really cold and Bernie had another project he was hoping to get finished that day.

I had contacted the owner of the mini home we're in the process of purchasing and had him leave me a key. Tristen and I drove over there to view it. He was pleased to see that he'll have his very own room when he comes to visit.

Back to town to grab a bite to eatm -  some fresh steamed mussels -  and then off to the movies. We had the pleasure of seeing The Lego Movie 2. It was actually quite cute.

Sunday morning was quiet, with not a lot to do. Tristen worked on a second puzzle he had and I read my book. Finally noon arrived and we headed out to Island Hill Farm. That's always one of Tristen's favorite places to visit when he comes to the island. It was extra special this time with a visit with Celery (our rabbit) as well as the new born baby llama. It was another very cold day but not so bad inside the barn with the warmth of all the animals.

After returning to town and getting changed into clothes that didn't smell quite so strongly of goats, we went for supper. We had our meal at Mr. Sushi. Unfortunately we both left our phones at home so weren't able to take a picture of Tristen using chop sticks.

After supper we went back to my room to watch some TV. There was a movie on that was of some interest, along with popcorn.

Monday morning I was surprised to wake up to Tristen having packed up all his stuff. It was an early morning visit to the Culinary Institute for breakfast. I'd heard that it was good and it was indeed.
I had a few errands to run so we drove around completing those until time to take him to the airport.
I waited till he was safely on board and headed back out to Iona.

I spent a fair bit of time there, taking some more detailed measurements than what I already had, and just contemplating what needs to be done. I still really like the layout and I think we're going to be very comfortable there, once we finally can move it, and move in.

On the way out and back, I was amazed at the state of farmers fields. The winds have been strong for a few days and it was like driving through a sandstorm in places along the Transcanada. I stopped at one spot and saw that what looked like sand hills along the side of the road was actually 4 to  5 inches of sand on top of the snowbanks. Then it was on the news last night about the amount of topsoil that's being blown off fields. Not a good thing for farmers. It's just really disturbing to see all the bare fields and high winds in the middle of February. However, that could change significantly in the next couple of days.

February 4th - live and local from...

...9 Euston Street. Feeling a little lazy this morning, so doing this post in my jammies from the comfort of my room!

What a busy week I had last week. Tuesday was spent out in Mermaid helping my friend Helena learn to make guacamole. We tried three different versions and then did a taste testing when they were all finished. They varied somewhat in flavour but all were more than edible! I was even sent home with some as well as a container of home made chicken soup. Much appreciated.

Wednesday and Thursday were card days followed by "Thursday Thursday" supper at the VanGaals. The Bairds joined us and I managed to push them slightly out of their comfort zone with a dish that contained a totally foreign starch - soft and creamy polenta, topped with chunks of Italian sausage in a tomato type of sauce.

Creamy Polenta with Sausage and Tomato

I made this one cold snowy night when I got home from work and was absolutely starving. It was very quick to put together and really tasty. Polenta is something most of us non-Italians are not really familiar with. My understanding is it often replaces mashed potatoes. It's a nice change from the ordinary and very quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:  (for 2 servings)

• 2-3 hot Italian sausages
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 - 14 oz tin diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and onion - do not drain (if you just have plain tomatoes, saute some diced onion and garlic, and add to tomatoes with a bit of fresh or dried basil - to taste)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/4 tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Putting it all together:

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Add sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly.

Add tomatoes to pan and simmer for a few minutes  until a bit of the juice has reduced.

Add sausages to tomatoes and continue simmering

While this is simmering, mix the milk with 1/2 cup water and put into a saucepan with the oregano and salt.

Bring just to a boil and slowly whisk in the cornmeal

Continue whisking until thick and creamy - similar to mashed potatoes - I found this took  about 30 seconds

Remove from heat and spoon into the centre of serving bowls.

Top with some of the sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley (if using)

I stayed ovenight at the VanGaals after we watched our program, following supper.

I was going in to the Bairds to make some squares that Lloyd had made before Christmas. Jackie had asked for the recipe, so armed with glace cherries, I arrived bright and early  on Friday morning. I left them cooling on the counter and headed back to the VanGaals to hang out till noon. Our basket weaving class was starting at 12:00 this week instead of 1:00. Those of us who were finished our baskets helped others get caught up so that this coming week we can all start on the second basket together. 

I dropped in to visit Cooper at the Rosa's for a little bit then it was off the the Rec Centre for Trivia, which Brenda was presenting. Unfortunately neither of us captured the Queen. But a pleasant evening was had by all. Then it was back to the VanGaals to spend the night before heading back to town on Saturday morning. 

Saturday evening I met up with them  as well as two other couples at The Old Dublin Pub for Winterdine - sweet potato soup, strip loin steak with fries and cheesecake.  Again, another very enjoyable evening.

I was asked by Sharyn how to make corn beef hash. Lloyd and I had made it for Pat before he went out west, when we were staying at their place. Apparently he quite enjoyed it. So I suggested to Sharyn that I could come out on Sunday morning and show her how to make it after church. Our friend Mary Leah joined us and we enjoyed a nice breakfast together.

I was back into town soon after as I was attending a bluegrass concert over at the Carriage House at Beaconsfield, (where I'd been the Sunday before.) Within walking distance, it's one of the advantages of being in town. People ask if I'll be sorry to be leaving town once I finally get moved, but in reality I can't wait. I much prefer the country. 

The concert was lively and very enjoyable but I left quickly when it was over, to go home and get ready to go out for dinner, yet again!

Our friends Charles and Laura invited me to come out to celebrate their friend Geraldine's birthday. We had celebrated her husbands birthday just before Christmas. Once again, a lovely evening was had by all. 

I'm expecting this week may be a tad quieter, although Tristen is coming down to visit this weekend. He's arriving on the late flight Thursday night and will leave again on Monday morning. Brenda and I were hoping to go to Halifax this past weekend but in the end plans changed and we stayed here. This coming weekend we're volunteering at the Heart and Stroke Gala on Saturday night. I'll find something for Tristen to do while I'm out. 

It would appear Lloyd's run into a bit of an obstacle on his travels. We'll see how that turns out - norockerforlloyd.com

Monday, January 28th - Live and local, from Timothy's...

...here in downtown Charlottetown. It's Monday morning once again - the start of another new week,

Things have pretty much settled down into a routine, somewhat, however that is always subject to change.
I joined a local women's fitness program last week. I had a coupon to buy one month and get one free (thank you Brenda). I went on Monday at 2:00 to register and do a bit of an orientation. It's not a big place but has more than adequate equipment for some low impact strength training. At that time there was no one else there so I had the place to myself. I finished my circuit and found it not too bad. I went back again Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I went around the same time each day (right after "Escape to the Country" on TV) and there was only one other person there each time. This should get me through to the last week of March, when I move out to house sit in Wheatley River.

I also have a friend who's in the hospital so I spent part of my mornings there as well visiting with her. With those two activities as well as my card calls, my week went by fairly quickly.

Brenda and Meghan were in town on Thursday evening for a music concert that I backed out of. I'd tentatively made other plans to go to a movie but in the end I spent my evening reading, having just picked up the next book in the Outlander series.

Because we didn't get together on Thursday to watch Grey's, we decided to do it on Friday instead. Friday feast lives!  Many years ago, when I was first here by myself, Brenda and I started Friday Feast. That entailed us taking turns planning and prepping a meal for Friday nights supper. They were great evenings and we had opportunities to try some different recipes. Bernie, being the good sport that is, was always most generous with his compliments.  So, I suggested that I could bring supper on Friday. I had a pork roast in my freezer in town and put it into the slow cooker overnight. When I went out to Fort Augustus I dropped it off and plugged it in at Brenda's.  Our friends Jackie and Helena came out for supper as well so it was really a great night.

I had to go out to Fort Augustus early as I was having lunch at Sharyn and Pat's. On my way I stopped in to visit with Jens and Linda. Good opportunity to catch up with everyone. After lunch we had our basket making class. I'm obviously not as diligent with my work as I was the only one who was finished by the end of the day. Next week I have to take something else to work on so everyone else can finish theirs and then we can all start the next project at the same time. All in all I was pretty pleased with my first completed basket.

After spending the night at the VanGaals, I headed back into town on Saturday morning. It was a pretty quiet and relaxing weekend. I spent Saturday tidying up my room and organizing a few things, then it was out for a nice long walk. I've set myself up on a website that helps you keep track of calories so I've been trying to stick to some healthy eating. That's required a few trips to the grocery store for fresh veggies, fruit etc. But that gives me a destination to walk to.

Saturday Brenda and I were scheduled to volunteer at an event at the ski park with Biathlon PEI. Unfortunately we had rain and mild weather so it was cancelled. They were hoping to reschedule but there are no weekends available so it's put off till next year. Too bad for those who have worked so hard.
Saturday evening I decided to go out instead of sitting in reading. I checked what was playing at Cineplex and saw that "The Green Book" was playing. Brenda told me she and Bernie had seen it and enjoyed it, so off  I went. It really was quite a good movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sunday was again really nice weather - sunny and not cold. So after going for a lengthy walk I came back and made something to eat (low cal of course!)  In the evening I walked over to the carriage house at Beaconsfield. The Vinland Society (Icelandic people) were hosting a presentation. One component was instruction in making "Skyr", an iceland recipe that is really a cross between a soft cheese and a yogurt. We got to sample it and it was very delicious. When I finally have a kitchen again I plan to try making some at home. It's essentially the same process as making cheese.

I was home early enough to catch the final episode of Outlander, Season 4. Now it will be a long wait for Season 5, that hasn't as yet begun production. But that's okay, I'm reading the books.

Brenda and I are tentatively looking at going over to Halifax this weekend. She wants to visit her aunt. It will be a short trip - going over on Saturday morning and back on Sunday afternoon. That should give James and I a chance to catch up. There may also be a stop at Ikea on the way home !

Lloyd is enjoying his trip so far. Check it out at 'norockerforlloyd.com' and click on BLOG for his latest posts.

One more thing:

When Lloyd retired we were invited to supper at our friends Charles and Laura's. Charles is quite the creative fellow and came up with this little piece of literature that he read, quite expressively when we were there. I wish I had taped it. Here's what he said -

Lloyd's working days are done

Lloyd'll eat when he's hungry, gonna sleep when he's tired
Cause Lloyd didn't get laid off, sacked or fired.
Now that he's out to pasture he's gonna do just as he pleases.
Life for him got better with age, like the finest of cheeses.

His adventures are just beginning, it's time to start anew.
You might see this gentleman in Hanoi, Singapore, or Kathmandu.
No more night shifts for Lloyd, unless he wants to watch a lunar eclipse
No more life labouring interruptions till the last puzzle piece fits.

Sandy won't have to calculate his sleeping routine
Before accepting an invitation to any social scene.
Lloyd likes to  ponder, and tinker, to putter and think
And if the mood strikes him he can enjoy a stiff drink.

No more splitting wood or moving everything they own
Juggling houses or chasing goats that do roam.
Carefree as a schoolboy with a coin in his pocket he's a real dandy
He doesn't have a care in his head and the world's just a big bag of candy.

Oh the places you'll go to, the things that you'll see
I hope one day day the carefree man will be me.
The folks that you meet will inherit bits of your knowledge
Some of them old beggars, and some will be Rhode's scholars in college.

But one thing's for sure, and of it, I'm certain
He'd never utter a complaint no matter how much he's hurtin.
Lloyd's always been caring, the king of the kind
Always ready to lend a hand, leave no one behind.

Though he begrudgingly endures the notes of the Highland Piper's sonnet
He will suffer the sounds in silence, with his hearing aid in his shirt pocket.
Lloyd likes to walk, and walk, and walk some more
But with tired old soles, he paid the cobbler that works at the store.

Let's pause a moment to discuss his diet.
His motto has been, 'if you make it, I'll try it'.

He's not too picky about his veggies, few men are humbler
But the one green he can't abide is the common cucumber.
It's not the taste, the look, or the feel he despises on his pallet
It's the way those cukes rebel when concealed in his salad.

We look forward to stories of Lloyd's travels by boat, plane or car
We certainly know that you've worked mighty hard to get this far
 Yeah, we do think we're lucky enough to count him as a friend
All can agree that he deserves all the best things in life that his future will send.

Here is a quote that a wise man once said, since it fell on my ears, it's been stuck in my head.
"There are many things that I don't know how to do, but there's nothing that I won't try"
That's the motto that I try to abide, it's the difference between the mighty and the meek
The man that taught it to me, just retired last week.

January 21st - While the cat's away...

I must say it's been a bit of a whirlwind since Lloyd left last Wednesday.

I've decided in his absence I would try to get more active and eat healthier. So my first stop was a nutrition workshop at the Superstore on Thursday evening. While I didn't learn much that I didn't already know, it's good to have a reminder.

With overnight bag in hand, I then headed out to Fort Augustus for our usual Thursday night routine - wine and snacks in front of the TV catching up with Grey's. We had planned to maybe go cross country skiing on Friday morning but a) I forgot my ski boots and b) it was just really cold. Instead we opted to work on some pants that Brenda needed hemmed.

I had a lunch date at our friend Sharyn's at noon. They just returned from a cruise and I wanted to hear all about it. After lunch the two of us went up to the Shamrock Club for the start of this year's LEAP program (Learning Elders Arts Program).  The subject this year is basket weaving. We worked for 2 hours, from 1 till 3, and got a good start on the first of 3 baskets we will complete over the next 8 weeks.

Sharyn starting her basket

My basket, thus far

On my way back I stopped in to see Anna, whom I had watched over while Pat and Sharyn were away in October. She's 87 years old but sharp as a tack and so interesting to talk to. After a glass of wine and a lovely visit with her, I went back to Brenda's. Earlier in the morning we had decided to go into town Friday night to a concert at the Pourhouse. The entertainer was Garrett Mason. We'd seen a play in the summer portraying his late father's life. I searched Garrett on youtube and after hearing him I knew it would be something I would really enjoy.

Brenda and I made our way into town and arrived at the Pourhouse in time to grab a bite to eat along with our beer. While we waited for the show to start, her cousin Maureen and her husband George arrived, so we made room for them at our table. All in all it was a really terrific night. When Garret comes back to town again I will be sure to take Lloyd. After the first song, I immediately thought of my old friend Doug. He was a huge blues fan and would have loved this show.

Garrett Mason

When the show was over I walked back to my place and Brenda walked back to Meghan's. We had parked our cars before the show and met at the pub on foot. As I walked home I thought about how extremely lucky I am to live in a place where I can walk the streets, alone, at 11:00 at night and not feel the least bit uncomfortable or threatened. 

Saturday morning Brenda dropped Meghan off at her exercise class then picked me up to go to the Farmer's Market. Our friend Helena drove into town and joined us for coffee. As usual the market was a bustling place. On our way home we swung by a local park where Meghan was participating in a "snowga" class - yoga in the snow. Not my idea of a good time but good for her! 

"Snow Yoga"

After Brenda dropped me off I spent the early part of the afternoon reading a book then headed out for a walk. I walked up to get a few groceries and walked back, a total of 1 hour walking. I was very proud of myself. Then I sent Lloyd an email. He had texted me on Thursday to tell me he  was on the flight to Hanoi and that was the last I'd heard from him. I was starting to maybe get a little concerned as to his whereabouts. Finally on Saturday evening (morning for him) he sent a message. By the time he reached his destination he was exhausted and slept the better part of two days.  I spent my evening binge watching Netflix. (The new season of Grace and Frankie was just released.)

Sunday was promising a snow storm, followed by rain and then a flash freeze on Monday morning. The weather arrived as promised. During the snow, I took a walk up to Sobey's and back - just to get some more walking in. 

Now it's Monday, and as expected there is no school due to slippery roads. I ventured out and am sitting at Timothy's enjoying a coffee, before I venture back out to  carefully walk home.  I have an appointment this afternoon  at a women's fitness facility to sign up for the next 2 months. Wish me luck!

Check out Lloyd's travels at norockerforlloyd.com  Under the picture there is a row of words and one of them is BLOG. You need to click on that one to see the latest posts.

January 17/19 - He's officially retired!

After over 5 years at the homeless shelter, Lloyd is finally retired, just a little over a week before his 67th birthday.

He finished work last Friday morning and it's been celebrations since. It started with lunch at the Culinary Institute.

Can't wipe the grin off his face at finally being retired!

 Then it continued with a gathering with the boys in Bernie's shop on Friday night while we girls went into town for supper. After we ate we picked up pizzas to bring home to them.

Saturday was a busy day. We drove out to Summerside to drop off some oil for the airplane. The fellow who bought it was flying in later that day to view it. Charles and Laura met us there as they'd never seen the plane. They were there to see it as Lloyd said goodbye for the last time. Another chapter of his life came to a close.

Captain Charles

The end of a era for Lloyd

Then it was dinner at the VanGaals on Sunday evening but not before Brenda, Meghan and I had a chance to do a little snowshoeing for the first time this season.

 Monday was lunch with Mike and Willow at a local Indian restaurant before we went out to Wheatley River for dinner with Charles and Laura. Tuesday was lunch at the Culinary Institute with Jens and Linda. The rest of the day was spent taking all of Lloyd's stuff out to Fort Augustus and then ensuring he had everything he needed to take with him. We had a late supper of beer and nachos at The Gahan and then off to bed as we were  up at 4:00 to get him to the airport by 5:00.

He was flying standby but got on the flight with no problem. On to Toronto. Unfortunately the weather there wasn't great so his flight to Hong Kong was delayed by 2 hours. Sadly he missed his connecting flight to Hanoi. So as I write this, he's waiting for morning to catch the next flight (many thanks to Patti for rebooking his flight for him).  But the long stretch is behind him. Once he gets to Hanoi, he's on his own! Be sure to check his blog - norockerforlloyd.com
 He can keep up with things here by my blog, and I can keep up with him on his. Works in theory, so we'll see how it works in real life.

Monday, January 7th - Welcome Winter!

After a very white late fall and a GREEN  days since the 25th and I'll soon be able to get my skis out! There are usually groomed trails in Victoria Park, and that's within walking distance of where we are staying. Haven't heard yet that they are up and running but I'll get my skis out of storage in advance. (One of the few things we can actually put our hands on)

Last week was a busy week for cards but this week will be much quieter. It will mostly be spent getting Lloyd and all his stuff ready for his trip. The countdown has begun and he only has four more shifts left to work. When he comes home on Friday morning, he's officially finished!  Then just the weekend and a couple of days and he's off, a week from this coming Wednesday. I know he's pretty excited about his upcoming trip.  I think Monday or Tuesday will be spent transporting all of his stuff that's not going with him, out to Fort Augustus. That will give me more room and leave less to pack up when it comes time to move out to Wheatley River later in March.

We did manage to extend the holiday festivities one more week by attending a couple of events on Saturday. Our friends Charles and Laura postponed their New Years Levee till this past Saturday because of the storm on New Years Day. We went out there around 3:00 and spent a couple of hours socializing with a really diverse and interesting group of folks. We left reluctantly in time to go out to Mermaid to visit with our friends Jackie and Helena. Brenda and Bernie were there as well and so the eating and drinking continued.  Jackie fishes Oysters and had some nice fresh ones on hand for us all to enjoy, and enjoy we did!  Jackie really enjoys shucking oysters for guests and has provided us with his services on a couple of special occasions. This time it was just us and we took full advantage. Even Bernie got in on the action to try his hand at shucking.

Gee, lobster last week end and fresh oysters this weekend. Does it really get any better?  I don't think so.