Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Monday, 13 December 2010
The End
I've pretty much decided not to do any more blogging but I will use the site for photos. I hate to give it up after so long but it's gotten boring even to me so if you want to know about what's going on, you'll have to go to Facebook or come to Ontario to see us, of course, you can always email!
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Tuesday December 7, 2010 to Saturday December 11, 2010
Tuesday
After I got the Christmas cards done, I decided I wanted to send our 20th Anniversary photo to my Aunt so I went out to get a copy printed. The plows were out in force and they were even plowing some sidewalks.
It looks like they clean the sidewalks with a wing of the snowplow other than the downtown areas where cars are parked. I saw a couple of small sidewalk plows downtown this morning. A lot of the sidewalks near where we live were cleaned this afternoon so I went out for a walk. Sure was nice!
After dinner we took another drive to see the Christmas lights. I haven't changed my mind about the prettiest lights in town.
Wednesday
I didn't go out at all today. It was cold but we did have some sun. I think our high was -8C (18F).
Other than making a loaf of bread and wrapping a couple of Christmas presents that about made up the day!
Thursday
You could tell it was cold this morning by the snow crunching under my feet as I headed out for my walk. I decided it was probably not going to get a whole lot warmer so I'd better get over it! So at -13C (9F) with a -18C (-0.4F) windchill, I dressed for it and surprisingly wasn't cold. The sun was shining although sun tends to make it colder at this time of year.
I had ordered some file pockets at a downtown stationery store so I had to pick that up and I had several other errands to run around town. The Downtown Business Association has generously given us free parking for the month of December, not that parking is expensive. For 25 cents you get an hour and five minutes. You get two hours of parking in a spot then if you don't move you get a ticket but two hours is enough for the size of downtown.
Friday
It was very cold this morning -13C (9F) with -21(-6F) wind chill. I decided it would be a good day not to walk. However, after vacuuming the house (Gordon did the stairs and landing), I went out in the car to pick up some things I forgot yesterday.
Saturday
It warmed up today and was actually above freezing most of the day. It was a great morning to walk to the post office to mail my sister's birthday card. I thought they had pickup on the weekend so it won't go out till Monday. I think it will be late!
After breakfast we went for a country drive. Gordon had located Bellamy Lake near Toledo (Ontario) so we drove out to see it. There's another lake a short distance away called Eloida Lake so we went to see it too. Both lakes are visible but Bellamy is a great place for sunrise or sunset so we'll check that out when spring comes. I expect Gordon will go before that. For some reason I didn't take a photo of Lake Eloida.
This afternoon I went out and picked up some prescriptions and some looking around then came back. My sister had called. She's having a lot of the same problems that I've had over the past year but she's in denial that it's related to food! It's not easy to not be able to eat a lot of things and when you still feel terrible and can't figure out what it is you're eating that you shouldn't you just want to jump in a hole and pull the hole in after you but you have to just keep plugging along.
After I got the Christmas cards done, I decided I wanted to send our 20th Anniversary photo to my Aunt so I went out to get a copy printed. The plows were out in force and they were even plowing some sidewalks.
It looks like they clean the sidewalks with a wing of the snowplow other than the downtown areas where cars are parked. I saw a couple of small sidewalk plows downtown this morning. A lot of the sidewalks near where we live were cleaned this afternoon so I went out for a walk. Sure was nice!
After dinner we took another drive to see the Christmas lights. I haven't changed my mind about the prettiest lights in town.
Wednesday
I didn't go out at all today. It was cold but we did have some sun. I think our high was -8C (18F).
Other than making a loaf of bread and wrapping a couple of Christmas presents that about made up the day!
Thursday
You could tell it was cold this morning by the snow crunching under my feet as I headed out for my walk. I decided it was probably not going to get a whole lot warmer so I'd better get over it! So at -13C (9F) with a -18C (-0.4F) windchill, I dressed for it and surprisingly wasn't cold. The sun was shining although sun tends to make it colder at this time of year.
I had ordered some file pockets at a downtown stationery store so I had to pick that up and I had several other errands to run around town. The Downtown Business Association has generously given us free parking for the month of December, not that parking is expensive. For 25 cents you get an hour and five minutes. You get two hours of parking in a spot then if you don't move you get a ticket but two hours is enough for the size of downtown.
Friday
It was very cold this morning -13C (9F) with -21(-6F) wind chill. I decided it would be a good day not to walk. However, after vacuuming the house (Gordon did the stairs and landing), I went out in the car to pick up some things I forgot yesterday.
Saturday
It warmed up today and was actually above freezing most of the day. It was a great morning to walk to the post office to mail my sister's birthday card. I thought they had pickup on the weekend so it won't go out till Monday. I think it will be late!
After breakfast we went for a country drive. Gordon had located Bellamy Lake near Toledo (Ontario) so we drove out to see it. There's another lake a short distance away called Eloida Lake so we went to see it too. Both lakes are visible but Bellamy is a great place for sunrise or sunset so we'll check that out when spring comes. I expect Gordon will go before that. For some reason I didn't take a photo of Lake Eloida.
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| Bellamy Lake - Bellamy RV park across the lake |
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| Another Bellamy Lake view-note the ice. You can't walk on it yet though. |
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| Drummond Road |
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| Snow on the log fence |
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| Another photo of Drummond Road. It was a pretty drive. |
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Saturday to Tuesday December 4-7, 2010
Saturday
It was cloudy and -6C (21F) with -12C (10F) windchill. I dressed for it and didn't find it too bad.
Today I did some running around town, picked up a Sears order, picked up my Avon order etc. Not an exciting day but a tiring one so when I got home I lay down to read and took a nap! This was the first order from my Avon lady. She's really a nice young woman with a couple of young kids and an amazing black Afghan hound. He was so friendly and vocal and HUGE! I love other people's dogs. LOL
After dinner we went out to look at the Christmas lights. There is a lovely one here in town. In fact, I'm going to vote for it! The town has a Light Up Smiths Falls Contest where you can vote for your favourite decorated house or business.
Here's another one that was pretty between Smiths Falls and Merrickville.
It was cloudy and -6C (21F) with -12C (10F) windchill. I dressed for it and didn't find it too bad.
Today I did some running around town, picked up a Sears order, picked up my Avon order etc. Not an exciting day but a tiring one so when I got home I lay down to read and took a nap! This was the first order from my Avon lady. She's really a nice young woman with a couple of young kids and an amazing black Afghan hound. He was so friendly and vocal and HUGE! I love other people's dogs. LOL
After dinner we went out to look at the Christmas lights. There is a lovely one here in town. In fact, I'm going to vote for it! The town has a Light Up Smiths Falls Contest where you can vote for your favourite decorated house or business.
Here's another one that was pretty between Smiths Falls and Merrickville.
Sunday
At -8C (18C) with a -13C (9F) windchill it was pretty cold this morning but at least the sun was shining even though there were some snow flurries. We have barely enough snow to cover the grass but I hear we are to have more today and tomorrow. We're still warmer than a lot of places that I'm hearing about from RVers though and I hear Buffalo, NY had a blizzard last week that caused a 20 car pileup on the freeway, lake effect snow!
I got a lot of cleaning done!
By the end of the day we had quite a bit of snow, looks Christmasy!
Monday
Today was a typical Monday. I went out for my walk but it was a short one as the sidewalks hadn't been plowed. I'm thinking that's not going to happen a lot here.
After breakfast and a shower I headed out for Monday shopping. That accomplished I settled in with my book again.
Tuesday
No walk for me today, blowing and drifting snow, sidewalks not plowed. Bummer!
So, I got my Christmas cards ready. I send very few of them! I sent the ones to the U.K. yesterday.
Friday, 3 December 2010
Wednesday to Friday December 1-3, 2010
Wednesday
Rain, rain, rain but warm at 11C (53F) at 11 a.m. Needless to say with the looks of the radar below, no walking this morning!
So I finished up laundry that I started last night, did some repairs on some clothing while I had my sewing machine out, spent time on the computer and read. I found another game on Facebook that I've always liked. It's called Pyramid Solitaire. Since I'm running low on credits with Bejewelled and they've been cheap about giving me points lately I decided to find something other than Pathwords to play.
Speaking of sewing, I was in Walmart on Monday. They've downsized their sewing/crafts section. There's no more bolts of fabric. They have some packaged but not much selection. Anyway I was looking for tailor chalk. I couldn't find any so I asked a young clerk and she told me she'd never heard of it! I guess sewing isn't catching on with the younger crowd. Not that I consider myself a seamstress of any kind but I used to make some clothing years ago before you needed a university degree to read a pattern and I can do some repairs. Anyway, I guess it's becoming a lost art. My mother was a good seamstress. She made all our clothes when we were in school and I remember her making me a suit when I first went to work in Ottawa when I was 18. She was also an amazing quilter! That, I'm not, I'm not a big fan of sewing by hand.
Late this afternoon it started to snow. It was melted on the road but sticking to the grass. Our first winter wonderland for this year! The temperature also went from the 11C (53F) that it was when I got up this morning to 0.3C (33F) before 5 p.m.
Thursday
I had planned to go to the Real Deal to work on my lamp this morning. I was out of the house early so stopped at Sears to pick up a parcel and also stopped at the hardware store to get some tile set for the lamp, I was still early so went to the grocery store.
The lady who was supposed to be there wasn't at the Real Deal so I just picked up my lamp.
From there I headed downtown. I needed new sneakers so I stopped at the shoe store. They are so nice there and very helpful. Mind you the shoes cost an arm and a leg. They take an imprint of your foot like they do when you're measured for orthotics and they keep a file on you as well. I wound up getting some nice shoes. My heel doesn't hurt when I walk in them. Unfortunately they're a discontinued style but there are hopes for them to come back in again.
The package I picked up at Sears was a new jogging suit for Gordon. The ones he has are in really bad shape. Now he wants one in every colour! He can always use them as he lives in them!
This afternoon we went out to the local Salvation Army Thrift store and bought an old fashioned end table for the basement to put my lamp on. Guess I'd better get working on it!
Friday
We were having some light snow as I headed out in my new sneakers this morning. They really are comfortable. I've never spent that much money on shoes before but it appears that they are worth it!
Over the past month of so I've been trying to figure out why I suffer from periodic nausea (other than from reflux) and intestinal distress. By process of elimination I thought at first it was applesauce but that didn't seem right so I kept thinking and it seems that when I eat the homemade bread (which has 2 eggs in it), I get symptoms. Last night I went on a mission to find a recipe for bread with no eggs. I did find one so this morning we went out and I picked up the ingredients I was missing at the local health food/bulk store.
It turns out rather pale (maybe I'll use brown rice flour next time instead of white) and it's not great but it is moist and toasts up pretty well. It's an oven made loaf rather than breadmaker but it's quite easy to make thanks to my stand mixer. So we'll see if I continue to have symptoms. While I was baking I made some egg free blueberry muffins. I used 1/2 a banana in place of each egg. They turned out ok, again, not great, but ok. Now I'll have to figure out how to make the peanut butter cookies without egg.
While we were out this morning we did a little driving around the back roads just southwest of Smiths Falls. It wasn't a great day since it was mostly cloudy and a little snow was falling but it was nice to get out in the country.
This afternoon I settled in to read and have a snooze.
Rain, rain, rain but warm at 11C (53F) at 11 a.m. Needless to say with the looks of the radar below, no walking this morning!
So I finished up laundry that I started last night, did some repairs on some clothing while I had my sewing machine out, spent time on the computer and read. I found another game on Facebook that I've always liked. It's called Pyramid Solitaire. Since I'm running low on credits with Bejewelled and they've been cheap about giving me points lately I decided to find something other than Pathwords to play.
Speaking of sewing, I was in Walmart on Monday. They've downsized their sewing/crafts section. There's no more bolts of fabric. They have some packaged but not much selection. Anyway I was looking for tailor chalk. I couldn't find any so I asked a young clerk and she told me she'd never heard of it! I guess sewing isn't catching on with the younger crowd. Not that I consider myself a seamstress of any kind but I used to make some clothing years ago before you needed a university degree to read a pattern and I can do some repairs. Anyway, I guess it's becoming a lost art. My mother was a good seamstress. She made all our clothes when we were in school and I remember her making me a suit when I first went to work in Ottawa when I was 18. She was also an amazing quilter! That, I'm not, I'm not a big fan of sewing by hand.
Late this afternoon it started to snow. It was melted on the road but sticking to the grass. Our first winter wonderland for this year! The temperature also went from the 11C (53F) that it was when I got up this morning to 0.3C (33F) before 5 p.m.
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| Front yard with a little snow. It went away, but tonight it's snowing lightly again. |
Thursday
I had planned to go to the Real Deal to work on my lamp this morning. I was out of the house early so stopped at Sears to pick up a parcel and also stopped at the hardware store to get some tile set for the lamp, I was still early so went to the grocery store.
The lady who was supposed to be there wasn't at the Real Deal so I just picked up my lamp.
From there I headed downtown. I needed new sneakers so I stopped at the shoe store. They are so nice there and very helpful. Mind you the shoes cost an arm and a leg. They take an imprint of your foot like they do when you're measured for orthotics and they keep a file on you as well. I wound up getting some nice shoes. My heel doesn't hurt when I walk in them. Unfortunately they're a discontinued style but there are hopes for them to come back in again.
The package I picked up at Sears was a new jogging suit for Gordon. The ones he has are in really bad shape. Now he wants one in every colour! He can always use them as he lives in them!
This afternoon we went out to the local Salvation Army Thrift store and bought an old fashioned end table for the basement to put my lamp on. Guess I'd better get working on it!
Friday
We were having some light snow as I headed out in my new sneakers this morning. They really are comfortable. I've never spent that much money on shoes before but it appears that they are worth it!
Over the past month of so I've been trying to figure out why I suffer from periodic nausea (other than from reflux) and intestinal distress. By process of elimination I thought at first it was applesauce but that didn't seem right so I kept thinking and it seems that when I eat the homemade bread (which has 2 eggs in it), I get symptoms. Last night I went on a mission to find a recipe for bread with no eggs. I did find one so this morning we went out and I picked up the ingredients I was missing at the local health food/bulk store.
It turns out rather pale (maybe I'll use brown rice flour next time instead of white) and it's not great but it is moist and toasts up pretty well. It's an oven made loaf rather than breadmaker but it's quite easy to make thanks to my stand mixer. So we'll see if I continue to have symptoms. While I was baking I made some egg free blueberry muffins. I used 1/2 a banana in place of each egg. They turned out ok, again, not great, but ok. Now I'll have to figure out how to make the peanut butter cookies without egg.
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| A rather pale loaf of rice bread |
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| Blueberry muffins |
While we were out this morning we did a little driving around the back roads just southwest of Smiths Falls. It wasn't a great day since it was mostly cloudy and a little snow was falling but it was nice to get out in the country.
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| Otter Creek |
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| Part of the Cataraqui Trail |
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Friday to Tuesday, November 26-30, 2010
Friday
The wind really picked up this morning! After lunch I headed out to the library and then on to the Real Deal.
There were six people (that's all they had room for) for the repurposing workshop and four people to show what they've done. After that they had a collection of old lamps that were pretty ugly so we each took a lamp to refurbish. I'm using my broken china to refurbish mine. It's going to take a while!
Saturday
It was snowing and the sun was shining when I set out for my morning walk. Only the sidewalks had snow on them as it was melting on the roads so I put on my ice grippers to be sure I didn't fall on my knees again. They still haven't recovered 100%. The temperature was -0.5C (31F) but there was a good wind so it was chilly!
I had a bunch of sewing jobs to do so I got my sewing machine out. We carried it with us for over five years and I only used it once or twice but I'm glad I didn't get rid of it. I got a couple of projects completed.
This afternoon I had my first volunteer job. There is an annual Scotch Tasting fundraiser at the Canal Museum tonight and my job was to help set up for it. I got tables and chairs out, then set up tables, washed tables, set up chairs, washed chairs, put on tablecloths & centrepieces. I was there for two hours and didn't stop the whole time I was there. By the time I got home my heel was ready for some ice and a rest.
Sunday
It was -0.9C (30F) and cloudy this morning. The radio said there was a wind chill but I didn't feel much wind but I had put on my heavier coat this morning so that helped. The ice grippers make a great cushion for my heel when walking.
Gordon went out this morning early and took a photo of the Holiday Train that arrived here last night. They collect food and money for the Food Banks across Canada.
Other than my walk I didn't even stick my nose outside today. I was mostly a couch potato reading. I did do some cleaning and made bread. Very exciting day!
Monday
What a beautiful bright sunny morning! The temperature was -0.2C (28F) but it was still nice for a walk.
If we're not doing anything Monday morning I like to go out to the local grocery. They often have good Manager's specials on Monday mornings. So off I went on my Monday morning shopping. Most of what I picked up was groceries but I did manage one small Christmas gift. I had planned to go to two more places but my heel was starting to give out on me so I came home.
I've been experiencing a lot of abdominal pain over the past couple of months. It seems to come and go so I've been blaming it on food. Also this time of year has always been bad as I always felt somewhat ill when we first left Canada for a few weeks so I'm not sure what the problem is now. If it keeps up much longer, I'll have to find a doctor here or go to mine in Ottawa. I hate making appointments in Ottawa when you don't know what the weather is going to be like on the day of your appointment. Maybe I'll try the clinic here.....
Tuesday
It was cloudy this morning but a decent temperature at 0C (32F) for walking. My heel was hurting so I only went out for 15 minutes. It hardly seems worth it to get dressed for the outdoors for 15 minutes but I feel like I need to keep moving!
I feel better this morning than yesterday so hope that continues to be the case.
The wind really picked up this morning! After lunch I headed out to the library and then on to the Real Deal.
There were six people (that's all they had room for) for the repurposing workshop and four people to show what they've done. After that they had a collection of old lamps that were pretty ugly so we each took a lamp to refurbish. I'm using my broken china to refurbish mine. It's going to take a while!
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| The lamp I'm working on, the base was green so I painted in white before starting to apply the china pieces. I've got a long way to go! |
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| Other people's projects |
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| Tippy is owned by the lady who does the volunteer coordinating. She's a beautiful Border Collie and very friendly |
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| My $1.00 magazine rack that I found at the Real Deal |
Saturday
It was snowing and the sun was shining when I set out for my morning walk. Only the sidewalks had snow on them as it was melting on the roads so I put on my ice grippers to be sure I didn't fall on my knees again. They still haven't recovered 100%. The temperature was -0.5C (31F) but there was a good wind so it was chilly!
I had a bunch of sewing jobs to do so I got my sewing machine out. We carried it with us for over five years and I only used it once or twice but I'm glad I didn't get rid of it. I got a couple of projects completed.
This afternoon I had my first volunteer job. There is an annual Scotch Tasting fundraiser at the Canal Museum tonight and my job was to help set up for it. I got tables and chairs out, then set up tables, washed tables, set up chairs, washed chairs, put on tablecloths & centrepieces. I was there for two hours and didn't stop the whole time I was there. By the time I got home my heel was ready for some ice and a rest.
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| Entrance to Canal Museum - they're doing renoations so there's a big dumpster to the left of the entrance |
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| View from outside the Museum |
Sunday
It was -0.9C (30F) and cloudy this morning. The radio said there was a wind chill but I didn't feel much wind but I had put on my heavier coat this morning so that helped. The ice grippers make a great cushion for my heel when walking.
Gordon went out this morning early and took a photo of the Holiday Train that arrived here last night. They collect food and money for the Food Banks across Canada.
Other than my walk I didn't even stick my nose outside today. I was mostly a couch potato reading. I did do some cleaning and made bread. Very exciting day!
Monday
What a beautiful bright sunny morning! The temperature was -0.2C (28F) but it was still nice for a walk.
If we're not doing anything Monday morning I like to go out to the local grocery. They often have good Manager's specials on Monday mornings. So off I went on my Monday morning shopping. Most of what I picked up was groceries but I did manage one small Christmas gift. I had planned to go to two more places but my heel was starting to give out on me so I came home.
I've been experiencing a lot of abdominal pain over the past couple of months. It seems to come and go so I've been blaming it on food. Also this time of year has always been bad as I always felt somewhat ill when we first left Canada for a few weeks so I'm not sure what the problem is now. If it keeps up much longer, I'll have to find a doctor here or go to mine in Ottawa. I hate making appointments in Ottawa when you don't know what the weather is going to be like on the day of your appointment. Maybe I'll try the clinic here.....
Tuesday
It was cloudy this morning but a decent temperature at 0C (32F) for walking. My heel was hurting so I only went out for 15 minutes. It hardly seems worth it to get dressed for the outdoors for 15 minutes but I feel like I need to keep moving!
I feel better this morning than yesterday so hope that continues to be the case.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Sunday to Friday November 21-26, 2010
Sunday
It was a cold, sunny morning as I headed out for a short walk. By noon it was still only -3C (27F).
This morning I made bread then started planning out the grapevine wreath I bought on Friday. I need find my little glue gun to get it put together. That might be an undertaking!
This afternoon was spent off my heel reading and napping. Very unproductive!
There was nothing on TV at dinnertime so we decided to watch a movie. We watched Presumed Innocent with Harrison Ford. I had seen it ages ago and Gordon has seen it often but I like Harrison Ford.
Monday
This morning was almost balmy at 4C (39F). I went for a longer walk this morning and my heel was ok when I got back.
Gordon went back to the dentist for fillings this morning. He had another appointment on Wednesday but since I wanted to go to pick up my glasses on Wednesday, the dentist finished him up today. It looks like Wednesday will be cold but sunny.
Then after lunch he took the car in for an oil change and to get the snow tires put on so now we're ready for the white stuff just hope it doesn't arrive yet!
When he returned I went out to pick up some groceries. I usually like going to the Monday morning sales but haven't been able to do that the last couple of weeks. Although it was raining off and on, the temperatures today were mild.
Tuesday
I awoke to rain and 11C (53F) but rain, lots of rain! I elected to stay put instead of walking since I don't have webbed feet! By noon, the rain was over, the sun was out and it got to be 13C (55F).
I went out this morning to run some errands, then home to read before making my own version of Shepherd's Pie (without potatoes and tomatoes) for dinner.
Wednesday
It was sunny and cold this morning -1C (30F) with a wind chill of -11C (12F) but lots of bright sunshine. No walk for me today as we had to get ready to go into Ottawa again. I hope during the winter months that we won't have to make this trip very often.
We got to Ottawa shortly after 10 a.m., went on a quest to find Truly crunchy peanut butter, which we didn't find. Apparently they're redesigning the label so they've stopped supplying the stores with the product until it's done. Not very good strategy, methinks. We did our regular stop at Natural Food Pantry to pick up bread mixes then Gordon wanted to go to Andrew Hayden Park. It was cold and windy so I stayed in the car as I've felt like I'm getting a cold for a couple of days.
Next stop was to pick up my new glasses. These are just for computer. I thought I may as well get them before my extended health care runs out at the end of December.
From there we headed home arriving around 1:30 p.m. I lay down to read and have a nap to try to shake this bug that's been attacking me the last couple of days.
Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating!
This morning was -8C (18F). There was no wind though so I headed out for my walk. My heel has actually been not bad the last couple of days. It's a lot better now to go for a walk in the cold as I don't have glasses to fog over!
I had some errands to run this morning, picking up prescriptions, getting a safety deposit box etc.
After I got home and had lunch I read for a while and then decided I needed to do something in honour of the American Thanksgiving today so I baked peanut butter cookies!
To read Gordon's journal, click here.
Friday
We had freezing rain overnight. The main roads seem to be fine but the sidewalks are slippery so I decided not to walk this morning.
Our local Real Deal had advertised a repurposing workshop in the local paper last week so I was the first one to sign up for it. More on that next time!
It was a cold, sunny morning as I headed out for a short walk. By noon it was still only -3C (27F).
This morning I made bread then started planning out the grapevine wreath I bought on Friday. I need find my little glue gun to get it put together. That might be an undertaking!
This afternoon was spent off my heel reading and napping. Very unproductive!
There was nothing on TV at dinnertime so we decided to watch a movie. We watched Presumed Innocent with Harrison Ford. I had seen it ages ago and Gordon has seen it often but I like Harrison Ford.
Monday
This morning was almost balmy at 4C (39F). I went for a longer walk this morning and my heel was ok when I got back.
Gordon went back to the dentist for fillings this morning. He had another appointment on Wednesday but since I wanted to go to pick up my glasses on Wednesday, the dentist finished him up today. It looks like Wednesday will be cold but sunny.
Then after lunch he took the car in for an oil change and to get the snow tires put on so now we're ready for the white stuff just hope it doesn't arrive yet!
When he returned I went out to pick up some groceries. I usually like going to the Monday morning sales but haven't been able to do that the last couple of weeks. Although it was raining off and on, the temperatures today were mild.
Tuesday
I awoke to rain and 11C (53F) but rain, lots of rain! I elected to stay put instead of walking since I don't have webbed feet! By noon, the rain was over, the sun was out and it got to be 13C (55F).
I went out this morning to run some errands, then home to read before making my own version of Shepherd's Pie (without potatoes and tomatoes) for dinner.
Wednesday
It was sunny and cold this morning -1C (30F) with a wind chill of -11C (12F) but lots of bright sunshine. No walk for me today as we had to get ready to go into Ottawa again. I hope during the winter months that we won't have to make this trip very often.
We got to Ottawa shortly after 10 a.m., went on a quest to find Truly crunchy peanut butter, which we didn't find. Apparently they're redesigning the label so they've stopped supplying the stores with the product until it's done. Not very good strategy, methinks. We did our regular stop at Natural Food Pantry to pick up bread mixes then Gordon wanted to go to Andrew Hayden Park. It was cold and windy so I stayed in the car as I've felt like I'm getting a cold for a couple of days.
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| Wetlands on the way to Ottawa |
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| Lots of Canada Geese at Andrew Hayden Park |
Next stop was to pick up my new glasses. These are just for computer. I thought I may as well get them before my extended health care runs out at the end of December.
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| My new glasses have music notes on them. Kind of funky! |
From there we headed home arriving around 1:30 p.m. I lay down to read and have a nap to try to shake this bug that's been attacking me the last couple of days.
Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating!
This morning was -8C (18F). There was no wind though so I headed out for my walk. My heel has actually been not bad the last couple of days. It's a lot better now to go for a walk in the cold as I don't have glasses to fog over!
I had some errands to run this morning, picking up prescriptions, getting a safety deposit box etc.
After I got home and had lunch I read for a while and then decided I needed to do something in honour of the American Thanksgiving today so I baked peanut butter cookies!
To read Gordon's journal, click here.
Friday
We had freezing rain overnight. The main roads seem to be fine but the sidewalks are slippery so I decided not to walk this morning.
Our local Real Deal had advertised a repurposing workshop in the local paper last week so I was the first one to sign up for it. More on that next time!
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Saturday November 20, 2010-Along the Back Roads
It was cold and sunny this morning as I headed out for a short walk. I got up late so by the time I got walk, breakfast and things cleaned up it was time to go to the library. They were having a one on one course for people who are interested in downloading audio books. They also have some e-books available but over the next few months they will be developing that part further. The audiobooks downloaded are only good for 7 days before expiring. If you try to open the audio book after the 7 days it tells you that your license has expired. You then have to delete it, go back in and download it again.
When I got home since it was such a nice day we decided to go for a drive so through the countryside and the back roads southwest of Smiths Falls we went. We found some very pretty spots, lots of wetlands and barns.
For further details on our twin grandchildren go to Gordon's blog here.
When I got home since it was such a nice day we decided to go for a drive so through the countryside and the back roads southwest of Smiths Falls we went. We found some very pretty spots, lots of wetlands and barns.
For further details on our twin grandchildren go to Gordon's blog here.
Tuesday to Friday, November 16-19,2010-Updated Twins Photos!
Tuesday
It was very foggy when I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning. I didn't walk AGAIN! I really hate that but I knew I needed to go for groceries today so didn't want to aggravate my heel anymore than I had to.
Gordon had a dentist appointment this morning. He's getting everything done before my coverage ends at the end of the year.
While he was gone I baked a loaf of bread and got the vacuuming done. More heel aggravation!
After lunch, I went out for groceries but stuck to two stores to stay off my heel. When I returned, I lay down to read and woke up late for getting dinner. It was only about 5 minutes late.
After a night of rain we had a very nice, warm (for this time of year) day only to give it up to rain again as darkness fell.
Last night, I listened to Howard & Linda Payne's live radio broadcast interview on the RV lifestyle with a talk show host in Connecticut. They did a good job. I've been following their blog since they started RVing the year after we started and we got to meet them briefly when we were at Mustang Island State Park, I think in 2005.
Wednesday
I woke up to rain this morning so had a good excuse to stay off my heel. I had another night last night of not feeling well. Don't know what's up with that. It wasn't as bad as Saturday night but definitely not the norm for me. We'll have to see if it continues. It's probably reflux related.
I did nothing all day again, read, computer. The temperature dropped throughout the day and it continued to rain.
Thursday
I decided to get off my hiney and go for a short walk. It wasn't rainy and wasn't particularly cold (by our standards for the time of year) so I went out for 15 minutes and even did some running being careful not to land all of my weight on my heel. It didn't seem any worse when I returned but iced it right away anyway.
Our twin grandchildren were born today but that was reported separately as it was a very special event! Here are some new photos that Tracy's (the mommy) sisters have posted on Facebook. It's hard to tell them apart right now without their hats on!
Friday
We actually had a wind chill this morning. The temperature was -2C (28F) but the wind chill was -8C (18F). It was sunny though so I had a short walk.
I thought I had lost my new phone this morning. Gordon called me and it was no where in the house so before panic completely took over, I checked the car. Somehow it must have fallen out of my purse and it was on the driver's seat ringing away. Gordon must have sat on it this morning and didn't realize it. No damage! I'll have to rethink where I put it in my purse, I guess. It's not that much different in size from the Verizon one but I guess it's enough that the side pockets aren't safe.
This afternoon I had my first appointment with our new dentist here in Smiths Falls. I really liked the hygenist and the dentist that I spoke to was really nice as well. He doesn't think I need the gum grafting which really endeared me to him.
After that I went to the Real Deal. It's a recycling place, like a thrift shop but doesn't have clothing. I wanted to register for a repurposing class to take place next Friday. That should be fun. The general description I was given was pick something in the store and figure out something else to do with it other than what it was intended for using crafting methods. Okay, we'll see how that works.
I picked up some stuff to make a wreath then headed downtown to look around. It was cold but a nice sunny day. I managed to find three sweaters at the Thrift Store downtown but after walking around my heel was really sore!
It was very foggy when I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning. I didn't walk AGAIN! I really hate that but I knew I needed to go for groceries today so didn't want to aggravate my heel anymore than I had to.
Gordon had a dentist appointment this morning. He's getting everything done before my coverage ends at the end of the year.
While he was gone I baked a loaf of bread and got the vacuuming done. More heel aggravation!
After lunch, I went out for groceries but stuck to two stores to stay off my heel. When I returned, I lay down to read and woke up late for getting dinner. It was only about 5 minutes late.
After a night of rain we had a very nice, warm (for this time of year) day only to give it up to rain again as darkness fell.
Last night, I listened to Howard & Linda Payne's live radio broadcast interview on the RV lifestyle with a talk show host in Connecticut. They did a good job. I've been following their blog since they started RVing the year after we started and we got to meet them briefly when we were at Mustang Island State Park, I think in 2005.
Wednesday
I woke up to rain this morning so had a good excuse to stay off my heel. I had another night last night of not feeling well. Don't know what's up with that. It wasn't as bad as Saturday night but definitely not the norm for me. We'll have to see if it continues. It's probably reflux related.
I did nothing all day again, read, computer. The temperature dropped throughout the day and it continued to rain.
Thursday
I decided to get off my hiney and go for a short walk. It wasn't rainy and wasn't particularly cold (by our standards for the time of year) so I went out for 15 minutes and even did some running being careful not to land all of my weight on my heel. It didn't seem any worse when I returned but iced it right away anyway.
Our twin grandchildren were born today but that was reported separately as it was a very special event! Here are some new photos that Tracy's (the mommy) sisters have posted on Facebook. It's hard to tell them apart right now without their hats on!
Friday
We actually had a wind chill this morning. The temperature was -2C (28F) but the wind chill was -8C (18F). It was sunny though so I had a short walk.
I thought I had lost my new phone this morning. Gordon called me and it was no where in the house so before panic completely took over, I checked the car. Somehow it must have fallen out of my purse and it was on the driver's seat ringing away. Gordon must have sat on it this morning and didn't realize it. No damage! I'll have to rethink where I put it in my purse, I guess. It's not that much different in size from the Verizon one but I guess it's enough that the side pockets aren't safe.
This afternoon I had my first appointment with our new dentist here in Smiths Falls. I really liked the hygenist and the dentist that I spoke to was really nice as well. He doesn't think I need the gum grafting which really endeared me to him.
After that I went to the Real Deal. It's a recycling place, like a thrift shop but doesn't have clothing. I wanted to register for a repurposing class to take place next Friday. That should be fun. The general description I was given was pick something in the store and figure out something else to do with it other than what it was intended for using crafting methods. Okay, we'll see how that works.
I picked up some stuff to make a wreath then headed downtown to look around. It was cold but a nice sunny day. I managed to find three sweaters at the Thrift Store downtown but after walking around my heel was really sore!
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Thursday November 28, 2010-Twins Arrive!
Gordon's son, Ian and his wife, Tracy become the proud parents of twins today! I know because Tracy's (Ian's wife) sister posted photos from her cell phone on Facebook. I don't know details yet but their names are Oren and Violet. Welcome to the world, Oren & Violet! Sure hope we're able to get to see you!  |
| Oren |
 |
| Violet |
Monday, 15 November 2010
Monday November 15, 2010
This morning we got ready and headed in to Ottawa. I had an appointment for a visual field test at the optometrist's office due to signs of glaucoma that have come up over the past year or so.
We arrived early and started looking at cell phones. I wanted to go to one place that sold for everyone so they could give us the best idea of what company to go with and what plan/pay as you go. We ran out of time so headed for my appointment.
My visual field test was inconclusive so I am to go back again in 6 months. While there and since my Nortel extended benefits are finished as of the end of this year, I decided to get glasses for using the computer. I picked out my frames and the glasses should be ready in about a week.
After that we went to my sister's. She had taken today off and we had John's birthday gift to drop off. We got him a portable tool chest. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo.
It was at their place that I tried my Verizon cell phone and realized that service had been cut off six days early so we headed over to Carlingwood Mall to Wireless Wave where we decided to go with Bell Mobility (even though I hate Bell). Both my sister and her husband were adamant that Bell was the way to go. We checked out various plans but decided to buy the phones outright and go with a pay as you go. So, if anyone has our Verizon cell phone numbers they are no longer any good and we're only using our new ones for emergency use.
With that problem taken care of we had only a couple more stops to make and we were home again!
I didn't see anything on our trip worth photographing today.
We arrived early and started looking at cell phones. I wanted to go to one place that sold for everyone so they could give us the best idea of what company to go with and what plan/pay as you go. We ran out of time so headed for my appointment.
My visual field test was inconclusive so I am to go back again in 6 months. While there and since my Nortel extended benefits are finished as of the end of this year, I decided to get glasses for using the computer. I picked out my frames and the glasses should be ready in about a week.
After that we went to my sister's. She had taken today off and we had John's birthday gift to drop off. We got him a portable tool chest. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo.
It was at their place that I tried my Verizon cell phone and realized that service had been cut off six days early so we headed over to Carlingwood Mall to Wireless Wave where we decided to go with Bell Mobility (even though I hate Bell). Both my sister and her husband were adamant that Bell was the way to go. We checked out various plans but decided to buy the phones outright and go with a pay as you go. So, if anyone has our Verizon cell phone numbers they are no longer any good and we're only using our new ones for emergency use.
 |
| Nokia 7230 |
With that problem taken care of we had only a couple more stops to make and we were home again!
I didn't see anything on our trip worth photographing today.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Friday to Sunday November 12-14, 2010
Friday
The last couple of days have been sunny and beautiful (once the sun warms up) and this morning was no exception except it was only -3C (26F) when I went out for my walk this morning. Gordon took some photos at sunrise this morning of ice forming on the water. I'm surprised since it warms up to 10C (50F) during the day.
We just hung around the house today and didn't do much of anything. Gordon spent most of his time on the computer and I went between the computer and reading.
Saturday
Today was another beautiful day and we almost made it to 20C (68F)! People were walking around with shorts on. Of course up here they wear shorts when there's snow on the ground but that's only a select few. I had a great walk!
I've been having trouble with right heel pain, probably plantar fasciitis. I've been doing the exercises recommended but it's not helping much. It will be okay for a while, then I'll stand up to walk and it's hurting again. I have inserts in my shoes. I just might have to break down and seek some medical help.
Anyway it was too beautiful to stay home so this morning we went out to do more research on cell phones. I think we've decided to go with Rogers. They seem to have the best deal for what we want. Then to Zellers to buy a mirror for the bedroom. I like a full length mirror and we have been doing without one.
After that we took off for a drive to Kemptville. It's only a short drive away 37 km (23 mi) but I hadn't been there for years. It seems to be a pretty happening place. Lots of stores have been built since I was last there and the downtown area seems to be thriving. Most people who live there work in Ottawa.
I saw where they're building the new Walmart and we drove all around the town, stopped and had lunch by the Kemptville Creek but no photos taken. It's a pretty town in a way but not a photographic spot.
Sunday
I was sick all night last night. Between my heel pain and my sick stomach, it wasn't a good night. This morning I gave up my walk and just stayed in bed. My stomach felt a bit better when I finally got up late this morning.
Another day of hanging around the house napping and reading. I did manage to get my hair coloured. I wanted to get it done today so the timing works out do get it done again just before Christmas. My stomach has been iffy for the most part this afternoon. I had some rice crackers and a mug of beef broth.
The last couple of days have been sunny and beautiful (once the sun warms up) and this morning was no exception except it was only -3C (26F) when I went out for my walk this morning. Gordon took some photos at sunrise this morning of ice forming on the water. I'm surprised since it warms up to 10C (50F) during the day.
 |
| Gordon's photo of ice forming on the Rideau Canal |
Saturday
Today was another beautiful day and we almost made it to 20C (68F)! People were walking around with shorts on. Of course up here they wear shorts when there's snow on the ground but that's only a select few. I had a great walk!
I've been having trouble with right heel pain, probably plantar fasciitis. I've been doing the exercises recommended but it's not helping much. It will be okay for a while, then I'll stand up to walk and it's hurting again. I have inserts in my shoes. I just might have to break down and seek some medical help.
Anyway it was too beautiful to stay home so this morning we went out to do more research on cell phones. I think we've decided to go with Rogers. They seem to have the best deal for what we want. Then to Zellers to buy a mirror for the bedroom. I like a full length mirror and we have been doing without one.
After that we took off for a drive to Kemptville. It's only a short drive away 37 km (23 mi) but I hadn't been there for years. It seems to be a pretty happening place. Lots of stores have been built since I was last there and the downtown area seems to be thriving. Most people who live there work in Ottawa.
I saw where they're building the new Walmart and we drove all around the town, stopped and had lunch by the Kemptville Creek but no photos taken. It's a pretty town in a way but not a photographic spot.
Sunday
I was sick all night last night. Between my heel pain and my sick stomach, it wasn't a good night. This morning I gave up my walk and just stayed in bed. My stomach felt a bit better when I finally got up late this morning.
Another day of hanging around the house napping and reading. I did manage to get my hair coloured. I wanted to get it done today so the timing works out do get it done again just before Christmas. My stomach has been iffy for the most part this afternoon. I had some rice crackers and a mug of beef broth.
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