Sunday............

Hubby is off today, so hoping to spend a little time with him.  Have errands to run, then going to hibernate in the house.  Although not as hot as yesterday, still too humid for me.

So everyone:

Busy Saturday running errands.......

Spent most of Saturday running errands. Had to pick up the rug we bought, that I posted about here.  As it is 9' x 12' it means we have to clear out the dining room to put it down.  The dining room is 10' by 15' but as we have the large table that seats 8 we were finding the 8' by 10' rug in there too small, length wise.  I will post a photo when we have it laid.  The good thing about this rug it is top quality and if we move it will go anywhere.

I ordered dh some winter boots on December 26th, and to cut a long annoying story short two pairs finally turned up on Friday, so had to go and pick one of the pairs up.  Needless to say I don't have a lot of good things to say about this company, especially the online division of this chain.  Their online customer service division sucks!!!

Dh wanted to call into a store called Sayal Electronics to pick up something.  Now that type of store typically bores me, however I found it very interesting as they had all sorts of educational toys in there, to do with science.  I picked the three older grands up a new place mat each, a dinosaur one, a map of the world one and flags of the world one.  Told dh we need to go to the bigger store's nearer Christmas as they have such interesting things in it for the kids.

Went to Walmart and bought a new doormat, it's not the best quality but it'll do for the winter:

Then hit up the dollar store to get all the birthday cards for February and a craft to do with Nora next Friday as she has a PA day at school.  Love the dollar store for things to do with the kids without spending a small fortune.

We had lunch out at a place called Jack Astor's.  We haven't been in that restaurant for years, but were pleasantly surprised at the quality of food.  We had Crispy Broccoli Caesar Bites, as we had a coupon for a free appitizer, they were greasy and would not order again, luckily it was free.  Dh had the Chicken Clubhouse with fries and I had the Chicken and Goat Cheese Sandwich with salad for our mains.  Both were excellent, top quality and would order again.  Here is the menu.  I will say we found the place expensive; $3.99 for a soda/pop is crazy.  I always order water, dh won't.

All in all we had a good few hours running errands and spending time together, with me doing what I love to do, shop 😊

This cold is hanging around like a bad smell!

All that is really wrong with me now is a small cold, ears which are full and feeling awful tired and fuzzy headed.  Anyhow, rather than going to bed and napping; as all that does is make me not sleep at night, I am keeping busy.

Called the kitchen cabinet guys and they are going to pick up the uppers and the pantry this coming Monday, so I decided the take everything out of the cabinets in preparation for dh to remove them.

This is the kitchen table before I started:

This is the kitchen table after I emptied all the cabinets.

The one good thing with all of this is I got to see what was in my cupboards and have a bit of a clear out.  However one of these days I would love to have a clear kitchen table!  Do you have somewhere in your house that is your dumping ground?

The weather turned out to be nice with a warm wind blowing on Wednesday, so I ended up cutting some grass/running over leaves.  Made sure I had my flaps down hat on to cover up my ears, but it was a gorgeous day to be outside.

I am having a running around day today (Thursday) so looking forward to having a day out of the house.

Photo of Molly and the kitchen.........

I was taking photos of the kitchen (more about that later) and Molly wandered into the kitchen to see if I was cooking and I snapped her in one of the photos.

I would dearly love a new kitchen as ours has seen better days, but we just don't have the money to pull it all out and re-do it how I would really like, so we are planning on doing a "mini" renovation after we finish the basement.

We are going to replace the sink, taps and counter tops and the hardware.  Also fully replace the under sink cupboard and put the old doors back on.  In the scheme of things not a big deal, but I do hope it freshens it up and makes it look a lot tidier.

It poured down on Tuesday, so it was a good day to run some errands to get those silly jobs that have been wanting done for a long time done.  We also headed to Cookstown Outlet Mall but once again didn't buy anything.  As outlet malls go, its not the greatest; although I could have spent a small fortune in the Villeroy and Boch store and would love to have this pattern for my dinnerware.

I have also discovered a new to me drink at Tim Hortons which I adore, Blueberry White Tea, which I have with two milks.  It is like having a sweet treat without all the extra calories.

Isn't she a little beauty..........

DRAT, DRAT AND DOUBLE DRAT.  THIS POST WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY, BUT I PRESSED ENTER TOO FAST!!

After working my tail off for the past couple of days, I decided to run errands on Wednesday.  Both my hands were killing me, so a slower day was in order.  I started off the day by going to the hospital to get some x-rays taken of my wrists.  I have an appointment to see the surgeon on December 28th, and needed up to date x-rays for some reason.  If anyone is a nurse, could you tell me why I need x-rays for carpal tunnel?  I have had the neurology (I think that is the correct word) testing done, so I figured that would be it?

You would be ever so proud of me, I parted with a pile of magazines and dropped them off at a friends house.  I still have all my Prima magazines, but the pile has been reduced considerably.  I know its only a baby step, but at least it is a step in the right direction.

In the afternoon I decided to go to Cookstown to the Antique Market where I spotted this little beauty:

I am going to use her as a bedside cabinet in the spare bedroom.  I got 20% off as they were having a sale and she cost $108 plus taxes.

On Tuesday night I knocked over the lamp on the desk and did this too it:

Please ignore the coaster, I made that before I knew the correct way to quilt.  While at the Antique Market I found it's twin:

I ended up paying just over $30 for it at the same place.  My base is nicer, so I will get dh to switch it over when he gets a few moments.  I must say I was shocked at how much desk lamps are, or at least the nicer ones.  So I thought my $30 was a good price.

I saw a gorgeous chair, with terrible fabric on it, but good bones.  Don't think I will be able to persuade dh to go and take a looksie though....but you never know (wink, wink!!)

All in all a positive day and got some good jobs jobbed as I say.

Busy day around the Acreage........

Saturday it was supposed to rain all day, then the forecast changed and it was only supposed to rain in the afternoon.  However other than the odd shower, it was more or less fair all day.


So I spent the morning in the garden whipper snipping/edging and cutting the grass.  I was covered from head to toe with grass, it was in my hair, down my t-shirt everywhere.  I am not sure what I do but I always get covered in grass.  I had to strip off at the door before coming into the house.  Don't worry no one could see me............I hope not anyhow!!


After lunch we went and ran some errands and took advantage of a no tax deal at Rona.  I bought two x 1 gallon of interior wall paint and one x 1 pint paint for a metal door; would you believe that cost over $90.  I can't believe the price of paint.

On the way home we called in at an Art Festival which was being held in town off one of the side streets.  Not sure what it was all about, but people had been invited to paint a picture in 20 minutes.  Now as I am not a painter, artistic one, I found it really interesting how people started painting a picture.  I wish I had my camera with me as what I thought started out as a proper mess turned out to be a truly beautiful picture.

You could bid on them, but we didn't.  There was also a stall there selling wooden rocking chairs.  They were the best hand made outdoor rocking chairs we had seen in a long while.  Here is a link to the site  They were so comfortable and perfect for the deck.  It's just a shame I don't have $400 laying around!!!

I am going to a baby shower this afternoon, so that should be interesting, haven't been to one in a while and have a feeling this one will be a fancy dancy one.  Will tell you more about it tomorrow.  Enjoy your Sunday.

Tomato Chick Pea Salad

I have been making this for years, I got the recipe in a grocery store when they were giving out samples and I was hooked.


Tomato Chick Pea Salad

1 can (19oz/540ml) chick peas (garbanzos), drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 tomatoes, cut into large dice
1 cup chopped cucumber
6 green/salad onions sliced
2 cups cubed Swiss Cheese, I used Cheddar


Dressing:
 1/3 cup olive oil
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
pinch cayenne pepper


Salad:
In a large bowl, combine chick peas, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, onions and cheese.


Dressing: Whisk together all the dressing ingredients and toss over salad.  Cover and refrigerate for several hours.


Makes 6 to 8 large servings.

I didn't have parsley or the tarragon or the cayenne pepper, but it still tasted good.  For those of you who don't eat cheese it still good without the cheese.

I had to pop into town on Wednesday as I had a couple of errands to run, including filling the propane tank for the BBQ.  How much does it cost to fill your propane tank where you live for the BBQ.  They charged me $20, I remember when it only cost $10 to fill it.  I plan on using our BBQ more this year to try and keep the house cooler, rather than heating it up when cooking.

On Tuesday it was super hot and humid, but we managed to not put the a/c on.  Glad I didn't as on Wednesday there was no humidity and a gale force wind.  It was that windy that I thought my washing would blow away.  It was as fast to dry it outside as it would have been to put in the dryer.

I finally got my tomatoes and peppers planted.  Had to put a temporary fence around that garden to keep Molly out!  Also managed to clean out two more flower gardens.  Still have three more to do, oh and of course cut more grass.  I am back doing the field again; it's so bloody long again I have to have the blades up as high as I can.  My goal is to have it done by the end of Friday.

I am hoping to spend Thursday morning, planting my potatoes, onions and cabbages.  I am late this year, but this is my first opportunity to get it done.  Mind you it will all depend on how my back holds up as to how much I get done.  I don't know about you, but I could do with another 24 hours in the day at the moment!!!

One day I will get caught up with all your blogs.  I am still having problems with Blogger and leaving comments when there is a word verification.

Enjoy your Thursday.

Looks can be deceiving......

It was a gorgeous sunny day on Wednesday, but boy was it bitter cold in that wind.

I popped into town to run some errands and I think half the population did as well, as town was busy.  I am guessing the sunny day and NO snow falling from the sky helped.   I also mailed my order form for my trees.  I ordered 10 of the red oak trees and 2 of the hemlocks.  I have a corner which is reasonably sheltered so thought I would try the hemlocks there.  The red oaks will go along the front of the property.  So roll on next April when we get them.


Another classic Christmas song, Johnny Matthis, "When a Child is Born."



I forgot to post the cookie recipe from Tuesday, Fruit and Nut Holiday Shortbread maybe because it didn't appeal to me.  Now Wednesday's recipe sounded a lot better Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies I wouldn't mind making this.........

Do you remember this post about Olga...............well would you believe people have donated over $3,000 isn't that really good?  I was so pleased when I saw her totals, here is a link, please donate a few dollars if you have a couple of dollars/pounds that you can spare.

"But they are squishing my girls"................

On Thursday we are going to a Pooja.  Now for those of you not in the know, a Pooja is a house blessing for people of the Hindu/Sikh persuasion.  Our "adopted daughter and son-in-law" are Indian and they are moving into their first house and have decided to have a Pooja.

Now as you may or may not have guessed we are not Indian, so I figured that I would try and blend in a bit more with the other Indian people there and buy an Indian outfit.  So while I was in the city on Tuesday I called in at a couple of Indian clothing stores.  Must say they were a little surprised to see a middle aged white woman with a British accent asking for a tunic, but they were ever so nice and helpful.

In the last store I went into they picked out some tunic tops but all but one were too tight and were squishing the girls (bosoms).  So we decided I would try on the longer tunics and pants sets.  They picked out the largest size they had and they thought it looked wonderful.  However all I kept saying to them, "they are squishing my girls."  They kept saying that's the way they wear them and they were supposed to be clinging to your figure.  Now that's all well and good when you don't have any wobbly bits, but when you have wobbly bits you really don't want things clinging to you.  They did suggest a sari, but I did ask them how on earth me and dh were supposed to tie it/put it on?  I suppose that could be a whole new post in itself; me and dh trying to figure out how to put on a sari!!!

Anyhow, I ended up buying this tunic top which at least I can wear again for another occasion.  If I am ever invited to a fancy dancy Indian function I will go out and buy a sari and make sure I put it on when Rupa is there to help me.

So the reason I was in the city was to go to the dentist for my six monthly cleaning.  The gist of the situation is that there is a problem with the root canal that he just did.  So I am on antibiotics and have to go back in two weeks to see how my mouth is feeling {{{SIGH}}}  I have no idea what is going on, but I know that my poor mouth is still aching.

I was out all day on Tuesday and was pooped by the time I finally got home, but at least I got a number of errands completed while I was down there.

I plan on having an industrious day around the house on Wednesday, wish me luck!!

Photos of the spare bedroom

I bet you thought I had forgotten about them?  I finally got around to posting the photos of the spare bedroom.  I have painted it a light cream colour, as the two windows in the room face east and north, so it only gets a little morning sun.

This shows the closet.  There are shelves (16 inches deep) in the right hand side of the closet, from floor to ceiling.

In the baskets is my quilting material.  They will move upstairs to the attic when we get that finished.

We installed the fan and light.

My mam sent this rug over with my brother for me.  It's a rag rug made out of fleece and is lovely.  A lady makes them for charity in Britain.  When I first got it I put it down in the family room and within minutes Molly had her squirrel and hedgehog on it and she then plopped herself down on it; so it got Molly's seal of approval also.

The only thing left to do in the spare bedroom is some varnishing.  I plan on doing it next week.

On Friday both dh and I got a few good jobs done.  He moved a pile of gravel under the mudroom, and got the remainder of the electrical work done in our bedroom.  He then ran some errands in town which was also a good job done.

I got two out of three loads of laundry done, the bathrooms cleaned, and hoovered through.  In the afternoon I went to town and got my hair cut (finally) and had a pedicure.  For the first time ever I got a flower painted on each of my big toes.

It's the first time I have been to this nail place.  Not sure if I will go there again.  I am picky about how clean a nail place is, as I did pick up a nail fungus at a place a few years ago.  This place was okay, but not the cleanest.  Also the girl I got didn't do the greatest of jobs.  PLUS and this is the big one, my appointment was at 1:30 pm and they were running so far behind I went for a haircut while I was waiting.  It was probably closer to 2:30 pm before they started doing my feet.  By the time I got home it was 3:45 pm.  If I made an appointment for something I expect to be seen at that time......other than at the doctor, where the doctor will be late for his own funeral as he is never on time.

It's Labour Day weekend here in Canada and the States.  So of course the weather sucks, rain all weekend, but at least it won't be stinking hot!!  I know in Britain you had your Bank Holiday last weekend; hoped you enjoyed that, and for those of you who have a long weekend this weekend, enjoy yours!

Nearly forgot to post.....

Wednesday was a super busy day in the garden.  Got a lot of grass cut including the field and Kamikaze Hill.  Ds popped by and helped me move a limb off a tree that had half fallen off.  Had a bonfire.  Dug up some potatoes, still a million more plants to dig up.

Talked to my neighbour above us, who is trying to sell their house; it's a bungalow with 39 acres; was $699,000, now $649,000.  They haven't had much luck, not helped by a real estate agent who is useless!!! 

Made a couple of Egg Pie's for supper.  I didn't take a photo sorry, but all it is, is hard boiled eggs topped with cheese sauce and mashed potatoes on the top of it.  Super simple and I made two one for supper and one for the freezer.

Thursday will be another busy day for me, as ds is popping by again to do some whipper snipping for me.  I have all the nail holes in the trim to fill in, and hopefully I may get the first coat of paint on the trim in the closet.  I also have laundry to do, plus I had hoped to get some more potatoes dug up.

After lunch I have to go to the "big" city to run some errands, and then up to my dad's as he is picking my brother up from the airport.  He's visiting from Britain for a couple of weeks, so looking forward to seeing him.  It's been a couple of years since I last saw him, although we do talk on a regular basis.  So busy, busy again on Thursday!!

Crazy busy, but what's new with that?

Tuesday was another super busy day for me.

I got two coats of paint on the ceiling and the walls in the spare bedroom.  Which resulted in two more empty paint cans.  Put a coat of varnish on the closet door, only two more to go.

Finished cutting the field, and cut the front lawn again, only cut it on Saturday.  My dad who lives around an hour south west of us, was saying his grass was burning, and not growing.  Our grass is growing like crazy up here.  Still have Kamikaze Hill to cut; hoping to start on that on Wednesday.

I tidied up a bit in the family room for the first time in ages.  Then hoovered through downstairs.  Of course made supper and I am sure I did some other things as well.

Wednesday I am out for the morning and hope to be back home by 2pm.  I have a long list of errands to run, so want to do them all at once.  I am meeting a friend for lunch it's her birthday on Thursday, and then I will head home.

Thursday, I may have visitors coming, depending on the weather.  If they don't come, I have a million and one things to do, including making a start on putting the spare bedroom back together.  Making a start on painting the bathroom.  More cleaning, and of course more cutting the grass.  If my visitors come, then that will all have to be pushed back to Friday.

Regardless, this week is going to be a crazy busy week.

And who said moving to the country would bring a slower pace of life???

Monday night........

Well here I am pooped after a day of running here there and everywhere. The goal for Monday was to do all our errands and running around. Also to remember everything when we left the house, as we're not around the corner, and can just pop back to the house!!

We had to go back to the city where we lived to pick up a cheque from the lawyers office, pretty important, don't you think!!! So of course a trip to the bank was also in order. Had to change our drivers licences and the car log book. Return a couple of things, and go to Bell Canada store to cancel Wimax and get some money back. Overall returned over $200 worth of things, so money better in our account.

Sorted out the property taxes and gave them a cheque, and got a bunch of info on garbage pick up etc. Also got a fire permit, so we can burn brush/garden waste on our property. Great set of people who work in the town offices, I must say.

Decided to cancel the Toronto Star this morning, as I am not happy with the delivery and I think its only going to aggravate me, so better to cancel it. Also talked to the oil delivery man and got him sorted out, and pleased with the service we will be getting from him.

Finally got to check the bank online on Sunday night only to discover that the House Insurance payment had not gone out, so we were all in a panic about that, so had to call them first thing to make sure we were covered and to reorganize the direct debit.

Had an embarrassing experience on the weekend, as went to use my credit card and it was declined....aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!! So I was all in a panic about that, as I knew I hadn't spent THAT much. The week before we moved we got new credit cards, as the old ones were to expire at the end of April. So called to activate them and to change our address. For some reason they changed the address, but didn't activate my card. Fine get that done; then dh goes out on Sunday and uses his card, and lo and behold the same thing happens to him and he is NOT HAPPY!!!! So again we call MasterCard and again they had changed the address but not activated the card???

As we were out all day Monday, I didn't get a thing done around the house other than a load of laundry, which I got hung out to dry. Plus I did some ironing. I did also sort out all the receipts from the move and pay a couple of bills.

I am hoping as the week progresses to get some photos online and show you around the place. The goal for Tuesday is to unpack a pile of boxes, as I think looking at boxes everywhere does tend to be a bit depressing. I can't wait to get back into some sort of routine.