Live to-day as if it is your last-

 "Live each day as if its your last"---don't we all try to do this?---  stuff gets in the way most of my days-- and I forget that I am not here forever----

It is the last day of August--To-morrow is September--Hopefully the hummingbirds will leave soon now--The leaves will fall eventually-- Oh , I can't go there yet---

It has finally cooled down somewhat--I am happy that I survived the summer gardening--and I enjoyed it--It made me think about all the work involved in the summer which I complain about (in my head of course because no-one really cares to hear a complainer)--  Sandra , in her comments in my blogs, said she enjoys all the extra work involved with  her outside work--that it gives her something to do, as she lives with her cats---lost her husband fairly recently-- I decided that I should adopt her attitude-"-Live each day as if it's my last"

Well, I found a business which will give foot care to Himself- I am driving him there this afternoon-- That will also give him people to talk to and help him feel a part of the outside world-

So that is my day--well, I am going to garden a bit--Sadie  (who is really me)-will be here to dust the study---I shall try to be mindful  of my attitude to-day--Lord love a Duck--I shall try to "live" to-day--as if it is the last--What if it really was?-- -

-

Trust Yourself, Love Yourself, Empower Yours

I went to look at the house--a smaller one story place! -- Apparently the couple were the very first owner's--prominent people in town here--The neighbours noticed they were having difficulties-- called their grown kids- who came up north here and took them out of their home--(all their belongings are still in that house)-- The grown children moved them to Southern Ontario--somewhere---  Their whole life is  in that home--pictures even on their walls--so sad---  

It made me realize how difficult it would be for Himself to adjust to another house--making me rethink the whole thing--  Himself is used to this house--he knows all the neighbours-feels safe here- so----  I need to do a great deal of "mind over matter"--- all of this--Meanwhile the real estate Lady will continue to look-maybe it isn't the right time--Maybe it is OK to stay where we are--so many "maybes"-

and--I am taking Himself and buying a battery Snow blower--We have a battery lawn mower--and I love it-- We can sell our other snowblower --and I believe I can use the new one--- It won't be as heavy--and son#1 is just down the road, if the snow becomes too heavy-- and he has a plough---- and I just might get to a store--get a few ----BANANAS

Lord love a duck! --so many decisions as one ages---in a Pandemic-- with the cost of living  sky high-We ARE a part of the times--no turning back----WE must deal with it all- and we will--because we have to--

I guess the Queen still lives in her Palace. Is she  living the life of a Queen right now?--Probably not--Jeepers, I do need to speak with her!--If she would only call---(not reality either--is it?)

 

Even the future has dreams-

The Real Estate Lady called this morning-- I am meeting Son#3 and we both are going to look at a smaller house, in town--himself and I do not wish to move yet--but by next Spring, I hope to !--So this will be a start-- This will be House #1--on our list-It's hard to believe  this is the start of our new beginning-I remember Mom and Dad moving here from Florida--They wanted to be near us as Mom had Addison's disease  and Dad wanted to be near family.   I flew to Florida--helped them get to the plane, then flew back here with them---thru Toronto--then Sudbury--and drove them  here to Elliot Lake. Mom never adjusted to living in a small town--was used to Orlando, Florida---and she lived only 5 months, after the move--Dad  survived quite a few yrs following her death, living in their little house with us helping him to get used to a winter again--  I remember that he found the outdoor winter clothing very heavy--

Here he was with Son#3, Son#2 and Himself, after we outfitted him with the cold climate gear!

ANYWAY---  LOPEZ IS OKAY---  The bleeding has stopped -rectally--stopped by noon yesterday-- He began to eat yesterday at supper--I was syringing water--then milk, down his throat all day yesterday, as he refused to drink or eat  until late afternoon. Man oh man-That is a lesson to me--BE CAREFUL  WHAT THESE WEE CHIHUAHUAS chew on-- One bone (even from the pet store) is not the same as another--I'll make sure I read that it is easily digestible and read what it is made of-I might not even allow him a bone-- I was very fortunate that I did not have a vet bill-

Yesterday I spent most of the day just holding him-I wanted his insides to heal-He was so cuddly--and very lethargic-and slept most of the day.-but--It sure was a day I don't want to repeat!

Of course, these pictures are of dim sum, taken by son#2 the Pilot, when he was in London, England-The guy who loves good food! 

Presently he is "winging" his way back too Toronto---I'm always happy when he arrives hom
I must look at the next stage of our life as an adventure -eh?--  It' always good to keep looking ahead--Maybe the Queen will meet me one of these days! Ya never know! One must dream the dream!

Lopez very sick

 It never rains but it pours--  Lopez, the Chihuahua is passing blood--from his rectum-- At 3am it was dark red-with mucous--  By 5am it was a lighter colour red and now it is a pinkish colour- with mucous-AND--he threw up around 3am--all his dinner from last night---all over me and his bed--

I have been up since 3am--I have called our vet twice-- He asked what he had eaten--Himself and I think pieces of a synthetic bone, that he was chewing yesterday, must've broken off and pierced his intestines, And--It was FROM THE PET STORE!----Of course it is Sunday , so the vet said to just watch him to-day--Lord love Duck! This poor little guy is  a lot of work--I'll keep yu all posted-- Gotta go and check on him--

Dream along to-day-

It's a good day--to have a great day---Lopez and I hoofed it up the back road--I refilled Hummingbird feeders--  (They are still here)- I even had time for breakfast---

Yesterday, Ethan did the grass--  and it really looks good--

 

There is a lot of grass---  I tried to weed my wild garden ---  

We are off to say goodbye to a  dear worker here in town-- Wendall----  Hopefully Himself will plug in his ears and come with me-- Son#1 will be catering----  All this man wanted  was a party after he passed--and that is what he is getting to-day- Isn't that a wonderful way to be remembered?

Remember to have a good day--We are so fortunate to be a part of to-day--

Try to dream along with Wendall--a very very wonderful business person--a husband, a father, a Grandfather, and an all round good man--Lord love a Duck--We can all have "vision"!-

Being sad is a waste of time

Getting out of the house for even 2 hrs makes such a difference in one's mind--  It brightens my day--so so much! I returned home to find Himself in a mental mess--  somehow I must bring him with me--or--get someone to sit with him--which he doesn't want--but--- something has to change----  Obviously, leaving him alone here is not working--So, no use for me to be sad about all the horrible awful things he said to me when I returned--I must change the situation somehow-I know that isn't "HIM"--  He was never like that! --I have a call to the Dementia people to see if they could help me-perhaps find someone  to sit  here with him! ---

We have a cloudy cool day outside and one can feel the seasons are a-changing!--The Hummingbirds  are  still flocking to the feeders en mass---- I must refill each of the 3 feeders at least twice each day--I think they are fewer, but its hard to say--and I'm buying  so much sugar  to mix in their brew- 

I am trying to stay out of the garden now, as much as I was doing--taking on a room a day to really clean. Well, Sadie is doing that--the cleaning Lady (but yu know who that really is!--)

Yesterday I stopped at our sports store in town--They had a sale on--50% off all summer wear--I now can wear a size 12 pant and a 14 top--hard to believe after wearing X Large  or an 18, for most of my life--Odd eh, one just has to get old to get your figure back again, it seems.

So, Lopez and Beau need to go out--I must stop worrying and get with the program--  whatever that is! 
Lord love a Duck! -- Life just goes on and on, and we are a part of it! 

Kick Up Your Heels-- and have a great day!

 We have rain--- It is nice! --- It is warm--- and we need the rain-It feels like a rainy day that one might have if one was walking thru the jungle!---  LOL---  (Well, One can pretend!)-----Lopez and I "hoofed" it up the back road--using the trees to shelter us -(well, sort of!)-AND HE DID HIS BUSINESS IN THE RAIN!---  He deserves a medal!--

Himself is having a good day--  AND---  He had a good day yesterday too! ---  It must be hard eh, as one ages-- so unsteady on the feet-- using sticks etc to stay upright--afraid he might topple over in a grocery store so waits for me in the car (Now how uninteresting is that eh?)---  It's like his world has diminished--closed in---He still likes to cook however--I lay out what we will have for supper--then he does the honours--Anyway you know, different Drs  have heard of the "Old-timers" he has, and they suggest medication, which changes his personality--  So far, he is better off without meds--or, so I believe----so far! 

The hardest part is for the "Caregiver"--which is me, of course--He refuses to wear the Hearing Aids , so what he hears is usually not what is said---  and because he gets frustrated  with the "Old-timers" condition, he becomes angry with me-- I am adapting--and becoming better at it--I am not a bossy person usually but---I am becoming that way !  Himself  tells me that I should not be so "Bossy"----just told me not to disturb him--LOL----

Anyway, life sure is different than what I expected at my age--  I try to  "not stress" over it --My oldest brother called last evening--is in his 80's--is bed ridden--  He  told me that he is going to propose to his housekeeper who comes in daily to tidy up his house-and she has 3 children UNDER 12 yrs-- Lord love a Duck!--  I hope the poor woman tells him  as it is--- I mean--refuses his offer--  I just kept my mouth shut, but I wonder what is happening with all these senior citizens-- and their minds--???-- Do you suppose it has anything to do with the fast food places all around us?

To-day  is "hair day--which teaches me that one can't control  everything-- 

Get out there and  have the best day ever! --- We will never have this day again--  Let's make  it a happy, great one!-

Hannah is 20 yrs old to-day--

I AM GOOD__AND__SMART ENOUGH--and sorta not too wrinkled  for my age-(at least when I get my hair done--)  -and strong enough to handle "stuff"--- No-one looks at me and tells me any of this--Well, you people do, but---not the neighbours  and never Himself--LOLOL--I believe that we all never hear  that enough-

I know that I struggle  to do way too much in one day--The above says, "Believe it and never let insecurity run your life"---Lord love a Duck---  insecurity sure is a big thing  everyday in my life!--- like--when the frig just quit on us-- I really thought it was the end of the world!--  But---  we were able to buy a new one-- 

I think the biggest thing I worry about is finances--  because we are on a fixed income, as so many of us are in retirement --and due to the high cost of living right now, we watch our retirement savings dwindle----but----  you know what?--It all seems to work out in the long run!---  Never let insecurity  run my day!--I need to paste this in front of my face!

To change the subject, I called our oldest Grand daughter this morning, who is 20 to-day--Here she is many yrs ago holding her wee cousin--

and here she  is one Thanksgiving- on the far RT-- ---and now she is 20 Yrs-- 

and here she is, this summer----- on the far left-- getting ready to return to University-- 

Happy Birthday Hannah!---We can  be strong -a role model for the next generation---

Lopez is crying-needs to go out-- I hope today is wonderful---- The sun is out here-- I believe the Hummingbirds are fewer--Hopefully they are finally --(I Hope!)-leaving our area soon--If you see some of them, ask them where they came from. It just might be from our 3 feeders.

Two cards are better than one!

 "--  I was mortified--I was getting bananas --from No Frills--  I used my Master Card --- It was "rejected"-

It sure didn't seem right--Anyway, back to our bank I went--transferred money to our other account--went back to No Frills--and paid for the groceries---  When I got home, I called the Master Card people and after waiting on the line for over an hour, I was told that it is a Nation wide Black out----I've never heard of that---  so --it was not my fault--but--forever and for always, I'll carry my other card with me--- which would not have helped me at No Frills as they only accept Master Card--

I am late posting, but I still wanted to let yu all know, Don't Use Your Master CARD----at least for to-day-  

Time for a wee nap--It is hot outside -We have the AC running-- We really do need rain-----  I miss you all--  hope that your day is going better than mine is--LOLOL---   I really do need a wee nap---

You might hear me Play the piano-

The Piano Tuner just left--  Himself had to sit in the study with the 2 dogs-- (They must be quiet when a piano tuner is here)  --In fact, Mom used to say, one must keep the TV and the radio off so the piano tuner can do his tuning--no extra noise! ---  It took him about 2 hrs to tune the piano--another $160 down the drain--but---- now, the piano sounds wonderful--It just sounds glorious! ---  The Piano Tuner used to come twice a yr--now only once a yr--He moved from Sudbury (2 hrs away)--to London, ON., which must be 7-8 hrs away--It's always a big deal when he comes as everything in the house stops-- and when he is finished tuning, he plays a wonderful piece which sounds amazing! There is no piano tuner in town , so I move Heaven and Earth to make sure I am here to receive  this guy--I think "tuning a piano" must be a lost art-- 

I took piano lessons , as a kid, up to Gr 6--Of course, I hated practicing, so never did practice much!  I took from the Nuns, in London , ON., who used to whack my hands with a long pointer stick when I hit the wrong notes, which happened often . (I never practiced, remember?)  -And raising 5 children, we never had the funds (I thought)_ to buy a piano. 

When Dad passed, he left all of us some money, which I took to Sudbury one weekend, as I wanted to buy a piano-- I shopped at several music stores there, but stores to-day only carry electric pianos-- I wanted a real piano--

I finally  found a used real piano--FROM THIS PIANO TUNER---- He even drove this piano here from Sudbury--set it up--tuned it --and has come here ever since. I LOVE MY PIANO_-So, I took lessons once again, from a local piano Teacher in town--until----I developed Glaucoma which was not diagnosed for a few yrs, as I struggled along with very sore eyes-Glaucoma was eventually treated and I had Cataract surgery--- and finally now , I just play for my own enjoyment--well--Beau and now Lopez seem to enjoy my music--as do the neighbours when the patio door is open.

This has turned into a long epistle ---Lord love a Duck!---  There is no moral to the story either!---Isn't it strange how one's mind wanders?---Anyway, we have sunshine--mega heat--The AC is on--and lunch is ready--Jamaican patties---I wish I could now tell you that you can come to my concert which I am practicing for, to play for the Queen----but-----well. yu do know  that is not going to happen--BUT---if you are out in a boat on our lake, yu just might hear sounds of a piano tinkling across the water--AND IT MIGHT BE ME!!!

Different ways to run away-

I feel like  running away--but--where on earth would I go?--I could go to London to visit the Queen---but--I know that is out of the question--She has not invited me--AND, being a Senior citizen, that trip is completely not affordable-And if I ever could go somewhere, what would happen to Sushi, and to Beau--?  They would miss me terribly---  Wee little Lopez would finish devouring  the rug in the living room for sure! So----I guess the best I can do, is dream ----and to tell you the truth, I don't believe I can even dream of a real place I'd rather be, than right here.

I wish I had a million dollars however---If I did, I'd not worry as much as I do, trying to keep the bank books flowing smoothly--I might  hire someone to cut down a few trees that are too close to the house---maybe turn this place into a B@B---but--then I'd have to get rid of Sadie, the cleaning Lady, who is really me---and hire full time help----also hire a full time gardener (who presently is  me also-)-- so, what would I do in my spare time?--well, maybe then I could go to London to visit the Queen--

So, if you could run away, where would you  go?---It sounds good--Maybe we could go to  a desert Island?---  You know , once, a long time ago, Himself and I, with children, went to the Dominican for a vacation-- They had "day trips"---  Himself and children decided to take a jeep trip up into the mountains--I went on a sail boat , which was advertised as going to a deserted island in the middle of the sea, and we could swim with  some kind of fish. Now to me, that was a dream come true-- I had visions of  no-one --on this island--and I could see myself (in my head)- lolling around and loving the peace and quiet-

Well! From the moment they bussed me to the sail boat, it was a complete disaster- The bus was hot and had so many people on it, one could not sit down-- I managed to get on the sail boat and the drinks flowed like there was no to-morrow-- That created another problem, as there was  no washroom--only a bucket which one had to straddle out in the open-- I thought, "Oh well, not to worry, because, soon we will be on the deserted island"--Then a thunderstorm struck as we were approaching the island- where at least 60 other sail boats were  sitting off shore--

They did manage to motor boat us ashore to the supposedly Deserted Island--with all the other boats taxiing people to shore-- It turned out of course, the island was about 130 degrees--no breeze  --no where to sit on the sand--no wash room-- and we were left there  for hours and hours-- It was just a terrible experience and I was never so glad to get off that so called, "Deserted Island"--and head back , by bus, to our hotel--

I realized after that experience , there is no such thing, in this world , as a "deserted island"-- Well, maybe in story books, like Robinson Crusoe--- It exists only in one's head--and peace and quiet  can be where ever you want ---walking thru the bush----or, in your own back yard--

Maybe "running away" can be in your head too-- and that can even be better ! ---maybe just sit down and dream --That sounds good  to me!----

 

It's World Bee Day--

 To-day is "World Honey Bee " day-- I notice many Bees as I garden-- They never seem to bother me--but--yesterday as I was hanging up a filled Hummingbird Feeder--I was stung by a hornet--never a Honey Bee---

Anyway, to-day, August 20th, 2022, is the day we need to learn more about Honey Bees--When we are planning our gardens , perhaps in the Spring, think about collecting and spreading, local wildflower seeds, from, clover, alfalfa, lavender, orange  and chestnut--These will attract Honey Bees, and promote honey Bee Pollination. I did not know that one Bee colony can have a population of 20,000 to 60,000 bees. One hive can produce 200 pounds of honey in one year.

Yesterday Himself had a nearly normal day-It was wonderful--AND, we did get out to Granddaughter's Birthday Party at Son#3's house--AND--HIMSELF WORE HIS HEARING AIDS__ SO GOOD!

Here she is--after a swim in their pool- and--here she was about 15 years ago--the wee girl with the bottle in her mouth-- which seems like only yesterday-

Enjoy the day--  It's a hot one!---  Soon we will be into Fall--Lord love a Duck! 

Lord love a duck!

I am lifted up--and it's a good thing ---  a person just can't be "down in the dumps" everyday--Yu know, yesterday I ran into Canadian Tire , after the hair-do---bought grass seed-- and the person in there said, "So how is Himself?"---  Good grief! She reads the daily blog--She made my day !---  Apparently she seems to be living with stuff in her life too!----  Just to hear her, made me feel that I'm not alone--and, all yer comments yesterday, on the very short blog , really helped--Thank yu to all!----

As you all know, we had a power outage--from 5-30am to 12-30pm--and after that, even tho we had a generator going, the house was a mess----at one point , during the power outage, I decided I would mix more sugar water for the hummingbird birds--Man go man! As soon as I plugged in the tea kettle to boil the water, the power to the whole house shut down--  I quickly turned off the tea kettle--ran down and flipped the switch to the generator which the tea kettle had turned off--and boom, the generator began to chug away again.-There are certain things one never uses  when one is on "generator power"--  I guess one is a tea kettle-- another is a coffee maker-- also I never turn on a computer or a TV--
 

So, Himself is back to being a good guy -  Lord love a Duck!--One never knows what a day will bring!--It really is a crazy life isn't it?-----I must admit that I am coping better--I used to cry a lot--now I try to figure out how to handle each day when  Himself decides that he will "handle the show"--in his way--

We have a Birthday  to go to --one of the Grand daughters who wants to be a vet has a Birthday - Years ago, when Dad was living on his own, I was taking out his garbage for him, and in it , was a year book, from when his sister graduated from the Vet School in Guelph--only she was in  the cooking part of the University-MacDonald Institute--The Year book was from 1930--The names of the people , plus their hair-dos were priceless--I kept it--- I never knew why I kept it--just found it so "neat"--  Well, our Grand daughter will be going there-- I took the year book in to her yesterday--she deserves to see her great Grandfather's oldest sister in that book--Her name was "Olive"---  Now who names their kids "Olive" to-day?-

So, life goes on--and on--Once again, I appreciate all yer kind thoughts - when I was in the "depths of despair"---Living thru  whatever a day brings, takes courage-- Some days I handle it pretty well--other days, I seem to "cave in"-

You people surely do help one get thru it all and I thank yu--

l have to "muster up" that strength-- believe that I am stronger than I think- --Hugs--- hugs and more hugs to yu all-

Power outage --Power just restored after 5 hrs-

 We just had a power outage --just came back son at 12-30pm-- We are all OK---  I just now got to turn on the I Mac-- I will message yu all later--Of course its HAIR DAY-- 

It is sunny---  and so much to do--after a power outage--was out from 5-30am to 12-30pm--

Later then--  oh--and hugs-Lynda

Himself and the bad day-

 This is Himself-- who has been terrible this morning--to me! -- #1. He can't hear and refuses to wear his hearing aids--#2. He sits in the kitchen  ALL day watching TV_-says if he moves he will fall---told me if he were in a nrsy home, he could sit all day----Yu know, I don't believe he could even get into a Nrsy home--There must be a waiting list--and if he  could just stop putting me down, life could be so much easier here!-----His whole personality has changed so much--So, that is what I am dealing with, with him--at least for to-day--

If Queen Elizabeth could just remove me from here--even for a day, I would sure enjoy life  more--(That's not going to happen is it?--)

I wonder how many women live like this  --a husband  who is not the man she used to live with--anyway--  It does help me to vent---  Only yu people hear this--and even talking about it does help me- Lord love a Duck --some days are difficult--  (I feel much better just talking about it)-

 

Lopez is rushed to the vet-

This is the Chihuahua who gave me quite a scare yesterday-- You see, Himself was away to the Ophthalmologist in Sudbury- and I thought I'd be able to have a "sorta " relaxing day----  but----it was not to happen--after working away in the kitchen tidying up, I just happened to see a candy wrap on the floor in the next room. It was a 'L'indor"  red candy wrap---  

"Oh no", I thought, "Lopez must've eaten  it"---and I ran into the living room, to see the little guy swallowing the last of a big round chocolate candy------ Lord love a Duck!-There went my , "supposed to be"--relaxing day!---I called the vet, and a very nice sounding vet assistant told me to get peroxide and how to dilute it, and syringe it down his throat--  and--if he did not vomit in 10 minutes, repeat the procedure- --I did not have peroxide----  I said , "Could she do it for me?"---  And she replied, "Yes, but there will be a charge."----

So Lopez and I made an emergency trip to town, driving way too fast and I deposited him into the arms of some nice  vet assistant, who told me to go home- and they would call me to pick him up later in the day.---

Anyway, the vet did call me around noon, and said his chocolate level was minimal--that he had vomited some of the chocolate , and he might vomit more, but to come and get him----just to watch him-- 

I threw out the chocolate candies which had been in a bowl on the dining table--In fact they had been there for yrs and yrs--for the Grandchildren-  If they ever return to the dining table, they will be put in a dish with a lid-

Himself did return from Sudbury--said he was never going back--that his eyes were perfect (so he was told)-Lopez did eat his dinner and  seems just fine to-day--'cept he has to go out to "pee" every hour or so--(wonder if he had an IV?-)--No more chocolate candies sitting around here now!- 

AND IT IS A NEW DAY---  AND ALL IS WELL--AND--the man with the rototiller will be here soon--AND-----  --and I have decided to be in a good mood!---LOPEZ (the little bad boy!)---is fine--  but---  think twice before yu get a Chihuahua -- They are climbers!-----If he wasn't so sweet  eh---  a real challenge however , for sure!

 

Himself has gone to the eye DR--The house is very quiet!

 Well, I shall try-- Hopefully I don't change my mind! ----  OK---  This morning, I got Himself all ready, as he has an eye appointment in Sudbury--at the Ophthalmologist. Son#3 is driving him.   I felt so sorry for him, as he has not been out of town for about 3 yrs-- and he was nervous!--And his clothes are all too large. I must work on buying him some new jeans etc etc-- He keeps telling me that he is shrinking-- and he really is. He told me this morning, not to buy new DUDS, as he will just keep on shrinking--and then eventually he will just vanish--  Now isn't that so sad?-He worries a lot about  "just vanishing."

So, it's just Lopez, Beau, and I at home here, and Sushi- It seems so quiet.  We have a sunny day, and I'm sure it will get hot this afternoon. I can feel the crunch, however, in the air-which means fall is in the air.-

I walked down a hallway this morning, and there was Queen Elizabeth just coming out of a bedroom-- She kinda scares yu when yu see her as she is life-size--and I forget all the time where I have put her--The only problem is, she doesn't talk to me--I always say, "Oh hello  your majesty"--but--she never replies! 

So, the house is very quiet- Can you believe that I miss Himself "chewing" at me-- bossing me around-- Just knowing he is not here in the house is not nice--It feels weird!-- 

Do you like cows?--  Did you know that a cow has 4 stomachs? I read that in my book-"All creatures great and small."

Enjoy yer day---- and if you do see the Queen, maybe she will invite yu to tea--Please tell her that I'm waiting to hear from her-

A very short blog--

 This is what you see when yu decide to visit me in Elliot Lake--the sign telling you that you have arrived! Anyway, I am taking Himself , and Lopez--and we are going for bananas--maybe gasoline --so, this is a very short blog--Hopefully yer day is going well-and I shall touch base with yu as soon as I return-

Remember that YOU_---are very special---because YOU can do everything--  just have to put yer mind to it! --Hugs

-and----  if you see any of the above people--please tell them they should drop in and see their Mom--