What's on My Mind & In My Basket

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

Happy mid-week to you.  I hope you are all well and good.

I cannot believe how fast May flew by and now we are almost through a full week of June. How did that happen? I seem to say that the time flies by so fast but lately I hear everyone else saying it too! I guess it means we are all getting older.

In sad news there are so many wildfires burning across Canada. It is devastating for many smaller communities and for the people who live in them.  Not only does it affect Canadians but Americans have been saying how their air quality is being affected in various parts of the USA. Unfortunately it isn't even the official beginning of summer yet and the meteorologists are forecasting a hot, dry summer ahead. Hold on to your hats.  If you're the praying type, please keep in prayer for moderate temperatures and more rain.

Here at home in southern British Columbia, we are okay but in the northern part of the province wildfires are burning.  Here in Vancouver, I've found it quite cool.  Despite the local meteorologists forecasting hot weather for several. days I've only felt very warm temperatures on one day and that didn't last all day long.  If I had to choose though, I would far rather it stay on the slightly cool side.

While the weather has been cool, I've been keeping super busy and trying to get as many things done before hotter temperatures arrive.  When it gets too hot I really am not up to doing much except trying to stay cool.  Sometimes I wonder how come I'm always so busy and never seem to catch up to things.

I think it's a combination of getting older and having too many hobbies. When a person gets older, they tend to have more medical appointments and medical related appointments, especially if they have a medical condition. There is always a test to do, medicines to pick up, a specialist or doctor to meet. Then there are also the dental visits and eye doctors which most people have. I seem to have lost my eye doctor and have to find another one because I haven't had an eye examination for quite some.  In my case, busyness is also greater this year.  After several years identification cards need renewal including, government ID, driver's license and my passport.  Two gardens needed to be planted and 2 tax returns needed to be be prepared and filed.  All of it within the same month or two. On top of that, the building where I live always has major projects going on.  While these impact  all residents. My particular apartment has had 2 leaks from upstairs which needed investigation and repair. In fact, the 2nd one is not yet completed.  It's a good thing I don't have to go out to work every day or this would be a difficult situation to manage.

Last, but not least, I always find more work for myself.  For example, the decluttering and cleaning project I started long ago.  Related activities include the purchase of several new furnishings (patio conversation set, storage sofa and adjustable bed and mattress) all of which took time to research and compare options before buying, and the organization of delivery and haul away services. 

Honestly, there is never enough time in a day and I also don't want to waste time.  Time is going by so fast and it's such a precious commodity.  Does anyone else have the same issue with time and too many things to do?

Despite the busyness, I'm happy that I've kept up with some reading and I've also started making more time for hobbies. 

Here are the current books I'm reading or about to read.

An Ocean of Minutes was a of a genre I don't normally read, a dystopian, fantasy novel.  The books revolves around the relationship between Polly and Frank. Frank becomes sick during a pandemic and the medical care he needs is cost prohibitive.  Polly decides to help him by signing on as a bonded labourer into the future. The company she is employed  by will pay for Frank's medical treatment.  Frank and Polly promise to meet one another in Galveston, Texas in 12 years time but Polly ends up being re-routed an additional 5 years into the future.  When she arrives she can't find Frank and the city has changed enormously.  Polly must learn to survive in a totally changed America.  She has with no money, no friends or family and no status in the country.  This begins her search for Frank and the heartbreak that goes along with the search.

Reading this book, at this time, seemed very appropriate to this time and place with all the radical changes taking place right now.

Meet me at the Lake is the second book I've recently picked up by Canadian author Carley Fortune.  I picked it up quite randomly and didn't realize that the author is quite a popular author. 

T he book is about a young woman named Fern who lives and works in the big city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her mother dies and leaves her a Muskoka lakeside resort.  Unfortunately, the resort is in a tight financial situation.  Before her mother dies, she hires a consultant named Will to help get things on a more even keel.  Fern doesn't find out until Will arrives at the resort to begin his work. Will is a former boyfriend bof Ferns, one who ghosted her so there are lots of unresolved feelings.  Will doesn't know that Fern's  mother has died when he checks in to begin his consultancy.

I enjoyed several things about the book such as the settings for the book (Toronto, Muskoka Lakes, Vancouver) and the general story arc.  However, the writing  is a bit too graphic for me when it comes to the intimate situations between the characters.  It's probably quite tame for some people.  But for me, it's a little too much. 

In A House for Alice, Alice Pitt has been living in England for over 50 years. After her husband dies she yearns to return to Nigeria to live out her last years on earth. Her daughters however, are torn over whether their mother should return to Nigeria or remain in London.  Her youngest daughter Melissa, is not only coping with the loss of her father and her mother's departure for Nigeria but her marriage is also breaking down.  I haven't gotten too far into the book but it seems to be about how significant life events can have negative impacts on one's family foundations.

I haven't started the next two books but they look interesting.  I just picked them off the shelves because I was short of reading material at the time. Now I've got too much to read.

The Paris Express is based on a real life event, a French railway disaster of 1895. It's ready for pick up at the local library.

Some of you may know that I started a major decluttering & reorganizing project quite some time ago.  In between these tasks, there have been many interruptions so it's taken forever to make progress.  The main purpose of the project is to create time and space to for work on a number of hobbies. One of those hobbies is crochet.  

In May, I started making some crocheted dishcloths as gifts for friends. I also made an oversized cardigan for a friend who has a birthday coming up later this summer. Earlier in the year, I made a few cushions for a cousin's birthday. I haven't given them to her yet because she is supposed to visit this summer from a city about 1200 km from me. I will give them to her during her visit. I also made a few knitted dishcloths. Before the year ends I hope to work on other hobbies as well. If the weather remains moderate, I may be able to do some of my work outdoors on the patio. That would be ideal as I could play some nice music while I work. Not too loudly though as I don't want neighbours complaining. I suppose I could also just use my phone and wear earphones.

The Dishcloths

The Oversize Cardigan

The Cushions

Scenes from Saturday

 I had a long tiring day on Friday so I stayed home on Saturday.

It was a spectacular bright and sunny day.

I bought a skein of yarn yesterday. I didn't know what to make with it but the colours are nice and soft for summer.  I've now decided on what to do with it and will likely need a few more skeins.  Here is the start to the project. It will take considerably more time than the dishcloths I've made recently. I'm making good on my intention of the year to be more creative (mainly with crafting).

I watched an old black & white classic movie which I've seen once before. It's called Portrait of Jenny starring Jennifer Jones and Edward Cotton. I enjoyed it but it's a bit sad as far as love stories go.  It's also in the realm of fantasy.  Here is a link to the full movie.

I really enjoyed Jennifer Jones in multiple roles. I believe the first movie I ever saw of hers was with William Holden, entitled "Love is a Many Splendid Thing".  I also enjoyed her in "The Song of Bernadette" for which she won an academy award.  Edward Cotton was in so many movies I saw as a young person. He was good in all of them. Have you seen any of these movies? Did you enjoy them?

Today,  I made chicken rice soup and dumplings. I put in too much rice so it's more like chicken rice stew (congee consistency).

The stew was very filling!

While I was cooking and crocheting I did a few loads of laundry. Now I'm set for tomorrow when I plan to go out.

Enjoy your evening and the rest of your week. Thanks for visiting!

How I Spend Some Rainy Days

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

How is the weather in your world today?

Weather here has mostly been like in the first photo below. Alternatively it's been raining and a bit cold. But we've had a few warmer days and in the next few days the forecast is for considerably warmer weather. We'll see if that comes to pass.

I've been quite busy but when I am at home I've been keeping busy crocheting these two sets of dishcloths. I made them for gifts for 2 different friends.  One can always use a dishcloth because they need to be replaced every 6 months or so though I know some people use them for much longer.

I've also picked up the pace with my reading once again.  But I feel I want to make more time for doing new crafts.  I have several projects around the home in order to get ready for summer guests so I'm not sure I'll be able to work in new crafts until the Fall and Winter though I'd dearly love to do so.

In the meantime, I read more books, make more dishcloths or do more cooking and baking when I want to do something creative but don't quite have the time to do something 'new'. I have some plans for new hobbies, or old hobbies that need to be picked up again. At some point I'll feature them in this space.

I'm still working on reading the books in the first photo above. I completed The Family Upstairs, the first book in a series.  I found it well written and it kept me guessing until the very end.  I recommend it if you like mystery thrillers.  

I also really liked Pamela Anderson's collection of recipes.  There are a number I'd like to try but there is now a long waiting list for this book at the library so we'll see if I get a chance.

What about you? Are you working on any crafts or projects or are you already into summer relaxation? I'd love to hear in the comments section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Skywatch Friday ~ May 16, 2025

Hello everyone,

After some sunny but not yet quite hot weather, we are now getting more spring showers. You know the old saying?  April showers, brings May flowers. But it feels much colder than usual at this time of year and though I know there are flowers elsewhere, mine aren't yet at that stage.

Anyway, I take the rain as it comes. I don't mind it as long it isn't raining heavily for weeks on end as it can sometimes do.  We west coasters get out and about no matter the weather.  Today I had to get out for a walk and do some errands.  I don't carry an umbrella anymore and since it was more than drizzling, I stopped to buy a plastic rain poncho at the dollar store.

After running errands I stopped for a Japanese Bento Box of Chicken Teriyaki and tea to warm up.  It was delicious.  

Once I got home, I finished crocheting a set of dishcloths. This is the first time I've made this pattern and actually the first time I've made a crocheted dishcloth. Normally I make a simple knitted version.  I picked the pattern from a YouTube video. The pattern is called Berry Pattern.

I hope you are enjoying the weather and the skies where ever you are. Thanks for stopping by my post for this week's Skywatch Friday.

Renewal & Keeping Busy

Hello friends,

It's been a very busy few weeks. I've been in the process of renewing and refreshing my home and garden.  This has involved researching various large household items for purchase and going to brick and mortar stores where possible.

One thing I wanted was a storage bed.  But once I got to the brick & mortar store to check out mattresses, for a storage bed I got sidetracked.  Instead of finding a mattress, I found an adjustable base and have made a tentative decision to buy it if I can organize a new mattress.  Earlier, I spent an enormous amount of time looking for a storage bed and an appropriate mattress before I switched tracks. I've got a few weeks to find a suitable mattress.  My DH was not sold on the idea of a storage bed.  But he does like the idea of an adjustable bed.  So when I was at the store trying out mattresses and bed bases, I came to see the health and comfort benefits of a bed we can adjust for comfort.

As you likely already know there are just so many mattress options available at a variety of price points.  But it's not that easy to find one you (and your partner) like and at the right price point.  Now that I found an adjustable bed base (and DH approves), I have to find a compatible mattress.  A lot of mattresses these days are just not that deep.  Combined with an adjustable bed base that isn't very high because it doesn't require a box spring, it's a bit more challenging to get the bed height one would like.  I don't like sitting on chairs, or sleeping on beds, that are too low to the ground.  I'm actually surprised that most of the mattresses I've looked at aren't even 10 inches deep.  The last time I went mattress shopping which was many, many years ago, I recall that mattresses were very deep and pillow top mattresses were all the rage. Do you remember when 14 inch sheets were all the rage because the mattresses were so deep?  I wonder when all that went out of fashion?

If I find the right mattress in the next week or two, I'll know for sure about the bed base.  I've paid a refundable deposit and the store is holding the bed base for me. After searching and searching for a mattress with no luck as of yet, I thought maybe we should just keep what we have. But DH and I would both be more comfortable in a larger bed, which by the way brings up another purchase need.  A larger bed requires larger sheets. Thankfully the bed spreads and comforters I have will still work. I'll have to donate several sets of sheets but will keep 1 or 2 to use on the sofa bed.

Another thing that's taking time is the new garden and patio set up.  The entire patio was rebuilt in 2024 and the garden has had to be planted from scratch.  I really wasn't up to figuring out what to plant and doing the work of planting in time for it to be patio ready by warmer weather.  So for now, I've planted a variety of colourful flowers, mostly annuals, all from seed. I've also planted 3 bushes.  Over time, I hope to have a better idea of what I'd like in the garden and more time to work in the garden as well.  I had hoped to have the community garden planted by now too but there has been so much rain. I'm hoping to be able to finish the planting there by the end of Easter weekend. So far, I've done a little garden planning and purchased the seeds. I'll also have to buy some nursery plants.

We already have a patio table and chairs. I think we'll be spending more time relaxing outdoors this summer so DH and I agreed to purchase an outdoor sofa and armchairs. They'll be delivered on Wednesday. We haven't actually seen these items in person but they look to be gray in colour or greige (greyish beige). Once we see them we'll know how they go with the current patio umbrella (beige) and patio chair cushions (red) purchased just last summer. 

Unfortunately, there seems to be little choice in colours and patterns when it comes to outdoor furniture.   They are either dark and gloomy looking, wild with patterns or wild with colour.  Our primary concerns are comfort in the cushions and comfort in the height of the seats.  I have sat on similar cushions at the store to the ones I've purchased and they are very comfortable.  The seats are also 30 inches from the ground.  Other options I saw on line were mostly 22 inches off the ground. Thirty inches should be quite comfortable for most guests and for us as well. 

Chairs

I posted here about buying a new storage sofa and I'm loving it so far.  DH was quite happy with the leather sofa we're recycling. I told him the sofa is not doing its job when we need so many cushions to prop us up.  His main issue is the quality and durability of the furniture. The old sofa set was quite durable.  I could have refilled and stuffed it, but it would not solve the storage issue.  The set had more than paid for itself in terms of use, so it was time to let it go.  

The new sofa is firm and comfortable and the storage option has really made a huge difference in my daily life.  To date, I've been storing things to get them out of the way.  When I have a little time here and there, I sort and recycle the stored items. The leather armchair we had has been taken apart and the frame recycled.  I saved all the leather pieces which I'll either use or giveaway.  The leather sofa is still sitting in the living area.  We'll be renting a truck this week and moving it and 2 other pieces of furniture to the city dump.

Sofa, wooden bench & Pilates chair

In preparation for new furniture deliveries, the different corners of the house have to be cleaned.  Bags have been filled with clothes, books and other odds and ends which will eventually be donated to the Salvation Army.  Ideally, I'd like to have as many things as possible gathered for donation before they are delivered to cut down on the back and forth trips.  On the other hand, I don't like storing them for too long because visual clutter is overly stimulating and not in a good way.

Spring is here and with it I feel a sense of renewal and progress. My theme word for 2025 is 'renew'.  So far the word is working for me.  In 2024, the master bedroom and the patio were completely rebuilt.  It's appropriate that those spaces are being refreshed and renewed in 2025.  

What about you dear reader? Did you choose a theme word for the year 2025.  If so, what is it and how is it working out so far?

Take care until next time.