SNAP THAT

Reducing I mentioned in yesterday's post that I had a bit of time to get rid of some stuff through the local Freecycle.  My efforts to get rid of things paid off and now I've cleared up some of my clutter. I love pretty, fresh cut flowers. Yesterday and today I gave away several items of clothing (mostly vests and sweaters) that I've had for a long time but never wear.Since I've purchased newer things in the last 2 years I must get rid of other things to make room. Sometimes you just have to admit that some of your purchases weren't quite right and let them go. But there are also things one has for such a long time that can be let go to make room for something new.  The things I recycled were in good or like new condition and went to a lady who was very much appreciative.  I also recycled a lot of other items such as: books, bread machine, coffee machine, fabric remnants and DVDs (music and movies). I've got lots more to get rid of but I prefer to ta

Hi friends, I've been sleeping more than usual. I feel I am fighting a cold but then again, it might be side effects from one of my newer medications. I've had 5-6 colds since the start of 2016 and that doesn't seem plausible though I do have friends who have had such a high number of colds.  It is just that I don't generally get colds.  I've also recently learned that one of my medications can cause upper respiratory tract infections. I will have to check into this in more detail with the doctor soon. The colder weather is on the way I've been on the hunt for some stylish hats and vests that are a bit on the dressier side. I've heard that we can expect a  colder than usual winter season and I want to make sure I have the right attire that can also be worn for nights out to the symphony or concert.  I managed to find two hats and a nice cosy vest which I think will work nicely. I got this cosy hat in gray faux fur to go with my black car coat.  I al

Hi everyone, I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful weekend. After a few days of warmer weather and sunshine, the rain has returned to the coast. It is also colder than usual for this time of year. Or at least it seems that way but I'm sure it will warm up again before the month is over. Although the gardening season is now over, I am still enjoying some colour in the container garden. I haven't looked after the garden since about the middle of August & I am amazed it has done as well. I guess it is all the rain we've had. Once the season is well and truly over, I will be cleaning all the garden debris in preparation for Winter. This past weekend I enjoyed completing the 3 books I posted about last time.  I can now add those to my annual tally.  I'm still 2 books behind schedule. Right now I'll focus on reading a very cute children's book about Dr. Doolittle by Hugh Lofting.  It was written in the 1920s.   I never learned about Dr. Dooli

This week I've been trying to get back into a normal schedule and have had a very busy week. I've taken out my wall calendar and plotted the appointments I've made for the months of September, October, November and December. Doing this makes me feel more in control and less frazzled and enables me to pace my days and weeks so as not to get too tired. When a friend calls for a get together it is also much easier to see when I can easily get together without feeling too squeezed for time. When I get together with friends I love to have a free day  so I can easily spend time with them and afterwards have a relaxing time of shopping or making my way back home. It's also been a good week of frugality.  The freebies and good deals are welcome indeed because expenses have been rather high with all the travel and associated expenses to visit mom and the health care and daily essential needs of people in Kenya. Ways I've saved money this week: free haircut and style

I captured this interesting series of sky photos with my cell phone a few days ago. I haven't been out with my camera lately so have had to rely on my smartphone. I need to try and make some time to get out with the camera but the days seem so busy. September is fully booked with errands, appointments and things that really need to get done. Then it will be October and Thanksgiving which comes a bit early (it seems) but it is always on the 2nd Monday of October. A friend will be visiting from Toronto, Ontario and has offered to make the dinner. He is a great cook who once owned his own restaurant so it is no sweat for him to do so.  Many people have a day off work on the second Monday of October. They often use the three-day Thanksgiving weekend to visit family or friends who live far away, or to receive them in their own homes. Many people also prepare a special meal to eat at some point during the long weekend. Traditional

Every year at this time I am amazed at how the weather dramatically shifts from Summer to Fall.   Overnight the temperature goes from warm to chilly once September arrives. It never fails though often once that happens we continue with much warmer weather into September and sometimes even October. Soon we will be singing this song (Fall officially begins on September 22nd this year) These dramatic sky shots were taken with my smartphone while in the car home to Vancouver from visiting my mom in the Interior of the province. Once in Vancouver it was also cloudy and has been cloudy and a bit rainy every day since. Before I left for a week to see my mother I put most of  my potted plants in the shade and watered them. They held up well but the season for growing is pretty much over, especially as far as pansies (violas) go.  I took this horizon shot yesterday. Today is the first day back to school for all university students and any

The last time I posted here my mother had had a serious stroke and was admitted to hospital.   I'm happy to say she was discharged to her home last Saturday.  We spent a few extra days visiting and making sure she was settling in okay,drinking adequate fluids and eating. She is currently on a pureed diet and on gel like water flavoured with honey and lemon. She likes the flavoured water much better than the plain old thickened water they had at the hospital. On August 31st we were able to celebrate her 80th birthday. It was a real joy to see her be able to mark the occasion and in her own residence. We usually have a dinner and cake and a few family members gather with her to celebrate.  We planned to do the same this year but had to forego that idea for now because mom cannot eat a normal meal. In fact, we were not even sure she would make it to her birthday.  We are pleased with her progress and have promised we will have a proper dinner and cake when she is