Friday, February 26, 2021

The Last Friday in February 2021

This week I thought for sure we were going to get spring weather but it snowed again.  When I awoke on Thursday this is what the scene looked like (left side). As the day progressed the sky clouded over and the snow melted

There was a pinkish glow over the ski mountain (to the right of the church steeple in the photo). The phone camera didn't capture the colour so well.


I bought most of these small cans of herbal teas on sale and I've only just started drinking them. The two I've tried (Antiox and Immune) are quite good. The Early Grey is not herbal tea but it is decaffeinated. 


These came in handy this week while I was fighting off a sore throat during the snow spells we've been having. Normally I enjoy a cup of Rooibos tea (Red Bush tea from South Africa) at night.


I baked these beef pot pies a few days ago as lunch items or snacks.  They are store bought and I don't like them much but they fill a need if nothing else is handy.

 

Reading

I finished reading Woman in the Wilderness which I found interesting. This woman who lives in the wilds of New Zealand has written two books but my library only has this one.


 

I'm finishing up with these two books. The fashion book is super interesting and is basically about the psychology of fashion or clothing and also provides tips on how to construct a minimalist wardrobe. I've been trying hard to fill the gaps in my wardrobe for years but with steady weight loss it has been challenging. I keep having to get rid of things and buy new things though I only ever buy on sale. Thus I don't always have the best selection or the colour selection I want but I do my best. There is no way I will pay full price for things though I do try to buy good quality regardless.  This week some on line purchases arrived. I didn't have much luck with them though. Most of the clothing was either a tad too small or a tad too big. I was very happy to have get a pair of slip on shoes for a fraction of the regular price. They are just a tad too long but I know the next size down would be too small and the store doesn't have any stock left whatsoever. I guess the clearance price made it appealing to a lot of other women. Anyway, whenever items don't fit it is a lot of work to package it all up and return it. I will try to do that this weekend. I may even go to the store in person to speed up the refund.


 

The next book on my list, The Beekeeper of Aleppo, looks and sounds interesting. If you click on the title of the book I've linked it to an article in the Irish Time, summarizing how the author came to the idea for the story and how it took shape.
 


Shopping and Air Travel Points

I went shopping today a bit farther afield than I usually go because there is a point promotion going on for collection of Air Miles. I made a list of items I need that gave bonus Air Miles.

 

Of course all this food needs to be sorted and put away. My fridge needs a good cleaning too.

It takes forever to collect these points or rewards unless you shop at all participating stores. Which I don't. I save these and eventually hope to use them toward a few nights hotel somewhere.  I'm not sure where I will go yet or how easy it will be to use the points. I only used Air Miles once before on a trip to New York. We stayed in Seacaucus, NJ and another place near the Jersey Shore. It was many years ago now but I do remember that both places were Holiday Inn hotels with the latter being an Express (limited services).  I especially enjoyed the service and the location of the Holiday Inn at Seacaucus. They are located in a mall area with access to restaurants, cinemas and a few shops.  There is a shuttle bus that takes you to the train station which you can hop on and it drops you right downtown Manhattan at Penn Station.  We actually chose this location to avoid paying for car parking in Manhattan.  It can get rather pricey. In those days I was barely walking so all these things were very important to my stay. If I should ever return to NYC I would gladly stay in Seacaucus again. 

Covid 19 Vaccination Plan

We are a little behind in my province for getting vaccines though they did start implementing them in late January to residents in care homes and staff. On Monday the government and top medical doctor will release details of where and how to register for the vaccination. They have already identified in which order different groups of people will be vaccinated and it is for the most part based on age. It means I will be at the end of the queue though I suppose that could change. Either way I'm okay with it. I'm more concerned about those that are older and in care or dealing with people every day. At least I can keep myself at home and much safer than many others can.

Kenya 

Pastor Jonah has been working on the court documents for the land grant and a court hearing will be held in early March. Hopefully this will conclude the court process for the land grant to be effective. After that land will need to be registered at the Land Title Offices and so there will be some cost and time involved in that process as well. 

I realized the other day that I hadn't sent any funds for planting. In earlier years I would help the people do the planting in January which is the normal start to the planting season but the last few years I've had to delay the planting as I've found myself over extended as costs have risen both in Kenya and in Canada. We really cannot delay anymore otherwise several families are without food to eat through the year. So funds have now been sent. In a few days additional funds will be send for the day to day needs (medical, soaps, additional food stuffs like flour and oil, etc.). If you are able to assist in any way kindly get in touch.

At Home 

I'm marking my 3rd year with the community garden plot located a few blocks from my home.  Last year I found it difficult to manage two gardens during the time of Covid.  This year I've asked a young relative to take over the garden for me and she readily agreed.  The garden overseers have already been in touch about compost, garden repairs and so on that will occupy the summer months. My relative is eagerly studying and learning about what to plant and how to start seeds. If she enjoys the gardening experience maybe she will want to continue with me the following summer or get her own plot.  With the help at the community plot I will only have to care for the patio garden and I have a lot of work to do there. Despite my best intentions of cleaning it last autumn I never got around to it. I need to start buying what I need soon and I hope if all goes well that I can start this weekend. If not, it will be next weekend.

Take care everyone and stay safe.

I'm joining in with Skywatch Friday.


30 comments:

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Amazing before and after shots of your patio! Pretty shot of the church steeple. Have a nice weekend!

Jeanie said...

What a good, newsy post. I like those Tetley teas in the small boxes but I can only get them when I visit my friend in Canada. Glad to hear they have a decaf Earl Grey. I've been easing off caffeine since my afib and have cut by 75 percent. And I do like Earl Grey! A smart idea sharing the garden or passing it on. They require so much upkeep and perhaps you'll still get some veggies from it!

Love that hint of pink in the sky. A lovely post all around!

Joanne Noragon said...

How lovely the snow melts so soon and leaves a lovely sky.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Emjoyd the photos of the pation and the churnch

Rhodesia said...

Wow snow again..... Spring does look like it has sprung here but I am quite sure we will have another cold spell before it really is spring. Looks like I will have to cut the lawn though as with all the previous rain, and now a bit of sun, it has just shot up!! Keep safe Diane

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Penny
Looks like you snow melted quickly. Pretty view of the steeple and pinkish color in the sky. I have never seen tea in containers like this. We are still waiting for the vaccines here, I hope they start sending more doses. Take care, enjoy your weekend!

Alana said...

I've seen that too many times where I live - the morning sun, the afternoon white/grey sky. Tetley tea - I live in the Northeast U.S. and have only seen Tetley in boxes of black tea - never in tins. Quite a selection. I've gotten big into herbal teas over the past months (since I seem to have problems tolerating caffeine now) but I've not found wellness teas I enjoy. It will be May before we can plant our spring garden. Stay safe. Alana

Lady Fi said...

You have some nice views. I really loved The Beekeeper of Aleppo!

Ranten said...

Nice pictures! I have not read "The Beekeeper of Aleppo", but I just read "The Secret Life of Bees", an older book but new to me :-)) Loved it!

Happy weekend!

Pamela M. Steiner said...

So good to hear from you and get caught up on what you have been up to. Sounds like you keep busy with many things. Glad you will have help with your garden this year. I hope it will be productive! I haven't had Tetley Tea in a long time as I usually get Lipton. but I always liked the name Tetley, because my grandparents' name was Tedlie, and it always makes me think of them. Silly way to think of tea, but that is how I connect it ever since childhood. I just don't see it in the stores as much here, and never with that variety. Wondering about your beef pot pies. Do you cook them all up and then freeze them for later, or were you going to eat all those at once? Just wondering. They look good enough to eat! LOL!! I prefer chicken pot pies, but beef would be good once in a while. Beef is just so expensive anymore, we usually just get ground beef to make it go farther. I miss having good beef roasts/stew etc. Have a blessed weekend. So good to catch up with you.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You are going to be very helpful if you drink all that tea!! I used to drink coffee all day long but now switch to tea. I used to drink a lot of Roobois and loved it. Now my brew of choice is Yorkshire Gold. Very strong stuff.

affectioknit said...

Hi Penny,
I do hope you are feeling better...the Beekeeper is on my list to read too...let me know how you like it...we're saving our Airmiles for a trip to Japan...we're phase 4 for the vaccine here too...but it's easy enough for me to stay home and fairly safe...I've not been in a shop in months...I pick up my groceries and occasional takeout food...and my Mom got her vaccine so I'm happy about that...
~Have a lovely day!

Nancy Chan said...

I have been drinking tea on and off. I too drink lots of coffee at one time but now have cut down on coffee.

Jeevan said...

Looking at the melting speed of the snow seems spring isn't away. The view of the mountains and church sounds awesome. And I hope you get the vaccine soon...

Joyful said...

Thanks so much! You have a nice week ahead.

Joyful said...

Jeanie, I'm glad you like newsy posts. I often write them to remind myself what I've been doing otherwise I can't figure out how I've been spending my time, lol. The decaf Earl Grey is quite nice and thankfully regularly available. I do still like my coffee with caffeine but I switch to decaf and herbal teas in the evening.

Joyful said...

Yes it is nice most of the time but this year I wanted the snow to last for a few days so I could take a walk or two in it. Sounds crazy but we don't get snow every year. It would have been nice for Christmas.

Joyful said...

Thank you Carol.

Joyful said...

Hi Diane, yes we seem to have had a lot of snow fall this winter but none of it stayed longer than a few hours. I hope your lawn cutting goes well.

Joyful said...

It did indeed Eileen, unlike your snow that fell and fell and then stayed. I hope you get your vaccines soon. On Monday they will announce how we register for ours. Have a great week ahead.

Joyful said...

Hi Alana, I grew with a LOT of snow but in the north country it shines every day and it is quite pretty with all the white snow. Where I live now it is grey for half of the year when it is rainy season.

Joyful said...

Thank you Lady Fi. I'm looking forward to reading the book. It is ready for pick up but I'll probably wait now until end of week.

Joyful said...

I think I started reading "The Secret Life of Bees" but never finished for some reason. I'll have to go back and try again. Thank you for your kind words. Have a great week ahead.

Joyful said...

Hi Pamela, I'm very glad to have the help with the extra garden this year. I've already gone out to buy some seeds for my patio garden bu soil wasn't available yet. I prefer chicken pot pies too but I think I bought the beef for a change of pace. We will snack on the meat pies so I don't have to cook every day all day :-)

Joyful said...

Yes the teas will be good for me. I love Rooibos and still drink a lot of it. Yorkshire Gold would probably keep me awake for days, lol.

Joyful said...

Thank you Teresa. I will let you know about the Beekeeper. It's exciting to plan a trip to Japan. I'm going to read another book which you might be interested in. It's called, The Samurai's Garden. I'm glad your mother got her shot already. Have a great week ahead.

Joyful said...

Hi Nancy, I've cut down on coffee but still drink it almost every morning; at least one cup.

Joyful said...

Thank you for your visit Jeevan. I do enjoy seeing the mountains and the church steeple every day. The sky against the mountains and the steeple is always changing. Have a wonderful week ahead.

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely post ~ you are keeping creatively busy ~ hope your sore throat is better ~ thanks for visiting and commenting ~ Happy Week to You ~ ^_^

Living moment by moment,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

stardust said...

Tasting various different tea is fun. I drink a cup of black coffee for its cocoa polyphenol in the morning, and several kinds of caffeine-free tea, as well, but water is my main daily intake. Hope your sour throat is improved. I like cherry blossom photos in your place. Regardless of the severity of winter, sakura starts to bloom when temperature exceeds 15C. COVID vaccination for the population of the aged 65 and older, about 36 million, will be finished till June in Japan. The number would be nearly the same with your country’s whole population. So, it’s still a long way to go to achieve herd immunity. Life goes on, and I’m always amazed how time flies. Have fun as much as possible.

Yoko

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