Summary of What's Keeping me Busy & Why I Haven't Been on Line Much

I started projects way back in August 2022 and kept a record then (see the link) for my own interest and review.  I don't actually enjoy doing many of these projects and I don't go about it very methodically.  It often takes me many weeks, even months to do a small project.  It's taking me forever to do all the little jobs I have on my list. I find that it takes much longer in a smaller home to do the work because there is no where to put anything when you are trying to do a project and you constantly have to move and remove things.  It can be quite a challenge at times and also physically tiring because a lot of the items are heavy.  There were also many weeks where I was very tired, or in pain, or both, due to several long term health issues.  

But at long last I'm starting to see and feel, the positive results of the changes I've been making and I'm happy with them.  I still have a ways to go before I'm finished.  There are projects in several rooms: living room (put up curtain rods), dining room (install the light fixture), main bathroom (do something about the toilet). I've decluttered a lot and I've got lots of items in bags which need to be dropped off at a charity.  I'm collecting as much as possible so it can be dropped off at one time rather than here and there.  I also still have a lot of paper to shred though it's mostly sorted and put in different piles. These are the main outstanding jobs. I have other job ideas in my August 2022 list but they could be considered 'nice to complete' rather than strictly necessary.

I plan to look into getting the master bathroom tub replaced with a walk in shower once I've completed the above items.  The tub replacement would have to be done by the professionals.  I also plan to undertake 2 reupholstery projects myself.  It will be my first time doing this type of work and I've studied one of the jobs on Youtube before deciding to tackle it.  The other job I can figure out myself and I've starting collecting what I need for it. 

Here is a list of projects I've completed so far in 2023.

DIYs & Household Improvements 

• Painted kitchen backsplash (May 2023)
• Installed 2 shelves in kitchen (May 2023)
• Cleaned and reorganized under kitchen sink, food cabinet & standing shelf unit where dried goods are stored (April, May & June 2023)
• Cleaned tile grout in kitchen and both bathrooms (June 2023)
• Repaired and painted walls and cabinets in 2 bathrooms (April/May/June 2023)
• New shower curtain in master bathroom (May 2023)
• Installed new cabinet knobs in master bathroom (June 2023)
• Replaced toilet fill valve and flapper in master bathroom (May 2023)
• Replaced towels in master bathroom (May 2023)
• Replaced shower curtain liners in both bathrooms (April & July 2023)
• Replaced laundry baskets in master bathroom (July 2023)
• Installed towel shelf in master bathroom (July 2023)
• Replaced door knob in master bedroom (June 2023) still need to replace 2nd bedroom knob
• Installed new wall sconces in living room (March 2023) and master bedroom (April 2023)
• New floor lamp for living room (July 2023)
• Decluttered hundreds of small items (Jan - ongoing)
• Decluttered hundreds of papers (Jan - ongoing)
• Decluttered most of the cracked pots and other items from patio
• Replaced wall clocks in dining room (February 2023) and master bedroom (January 2023)
• Decluttered dozens of items from patio and garden (May - ongoing)

Other

• Lots of paperwork relating to income taxes, property taxes, city government forms completion requirements, retirement requirements, banking etc.
• Lots of medical tests, management of blood glucose, sleep & body work (physio, massage, reflexology, exercise), dental crowns and cleanings
• Participated in several webinars relating to health and exercise

When I get tired of projects I read, watch a good movie, get together with a friend or make something.

Once my 'to do's are nearing completion I hope to spend more time on creative things. 

Some of the makes & alterations this year include:

• Crocheted a blanket (February 2023)
• Crocheted a Pineapple doily (June 2023)
• Sewed a summer top out of double gauze cotton (July 2023). I'm hoping to make another one in white soon along with pull on trousers or a dress.
• Sewed a navy light knit summer top (July 2023)
• Shortened a wide leg pair of trousers  I bought in 2022 (July 2023)
• Sewed pillowcases with Star Wars theme for my niece (July 2023)
• Hemmed various trousers (July 2023).  I've got lots more to do, mostly trousers requiring hemming and other items requiring small repairs.

Read 36 books or 13,158 pages (Jan - July 2023). The goal is 50 books or 20,000 pages, whichever comes first.

Planted small community plot (DH does the weekly watering) (April 2023)

This post summarizes my projects so I can look back later and see what I've done and when I did them. It also serves to show why I haven't been on line very much. 

I'm sorry I haven't had the time or energy to keep up with blogs but now and then I try to read your posts.  I don't seem to be able to do my work and blog at the same time.  The projects weigh me down and interfere with other plans. If I go ahead with other plans, the projects don't get done. 

I think once I've cleared away the 'stuff' and finished a few of the next projects, I'll feel a sense of 'freedom' and a weight lifted off my shoulders. There are lots of things I want to do besides decluttering, reorganizing and DIYs and I'm looking forward to the day....hopefully sooner rather than later if my energy holds.  

If you have time, I'd love to hear how you cope with DIYs and projects and whether you too find they interfere with your social media activities, and blogging in particular.

Summer Solstice ~ Tuesday 4 Meme

Welcome, it's Tuesday 4 time.  Annie keeps the meme going in memory of her friend Toni Taddeo who really enjoyed her blogs. 

The Summer solstice arrived and some got hot weather and some got chill and rain.  But summer is the time for holidays or vacations, summertime activities and being outdoors more.  It's also a time, like winter, for complaints and we realize that people in Texas, Arizona and Florida stay inside in summer.

1. How is summer treating you so far this year?   Could things improve? How do you make summer fun in your neck of the woods?

This year is a rather different summer for me. Normally I try to get out and enjoy some events and outdoor venues as well as take a few short trips a few hours north, see some local friends and try and stay cool. This summer we had a very hot start to the season but just prior to and after the intense heat, I've been consistently busy with small home improvements.   In addition to the usual daily routines, appointments and continual decluttering process, I do a little on various projects almost every day when I'm up to it.  I'm finding my schedule very full this summer with all the above, health related things like lab tests (lots of those, and a few doctor appointments. In between I'm reading, crafting and spending time with friends.  I'm also clearing out all the stuff from the patio because the patios will be totally redone in my building. They should have started work already so they are behind schedule since we don't even know what the financial costs are yet. The owners have to vote on the work plan at a special meeting too.

Looking back at my blog posts I see that I began home DIYs way back in August 2022. Wow! I think it has all really been much more work than I originally planned.  All of it is for the purpose of making my small home work much better for us than it did before and making more space by getting rid of a lot of things.  I'm spending all my 'free time' doing projects so now and then I take a break and do something like get a massage or a mani-pedi. I simply haven't had much time for blogging though. I hope to improve on that but not quite sure when I'll be up to doing more of it.

As I go along I see something else that needs or improving.  While I get rid of things I am also adding a purchases here and there. I'm trying hard not to buy anything that isn't strictly necessary because it's probably much better to wait until I've fully decluttered.  (Does one ever reach the point of full decluttering. I know that decluttering is a constant process but I'd like to get to the point of just maintaining rather than doing big clear outs.)  Things always seem to crop up.  For example, a knob broke off the top of a perfectly good floor lamp.  I wasn't planning on buying any more lamps so now I had to add it to the list. Of course I couldn't find something similar at a price I was willing to pay so ended up ordering something else altogether.  It will be a few more weeks before it arrives. Only then will I see if it works in the space. I did consider repairing the lamp but the piece that broke felling into the lamp and is no longer accessible.

2.We give you magic powers! You can change the climate, the surroundings, even  your house and anything you like. Tell us what you are doing to make your summer or your entire year better..... GO!

Oh goody! If I had magic powers I would have all my DIY projects done in a flash and done just the way I want them without having to try several times to get the project 'just right'.  I'd also like to expand my space by about half of what I have now and I'd love to have a dog and a cat.  

In the not too distant future I expect it is going to get very hot again. I don't enjoy the heat so I'd want to have more moderate temperatures so everyone can get outside and enjoy nature.  I'd also like to take some day trips or overnight trips with DH so he can see more of this beautiful country.

Another thing I would do with magic powers is take another trip. I'd love to go somewhere different but also back to Kenya.

3. The puppy on the boat at the right is your new friend.  He wants a name.  What name will you give him and would you like to be in that picture (if you can't sail we will provide someone for you!)

I've never been on a sailboat but it looks like fun with the wind blowing back one's hair as they sail across the ocean. I'd name the puppy Jerry in honour of my very first puppy.  Like most puppies he was very sweet and loving.

4.   It's friendship potluck day at your house this month.  Everyone is  coming. Please assign us what dishes each of us are to bring to make for a great day.  (By the way, you needn't use names. Just name some dishes  you would like people to bring along),

A few dishes to bring, potato salad, fruit salad, water melon, grapes and cherries, corn on the cob and various meats for the grill as well as buns. Rotisserie chicken is always great too.  These foods are more for a summer picnic which everyone loves.  One thing I used to love was a refreshing punch a friend would make. I can't remember quite what went into it but basically orange juice, pineapple and a fizzy drink like ginger ale.   That is probably far too much sugar for me now so I'd have much with a lot of ice.

What Things? - Tuesday 4 Meme

It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Questions about your life.

1. What makes you tired?

Loud and obnoxious people in a social setting or in a public space,  hot weather, shopping and too many errands or hard household work.

  

2.  What things do you enjoy in life?

Faith, family, a few trusted friends and the physical energy to do a few enjoyable hobbies.

3. How do you want others to see you?

As a kind, compassionate, honest and God fearing person.  Someone who will be helped when in needs and not just useful when others are in need.  We are all human after all and no one person can be the best on their own at all times.

4.  What things do you enjoy most and find most relaxing to do?

I enjoy many things and most of them are simple. These are in no particular order. I enjoy a good coffee, a warm, sunny day, birds in the garden, lovely flowers growing or cut, simple, fresh foods especially made by others, a nice sweet, a good song, a good poem, a good book. But all of these things are best enjoyed in the secure knowledge of a loving, Heavenly Father who cares for me, faith that I will see those of my loved ones who've gone on before me again, loved ones here on earth who make time to touch bases and show love even if they are busy and friends who do the same. I enjoy slow walks, sunsets, sunrises, green spaces, flowers poking out in places that seem impossible, travel to places near and far and someone with whom I can share all these things.

~~~

It's Been a Very Hot Week - Skywatch Friday, May 19, 2023

Hi friends and fellow bloggers,

We have been experiencing extremely hot and dry temperatures over the past week and wild fires have broken out in several places around the province. Wild fires are also raging in northern Alberta and now into the province of Saskatchewan.

I stayed in as much as possible and only went out late in the afternoon. 

The first few photos were taken earlier this week at sunrise followed by a few photos taken at the park where I have my garden allotment. 

I was out for a long walk on one evening and stopped to rest at a bench outside of a coffee shop. This beautiful planter box was net to me. Isn't it a lovely sight on a busy street? That's what I love about my city. You'll find greenery and plants everywhere. Even on busy streets we often have small gardens planted by guerrilla gardeners.

 I hope you are staying safe and cool wherever you are.

Thank you for visiting my submission to

Skywatch Friday this week.

What Do You Think ~ Tuesday 4

  

writing happy things

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  It's so nice to have you here.

Let's talk about you this week.  Let others know your feelings and convictions. Give some advice and some wisdom.  And remember to visit the other contributors to get to know them and find out their opinions too!

1.  What do you believe the purpose of life is?  

When one is a Christian the purpose of life comes into clarity. We have a very brief time on earth. Our eternal home will come after our physical body dies, therefore the purpose of life is to make sure you know you are headed where you want to spend eternity and to live your life accordingly.  I want to spend eternity with God and his Son, Jesus Christ and the multitudes of heavenly hosts and the saints who lived and died throughout all the ages, including mybown loved ones. I also believe we have a duty to share our faith with others so that they too can learn about the salvation plan. 

2.  How do you handle stress ? What do you recommend to others who are stressed out?

We all face stress on a daily basis whether we realize it or not.  It affects us whether we are conscious of it or not.  As a result, I have learned many ways of dealing with stress and I employ them as and when needed.  For example, I pray and read my Bible, listen to uplifting music or read inspirational and motivational writings. I also go for a walk, speak to a friend, ask for prayer, do something with my hands, read a book or focus on breathing. When we are stressed we tend to hold onto our breath and our breathing can become very shallow or difficult.  Stretching exercises are also good for someone who experiences tension in the muscles due to high stress levels or physical ailments like fibromyalgia or arthritis.

3. What enjoyable things do you wish you could do more often? How would  it improve your life? 

I enjoy so many things but one thing I wish I could do far more often is travel. I love to travel far and wide to distant places and it can require more stamina, energy and resources than I currently have. Many of my relatives live far from me and I would love to take some long road trips to visit them too. Travel would improve my life because it makes me happy and happiness is good for one's health. The bible says that "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones".  Proverbs 17:22

4. Do you believe in God?  Why or why not?

I do believe in God. When we hear the gospel preached we have a choice to accept or reject what we hear as truth or fiction. I choose to accept the Bible as the true and inspired word of God and moreover to accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he died on the cross and shed his blood to save me and all of mankind from sin and eternal damnation. I accept and believe in God and his Word through faith. 

Living a life of faith doesn't always mean things go smoothly and easily in life.  But even when going through difficulties and trials there are many scriptures that give comfort and hope. 

Two of the scriptures that have helped me countless times are the promises of God in Romans 8:28  "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" and Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us".

Double Headed Sakuru Blossoms

In the middle of April or so we had the first wave of cherry blossoms. But it had been quite cold and rainy so not all the tree blossomed. This week we are experiencing a second wave of blossoms. Most of these are the double flowered cherry blossoms.

They aren't blooming as prolifically as normal but they are beautiful nonetheless. Daily temperatures have been very hot this week but once the sun goes down it is still a bit chilly. I've been wearing sandals all week and the lightest clothing I have. It's a huge change from a week ago.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you aren't getting tired of my posts about blossoms. Soon they will be finished for the year once more.

I'm linking up with Skywatch Friday today. Enjoy your weekend.

The Party ~ Tuesday 4

Another week has flown by and we are already staring a new week in the face.  Time for  Toni's Tuesday 4.    

Everyone loves a party.  Imagine you are arranging a party or an affair for a friend.  Perhaps a home wedding or a milestone birthday.  Share with us your best ideas please.  Money is not a concern.

1.  a. What is the occasion?  

The occasion is a wedding. 

    b. Will there be a theme to the party?

There will be a spring theme, assuming the wedding is in the spring season.  Colours for the theme will be in pastel shades of rose, pink, lavender, creams and whites.

2.   Will there be music in the background or perhaps a hired band or DJ?  What music will play?

There will be beautiful classical music in the background selected for the ability to create a sense of elegance, grace and calm. Perhaps there will be some other music that is prepared for weddings and receptions.

The music of Pachelbel Canon in D will be played as the bride makes her way to the floral arch to meet her groom. 

3. Describe how you will decorate the house for the party/wedding.

The wedding will be held on the patio and the entire home will be festooned with tall, elegant and extravagant floral bouquets. Some will be selected for fragrance but nothing too overpowering as some people have allergies.  On the patio itself there will be bountiful flowers all around the perimeter. There will be a floral arbor under which the bride and groom will stand for the ceremony. The arbor or arch will be something like in the photo below minus the bouquets at the bottom on each side. Instead those lower arrangements will be arranged all around the patio and indoors.

4. What kind of foods will you serve and will it be finger foods or a sit down meal? Catered or home style?  What kind of cake?

In keeping with the simple, yet elegant nature of the wedding we will have finger foods catered by a company known for healthy and elegant finger foods (click the link for some examples). There will be a variety of both hot and cold foods to ensure people have what they would like. There will be wedding punch to drink and toast. There will also be a beautiful yet simple cake with ivory frosting and more flowers all in white and off-white such as in the examples below. I like the first cake but the floral arrangement in the 2nd photo.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about the wedding plans. Please be sure to RSVP.