Well here I am. Been awhile. The second last post I made here, was the day my mother my mothers' life changed. Shortly after that post, I got a call, saying my mother had a seizure and was taken to the hospital. A few hours later, after tests, we were told it wasn't good. She had cancer.
Let me go back.a bit to last year.
Last spring, mom went to the doctor, complaining about a spot on her arm, that was itchy, and hurt. The cdoctor said to watch it and come back if it changed size, color, etc.
2 months later it had done just that. She called the doctors' office, and was told, the doctor was off* on sick leave, and getting surgery.
Then it was September. The doctor was back so she went in. The doctor shouldn't have, but he removed it himself, and sent it away to be checked. It came back that it was a malignant, and the worst skin cancer you can have. She had more tests/scans to check if the cancer had spread, and all came back clear. This was in November 20120
Just a note, my mother was never one to sit in the sun and avoided it as much as possible. The spot she had was in the area of the arm exposed to sun while driving the car. And she did not smoke, and ate healthy.
On April 5 of this year, 5 months after being told she was cancer free, tests showed she in fact had cancer. It all began with the little spot she had the year before, that was removed. The doctors said what had happened is that when the mole was removed, some cancer cells had broken away, and spread through the body.
So mom now had cancer in the pancreas(or spleen, I forget), lungs, and the brain.
The prognosis was the worst. She was at this time in stage 4 already, and it was aggressive. The worst there can be.
She was given a life expectancy of about 4 months at this time.
After this day, she never drove a car again, never walked outside unless it was to get in the car to go for an appointment to the cancer center. She never really even had a normal conversation again.
There was no time to set up for any radiation treatments. There wasn't even time to get set up with a home care nurse to come in.
2 weeks after being diagnosed, at the first visit by the home care nurse, by this time she couldn't do anything but lay in bed, couldn't even stand up, or hardly talk. Her heart rate was low, so an ambulance was called.
My sister called to tell me. We were told mom might not live through the night.
That night I went up, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done, is walk into that hospital room.
I held her hand, and told her loved her. She was somewhat awake at this point. It's so terrible to hold the hand of your own mother, and try to give a bit of comfort, knowing it may be the last time you see her alive.
A couple days later, I went back to see her. At this time, I could hear the loud gurgling noise from outside the room. I knew what that noise was.
It was a painful visit. I don't know if she was even aware that I was there at all.
I am not religious, not have any beliefs, but I still sent out a prayer, for her to go quickly without pain.
I knew for sure when I left that day, I would never see my mother again.
The next morning, mom died. I remember that morning well. The sun was finally shining after months of our cold long winter, and the birds were singing loudly. I remember thinking, that is exactly the kind of day, she would have chosen to go.
~rip mom~ I think about you every day.
Apr 29, 2013
~Rip Mom~ and a New Baby
My mother passed away last week, of a skin melanoma that had spread to the brain.
~RIP Mom~
I became a new great aunt last week as well.
Welcome baby Brooke Lee Anne Sandra :)
Such a bittersweet week.
~RIP Mom~
I became a new great aunt last week as well.
Welcome baby Brooke Lee Anne Sandra :)
Such a bittersweet week.
Apr 5, 2013
Spring Beginnings..
Spring is here.
Well by the way of calendar anyway...
(We're into our 7th month of cold weather!)I'm to sure how much more I can take.)
Even at this point though, after weeks of dreaming of warm, sunshiny weather, birds chirping, & tree buds blooming, I haven't given up complete hope that spring is going to hit soon. What a thrill it will be to wake up with sun beaming through the window in the morning, and stepping outside and feeling the warmth.
Bailey and I had our first spring walk a couple weeks ago, I believe it was on the first day of spring.
Here is what our walking trails looked like.
........full of snow!
Bailey enjoyed it, me not so much, though it was much warmer in amoungst the trees, where a person(and dog) could be a bit sheltered from the bitter cold wind.
Here is on of Bailey's summer swim spots. He tried to get in too. This dog has no fear!
I am truly getting tired of cold weather food. Especially this week, while trying to come up with some recipes to use up the huge ham we had over this past weekend. As I type this, I have a ham and potato soup concoction in my fridge ready for tonights' supper.
I by no means ever considered myself any great cook, for 1, I hate cooking. I'm more of a baker.
Last night I made fruit rollups. The second time ever, the first time was 16 yrs ago, lol There is something about baking with fruit that gives a person a "summertime" feel. Even in the dead of winter.
Doesn't this fruit look good....
for the record, do not use blueberries if doing this. They tend to make the end result a bit lumpy, and it will take longer to dry out.
Mine took about 14 hours.
Even though, I have been housebound, suffering a severe case of cabin fever, I still have hope of warm days ahead.
Yesterday was a bit warmer then it's been, so mother nature is finally getting around to it. We're ready!
Bring it on!
Well by the way of calendar anyway...
(We're into our 7th month of cold weather!)I'm to sure how much more I can take.)
Even at this point though, after weeks of dreaming of warm, sunshiny weather, birds chirping, & tree buds blooming, I haven't given up complete hope that spring is going to hit soon. What a thrill it will be to wake up with sun beaming through the window in the morning, and stepping outside and feeling the warmth.
Bailey and I had our first spring walk a couple weeks ago, I believe it was on the first day of spring.
Here is what our walking trails looked like.
Bailey enjoyed it, me not so much, though it was much warmer in amoungst the trees, where a person(and dog) could be a bit sheltered from the bitter cold wind.
Here is on of Bailey's summer swim spots. He tried to get in too. This dog has no fear!
I am truly getting tired of cold weather food. Especially this week, while trying to come up with some recipes to use up the huge ham we had over this past weekend. As I type this, I have a ham and potato soup concoction in my fridge ready for tonights' supper.
I by no means ever considered myself any great cook, for 1, I hate cooking. I'm more of a baker.
Last night I made fruit rollups. The second time ever, the first time was 16 yrs ago, lol There is something about baking with fruit that gives a person a "summertime" feel. Even in the dead of winter.
Doesn't this fruit look good....
for the record, do not use blueberries if doing this. They tend to make the end result a bit lumpy, and it will take longer to dry out.
Mine took about 14 hours.
Even though, I have been housebound, suffering a severe case of cabin fever, I still have hope of warm days ahead.
Yesterday was a bit warmer then it's been, so mother nature is finally getting around to it. We're ready!
Bring it on!
Mar 16, 2013
Trying to Find Myself
Hello again.
Seems like forever since I have posted here. I'd like to share that the reason is because I am so busy, but that would be a lie.
I've been distracted, stressed, and generally, just not living life to the fullest. Not even close.
I had high hopes I would come out of it, this week as it is March break. Time to catch up on extra sleep, do things with my daughter, etc.All the things you try to cram in.
For one thing, it's been miserable weather outside this week. Nothing like last year, when the temperatures reached 27C. (That was a spring heat wave here.)
So yes the winter coats are still out front and center in the closet, along with mittens and scarves.
I've been eating too much junk food, sleeping too much, avoiding people, the phone, generally slacking off, left right, front & center.
I did get around finally to giving the dog a haircut and a bath. Such a long process, and I still need to do more as my dog shaver decided to die, so I am left with scissors to do the job. Sigh...
We stopped in at Dairy Queen the other day for a sundae. You know, ice cream is just not the same in a cold winter like day.
I am so craving the sun, and the warmth it brings. It's been a long, (almost) 6 months. Bring me some heat!
I am ready for walks along the beach front, hikes in the woods with the dog, and ice cream that you can eat outside, not inside, with the heat turned on!
I have hardly taken any photos lately. It's too dark inside most of the time, and too cold outside. Plus I need a new camera. I have outgrown my old one. It's time to move up!
Speaking of photos, while cruising around the internet I found this site. You can sign up and post a photo a day to your own calendar. Check it out.
I am seriously considering taking up yoga. Between the stress of the last months, and the cold in my bones, I'm thinking this will be good for me. I found a good studio, down at the waterfront, and I plan to have my trial membership in the next week or 2.
I also need to quit smoking (shhh).
Yes I know. There is a stop-smoking clinic here in the city, that provides, FREE, support, and stop smoking aids. I can't go wrong with that. Calling on Monday morning.
As a parent, I've learned, once your kids gets older, you cannot control their decisions they make. Even when you've been there and know what is best. You cannot "make" things better for them. You can only hold yourself up, and be "there" for them, when and if they want you to be.
I've been a mom for almost 26 yrs.More then half of my life, but I still don't know who I am?
Seems like forever since I have posted here. I'd like to share that the reason is because I am so busy, but that would be a lie.
I've been distracted, stressed, and generally, just not living life to the fullest. Not even close.
I had high hopes I would come out of it, this week as it is March break. Time to catch up on extra sleep, do things with my daughter, etc.All the things you try to cram in.
For one thing, it's been miserable weather outside this week. Nothing like last year, when the temperatures reached 27C. (That was a spring heat wave here.)
So yes the winter coats are still out front and center in the closet, along with mittens and scarves.
I've been eating too much junk food, sleeping too much, avoiding people, the phone, generally slacking off, left right, front & center.
I did get around finally to giving the dog a haircut and a bath. Such a long process, and I still need to do more as my dog shaver decided to die, so I am left with scissors to do the job. Sigh...
We stopped in at Dairy Queen the other day for a sundae. You know, ice cream is just not the same in a cold winter like day.
I am so craving the sun, and the warmth it brings. It's been a long, (almost) 6 months. Bring me some heat!
I am ready for walks along the beach front, hikes in the woods with the dog, and ice cream that you can eat outside, not inside, with the heat turned on!
I have hardly taken any photos lately. It's too dark inside most of the time, and too cold outside. Plus I need a new camera. I have outgrown my old one. It's time to move up!
Speaking of photos, while cruising around the internet I found this site. You can sign up and post a photo a day to your own calendar. Check it out.
I am seriously considering taking up yoga. Between the stress of the last months, and the cold in my bones, I'm thinking this will be good for me. I found a good studio, down at the waterfront, and I plan to have my trial membership in the next week or 2.
I also need to quit smoking (shhh).
Yes I know. There is a stop-smoking clinic here in the city, that provides, FREE, support, and stop smoking aids. I can't go wrong with that. Calling on Monday morning.
As a parent, I've learned, once your kids gets older, you cannot control their decisions they make. Even when you've been there and know what is best. You cannot "make" things better for them. You can only hold yourself up, and be "there" for them, when and if they want you to be.
I've been a mom for almost 26 yrs.More then half of my life, but I still don't know who I am?
 |
| it was -12 this day |
Feb 27, 2013
A busy snow day.
I jumped out of bed this morning, well rested with a planned busy day ahead of me. Then I caught a glimpse outside the window. Yes that's right.more snow overnight. Enough, that school buses were canceled again.
This is beginning to be a habit we've had more snow days this winter then I can ever remember.
When I was in school, (and supposedly we used to get way more snow then now-a-day's), would have loved to have this many days off school.
So the day started out with taking the dog out. It was quite blustery this morning at 7.
Then it was off to get groceries. The good thing about bad weather is the grocery stores are never busy .
Putting my groceries away I discovered something had been spilled over so of course I then had to clean the entire fridge out before I could put anything away.
Good way to get it gone though. Lol
I've had a craving all day for iced tea. No one in my house, likes iced tea but me, so I thought instead of doing a whole pitcher, because I would only end up drinking the whole thing in a day, I would make it in a mason jar. I have no big glasses, so this was perfect. I like to be able to see what I am drinking though.
I have been dreaming of summer lately. I know I'm rushing it, as we haven't got to spring yet, but we usually seem to go from winter right to hot weather is, so I can dream.
And I always associate strawberries with summer, so I had to get some while at the grocery store.
They don't last long with my daughter though, lol
This is beginning to be a habit we've had more snow days this winter then I can ever remember.
When I was in school, (and supposedly we used to get way more snow then now-a-day's), would have loved to have this many days off school.
So the day started out with taking the dog out. It was quite blustery this morning at 7.
I think Bailey, must be the only shi tzu who loves snow.
Then it was off to get groceries. The good thing about bad weather is the grocery stores are never busy .
Putting my groceries away I discovered something had been spilled over so of course I then had to clean the entire fridge out before I could put anything away.
Good way to get it gone though. Lol
I've had a craving all day for iced tea. No one in my house, likes iced tea but me, so I thought instead of doing a whole pitcher, because I would only end up drinking the whole thing in a day, I would make it in a mason jar. I have no big glasses, so this was perfect. I like to be able to see what I am drinking though.
I have been dreaming of summer lately. I know I'm rushing it, as we haven't got to spring yet, but we usually seem to go from winter right to hot weather is, so I can dream.
And I always associate strawberries with summer, so I had to get some while at the grocery store.
They don't last long with my daughter though, lol
Feb 22, 2013
My DIY fleece rug
I've been wanted to try a diy rug, for a few weeks now but was unable to at the time because I could not find a base. A lot of the tuts I found were using t-shirts, and a shirt as well for a base, that you had to make your holes in. No way was I going to attempt to puncture holes into t shirt material. Way too tedius for me.
But the other day I was in the dollar store, and there it was! For only 2 dollars, one of those *things* (I'm sorry, I am tired tonight of cannot think of the word) you put under mats to stop them from sliding on the floor. Looks identical to the base in a latch hook kit.
I had a bit of black fleece left, so once I got home I started.
I wasn't sure if this would be easy or not. I found the worst part was cutting the fleece into strips. The actual weaving it into the base was simple.
I wanted to only make a small mat, for in front of the sink in one of my bathrooms. The whole thing took me about 3 1/2 hours, less then a metre of fleece fabric.
I think it turned out great for a first try, and I am happy with it.
I am going to start on one for my daughters room, next week, in some pretty pastal colors, maybe a design of some sort, and in a bigger size. As well I will take some pics of the steps I take, and make a little tut for anyone wanting to try this.
But the other day I was in the dollar store, and there it was! For only 2 dollars, one of those *things* (I'm sorry, I am tired tonight of cannot think of the word) you put under mats to stop them from sliding on the floor. Looks identical to the base in a latch hook kit.
I had a bit of black fleece left, so once I got home I started.
I wasn't sure if this would be easy or not. I found the worst part was cutting the fleece into strips. The actual weaving it into the base was simple.
I wanted to only make a small mat, for in front of the sink in one of my bathrooms. The whole thing took me about 3 1/2 hours, less then a metre of fleece fabric.
I think it turned out great for a first try, and I am happy with it.
I am going to start on one for my daughters room, next week, in some pretty pastal colors, maybe a design of some sort, and in a bigger size. As well I will take some pics of the steps I take, and make a little tut for anyone wanting to try this.
Feb 20, 2013
Is spring here yet?
Canadians are well known for it. Complaining about the cold in the winter, and the heat in the summer. I admit I am one of those who complain.
While I love being fortunate in being able to experience all the beautiful seasons we have, you can only take so much. And much is an understatement. We are in our 5th month of cold weather, and snow. I have had enough! I think I have the right to say that! The wonder and beauty of the season has long past! I am starting to feel like a caged animal.
Just the other day, it was so cold out, I had to walk through, 2 malls just to get where I was going, not because it was a shortcut, but it gave me a chance to get out of the cold wind. Today was a bit warmer, then it has been, at about -7. That's celcius, to you all in the u.s.
March Break is upon us, in a few more weeks. I am looking forward to this, with great expectations! Last year, we had over 15+ C . We had huge snowbanks, melting, and people were actually wearing flip flops! Here is some pics of last years March Break. But then the cold came back(I had to go read my march posts, lol).
Actually we did have one more unseasonably warm march break, back in 2008. I remember this because my son, was 12 at the time, and he and his friends were swimming in march! What a site that was, kids swimming in a lake, with huge ice burgs floating around.
We had another long weekend. Yesterday was "family day". My daughter and I stayed in, watched movies, and made cake! It's a shame this holiday isn't in the spring, so people could actually go out, to enjoy the day. Then this morning, I wake up, and find that is is snowing like mad outside, so buses were canceled again, another day at home!
My little grand-daughter came to visit this afternoon.I cannot believe how she is growing. She is still so tiny though, and light as a feather.
She had a great time, reading through the food and drink recipe magazine from the liquor store.
I cannot believe she will be 2 in July.
I hope you're all having a nice week.
While I love being fortunate in being able to experience all the beautiful seasons we have, you can only take so much. And much is an understatement. We are in our 5th month of cold weather, and snow. I have had enough! I think I have the right to say that! The wonder and beauty of the season has long past! I am starting to feel like a caged animal.
Just the other day, it was so cold out, I had to walk through, 2 malls just to get where I was going, not because it was a shortcut, but it gave me a chance to get out of the cold wind. Today was a bit warmer, then it has been, at about -7. That's celcius, to you all in the u.s.
March Break is upon us, in a few more weeks. I am looking forward to this, with great expectations! Last year, we had over 15+ C . We had huge snowbanks, melting, and people were actually wearing flip flops! Here is some pics of last years March Break. But then the cold came back(I had to go read my march posts, lol).
Actually we did have one more unseasonably warm march break, back in 2008. I remember this because my son, was 12 at the time, and he and his friends were swimming in march! What a site that was, kids swimming in a lake, with huge ice burgs floating around.
We had another long weekend. Yesterday was "family day". My daughter and I stayed in, watched movies, and made cake! It's a shame this holiday isn't in the spring, so people could actually go out, to enjoy the day. Then this morning, I wake up, and find that is is snowing like mad outside, so buses were canceled again, another day at home!
My little grand-daughter came to visit this afternoon.I cannot believe how she is growing. She is still so tiny though, and light as a feather.
She had a great time, reading through the food and drink recipe magazine from the liquor store.
I cannot believe she will be 2 in July.
I hope you're all having a nice week.
Feb 8, 2013
Keeping busy this week, and a snowstorm!
Well I have to say this week has flown by for me.
As I've mentioned in my last couple of posts, I have discovered the wild exciting world of DIY.
This week I have made 3 trips to "Fabricland". I have made my daughter a fleece scarf and mittens, a pillowcase, and hair scrunches, and a couple of days ago, I spray painted(yes I did) an ugly little black, cheap bookshelf I had sitting in a closet. I did it, in this pretty blue color, it really does look great.
I am in the process now, of *trying to make my daughter(she has became my guinea pig), fleece slippers. These are very difficult, I'm finding, much harder then the mittens. I have one done already, but I am hoping the second one will be easier, and quicker now that I kinda know what I am doing. I learn more by jumping in and just doing it, and I could not find a tutorial so I had no choice. By the way, I do not have a sewing machine, no reason to before now, lol, but I wish I did, and know there is so much more I could do, and much quicker, if I did.
Speaking of more, the last week, I have realized, there is so much I can fix and brighten up, around my apartment. I am learning, you don't need to have a few hundred, to buy, a brand new, boring beige chair, that my mother would like. What I mean by that is, I spent all my years seeing my mothers, blah, boring, version of "decorating"(I use that term lightly), that I never developed my own sense of applying what I like, in my own surroundings. I am learning you do these things, for yourself, not other people. And I cannot not afford to throw a few hundred away on a brand new anything, in fact! (I will not buy furniture at a second hand store either, for fear of bedbugs getting in my house either). So, there is an alternative, rather then starving, lol. I guess that means, getting creative.
We're getting quite the snowstorm, as I speak. It started late yesterday afternoon, and is still going strong. School buses were cancelled today, as well. This is probably our 5th or 6th long weekend this year, due to a snowstorm (or PA day). They always happen on a Friday or a Monday.
I'm not complaining really, it's a great excuse to stay inside, and you really can't get around in this weather too well, anyway. In fact the public was told to stay off the roads altogether today! It didn't stop them, I seen 3 cars in the time I am making this post, stuck on the road outside my window. I guess some people need to learn first hand, before they will believe things are said for their own good. So for you who are experiencing this storm, listen to the reports about staying home and off the roads, really, no job, or kids' dance class, is worth, what could happen to you, if you venture out in this mess.
I took this photo at noon today, hard to see but much worse today.
Hope you all have a great night.
As I've mentioned in my last couple of posts, I have discovered the wild exciting world of DIY.
This week I have made 3 trips to "Fabricland". I have made my daughter a fleece scarf and mittens, a pillowcase, and hair scrunches, and a couple of days ago, I spray painted(yes I did) an ugly little black, cheap bookshelf I had sitting in a closet. I did it, in this pretty blue color, it really does look great.
I am in the process now, of *trying to make my daughter(she has became my guinea pig), fleece slippers. These are very difficult, I'm finding, much harder then the mittens. I have one done already, but I am hoping the second one will be easier, and quicker now that I kinda know what I am doing. I learn more by jumping in and just doing it, and I could not find a tutorial so I had no choice. By the way, I do not have a sewing machine, no reason to before now, lol, but I wish I did, and know there is so much more I could do, and much quicker, if I did.
Speaking of more, the last week, I have realized, there is so much I can fix and brighten up, around my apartment. I am learning, you don't need to have a few hundred, to buy, a brand new, boring beige chair, that my mother would like. What I mean by that is, I spent all my years seeing my mothers, blah, boring, version of "decorating"(I use that term lightly), that I never developed my own sense of applying what I like, in my own surroundings. I am learning you do these things, for yourself, not other people. And I cannot not afford to throw a few hundred away on a brand new anything, in fact! (I will not buy furniture at a second hand store either, for fear of bedbugs getting in my house either). So, there is an alternative, rather then starving, lol. I guess that means, getting creative.
We're getting quite the snowstorm, as I speak. It started late yesterday afternoon, and is still going strong. School buses were cancelled today, as well. This is probably our 5th or 6th long weekend this year, due to a snowstorm (or PA day). They always happen on a Friday or a Monday.
I'm not complaining really, it's a great excuse to stay inside, and you really can't get around in this weather too well, anyway. In fact the public was told to stay off the roads altogether today! It didn't stop them, I seen 3 cars in the time I am making this post, stuck on the road outside my window. I guess some people need to learn first hand, before they will believe things are said for their own good. So for you who are experiencing this storm, listen to the reports about staying home and off the roads, really, no job, or kids' dance class, is worth, what could happen to you, if you venture out in this mess.
I took this photo at noon today, hard to see but much worse today.
Hope you all have a great night.
Feb 6, 2013
Blueberry Banana Bread
I've been happily having bursts of energy lately, so yesterday afternoon, in between sewing mittens up, and re-arranging my daughters' bedroom, I decided to make some Blueberry Banana Bread.
This is very moist and heavy.
Preheat Oven 350 C Grease & lightly flour loaf pan.
Combine together;
Pour into prepared loaf pan
Bake for 1 hour, and cool
(I always grab an extra bag, the plastic ones, near the bakery in stores, when I'm there), to use for wrapping baked goods like this.
This is very moist and heavy.
Preheat Oven 350 C Grease & lightly flour loaf pan.
Combine together;
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 large mashed bananas
- 1/2-3/4 cup blueberries
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Pour into prepared loaf pan
Bake for 1 hour, and cool
(I always grab an extra bag, the plastic ones, near the bakery in stores, when I'm there), to use for wrapping baked goods like this.
Feb 5, 2013
DIY Pillow Case-My first do it yourself project
I have been wanted to cover my ugly faded bluish couch for awhile, so me being the oh-so-NOT-crafty person, (I dream of being crafty) lol, I went searching online, thinking maybe I could find an easy solution. Everything seemed so difficult, time consuming, and costly even. While searching I came across DIY projects, now of course I got way off track of what I had started to do.
At the end of the search anyway, I decided to spend a bit of money and buy a slipcover. I was not going to attempt to make one of these, especially since I don't have a sewing machine. Well it was a thought anyway, lol
So, over the weekend, my daughter and I went shopping. We ended up at walmart, and of all they had, an ugly beige duck something or other material, and a brown suede like, or white. Well with 2 black cats here(they're my sons' cats, he is temporarily staying with me), there was no way I was getting white, though I would have really loved to. So I settled on brown. I pondered over it a bit first, well actually a long time, wondering about the brown since I am not a decorator, and I didn't want my apartment to look dreary. Then it came to me! All the tutorials I seen online the day before. I could cover some throw pillows to brighten it up, and not too much of a job, to hand sew. Does anyone even do these things by hand anymore?. That was the plan! And the start of something I may regret.
So you know, the next day I flew to the fabric store, to look around, blindly really, because I had no idea of measurements, etc, I just knew I had this ugly burgundy throw cushion, that could use brightening up.
Well, right in the store, the plan changed. I thought first I would practice, so I got some fleece, girly fleece, and set out to make a pillowcase for my daughters' pillow.
Here it is, and she loves it, and couldn't wait to sleep on it last night. I only have a photo of it finished because I wasn't sure it would even turn out, lol.
(btw, the background the pillow is on, is the color of my coach slipcover. What colors would go good with this?)
I bought a metre of this fleece, for $5.00, and I used just half of the metre, so I need to find something to make with the leftover material.
My daughter had an idea this morning, mittens. So I went on a hunt for an easy online pattern. Then today I, you guessed it, ran to Fabricland, to get some elastic for the wrist part. I have the mitten shapes cut out already. I'm going to work on these a bit later, because I'm warn out from the excitement, of what I'm getting myself into.
Oh I also bought more fleece, a double sided, light pile type of fleece, in a solid color that matches the blue in the pillowcase, and the plan is to make my daughter a throw blanket.
Here is the color, isn't it pretty? (That's the outline for the mittens on top of it) I will post a photo of them when I have them done.
Oh and yesterday I also, took some dollar frames, spray-painted them, and put my daughters artwork inside. It's a great way to personalize her own space. I wished I would have done this before now. Better late then never though.
So I have a couple things going already, but I am real happy to have found another hobby.
At the end of the search anyway, I decided to spend a bit of money and buy a slipcover. I was not going to attempt to make one of these, especially since I don't have a sewing machine. Well it was a thought anyway, lol
So, over the weekend, my daughter and I went shopping. We ended up at walmart, and of all they had, an ugly beige duck something or other material, and a brown suede like, or white. Well with 2 black cats here(they're my sons' cats, he is temporarily staying with me), there was no way I was getting white, though I would have really loved to. So I settled on brown. I pondered over it a bit first, well actually a long time, wondering about the brown since I am not a decorator, and I didn't want my apartment to look dreary. Then it came to me! All the tutorials I seen online the day before. I could cover some throw pillows to brighten it up, and not too much of a job, to hand sew. Does anyone even do these things by hand anymore?. That was the plan! And the start of something I may regret.
So you know, the next day I flew to the fabric store, to look around, blindly really, because I had no idea of measurements, etc, I just knew I had this ugly burgundy throw cushion, that could use brightening up.
Well, right in the store, the plan changed. I thought first I would practice, so I got some fleece, girly fleece, and set out to make a pillowcase for my daughters' pillow.
Here it is, and she loves it, and couldn't wait to sleep on it last night. I only have a photo of it finished because I wasn't sure it would even turn out, lol.
I bought a metre of this fleece, for $5.00, and I used just half of the metre, so I need to find something to make with the leftover material.
My daughter had an idea this morning, mittens. So I went on a hunt for an easy online pattern. Then today I, you guessed it, ran to Fabricland, to get some elastic for the wrist part. I have the mitten shapes cut out already. I'm going to work on these a bit later, because I'm warn out from the excitement, of what I'm getting myself into.
Oh I also bought more fleece, a double sided, light pile type of fleece, in a solid color that matches the blue in the pillowcase, and the plan is to make my daughter a throw blanket.
Here is the color, isn't it pretty? (That's the outline for the mittens on top of it) I will post a photo of them when I have them done.
Oh and yesterday I also, took some dollar frames, spray-painted them, and put my daughters artwork inside. It's a great way to personalize her own space. I wished I would have done this before now. Better late then never though.
So I have a couple things going already, but I am real happy to have found another hobby.
Jan 28, 2013
A long weekend
Well we've had a long weekend of sort here.
Friday was a "PA" day, so my daughter was home. Then today I get up, and see we've got lots of snow through the night. Seems most if not all the whole province got a snowstorm, and lots of cities/counties cancelled the school buses.
This weather has been a bit nuts the last couple weeks. Last week, it was 30 below, and today it's going up to +11.
I've been a bit housebound, well a lot, so I have been stuck on the computer way to much.
Friday was a "PA" day, so my daughter was home. Then today I get up, and see we've got lots of snow through the night. Seems most if not all the whole province got a snowstorm, and lots of cities/counties cancelled the school buses.
This weather has been a bit nuts the last couple weeks. Last week, it was 30 below, and today it's going up to +11.
I've been a bit housebound, well a lot, so I have been stuck on the computer way to much.
Jan 23, 2013
Tomorrow is the day.
Back in November, I posted about how, I had gone in for an ultrasound, because blood was in my urine when I went in for some standard blood/urine tests, for a health care course I was set to take.
Additional urine tests I had, also showed the same result, but with no bladder infection, which can also show blood in the urine, weather microscopic or visible.
The scan was to see if there was any tumors, or problems in the urinary tract.
Well the scan showed nothing, but then I was told to go for a urine cytology. You can read what that is here. My doctor specifically mentioned bladder cancer, but I realize there are a whole lot of other diseases, that this test can detect.
I put that off until the new year. I just didn't want to think about it anymore.
I have spent way too many days worrying about this, I guess I am at the point now that nothing would really surprise me. For the first month of this going on, I could think of nothing else. I imagined what life would be, having to need Chemotherapy, numerous trips to the doctor, and having to have an ileostomy bag. I guess you could say I think of the worst case scenario. I do.
I've read all I could find about bladder cancer. I will tell you the one thing I have discovered though looking for information, was that bladder cancer, is not an old person disease. And alot of those people were not non-smokers either. And many led healthy lifestyles. So I guess we're all a potential victim of this disease.
As for the rest of whatever could be causing this, I haven't read up on any of those, although I have a feeling I will be doing that soon.
For a year I have dealt with a sort of urine incontinence, and pain in the lower back at times, and now and then, night sweats. I assumed the first thing was an age thing, the back pain was age, and the night sweats I wasn't sure of as I know, and as the doctor has told me, it is not pre-menopause. I guess I can wait a bit longer to find out what the problem could be.
In the meantime, I cannot start my course, and honestly I am a bit hesitant to look too forward to the far off future.
So I do my test tomorrow, and will drop it off to the lab later in the day.
It takes a few days to get the results back, so that will be next week.
Until then, I will continue to do as I have been, keeping busy, and enjoying the beauty of the everyday things that happen.
Additional urine tests I had, also showed the same result, but with no bladder infection, which can also show blood in the urine, weather microscopic or visible.
The scan was to see if there was any tumors, or problems in the urinary tract.
Well the scan showed nothing, but then I was told to go for a urine cytology. You can read what that is here. My doctor specifically mentioned bladder cancer, but I realize there are a whole lot of other diseases, that this test can detect.
I put that off until the new year. I just didn't want to think about it anymore.
I have spent way too many days worrying about this, I guess I am at the point now that nothing would really surprise me. For the first month of this going on, I could think of nothing else. I imagined what life would be, having to need Chemotherapy, numerous trips to the doctor, and having to have an ileostomy bag. I guess you could say I think of the worst case scenario. I do.
I've read all I could find about bladder cancer. I will tell you the one thing I have discovered though looking for information, was that bladder cancer, is not an old person disease. And alot of those people were not non-smokers either. And many led healthy lifestyles. So I guess we're all a potential victim of this disease.
As for the rest of whatever could be causing this, I haven't read up on any of those, although I have a feeling I will be doing that soon.
For a year I have dealt with a sort of urine incontinence, and pain in the lower back at times, and now and then, night sweats. I assumed the first thing was an age thing, the back pain was age, and the night sweats I wasn't sure of as I know, and as the doctor has told me, it is not pre-menopause. I guess I can wait a bit longer to find out what the problem could be.
In the meantime, I cannot start my course, and honestly I am a bit hesitant to look too forward to the far off future.
So I do my test tomorrow, and will drop it off to the lab later in the day.
It takes a few days to get the results back, so that will be next week.
Until then, I will continue to do as I have been, keeping busy, and enjoying the beauty of the everyday things that happen.
Jan 22, 2013
Rotini(Organic) Pasta Salad
The last couple of days I have had such a craving for a cold pasta salad potatoe/macaroni, anything.
This morning, I decided to get at it and make something to cure my craving.
I went to get the potatoes first, but I had only enough for mashed potatoes with my chicken supper tonight. Then I went for the macaroni, and was out of that! But I did find some Organic Rotini pasta. I had picked it up by accident, and there is no way my kids would eat organic pasta. But with my craving so intense, I thought it would have to do. (I have to admit I have never eaten Organic pasta before)
This recipe is very simple, I just gathered up whatever ingredients I had in the fridge, and threw it together.
2 cups of rotini pasta, boiled
3/4 cups mayonaise
1/2 cups sour cream
1 tbsp of ranchers choice dressing
1/4 cup peas
1 stalk celery
2 stalks green onion
1/4 of a green pepper
1 shredded carrot
Chill & serve.
Jan 17, 2013
My dog, womans best friend.
I was never what you would call, an 'animal person'.
The longest time we had a pet was from the time I was about 6 till I was 16, a Chihuahua named Pixi. When I was in my 20's and was having my children, we always seemed to have a cat. I found them a nuisance, and needless to say, I didn't think they liked me much either.
My kids over the years had asked me, like most kids do, for a dog, but I knew there was no way, I'd be getting one. Too much work, I said. I had enough to do with looking after kids. I knew it wouldn't be fair, to bring a dog into the picture, with my heart not into it.
Just over 2 years ago, my daughter called me, she had been looking for a dog for herself, and the place she called had 2 Shih Tzus left, so she took it upon herself to mention I may want one as well.
It wasn't my plan before that phone call, but after talking to her and telling her I would think about it. It took about 15 minutes and I had made my mind up. I would take him.
He was a little thing, 9 weeks old, when I got him.
I have to admit, the first week, was hell, and I was sure I'd made a mistake.
But soon we all got settled and used to each other.
Bailey is such a good dog, and I don't know what we'd do without him.
Jan 16, 2013
Sweet Iced Tea
Even though I love my coffee, I do like a change now and then.
I have tried tons of times, different ways to make iced tea, but with horrible results.
I found it bitter, time consuming with the boiling of water , and a waste to perfectly good tea bags and sugar!
This simple recipe though, I have seem to have done it!
I't's very simple, which I love. No boiling water.
All you need is a 2 litre pitcher, ice, water, sugar and tea bags of course.
Ingredients
I have tried tons of times, different ways to make iced tea, but with horrible results.
I found it bitter, time consuming with the boiling of water , and a waste to perfectly good tea bags and sugar!
This simple recipe though, I have seem to have done it!
I't's very simple, which I love. No boiling water.
All you need is a 2 litre pitcher, ice, water, sugar and tea bags of course.
Ingredients
- 2 litre pitcher
- 8 tea bags
- tray of ice cubes
- 1 cup of sugar (or to preference)
- cold water
Jan 13, 2013
Photos from the Snowhill
Here in Canada, we are lucky to experience frigid temperatures. (I am being sarcastic here, if you didn't catch that.) I cannot stand the cold!
In the city where I live, we're beside a lake, we get a lot of snow, and cold wind. For months! You can count on a first snow fall, by the end of October.
I loved winter when I was a kid, living in Nova Scotia. It seemed the snow was waist high! And that is something, as I was a tall kid.
As an adult, I have tried many times to 'embrace' winter. But no how, no do! And as each year goes by, I hate the cold temps even more!
I have always encouraged my kids to enjoy the different seasons. I remember when my 3rd child was about a year old, clunking him into the snow, in the front yard with a couple little dump trucks, and letting him play while I shoveled the driveway! He really loved it. (just for the record, it was a mild day, I wouldn't put my child at risk for frostbite, lol)
Now here I am, 16 years later, and I cringe once the bright summer days are fading away, knowing what will be upon us, in a couple short months.
So for the next few months we will suffer with the shivering, numb feet and hands, chafed face, and chapped lips.
Now a days, I live in the city, in a highrise building. Kids are the same now, as they were when I was a kid. Except they don't have to trudge miles to a snow hill in a cow pasture, as I did, lol. Between our building, and the mall next door, there is a huge snowbank. Man made, by the city snowplow.
In the city where I live, we're beside a lake, we get a lot of snow, and cold wind. For months! You can count on a first snow fall, by the end of October.
I loved winter when I was a kid, living in Nova Scotia. It seemed the snow was waist high! And that is something, as I was a tall kid.
As an adult, I have tried many times to 'embrace' winter. But no how, no do! And as each year goes by, I hate the cold temps even more!
I have always encouraged my kids to enjoy the different seasons. I remember when my 3rd child was about a year old, clunking him into the snow, in the front yard with a couple little dump trucks, and letting him play while I shoveled the driveway! He really loved it. (just for the record, it was a mild day, I wouldn't put my child at risk for frostbite, lol)
Now here I am, 16 years later, and I cringe once the bright summer days are fading away, knowing what will be upon us, in a couple short months.
So for the next few months we will suffer with the shivering, numb feet and hands, chafed face, and chapped lips.
Now a days, I live in the city, in a highrise building. Kids are the same now, as they were when I was a kid. Except they don't have to trudge miles to a snow hill in a cow pasture, as I did, lol. Between our building, and the mall next door, there is a huge snowbank. Man made, by the city snowplow.
Jan 2, 2013
Happy New Year
I realize I am a bit late with wishing you all Happy New Year, so please forgive me.
I spent most of the day, doing maintenance on my computer. Then being my anal self had to change my design as well.
Last night I had a quiet night in. I hid from everyone I knew, and my 9 yr old and I made chocolate cake. Much better cake and milk on New Years'. No headache in the morning.
Like many, I am glad to have 2012 behind me.
I've made no New Years' resolutions, except maybe to be kinder to myself, and more organized with my time.
I wish you all a great upcoming year!
Tammy
I spent most of the day, doing maintenance on my computer. Then being my anal self had to change my design as well.
Last night I had a quiet night in. I hid from everyone I knew, and my 9 yr old and I made chocolate cake. Much better cake and milk on New Years'. No headache in the morning.
Like many, I am glad to have 2012 behind me.
I've made no New Years' resolutions, except maybe to be kinder to myself, and more organized with my time.
I wish you all a great upcoming year!
Tammy
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