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I was pretty sure that i posted a short reply here congratulating Petra on her carving achievements. Yes its quite exhausting but in a glowy sort of way.

I really have no context for Xmas this year so I'm focusing on gratitude and looking forward to the solstice and lengthening days. And getting a place to live of my own

What's up with you?

Magdelanye, I continue to keep my fingers crossed that you find a new place to live....one that is safe, comfortable and that you enjoy going home to

My back went out last week, so I'm hobbling around the house. It's so frustrating. There are things I'd like to get done and can't move to do so.
I'm way behind in preparing for the group read because reading requires sitting and sitting isn't a good activity for my back right now. I'm standing and pacing a lot.

But I'll get it all done; no worries. Luckily, my back is in the healing & loosening up phase and should be back to normal in a few days. Fingers crossed on that one.

Gosh Petra, Sorry to hear that about your back. How familiar I am with that frustration and the clear message to slow down is not that welcome. I am feeling immensely better after just a couple of acupuncture sessions. I hope you feel better soon.

Too bad you dont have an audio copy of your Dickens book. In this kind of situation it might be helpful.

Thanks for your good wishes. My application is complete so we'll see what evolves.

I am sending positive vibes your way, Magdelanye.

Petra: I'm so sorry to here about your back--I do acupuncture and it's been very helpful. Also physical therapy.

noticing the lack of closure here. Petra I hope you are feeling spry for the holidays as you celebrate them. I am sure you'll get a lot of love for all the wonderful things you have made.

we were snowed in here all week but today made it into town for acupuncture and essentials.

My son took a job in Van and arrived at the beginning of the week. Its actually a good thing that I didnt rush over there immediately ( its 2 ferrys away from where I am now and he discouraged me because he'll be working) I would have been stranded in the city.

Ellie we havent heard from you in a while. May things be well and merry

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interesting how this thread has fallen by the wayside, so to speak.
However it seems like a good place to report on my meeting with Johnny MacRae the poet in residence this month at the library. What a delightful man. We had so much fun that we carried on for almost an hour after my official hour was up.
He has open hours and several workshops coming up so I am excited about collaboration.
Ellie I've always been envious of your classes because I feel so isolated from the literary world. You haven't mentioned much about poetry lately and I'm curious to know when your book is coming out.

Huh....I was looking for this thread last week but didn't find it. I also wanted to reactivate it. It's fun to hear what we're up to when not reading.

Magdelanye, I'm thrilled that you had such a good & interesting time with Johnny MacRae! That's something that will stay with you. Will you be going to the workshops?

Ellie, are you writing a poetry book?! That's incredible!

I'm not doing anything as exciting. I'm slowly cutting the plants down and prepping them for Winter. We got a garden shed and, for the first time, I can find items easily and have a place to put garden furniture. I'm really happy to have it.

Outside of gardening and jogging, I'm carving a few small items for a Craft Fair in November. My proceeds go to the Food Bank, so I'd like to have a few things to sell. I have finished a few Christmas ornaments.

We are hoping to have a contract for our kitchen reno by the end of this coming week. Maybe then we'll have some dates as to when the work will happen. We are not looking forward to the work process and being without a kitchen. We're preparing soups, casseroles, etc for the freezer to help feed us throughout the process.

Not much else happening here.

Actually Petra sounds like you are busy as ever! How great to have good storage for your tools and things. Do you have an idea if flowers in containers can overwinter indoors?
Did you not do kitchen renovation a few years ago? or was that just bathrooms?

I am planning to go to the sessions with Johnny on the days that there is bus service...

I've written a few new poems inspired by the energy

Plants can be kept indoors in a coolish place. I recall a landlord of mine keeping geraniums in the basement. He added a bit of water (not much) every 3-4 weeks, then a bit more as they started to grow in the Spring.
I think some delicate outdoor plants can withstand the indoors and live outdoors again if they are tempered in the Spring to the outside temperatures and have time to adapt.
What plants are you thinking of bringing indoors?

We did the bathrooms a few years back. That was easier because one bathroom was always in full working condition.

Our kitchen renovation is underway. We've been without a kitchen for a week now. It's an experience, I tell you.

Overall, we're doing really well. We've pre-cooked & frozen meals for easy meal prep. We've worked out a way to place everything so that it's mostly accessible.
Things are a bit inconvenient but manageable. It reminds me of being camping: we have what we need, but can't always find it and have to be careful to remain organized.

So far, the kitchen has come out, the holes for the pot lights have been drilled and the drywall patched. We have a few days on our own to rest and relax. The workers return on Tuesday to start putting down the new flooring.

While the workers are here each day, I'm finding it harder to read, so I'm knitting a lot. I'm knitting stuffed octopusses. I completed 3 this week. They are small but that's still a lot of knitting. LOL.

I've been fairly quiet on-line, too. There's not much to say but kitchen reno stuff. It will be so nice to have our kitchen back. It'll be a nice Christmas present to ourselves.

wow Petra it does sound like an adventure. I like your camping metaphor. Actually it's rather how I feel. I am still virtually homeless camping out in the boonies. I wish I could see some alternative opening up but it appears I must be patient and grateful for this space.

If those little octupi (octopuses?) are like the ones on offer here at the farmers market they are adorable. I was tempted most by the little turtles but really, I don't need any more responsibility!

The last few days have not been particularly good reading days but I'm learning a lot

The power went out last night around midnight. I was sort of prepared with a couple of battery lights but power is still off and hard to read. Time to write some more reviews!

I hope your power is back on soon, Magdleanye. It can be relaxing to quietly sit in the dark, but not if it continues for too long.

Nothing much happening here. Kitchen flooring is going in today and tomorrow. Things will start to look different after today.

I was wondering Petra if your area was also affected as it seems the outage is fairly widespread. Good that it's not.
It's still out so no hot food but at least it's light now.

We have had our first frost of winter, perhaps the plants and grass might stop growing, I even have summer lilies trying to come out, and tulips 4 months early. Autumn clearance can probably now start, and in other news I have finally succumbed to bringing our the winter duvet !

Sounds much like what's going on here in the garden. We've had some miserable weather with a second power outage on Saturday and a few days with no running water. Today it's still cold but I see a blue sky and plan to get out there and see if there are any potatoes waiting.

How is the kitchen Petra?
I'm sure that you will be so glad to be able to cook again and inspired by all the renovations.
Les bonnes Appétit!

Will you be able to include step dad in your xmas plans?

Ellie are you doing your church thing again this year?

It appears that I am still a guest in someone else's house that is surrounded by xmas trees. Last year was rather bleak with no celebration but this year plans are that my friends daughter will come up with her daughters who are 9 and 14...two difficult ages as I recall so they may change their minds again but we had a lot of fun 5 years ago the day I was given to care for them and we went to the park, so I hope they do come.

It would be nice to hear from Ice and some of the other members to catch up on how you coped and what you read this difficult year.

Christmas ........... this year I am extra organised and enjoying the lead up to a sharing a family Christmas including a friend joining us, who is working a few thousand miles away for her own family. We could act like Scrooge or the Gringe but the reality is I am so blessed compared with most of the rest of the world. Will a book token appear under the tree this year !

Ice, it's wonderful and uplifting to hear that you are enjoying such a warm and love filled Holiday. May you keep smiling each day of the New Year.

We are all truly blessed to have found each other.

what lovely sentiments Petra.

I feel the same

I note a 'senior moment' of typing Gringe rather than Grinch. Gringe sounds so much more original ! Even at my age I am opening those advent calendar windows, playing Christmas carols and songs.
The leaves have finished mourning whilst the wind plays hide and seek with them in the garden. The birds are being fattened for winter, as the Sunday roast makes a re-appearance. And the e-mail boxes overflows with cries of the western world; spend, spend spend.
That part of the message might be best in 'un poetic' poetry corner.

very lyrical and joyous Ice
Gringe does have a certain edge to it. Grumpy and winging....I feel that way about the cheesy Christmas music bombarded at shoppers in the supermarket.
Do they roast pigeons over there?
To the shock of the guys in the compound here I put up some xmas lights on the porch and it does brighten these deep dark nights.

Petra, what are you cooking up in your new kitchen?
It must require some adjustment

Magdelanye, we are mostly settled back into the kitchen. We still have the eating area to put back together and a bit in the laundry room, but we're mostly back to normal.
Cooking is a bit of a relearning curve. The convection oven is really nice but one cannot lift a pan or move a pot off the cooking area or the stove will turn itself off. We are being careful about keeping the pots centered on the cooking area and it's working out well. It's really nice to be eating freshly cooked meals again.

We're planning a few meals for the Christmas week. Step-dad will be here and we'd like a few celebratory meals for the Holiday and his visit.

Has anyone planned some Holiday meals yet? We're considering meals using a brisket, a pork loin roast and a leg of lamb (step-dad's favorite). I'd like fish for a meal or two. I really enjoy a fish meal. The other meals being soups and stews and such things.

Christmas cakes are almost ready, 3 gifted, my own is still feeding in sherry. My daughter has got me a Turkey crown, the rest are having beef ! Marmalade stocks low, a January task.

well I can tell that delicious things are happening and I shall content myself with vicarious pleasure, as if reading a fine book.
I'm so glad that step-dad is going to be with you there.

I'm not planning anything special but I might make cranberry applesauce just because I love it. I'll be happy to share the easy recipe for this elegant dish

Happy Holidays!

Magdelanye, I've never had cranberry applesauce before. That sounds interesting.

Ice, I did not know that you make your own Christmas cake. That's wonderful. I don't make my own but I have a friend who makes the best cake and she always gives us one.

Step-dad is with us for the Holidays. Today we went around delivering a few gifts and visiting, then picked up that final fresh veggies at the grocery store to have over the weekend. I hope not to go back to any store until after Boxing Day, or later.

Wishing every peaceful days and joyous hearts. Happy Holidays!

Petra cranberry apple sauce is easy and way better than that canned stuff. The only work really is peeling and coring apples:6-8 depending on size. Place in a large pot and add a scant cup of water and nd bring to a boil. At that point dump in the cranberries, 1/2 - 1 cup depending on how you like.
Then simmer adjusting the heat and stirring occasionally. I can't remember though if it should be covered. Just make sure it doesn't burn!
When the berries are popped the apples should be soft so mix a bit and remove from heat.Add a bit of honey to taste if you find it too tart.

that's great Petra that yoursrep-dad is with you for the holidays. May it be a peaceful and jolly.

Ice you are a wizard!l

Thank you! That does sound easy, and tasty. I don't have cranberries at the moment but will keep this in mind for when I go back to the grocery store.

Turkey just finished up, and now getting ready for New Year. In a very busy London yesterday, a little bit of specialist shopping.

tomorrow is my scheduled cataract surgery. I am nervous and can't seem to communicate to the cat why she can't sleep with me for a while

Hope it goes well, I know a number of people now who have had the procedure and been happy with both it and the outcome.

thanks Ice for reassurance and good wishes

Magdelanye, I'm thinking of you this morning. Hope you are home soon and relaxing.

thanks Petra
I'm back from the surgery and it seems to have gone well. It's bloody uncomfortable with the patch but hopefully my body will be happy and not reject the new lens.

It difficult but not impossible to read

I'm glad that you are home and that everything went well. The patch would be difficult to adjust to. Are you wearing it all day? I think, if I recall correctly, that both hubby and step-dad only wore it at night. I may be mistaken.
Do not reject the lens! Enjoy wonderful eyesight instead.

thanks Petra
the patch is worn only at night for sleeping. The eye drops are the worst part and no sooner am I finished with them I'm scheduled for the other eye on the 14.
I dont recall that you mentioned that both your hubby and step-dad both had the surgery. What did they do for the nausea? How long before they were back th normal - with enhanced vision

Nausea? Neither had nausea.

Hubby's second surgery was also scheduled right after the drops stopped on the first eye. Those drops are important and so invasive to take. There are so many of them.
Step-dad only had one eye done. He's blind in the other eye.

Hubby saw well on the first day; step-dad took a few days for the blurriness to go away.
They both had to get new reading glasses after about 6 months or so when the eyes fully adjusted and settled. No changes to eyesight since then.

You're scheduled for the 14th for the second eye? Only 2 weeks of drops?! Hubby and step-dad had 6 weeks of drops. They both went to the same surgeon.

How are you seeing today? I hope the nausea isn't too upsetting and that it goes away soon.

6 weeks of drops! He didn't have to take them in both eyes for an overlapping period did he? That would be truly awful. I've been given a small vial that is estimated to last a week.

But step-dad! Did he decline to get the second eye done because he hated the process so much? Or was he already blind in one eye so there was no point? I was wondering about this option.

Everything is still too bright to take off sunglasses. I made some borscht and some chicken soup a few days ago so I have some good food for a while. I managed to eat a bit but the nausea has kind of killed my appetite.

I'm writing this in the fading light of the afternoon and the screen seems overbright. It's only the day after so hopefully will see improvement tomorrow.

It was six weeks of drops for each eye. There were three different drops. One stopped after two weeks; the other two drops remained for the full six weeks.

The surgeon said that it wouldn't do step-dad's vision any good to have the second eye done. He had has a blood leak a few years before and it was causing a vision problem and the eye would eventually go blind anyway. The surgeon was correct. His eye has now gone blind.
Step-dad did not want another surgery but he wouldn't have declined it, if it was offered.

Hubby thought the world was very bright, too. It does get better as you get used to the new vision. It must be a big difference from cataract vision to clear vision. I still have that experience ahead of me. I haven't needed to have my eyes done yet but so many get this surgery that I expect to one day.

I hope that nausea goes away. That's awful.

maybe Petra you will be one of the lucky ones and not need it. It's too bad about your step dad's experience but at least they are not going ahead with unesssary surgeries.

so I had my left eye done day before yesterday and somehow it's worse probably because now it's both eyes that are experiencing the glare and needing drops every four hours. I will have to switch this entry to whine and cheese if I go on this way but imagine the horror of looking in the mirror and seeing your wrinkles for the very first time.

Hahaha....about the comment re seeing wrinkles for the first time.

I'm glad you have the surgeries behind you, Magdelanye. Now it's just healing time, which can be done at home, in peace & quiet.

It will be a brighter world for you from now on. Hubby uses his sunglasses a lot on any brighter day.

All a little chaotic here, my mother passed away mid February, and I am spending much time processing and assisting my 91 year old Dad with coping without his partner of over 70 years. Holiday planned just after the services next week. Hopefully my sister will turn up to help.

O Neill I am so sorry to hear of your loss. At least she got to know her great grandchildren. I am sure you are a rock for your dad.
Sending warm condolences and much love

Ice, my condolences to you, your dad and the rest of your family on this big loss.

Back from a short holiday, the adrenalin of the past few weeks ran out replaced by a light cold, almost man flu !

Happy Easter, I gave up chocolate for Lent, 1 day to go !!

hope you are well Ice and I'm sure the chocolate will give you a boost.
How is your dad doing?
May anyone who stumbles on this entry at the appropriate moment have a fulfilling Easter. I think we could all use some resurrecting!