Busy season

 

November Journaling

1.     Getting my Covid shot. Made a cream coloured scarf with the new waffle pattern I just learned. I also made a second cinnamon coloured teddy bear. I love it, it looks so old-fashioned. They take some time, so I’ll charge $25-30 each for them.

2.     Cooking and baking today for a new time of refreshments after the evening service tomorrow.

3.     I made devilled eggs, smoked salmon appetizers two ways, tuna sandwiches, nachos and three layer dip, and banana cake with brown butter frosting. It was a hit, everything went. I learned the waffle stitch and made an ear warmer to match the scarf I made. Also made a cup cozy and a micro pumpkin keychain.

4.     Endocrinologist follow-up appointment. My T4 levels are normal but my TSH is very low. My body needs to start producing its own thyroid. She is adjusting my thyroid medicine. But no underlying problem, she says this can just happen. Made salmon, cilantro-lime rice and stir-fry vegetables for dinner. Made six watermelon coasters.

5.     Housekeeper here. Getting ready to stay at my grandkids’ place for two nights to help out. Working on my Bible study homework. So different when I’m not the teacher. It’s the U.S. election today. However it turns out, I hope there is a smooth transition of power. We take it for granted here, but considering how the last one went…

6.     Since our daughter’s house was put up for sale, they are stayed at a friend’s condo so the place would stay clean. As a treat she offered the kids pop tarts and watching tv. Robin said, “Wow, mom you’re being so nice to us. You’re like Mimi.” I guess I’m the gold standard for spoiling. We had ribs and hassleback potatoes for dinner.

7.     This condo is beautiful. It is a penthouse apartment in a new building; three bedrooms, three bathrooms. I am sleeping on a murphy bed in the office/third bedroom. I dropped the kids off at school, which is just ten minutes away from here, and I stopped at the grocery store across the street, and joined my Bible study class online. Breakfast for dinner. The youngest grandchild’s report card said, “What a delight to have M in our JK class! She is expressive, loving, and very funny. She often makes me smile or laugh out loud! She always arrives in the morning with a big smile for all of us. M is obedient and respectful, mature and articulate. This week M made me laugh out loud when she firmly suggested to the class, “I just think everyone should stop saying they miss their moms and dads.” (Several of her classmates say this often).

8.     Today I’m watching the youngest. Crocheted a touque with the letter R on it which my middle grandchild claimed for herself. Their house sold today so they are moving on January 9^th. We’ll pay for a moving company to help them out. Then they only need concern themselves with packing and unpacking.

9.     I made a striped scarf, three ear warmers, four cup cozies and a fuchsia and pink penguin out of cheap chenille yarn from the dollar store.

10. Church at a friend’s place in Burlington then lunch with them in Ancaster. Got back in time for the evening service. A very good day. It was therapy visiting our friends since they have known us so long and have been through similar circumstances.

11. Remembrance Day. My husband always gets his tires switched over on this day. I made a baby Yoda for my grandson’s friend, a pink flamingo and a dark purple pumpkin. I posted pictures of our daughter’s wedding.

12. Chiro and massage, it was in the evening, which was strange for me. I don’t like night driving. I do like that my Christian masseuse plays instrumental worship music and I sing the songs in my head. She said some of her patients sing out loud. Not me. Made a scrappy bear.

13. Prayer meeting. Had to use some investments to get on top of our credit debts. Breathing easier now. Made a mauve water bottle holder, phone holder, plant holder cover, and a granny square lined canvas bag. The bags are only $1.50 at the Dollar Tree.

14. Bible study. Finally posted another episode of my podcast; 272 episodes now. Just two chapters to go in the book of Joshua.

15. Seasonal tire changeover for me. The friends we visited last weekend are coming to spend the night and have breakfast here tomorrow before they head farther east to visit their son and his fiancée. It is too much travelling for one day and we have a guest room for them.

16. Women’s ministry breakfast and Christmas cookie exchange.

17. Church. Made another teddy bear, this one in café au lait colour. I love them sooo much!

18. Doctor’s appointment for me, refills on meds, and starting on a med for my high cholesterol. Made another cute corn on the cob.

19. Doing homework. Paid off some debts. Boy, those things feel like a noose.

20. Dishwasher is noisy; getting it looked at today. Made another teddy bear but I placed his ears too high and his neck strengthener moved out of place so he has a floppy head.

21. Our friend Heather had an aortic aneurysm repair today; it was successful and no complications. Bible study. Leftovers for dinner. Making scarves for some of my toys so I can display them along the staircase at Christmas.

22. Christmas dinner at our Pastor’s house. I’m bringing apps: stuffed mushroom caps, whipped feta dip and vegetables, and veggie samosas. The grandkids are coming for one night, but we’re out this evening and my husband is out tomorrow morning. Starting a scarf out of variegated grey yarn in the drunken granny stitch I just learned. Also making a dress for my youngest granddaughter out of the same yarn.

23. Ordering Lion King tickets from my mom for our daughter’s family from her for Christmas. Their house sold; they are moving in January. They booked a local moving company; we will pay for it as our Christmas gift to them.

24. Church. I was on coffee; made Christmas crackle, chocolate chip cookies, and mini carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. My husband is preaching tonight.

25. Friends came for dinner; we ordered pizza. They changed over our taps in the powder room for free. Then we played cards. I’m packed for tomorrow.

26. Went to Hamilton to help out. It was our eldest daughter’s 34^th birthday, so she and her husband went out for dinner. My grandkids are learning to crochet, which makes me happy.

27. Back from H-town. Prayer meeting tonight.

28. Bible study. Hair cut. Bought cookie containers for my daughter. My husband has his work Christmas party tonight.

29. Dishwasher finally repaired; motor changed. Cardiologist telephone appointment for my mom. Daughter coming tonight for three nights. Made another Yo-Da Bomb toy. First flurries, though nothing stayed on the ground. But our friends who just moved to Canada from Venezuela are thrilled, especially their nine-year-old daughter.

30. Finished a dress for my four-year-old daughter, which I’ll give her at Christmas. My daughter bought a turtle.