Hey Humble Readers...
So this week went nowhere like I intended.
You may recall that I told you last week that I was having a rough time with coming off my current bp meds so that I can start a new rx. Well, that has been put on hold a bit.
Last Sunday I had a terrible headache and dizziness all day, which I chalked up to the change in my labetalol dosage. But by the time I went to bed on Sunday night I had a killer sore throat. On Monday I had no voice and a fever, and my sinuses were on fire. My voice didn't start to return until Wednesday, just in time for my ears to start to seriously ache.
By Friday, I was in agony with my ears feeling like my eardrums were going to burst. And I couldn't shake the fever. I went to the walk-in clinic, and, lo and behold, I have a double inner ear infection. Fun times. I've been on antibiotics since Friday, and I'm beginning to improve. Of course, I still have the general crud (cough, congestion) to deal with, but my right ear feels much better, and my left is on the mend.
Of course, this means that absolutely nothing got done this week. The hobbit-hole is a disaster, school supply shopping still hasn't happened, and I'm not even close to prepared for my Beloved's birthday next weekend. I didn't send the wedding card for my cousin's wedding (happening tomorrow), and I still have to make optometrist appointments for the wee-lings (which I meant to do ages ago).
My Beloved has been amazing, taking care of me, when I have barely been able to walk down the hall because of the dizziness, and the wee-lings. He has cooked or bought food, done the grocery shopping, and kept the wee-lings out of my hair so that I could rest. All while studying for his upcoming exam and having to work some overtime this week.
I go to see Dr. B on Tuesday, so we'll see what the new plan is for my bp meds. (I'm hoping I'll be able to drive by then, otherwise my Beloved will have to take me.)
Ok, onto the chit chat. Here's what I'm:
Reading - I finished A Measure of Light by Beth Powning. It was an interesting read. It's an historical novel about Mary Dyer, a Puritan-turned-Quaker Englishwoman who came to the Colonies in the mid-1600s. Primarily about how the men ruling the Boston colony were just as bad, if not worse, as the rulers in England that drove them out, and the persecution of the Quakers in both. I found it difficult to empathize with the main character in the last third of the book (I found her a bit fanatical), but it did make me want to read more about her as an historical figure and about the early days of the Quaker denomination. Now I'm reading an old one... The House of Five Swords by Tristram Tupper. It's an old favourite, but if any of you have ever read it, I would be very surprised. I'm looking forward to telling you about it when I'm finished. I also have a new-ish Fannie Flagg book from the library that I'm excited to get into.
Watching - The tv is on, but I'm not really paying attention to it. I do have a couple of movies on the dvr that I want to watch soon... The Theory of Everything and Jersey Boys.
Cooking - LOL... not much. I did cook that turkey early last week, and we lived on the leftovers for a few days, which was a blessing. I made a terrible meatloaf yesterday, but somehow my Beloved and the wee-lings managed to choke it down.
Thinking About - the fact that I seriously need a shower, but I really just want to go to bed. And trying not to think about how itchy my ears are right now.
Adding to my To Do List - There's so much I need to do, but mostly I just want to get the hobbit-hole back in order. The kitchen floor is kind of grossing me out. Hopefully by Wednesday I'll have things on their way to normal.
Thankful For - My Beloved. He's amazing.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
#MicroblogMondays: Creative Help?
Hey Humble Readers...
I'm looking for some input from you all today.
I'm working on a creative piece set in the late 1970s/early 80s. To help with my focus and get further into my characters' heads, I'm putting together a playlist to listen to while I'm writing. I have a few tracks already, like a few Elvis songs for one of my main characters, and I can't help but include Elvira by the Oak Ridge Boys (it was my favourite song when I was 6 or 7 years old).
But I'm stuck for music for a middle-aged mom. She's an ultra-conservative, type-A, very rigid person. I think she likes more country music than pop, certainly not disco or 70s rock.
What do you think she might listen to?
*****
This was posted as a part of Mel's #MicroblogMondays. Click on over to see what others are blogging about today.
I'm looking for some input from you all today.
I'm working on a creative piece set in the late 1970s/early 80s. To help with my focus and get further into my characters' heads, I'm putting together a playlist to listen to while I'm writing. I have a few tracks already, like a few Elvis songs for one of my main characters, and I can't help but include Elvira by the Oak Ridge Boys (it was my favourite song when I was 6 or 7 years old).
But I'm stuck for music for a middle-aged mom. She's an ultra-conservative, type-A, very rigid person. I think she likes more country music than pop, certainly not disco or 70s rock.
What do you think she might listen to?
*****
This was posted as a part of Mel's #MicroblogMondays. Click on over to see what others are blogging about today.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Sunday Night Chit Chat: This, That, and The Other
Good Evening Humble Readers...
First, here are some lovely flowers for you all... :)
I hope you are all doing well. Things here in the Shire have been busy and a bit challenging this past week.
Ginny and Pippin had a week of day camp (half-days) at the local rec center. They both really enjoyed themselves and I enjoyed having the mornings to myself. It did mean a bit of creative schedule juggling to get us all out the door in time to drop my Beloved off at work on time each morning so that I could have the car, but it was worth it. An unexpected bonus of day camp was that I was forced to test how far Pippin's potty training has progressed, as they only take kids who are potty-trained (ie - no pull ups). I made sure that he had extra clothes in his backpack each day, and he did really well, no accidents at all.
I also had a regular appointment with Dr. B (our family doc) to get my prescriptions renewed. We've been changing my blood pressure meds for the last 6 months or so trying to find the best combination for me that has the least side effects (one of the most recent ones gave me horrible back spasms and triggered IBS flares... not cool) and is easiest on our bank account. The one med that's been consistent ever since I was pregnant with Ginny was the labe.talol, just in varying dosages.
Turns out that Dr. B was under the impression that we were still trying to have more wee-lings. LOL! (He was the one who put through my request for a tubal ligation as a part of my last C-section AND sent my Beloved for his vasectomy.) Because he thought we were still trying to conceive, he hasn't put me on more efficient meds. So, now that we have cleared that misconception (pun not intended) out of the way, I can go on better meds.
BUT... I have to be weaned off the labe.talol before I can go on anything else. Definitely not fun. Dizzy spells, migraines, and just feeling generally like crap have been the headlines for the last few days. I have another week and a half of slowly reducing my dosage before I can start the new meds.
On the upside, I have done a bit of reading and some creative writing this week. My friends, Sira and JJ, and I have started our own little writers group, so that we have some accountability when it comes to our creative endeavours. We had our inaugural get-together this past week and it was fun sharing our work. Of course, after we were done talking about our writing, we immediately transitioned into our usual gab fest.
Ok, enough. Onto the chit-chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading - Just finished a reread of Jurassic Park. I've read it a few times since my teen years, and while the technology in it is a tad dated now, it still holds up on sheer entertainment value. Now I'm into a historical novel called A Measure of Light by Beth Powning. I'm only a couple of chapters in, but it's about a Puritan woman who, with her husband, is in the process of emigrating to America because of the persecution in Britain. It's based on a true story, and I'm eager to see where this goes.
Watching - Nothing in particular. Planning on an early night tonight as I'm still pretty wiped out from the all-day headache. I need to get caught up on my DVR'd shows though.
Cooking - I ended up not cooking tonight, but tomorrow I am doing a turkey dinner. Not a full-on Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but pretty close. I've had this turkey in the freezer for too long now, and as the weather has cooled off considerably this week, I'm going to town. The turkey will cover three dinners, plus some lunches this week. I'm excited about it.
Thinking About - My Beloved's birthday is coming up soon and I'm at a loss, as usual. The only thing I know is that I'm planning on making him a root beer cake.
Adding to My To Do List - Getting the hobbit-hole back in shape, reorganizing the wee-lings' room (again).
Grateful For - That there is a light at the end of the tunnel with this medication mess. In a couple of weeks, I'll be on the new meds, and hopefully there will be no more headaches!
First, here are some lovely flowers for you all... :)
I hope you are all doing well. Things here in the Shire have been busy and a bit challenging this past week.
Ginny and Pippin had a week of day camp (half-days) at the local rec center. They both really enjoyed themselves and I enjoyed having the mornings to myself. It did mean a bit of creative schedule juggling to get us all out the door in time to drop my Beloved off at work on time each morning so that I could have the car, but it was worth it. An unexpected bonus of day camp was that I was forced to test how far Pippin's potty training has progressed, as they only take kids who are potty-trained (ie - no pull ups). I made sure that he had extra clothes in his backpack each day, and he did really well, no accidents at all.
I also had a regular appointment with Dr. B (our family doc) to get my prescriptions renewed. We've been changing my blood pressure meds for the last 6 months or so trying to find the best combination for me that has the least side effects (one of the most recent ones gave me horrible back spasms and triggered IBS flares... not cool) and is easiest on our bank account. The one med that's been consistent ever since I was pregnant with Ginny was the labe.talol, just in varying dosages.
Turns out that Dr. B was under the impression that we were still trying to have more wee-lings. LOL! (He was the one who put through my request for a tubal ligation as a part of my last C-section AND sent my Beloved for his vasectomy.) Because he thought we were still trying to conceive, he hasn't put me on more efficient meds. So, now that we have cleared that misconception (pun not intended) out of the way, I can go on better meds.
BUT... I have to be weaned off the labe.talol before I can go on anything else. Definitely not fun. Dizzy spells, migraines, and just feeling generally like crap have been the headlines for the last few days. I have another week and a half of slowly reducing my dosage before I can start the new meds.
On the upside, I have done a bit of reading and some creative writing this week. My friends, Sira and JJ, and I have started our own little writers group, so that we have some accountability when it comes to our creative endeavours. We had our inaugural get-together this past week and it was fun sharing our work. Of course, after we were done talking about our writing, we immediately transitioned into our usual gab fest.
Ok, enough. Onto the chit-chat. Here's what I'm...
Reading - Just finished a reread of Jurassic Park. I've read it a few times since my teen years, and while the technology in it is a tad dated now, it still holds up on sheer entertainment value. Now I'm into a historical novel called A Measure of Light by Beth Powning. I'm only a couple of chapters in, but it's about a Puritan woman who, with her husband, is in the process of emigrating to America because of the persecution in Britain. It's based on a true story, and I'm eager to see where this goes.
Watching - Nothing in particular. Planning on an early night tonight as I'm still pretty wiped out from the all-day headache. I need to get caught up on my DVR'd shows though.
Cooking - I ended up not cooking tonight, but tomorrow I am doing a turkey dinner. Not a full-on Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but pretty close. I've had this turkey in the freezer for too long now, and as the weather has cooled off considerably this week, I'm going to town. The turkey will cover three dinners, plus some lunches this week. I'm excited about it.
Thinking About - My Beloved's birthday is coming up soon and I'm at a loss, as usual. The only thing I know is that I'm planning on making him a root beer cake.
Adding to My To Do List - Getting the hobbit-hole back in shape, reorganizing the wee-lings' room (again).
Grateful For - That there is a light at the end of the tunnel with this medication mess. In a couple of weeks, I'll be on the new meds, and hopefully there will be no more headaches!
Monday, August 10, 2015
#Microblog Mondays: Hallelujah!
Hey Humble Readers...
Windows 10 did a number on me last week. There were so many glitches as a result of the upgrade that I actually stopped using my laptop for a few days, just to save my sanity. My trackpad two-finger scroll and cursor lock wasn't working (this was HUGE for me) and neither Microsoft nor ASUS had a working fix for it, and blogging had become a nightmare. I couldn't post pictures through Picasa or from my computer, the compose screen had gone back to the old html format with no way to get it to switch over to the more updated version. I was having problems commenting on blogs, most of the time my comment wouldn't be posted at all. And let's not forget all the little changes that are challenging to muscle memory (like where the back button is now, and the layout of the start menu).
BUT... I am victorious! I finally got a tip from someone on the Microsoft help forum (not one of their techs... THANK YOU SO MUCH Mournfulbliss, whoever you are!) about rolling back the driver on my trackpad. After a little tinkering, voila! I have my two-finger scrolling/cursor lock back again. Yay! And after a bit of hunting, I found out that all the problems I have been having with blogging stems from the fact that Blogger and most other traditional blog platforms haven't yet been able to code for the new Microsoft Edge internet browser. So I have reverted back to Internet Explorer for the time being.
So now that things are mostly functioning properly, I am a happy hobbit!
*****
This was posted as a part of Mel's #MicroblogMondays. Click over and check out everyone else's micro posts! (And yes, I know that this was a little longer than the recommended 7 or 8 sentences, but I had much to say. LOL)
Windows 10 did a number on me last week. There were so many glitches as a result of the upgrade that I actually stopped using my laptop for a few days, just to save my sanity. My trackpad two-finger scroll and cursor lock wasn't working (this was HUGE for me) and neither Microsoft nor ASUS had a working fix for it, and blogging had become a nightmare. I couldn't post pictures through Picasa or from my computer, the compose screen had gone back to the old html format with no way to get it to switch over to the more updated version. I was having problems commenting on blogs, most of the time my comment wouldn't be posted at all. And let's not forget all the little changes that are challenging to muscle memory (like where the back button is now, and the layout of the start menu).
BUT... I am victorious! I finally got a tip from someone on the Microsoft help forum (not one of their techs... THANK YOU SO MUCH Mournfulbliss, whoever you are!) about rolling back the driver on my trackpad. After a little tinkering, voila! I have my two-finger scrolling/cursor lock back again. Yay! And after a bit of hunting, I found out that all the problems I have been having with blogging stems from the fact that Blogger and most other traditional blog platforms haven't yet been able to code for the new Microsoft Edge internet browser. So I have reverted back to Internet Explorer for the time being.
So now that things are mostly functioning properly, I am a happy hobbit!
*****
This was posted as a part of Mel's #MicroblogMondays. Click over and check out everyone else's micro posts! (And yes, I know that this was a little longer than the recommended 7 or 8 sentences, but I had much to say. LOL)
Monday, August 3, 2015
#MicroBlogMondays: Mom Hair
Hey Humble Readers...
Did you know I shaved my head last winter? Completely bald, in support of one of my best girlfriends, Sira, who was going through chemo treatments. She is, thankfully, in full remission now, and my hair looks more like something someone would actually ask a hairdresser to do for them, rather than just Velcro-like stubble.
I have no regrets about shaving my head, but man oh man I cannot wait for it to grow out. I've been told that short hair suits me and that it's really about time that I cut my hair like most moms do. I, on the other hand, don't like how I look with short hair and am looking forward to when it is long enough to actually do something with. And mostly, I don't like it because when I look in the mirror I don't see myself, I see my bio-mom.
Do you have 'mom-hair'?
*****
This was posted as a part of Mel's #MicroBlogMondays. Click over and check out what others are sharing today.
Did you know I shaved my head last winter? Completely bald, in support of one of my best girlfriends, Sira, who was going through chemo treatments. She is, thankfully, in full remission now, and my hair looks more like something someone would actually ask a hairdresser to do for them, rather than just Velcro-like stubble.
I have no regrets about shaving my head, but man oh man I cannot wait for it to grow out. I've been told that short hair suits me and that it's really about time that I cut my hair like most moms do. I, on the other hand, don't like how I look with short hair and am looking forward to when it is long enough to actually do something with. And mostly, I don't like it because when I look in the mirror I don't see myself, I see my bio-mom.
Do you have 'mom-hair'?
*****
This was posted as a part of Mel's #MicroBlogMondays. Click over and check out what others are sharing today.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Sunday Night Chit Chat: August Long Weekend Edition
Hey Humble Readers...
If this post actually gets published, I will be greatly surprised, as I am ready to chuck my laptop out the window. Blogging should not be this frustrating. I am unable to post any pics right now, as I can't upload anything from my computer or from Picasa. I don't know if it's just a Blogger glitch or if this is one of the myriad of problems I've encountered since my Windows 10 upgrade. Then after doing battle with trying to load a pic, I go ahead and write two thirds of the post, only to accidentally delete the whole thing. Grrr...
Anywho, I fully intended to share a pic of our dinner tonight. Sliced steak with goat cheese polenta, and a sauce made with sautéed peppers and onions, burst grape tomatoes with a little stock and steak sauce. Yummy! It was a first for the wee-lings, as they've never had polenta before, but they both gobbled it up. Of course, Pippin chose not to eat his steak or the peppers in the sauce. I did, however, question my sanity while I was stirring a steaming pot of polenta in this heat. Oh, and the way that Pippin says polenta is too cute... pwowenta.
Here's what I'm:
Reading - I just finished reading "Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times" by Emma Trevayne. It was a good book, a junior fiction (the same intended audience as Harry Potter) steampunk fantasy. It was mostly a fun read, I just questioned the main character's motivation in the middle of the story. I liked it enough that I'll probably read more in the series, if there are more. Tonight I'm going to be starting a reread of Jurassic Park.
Watching - Nothing in particular at the moment, but I'm planning on watching the Simon Pegg movie "Hector and the Search for Happiness"
Listening to - The fan labouring away attempting to move the humid air around.
Budgeting for - School stuff for Ginny. I'm actually doing not too bad with this so far. I ordered some new school clothes for her from The Children's Place, all of it at least 50% off and free shipping. We got her backpack, pencil case, and lunch bag as a set at a 40% off sale last weekend. All that's really left is the actual school supplies (I'm figuring on about $35-40 for that) and her actual school/bussing fees. I know that bussing is $150 for the year, but I'm not sure what the school will be asking for.
Excited for - The wee-lings will be doing a week of day camp (half-days) in a little over a week. Ginny is doing a camp called Bounce Into Fall, and Pip is doing Dino Tykes. I'm sure they'll have a blast, and I'll get a bunch of time to get some stuff done around the hobbit hole.
Adding to my to do list - Noticed today how terribly dirty my kitchen and living room windows are. Really must clean them.
Grateful For - My Beloved's commitment to making time for the wee-lings, even when he's busy with work and his CGA course stuff. He is in the midst of a very challenging course right now (Taxation), but he still makes time to play and listen to their stories.
Thinking About - The story I was writing earlier today.
Doing This Week - I'm trying to build a new schedule for myself that allows me to get all my should-dos done so that I can allow myself to enjoy the things I want to do. (this topic really needs its own post)
*****
I was so glad when I popped over to Carla's My 1/2 Dozen Daily and saw that she had done a Chit Chat post. I had been thinking about doing one myself, but am just lazy enough to be glad she came up with the questions for this week.
If this post actually gets published, I will be greatly surprised, as I am ready to chuck my laptop out the window. Blogging should not be this frustrating. I am unable to post any pics right now, as I can't upload anything from my computer or from Picasa. I don't know if it's just a Blogger glitch or if this is one of the myriad of problems I've encountered since my Windows 10 upgrade. Then after doing battle with trying to load a pic, I go ahead and write two thirds of the post, only to accidentally delete the whole thing. Grrr...
Anywho, I fully intended to share a pic of our dinner tonight. Sliced steak with goat cheese polenta, and a sauce made with sautéed peppers and onions, burst grape tomatoes with a little stock and steak sauce. Yummy! It was a first for the wee-lings, as they've never had polenta before, but they both gobbled it up. Of course, Pippin chose not to eat his steak or the peppers in the sauce. I did, however, question my sanity while I was stirring a steaming pot of polenta in this heat. Oh, and the way that Pippin says polenta is too cute... pwowenta.
Here's what I'm:
Reading - I just finished reading "Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times" by Emma Trevayne. It was a good book, a junior fiction (the same intended audience as Harry Potter) steampunk fantasy. It was mostly a fun read, I just questioned the main character's motivation in the middle of the story. I liked it enough that I'll probably read more in the series, if there are more. Tonight I'm going to be starting a reread of Jurassic Park.
Watching - Nothing in particular at the moment, but I'm planning on watching the Simon Pegg movie "Hector and the Search for Happiness"
Listening to - The fan labouring away attempting to move the humid air around.
Budgeting for - School stuff for Ginny. I'm actually doing not too bad with this so far. I ordered some new school clothes for her from The Children's Place, all of it at least 50% off and free shipping. We got her backpack, pencil case, and lunch bag as a set at a 40% off sale last weekend. All that's really left is the actual school supplies (I'm figuring on about $35-40 for that) and her actual school/bussing fees. I know that bussing is $150 for the year, but I'm not sure what the school will be asking for.
Excited for - The wee-lings will be doing a week of day camp (half-days) in a little over a week. Ginny is doing a camp called Bounce Into Fall, and Pip is doing Dino Tykes. I'm sure they'll have a blast, and I'll get a bunch of time to get some stuff done around the hobbit hole.
Adding to my to do list - Noticed today how terribly dirty my kitchen and living room windows are. Really must clean them.
Grateful For - My Beloved's commitment to making time for the wee-lings, even when he's busy with work and his CGA course stuff. He is in the midst of a very challenging course right now (Taxation), but he still makes time to play and listen to their stories.
Thinking About - The story I was writing earlier today.
Doing This Week - I'm trying to build a new schedule for myself that allows me to get all my should-dos done so that I can allow myself to enjoy the things I want to do. (this topic really needs its own post)
*****
I was so glad when I popped over to Carla's My 1/2 Dozen Daily and saw that she had done a Chit Chat post. I had been thinking about doing one myself, but am just lazy enough to be glad she came up with the questions for this week.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: I Need Some Technical Assistance ASAP
Hey Humble Readers...
I have a few little odds and ends to share today. Thought I'd bring back a blast from the past and do a potpourri post.
*****
We have a new bakery in the Shire and I am thrilled to death! You have to understand, if you looked up bakeries in the phone book or online, the only listings were for a couple of commercial bakeries and grocery store bakeries. Seriously, the first listing is for the Sa.fe.way bakery. For a girl who grew up in a city with a plethora of family owned German and other eastern European bakeries, this was a hard adjustment. The bakery we have now is a chain, but it's one I'm familiar with, and they do really great breads. I can get challah! You have no idea how excited I am about this. I know I could bake my own challah, but my bread baking skills aren't that strong.
*****
My MIL was here taking care of the wee-lings while my Beloved and I were in Big-City-to-the-South. I love her, and I appreciate that she's willing to come and stay here, to give us the chance to get away. But, Humble Readers, she cleaned my pantry while she was here. And reorganized it. I'm equally embarrassed and irritated. I can't find anything. She also reorganized my pots & pans cupboard, and cleaned our laundry closet (we have a little room for our stackable washer/dryer). How do I tell her that while I appreciate her taking care of the wee-lings, I would rather she not clean? I know I'm not the greatest housekeeper in the world, but we don't live in filth.
*****
I've updated the menu widget over there on the right. I'm also planning on sharing a few recipes in the next little while. I've been gung-ho on pasta salads this summer and I have a great recipe I can't wait to share with you all.
*****
I'm not terribly happy with Windows 10. I have had to troubleshoot a number of problems, and there's one big one (to me) that I can't seem to get to work right. Since the upgrade, I haven't been able to do the two-finger scroll with my touchpad. It's very frustrating. If any of you are comfortable with uninstalling and reinstalling drivers (what the oh-so-helpful techs from Microsoft suggest as a fix), could you let me know? I need some guidance. (GAH! MY BLOGGER SETTINGS ARE ALL SCREWED UP TOO! I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW TO GET IT TO FIX THE FORMATTING. HELP!!!)
*****
It's been pretty hot the last few days. We seem to be in this pattern of three or four days of rain and cooler temps, followed by three or four days of normal to high temps with high humidity. I think our region is the only part of the province that isn't in a serious drought situation.
*****
The next federal election hasn't officially been called yet (possibly announced tomorrow?), and I'm already sick of all the attack ads. The thing is, I'm really feeling that I'm going to have to pay very close attention to the debates and all the stuff that the party leaders are talking about this time around. That sounds bad, that I'm an uneducated voter, but I have generally voted for the same party for most of my adult life, not because I agreed with all of their platform, but because they seemed like the lesser of three evils. I'm not convinced that another party could do better than the current ruling party, but I'm not enthralled with Stephen Harper. Me = Confused.
*****
It's a long weekend here north of the 49th. In most provinces anyway. While I'm glad for the extra day off for my Beloved, this weekend always seems like a bit of a throw away long weekend. We never really plan anything, and it's usually stupid hot, so all we do is live in front of the fan and try not to sweat on each other.
*****
That's about it for tonight. I'm off to go make supper. Hope you all are having a great weekend. What are you up to?
*****
Update: I think I got the formatting issue sorted. My compose screen doesn't look the same as it used to, but at least the finished product looks better.
I have a few little odds and ends to share today. Thought I'd bring back a blast from the past and do a potpourri post.
*****
We have a new bakery in the Shire and I am thrilled to death! You have to understand, if you looked up bakeries in the phone book or online, the only listings were for a couple of commercial bakeries and grocery store bakeries. Seriously, the first listing is for the Sa.fe.way bakery. For a girl who grew up in a city with a plethora of family owned German and other eastern European bakeries, this was a hard adjustment. The bakery we have now is a chain, but it's one I'm familiar with, and they do really great breads. I can get challah! You have no idea how excited I am about this. I know I could bake my own challah, but my bread baking skills aren't that strong.
*****
My MIL was here taking care of the wee-lings while my Beloved and I were in Big-City-to-the-South. I love her, and I appreciate that she's willing to come and stay here, to give us the chance to get away. But, Humble Readers, she cleaned my pantry while she was here. And reorganized it. I'm equally embarrassed and irritated. I can't find anything. She also reorganized my pots & pans cupboard, and cleaned our laundry closet (we have a little room for our stackable washer/dryer). How do I tell her that while I appreciate her taking care of the wee-lings, I would rather she not clean? I know I'm not the greatest housekeeper in the world, but we don't live in filth.
*****
I've updated the menu widget over there on the right. I'm also planning on sharing a few recipes in the next little while. I've been gung-ho on pasta salads this summer and I have a great recipe I can't wait to share with you all.
*****
I'm not terribly happy with Windows 10. I have had to troubleshoot a number of problems, and there's one big one (to me) that I can't seem to get to work right. Since the upgrade, I haven't been able to do the two-finger scroll with my touchpad. It's very frustrating. If any of you are comfortable with uninstalling and reinstalling drivers (what the oh-so-helpful techs from Microsoft suggest as a fix), could you let me know? I need some guidance. (GAH! MY BLOGGER SETTINGS ARE ALL SCREWED UP TOO! I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW TO GET IT TO FIX THE FORMATTING. HELP!!!)
*****
It's been pretty hot the last few days. We seem to be in this pattern of three or four days of rain and cooler temps, followed by three or four days of normal to high temps with high humidity. I think our region is the only part of the province that isn't in a serious drought situation.
*****
The next federal election hasn't officially been called yet (possibly announced tomorrow?), and I'm already sick of all the attack ads. The thing is, I'm really feeling that I'm going to have to pay very close attention to the debates and all the stuff that the party leaders are talking about this time around. That sounds bad, that I'm an uneducated voter, but I have generally voted for the same party for most of my adult life, not because I agreed with all of their platform, but because they seemed like the lesser of three evils. I'm not convinced that another party could do better than the current ruling party, but I'm not enthralled with Stephen Harper. Me = Confused.
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It's a long weekend here north of the 49th. In most provinces anyway. While I'm glad for the extra day off for my Beloved, this weekend always seems like a bit of a throw away long weekend. We never really plan anything, and it's usually stupid hot, so all we do is live in front of the fan and try not to sweat on each other.
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That's about it for tonight. I'm off to go make supper. Hope you all are having a great weekend. What are you up to?
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Update: I think I got the formatting issue sorted. My compose screen doesn't look the same as it used to, but at least the finished product looks better.
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