April 2024

 It’s passed midnight on April 7, 2024….it’s way passed my bed time.  Not really, I have been staying up way to late and then sleeping in. I have been doing a cross stitch project, and it’s almost done, just doing the back stitching.

I haven’t been keeping this blog updated, I think I better do better….. I’ll put it on my monthly to do list.

Should I start this update from last year, with an update of the whole year. Or just start from today/night!!

Today I planted two seed packs of sweet peas, I soaked the seeds in water overnight, although, where I planted them in my back corner around my trellis, it was very mucky, with standing water. I made a little ditch with my boot, later I had to wash my boots with the outside tap, or there would have been mud everywhere….and you know the maid wouldn’t be happy about that. Of course when I’m referring to the maid…it’s me….the homemaker….domestic goddess….etc  the thing is, there’s no one to blame things on with just the two of us, and hubby was making dinner…🥰

We had snow, a few days ago, it was about 2 inches, of wet Vancouver Island kind of snow, wet and heavy. And was a bit slippery when I cleared the driveway. That was a decision I didn’t know what to do- should I clear the driveway or not….but I did. And a few hours later most of the snow had melted. But I knew if I hadn’t cleared the driveway, we would of had freezing temps again, and made more work for myself. One thing to look forward to these days…..spring and summer…..😎

Well that’s it for tonight, I was just waiting for my movie to end, and now I’m heading to bed. 

Good Night 💤😴💤

 

July 24, 2023-update for 2023

July 24, 2023- Boy it’s been more then a year since I updated, we don’t do as much as when we lived in Alaska.

I’m not sure what to add for my update. Covid seems to be less, as everything is back up and running. Which is nice, but still like to wash my hand often, good cleaning habits help, to keep germs in general at bay.

I will be right back, need to read my last blog, to see where, I need to start sharing with you….😎

Okay, ready to update…lol

So DH just got his 6th Covid vaccination, since his cancer he doesn’t want to be sick, so this will help keep him from catching Covid again. We both caught Covid just after Christmas. We both had mild symptoms, but we both don’t enjoy being sick.

So I’ll update a bit, as I see there’s lots to add.  We went and picked up our daughter a University in May 2022. All her stuff didn’t fix in the car, and had to donate a few things at the donation bins…😎

DD worked a few jobs over summer, and decided after a few years, University wasn’t for her, and decided to apply for the Canadian Military, like her Dad and brother.  This seemed to take awhile for things in this department to kick in.  She worked her summer job, and then got a job at our ski hill (notice I said hill, we don’t have mountains here). Doing this job she really enjoyed working with all the tools….😎 Helps to do different jobs when deciding what you will do for your career …...

DS is enjoying his time in the Royal Canadian Navy, living in Victoria with his GF and their dog. They live in the military housing as it’s so expensive to buy in Victoria.  We wish we had not sold our house in Sooke, back in 2012 when we moved to Alaska, we could have retired and moved back to the Island, but more about that later.

July 2022-we spent the weekend camping at my Sister’s (K) trailer, for Canada Day weekend, the 3 of us, and my sister and her kids, her hubby had to work.

Adventure Camping we did in the rain, but it did clear up for the celebration, Christmas in July parade. We had a few rain down pours and thunder and lightening. 

Our gas in July 2022 was $1.65, and this year July 2023 our gas is $1.39 so it’s not to bad, I guess. BC’s gas is much higher at almost $2……☹️

DD and I went to the air show, DH had to work at his works display, it was a warm day, and we enjoyed another Cold Lake Airshow, they are every 2 years here. It’s not a yearly event.

In Aug 2023 DH and I drove out to BC, to visit our family on Vancouver Island.  DD had to stay home and work, as she was on a job contract, and had to stay and work. We drove DH’s BMW, well he drove the whole way and back, so you know he’s feeling better. We toured some old stomping grounds of my DH, on our way to the Island. We went to Princeton, he spend some time there at Glider Summer Camp. It doesn’t seem to be running summer camps, any more.

We spent the afternoon with my cousin and her family, it’s been awhile, definitely long over do.  We then went to our friends, just down the road, in our old stomping grounds of Maple Ridge. We spent the evening with our friends, having our regular Chinese Food dinner. It’s our tradition now….😎 

With us driving we didn’t get to spend enough time with friend and family, before heading to the island. We got up early and heading for the ferry terminal. Heading to our Son’s house, and getting to meet and hang out with his girlfriend and dog for the first time in real life. 

We had ordered new tires for Hubby's car, to be sent to Costco, so of course the tires were delayed, so we spent an extra day in Victoria, before heading up island. We did a few walks around and visited and ate out at a few different restaurants. 

On the way up Island DH and I stopped and did the Malahat Skywalk, it was really cool, and the views are amazing.

Family dinners are always better at the cabin/lake, when you are with family and friends. We had a dinner with our family and friends, and of course swimming. It as a warm time of year and swimming helps to cool you off, but the lake gets lake ich from the goose poop, so you have to have a shower and towel off, if you have sensitive skin. We took a dinner party picture, to save the moment in time. There was 30 ish of us. We also took some family pictures, it’s not always that we are all together any more.  

The next day, my sister (L) had a tea party for us all at her house. It was lots of fun, she took the kids with here to help her with all her plans. They helped with setting up the tables, adding tea cups and all the table settings and decorations, then helped make the sandwiches, some guests brought goodies/ bake goods.

That night we stopped for seafood…..Oysters and clams, to bring to my parents cabin. When your on the coast you have seafood, not in Alberta.  This is my hubby’s rule….yum. He loves Oysters cooked on the BBQ. 

My Sister(K) and kids headed out early for home back in Alberta. Later in the morning DH and DS and his girlfriend and her cousin went hiking early to beat the heat. After leaving my parents cabin my grand dog and I started heading slowly up island, stopping to visit a few friends along the way. 

It was another really hot day, so heading up to my sisters (L), I got a call to say they had finished hiking so I said meet up at my Sisters (L) house, she’s been working on her house, up grading, it was a long reno. She wanted to show us, what she’s been doing.

After our visit, I ended up taking the girls and dog in our car, it has air conditioning and my son’s cars air wasn’t working, so I stopped and got a cooked chicken and Caesar salad and a tuxedo cake at Costco for dinner.

DS stayed over, and heading back to Victoria the next morning leaving early to beat the heat.  DH and I spend some time with his Dad/ my father in law. We went to visit the gravesite to see where DHs Moms memorial was, and to check in with other family/ancestors buried at the grave.

We went out for dinner at Joeys Only ….okay not called that any more, but we went for fish and chips.  Mom and Dad stopped in to say Hi, as we were leaving the next morning for home, via the Powell River way….so we did the circle route, our first time going that way, stopping by Mollys reach, it rained so wasn’t the most beautiful of drives but was nice to see the different route home. We took a few days to get home, with our age, we aren’t fans of driving at night, so stopped a few times. But finally made it home.

August- we saw Northern lights and the sweet peas bloomed,  I’m looking through my pictures, and that about it for August….lol 

September- we celebrated  our DD’s 20th Birthday, how can she be this old already….lol My gardens looked amazing, looks like I had a sun flower, but not sure if it ever had seeds.

October 2022 -we enjoyed a fire, we don’t have fires in our fire pit like we thought we would, but I guess there’s lots of heat in the summer and lots of snow in the winter.  We had thanksgiving at home, just the 3 of us.

We got our new couch, we bought our mattress a few years ago and love it, so I saw on TV about a company, that ships couches right to your house, so 3 or 4 big boxes showed up, DH and DD put the couches together, and so we had to get rid of the old couch, my idea was to take apart the old couch, wrong idea, but it is what it is.

I of course have been crocheting and made crocheted popcorn for my Christmas tree, and will add red berries to the garland. To use for years to come.

By Nov 2, 2022 we had snow, I think it may have snowed the day after Halloween, but didn’t take a picture, so it didn’t happen right…lol

Looks like I took some walks in the snow, to find frozen things to take pictures of, then I made shortbread, we love Shortbread in our family, and I made many batches…😎 My Mom likes the whipped shortbread, but I prefer the traditional type.  My sister (L) always makes it early, and says it tastes better, seasoned. 🤷‍♀️ I think it tastes good either way to me…lol

DD started dating her boyfriend, he’s also in the military, so looks like I’m surrounded by the military…😎

We went on a cruise with our friends, our cruise family, we have been on many cruises with them. We cruised the Harmony of the seas on this cruise, it was the biggest cruise ship we had sailed on.  It was beautiful, it was an amazing time, DH is working on making a travel page, so stay tuned for that, I will post when we are up and running our channel.  The last few days, hubby got sick, and it really knocked him down, he took a Covid test but never tested + so was a bad cold/flu.

Dec 2022- we went for hubbys cancer check up and things are all good. I spent my time, baking and doing Christmas cards, walking in the winter land. Family also loves the Ginger Crinkle cookies, I make many batches of these cookies. I have the recipe over on my recipe page, that can be found on the side menu (Pages) of this page.

We had my cousin K and hubby over for dinner, I think it was Christmas Eve, we had a fondue, I made crocheted gnomes for us all, there was DD and boyfriend, cousin K and Hubby and the two of us. We also brought out the Raclette, to check out. 

We spent New Years at home, as we were removing from Covid.

Jan 2023- we went for a skate at the base skating rink, well I didn’t and DHs skate blade was broken, so he didn’t skate either.  DD skated and helped her boyfriend learn to skate. It was a beautiful day, with mild  temps and even the sun came out to play.

I discovered I’m allergic to Tide with Oxy, I got big welts/ hives.  So I gave that detergent to DD’s boyfriend to take to work (Firefighters need free stuff right..lol) take my allergy meds and I was all better the next day.

 Cousin K, DD and I (and DD’s boyfriend sometimes…😎) started to do craft nights on Wednesday nights. Then I joined a crochet group on Mondays at our library, and then  joined Wednesday nights a knit and purl group, also at the library.  So we had to change our craft night, but we only did like 4 or so nights but we enjoyed getting to know each other again and crafting at the same time.  It’s been a few years, they are a military family as well so we don’t get to the same posting often, but they moved here, when Covid and Cancer happened for us.

During this last few months DD got to do her Aptitude test for the military, in Edmonton, then her Medical in CL and then got an offer, and had her joining ceremony in Edmonton.  We just happen to have a doctor appointment the day before, so could  be with her for her signing, her boyfriend and Dad went to ceremony, she was only able to have two people, still Covid rules, and a small room for ceremony. So I went and got her passport, as it was in the same building and she needed a new Adult passport. Killing two birds with one stone. I didn’t take too long, so got back in time for the pictures after ceremony. We are so happy and proud of our kids, joining the military family, and serving our country. There’s up and down with the military, but I have enjoyed my time being a military spouse. We have been to many parts of the county and have met so many amazing friends. 

March 2023- DD headed for Basic training, a few weeks/days in and she cut all her hair off, it was so much easier for basic.  She did her 10 weeks, I think that‘s how long it was, and was sent to Borden, Ont for training, and she’s still there now. Doing her courses, before moving on to her first posting. She’s screening to come back to our town.

March 30th 2023- DH and I took a trip back to BC, we got a great deal on our flights, so got to spend Easter with family.  We rented a car also, a better price then the year before and planned to go down to Victoria, but our DS and GF and GD came up to visit us.

We toured around our old stomping grounds as we didn’t have time the last time we visited. Went by our old houses, and just checked out changes around town.  We played Cinch with family (a card game our family and friends play) on one of our trips we went to the stairs, at the spit and did a few laps, up and down. We did a few hikes and found some GeoCaches. We haven’t geo cached in a few years.

We (when I say we I mean DH, with the help of my sister (L) and her BF) and the Zip zip … metal grinder, thing. Changed the dripping kitchen tap at my FIL’s house. Because the tap was rusted on, we couldn’t get the old taps off the sink, but with the zip zip, it vibrated and cut the tap off quick, noisy but quick.

So while DH with assistant FIL put the sink back together, a bunch of us went to the Easter Bunny Hop, it was a nice day, with family. When we got back there was another problem, with the sink, the sink was leaking, but after closer investigation, Sister (L) and BF said we just needed a new (basket???) forget the name, but we went to Home Depot and picked one up. So an hour job, ended up being a few days…but now we know how to fix it….and FIL has a new tap.

My Sister (L) and BF invited us up for dinner one night with my mom and dad and brother and kids.

Then we went down to my parents cabin, and had a Thanksgiving fest with family. We colored Easter eggs, made pies, made breaded Oysters like Auntie Kate used to make. Had a big fire, some one went swimming……she fell in head first, so she was cold, but after the change of clothes she warmed by the fire. 

Later, my Dad lit a lighted lantern, it went up, it went up so high then came back down, there was no wind. 

The next day we decided we needed a new geo cache at the dinosaur hike, so we decided how we wanted the geo cache to look, we wanted it to be in a dinosaur , so Dad hollowed out a hole, and made a wine cork stopper, then we added paper to sign. And then off we went to hide the cache. It was pouring rain, but hid it and attached it to the stump, with a chain.  Then we did the loop of the hike/walk. My dad has made a big dinosaur on the hike too with wood.

The next day DS and GF and GD went home. So we (DH, Dad and I) decided to check on our other Geo cache we have at the lake, so we went down, to check it out, it was a bit wet, but found the cache, safe and sound.

The next day Mom, Dad DH and I took a drive/trip to Port Alberni, we stopped in Coombs to see the goats on the roof, then had lunch in Port Alberni at the water front, then stopped at the cathedral grove on the way back, did a walk around the forest park.

That night Dad had bought a ROKR Airplane control tower 3D puzzle when we were at Coombs, so DH and my Dad worked on putting it together. It’s a lot harder then they thought it would be.

My Mom has been having chemo for a few years, and has now changed to a different chemo, because she is having some side affects, with her fingers and toes, they are numb and tingly, like they are asleep. So she can’t do big adventures, but she’s happy to sit and read her book, and rest.

April 12, 2023 we head back up to FIL’s house, it’s his 91st bday.  We leave the next day flying back to Edmonton. We had to stay over a night in Edmonton, so DH found a store with the ROKR 3D puzzles, so he picked up a guitar and amp.

Back at home I started a few seeds, wanted to start more, but we had another trip planned and had know one to water my plants. April 28th some seedlings are growing.

May 2023- we took our trip to Montreal/Ont for DD’s Basic training ceremony.  We stayed with our friends, did a few tours, and went to DDs Graduation of Military Basic training. We stayed at the base, her BF came for the ceremony and our friends joined us too. We all went out for dinner to celebrate, and BF went home early AM and we went home on the night flight. Staying over in Edmonton and then headed home the next day. DD drove with a friend, she meet at basic, her friends parents live in Ottawa, so they stopped for a night before making their way to Borden, Ont.

June and July we didn’t do much, went for a doctor check up in Edmonton, and just watering and watching my gardens grow.

July 1st we walked down to our celebrations Canada Day celebrations, we watched the parade, and a few of the different performers. Then headed to my sister (K)’s cabin, my other sister (L) surprised us, they told us to bring warm clothiers, but we had already left. Because my sister didn’t bring warm enough clothes…lol we brought the rain, seems like we bring the rain every time we go….lol but it was nice on Monday, we helped put their boat holder together, and their friend helped to move it out to the warf. We came home Tuesday after lunch.

Oh ya forgot to mention, DD and BF got engaged July 16th 2023- and she said YES wedding in a few years.

Well that’s about it for now, this took about 3 hours to write out, I have to update more often….lol we are enjoying raspberries, and looking at my plants grow.  Our Mountain Ash tree is looked dead, hopefully this is just a seasonal thing. But wanted to add a note about my tree. Because time is flying by and I need to remember life events.

Thanks for reading about our crazy life….🌻😎🌻

April 24, 2022

 Sunday April 24, 2022

Time to post again, things are getting busy, with the weather warming up, everything here is coming to life.  Today DH washed our car, in our driveway.  I have washed the car a few times but at the touch-less car wash. The garden hoses have came out and are ready for another summer.

DH got his bike, ready to ride as well, I’m going to take baby steps with my bike…😎 we have lots of hills, and I will need to train my body to ride.

I planted seeds in our house, hoping to get them growing and ready to plant out in the yard. I have been thinking of making a few new planter boxes in our front yard, along the side of our yard, we get so much sun in our front yard, I feel the plants will be happy. 

Another to do list is being made, for all the many projects I want to do.

I have been working on my/our family genealogy, and I think I will be taking the summer off, especially with more things opening up.  This summer our town will be hosting the air show. And have other activities on our calendar.

COVID 19 is still in our world, everything is opening up and masks aren’t monitory any more. Heard on the news the 6th wave is coming but on the news they say, the mask mandate will not be coming back, we will see.  DH and I have 3 doses, now but there’s talk about a 4th doses.

I have a new addiction, we both have been working out with iFit, I love everything about it, I’m almost at 250 workouts, since the end of January. My body isn’t into running, but I’m loving all the hiking and walks, and many adventures. I’m still training to get back to running, my body is just getting slow…lol 

Easter weekend we didn’t do much, just hung out. Cooked a ham and ate our choc easter bunny. We had a skiff of snow. 

Today the snow is all melted from the front yard, but the back yard still has a few piles, where the sun doesn’t shine.

 Our Wedding Anniversary is this week, we don’t have plans, but I’m sure we will go out for dinner or make a meal we both love…🥰 maybe I’ll make some chocolate brownie's for dessert.

I have made a lot of Ginger Crinkle cookies, they are our new favorites, tomorrow I’m going to make some chocolate chip cookies. To change things up….😎

Next weekend we head to pick up DD from University. I can’t believe she’s finished for another year. I’m hoping we can fit all her stuff in the car. Luckily there’s a donation bin outside her dorm, if things don’t fit, we may have to donate. 

Well, that’s the news for now, have a great day!! 

March 27, 2022

 Hello everyone, 

it’s almost the end of March. This winter has been a long one, with lots of snow, and cold temps.  I did hear that in Edmonton, the weatherman said, this winter was just a regular winter, but as for at our house, here in Cold Lake, Alberta, I believe our winter was extra cold and snowy…..❄️☃️❄️ 😝 

Even with our cold temps, our snow is slowly melting and as I drove around yesterday, I did notice that the snow, around town was melting, a lot more then I had realized.  After shopping I drove towards the lake to take pictures, down by the marina.  There was a few huts out on the lake, and people walking out that way. I saw a fire truck and a policeman, and people with kids but never thought anything about it,  I drove along my regular walking route to see if the snow was all melted, as many of you know I don’t do well on Ice, so I wanted to drive my walking route to see if it was still icy, but the snow had melted on a lot of my route, so that makes me happy.  So when I got home Carlisle, told me that he had seen on one of our neighborhood watch group on Facebook, that a SUV had gone through the ice at the marina, so I guess that’s what was up when I drove past earlier.

Found this picture online

This weekend we haven’t done much, but it’s nice to see warmer temps, yesterday Carlisle and I did an 8km race. I run on the treadmill and Carlisle biked the race. Carlisle joined IFIT in Dec and I joined the end of Jan. Well we love it. Today on my workout, I hiked in Alaska and did two walks in Japan. I have complete 158 workouts so far. And enjoying every minute, I wish I started sooner, maybe the cold and snowy days might not have seemed so bad.

Well spring is here, just have to get our snow to melt then I can start doing more outside chores.  Like painting the deck, planting my sweet peas, etc.  First I have to clean up the garden. Going to take the summer off  doing my families genealogy/family tree history. And watch my garden grow. 

So our Masks are off now, as of March ….. I think, we will see how our Covid numbers go. They are on the decline so that’s good news, 

Feb 24, 2022 We also are watching breaking news over the last month or so about Russia trying to invade Ukraine. Bombing and destroying a lot of the towns, killing lots of people,  alot of innocent by standards, trying to defend against Gladimir Putin, and save there country. It’s very scary for everyone living in Ukraine, women and children are trying to leave and escape, but men are ordered to stay and fight, many others are staying to help fight to stop Russia from taking over.  Canada and many other countries are trying to help in many different ways, Canada has opened our immigration for Ukrainian people to come and stay for 3 years. Canada is sending medical, personal etc to help the people of Ukraine. Praying for peace 🙏🏼

That’s all for now, stay safe 

 

Oct 27, 2021-How could it be almost Halloween!!

 Happy Hump Day!! 

It’s been awhile, DH (Husband) has been on a cancer journey. So that’s been keeping us busy. He started a blog to share his journey- https://carlislemason.blogspot.com/?m=1

Our days are getting shorter, as Winter 2021 draws near, we have had heavy frost. We had to be away from home, while doing my husbands 30 radiation treatments, so it’s nice to be home and healing. 

I have been doing my crocheting and of course Family Genealogy.  Hubby has been healing, practicing his guitar and spending time on his computer.

Heard we should be Christmas shopping, before the shelves are bare, there maybe a lot of things not delivered because of COVID.

Yes, COVID is still here, we are in the 4th wave, so happy we doesn’t have to visit the hospital as much any more, sick people are at the hospital. Masks are mandatory, and so eat out and go to hockey games, etc you need to show your vaccine status.

Halloween is this Sunday, I wonder how many trick or treaters we will get this year. 

As many know, Christmas is my thing (holiday) think that was started with my Mom and maybe her Mom.  Love our traditions growing up, I try to keep things going being away from family and we have make a few new ones along the way. Miss the good old days !! 

I’m planning a baking video day, next weekend with my sister and grandma, and maybe my Mom. We are going to make our families Christmas pudding, my Grandma has been making it for 50 or so years.  I never liked it as a kid but it’s tradition and the Carmel sauce is the best, it’s a very rich dessert.  I also bought butter to make shortbread. It needs to be made early, but really I love it made early or the day of….yummy!    I have a list of Christmas baking, but with just the two of us at home, I make less.  Hubby isn’t eating to well now, but hopefully he will be eating treats soon.

Well, just wanted to add an update, to say I’m still around just busy. Hope you are all keeping well, take care xo

June 3, 2021 Vaccinated - 1st dose check

 It’s been awhile since posting, we haven’t been doing much, still locked down so to speak, with COVID among us. We have just come through our third lock down, we are hopefully seeing the light at the end of the COVID period in history.  Our province boarders and the USA/Canada boarder is still closed. Making travel very limited, we do not go any where, we are doing our part to end the spread of the virus.

We had hoped to visit the Island this summer, to see family.  I was hoping to do a genealogy trip, along the way,  visiting places I have found in my recent obsession with finding my roots.

  I have always been interested in our families history, my Aunt Donna (she’s not really an Aunt) she’s a cousins wife. She’s been keeping track of my moms, one side of the family for years, way before computers. She was using her typewriter and still does.  I think with the help of DNA companies, it’s become a easier project, maybe easier isn’t the right word, but it’s like going down a rabbit hole.....lots of work!!

My Mom was diagnosed with Cancer in January, so she’s been doing chemo since mid Feb, I think time is flying by. I’m sure it’s not so fast for her. She at about 6 weeks of her 12 week chemo treatment. She doing really well, the first 3 treatments she has a bit of a rough time but has been doing great through the last few treatments and is happy to be back to eating normally, any thing she would like.

We have been making trips to Edmonton, for medical appointments. Waiting for results, It’s just what Military life has conditioned us for.  Will post more when we find more out with my Husbands results.

I got my 1st dose about 2 weeks ago, and I’m looking forward to my second dose and getting back to my life. My daughter got her 1st dose thanks to age restrictions coming down. She’s looking forward to heading to University in the fall, she finished her 1st year online, and that was hard enough.  Both Hubby and son have had their 2nd dose of the vaccine.  

With Vaccinated numbers increasing, our COVID numbers,  hopefully will be coming down and be back to normal if that’s possible. 

COVID-to date in Canada

Cases   - 1.39M

Recovered - 1.33M

Deaths - 25,644

The last couple of days we have been in a heat wave, it’s good and bad. I’m happy to have the warmer weather and get on with summer and doing things outdoors.

I planted my tiny Tim tomatoes, a couple cucumber plants, sunflowers, sweet peas. I don’t have a big area to do a big garden, so I just plant a few things.  I have been battling dandelions, I even posted a Free Dandelion  sign in our yard last week....well for a picture....😜

Well that’s a quick update, now to go make dinner. Enjoy the world we live in!!! 

🌻🌻🌻❤️🌻🌻🌻🌻

Dec 10, 2020-Wow, this year is almost over!!

 Dec 10, 2020 Wow, what a year this has been.  The Covid 19 vaccine is out, as of yesterday.  The news said that by the end of 2021, everyone that wants the vaccine will be vaccinated. 

It's been a long year, but has gone by surprisingly fast. It's really hard to believe it's December already.  We haven't been any where, just riding the Corna Wave, staying home trying to stay protected.  Luckily we don't know many here, so this has been a bit easier for me.  I think the many years of Military life has trained me for self isolating, so to speak....lol  I have my crafts and of course crochet to keep me busy. 

Winter had arrived with snow and cold, but it's been warm here the last week and our snow is melting...so weird this time of year.  Hubby and I went for a walk yesterday and the lake here doesn't look like it's even starting to freeze, it's a big deep lake, so takes alot to freeze, but I was going to look at my pictures from years past and see when the lake really did freeze.  

Looks like it's going to be another military Christmas, with one less in our house, DS wont be coming home for Christmas as we planned with Covid restrictions. It's hard and I wish I had been able to see in the future when my parents came to visit, I could of sent my gifts with them.  There's always next year, he will be spending Christmas with his girlfriend, so at least he won't be all alone.

Been doing Christmas baking, here's my list:

Shortbread, Christmas Crack, Ginger Crinkle Cookies, Sugar Fudge, more Shortbread, because we ate the first batch. Butter Tarts. and more to bake.  2020 isn't doing wonders for my waist line....HAHA 

Still on my to make list:

Baklava, Sugar Cookies, More Sugar Fudge.......let me see.....I will get back to you....lol 

DD is still studying and doing her online university, almost half way through the first year.  It's gone by really fast for me, maybe not so fast for her....she's been studying and in her class room a lot. 

Way to Go, girl!!!

Here's a few pictures, to share with you all, we are plugging along.  Hope you are all safe, chat soon RM

Sept 2, 2020

 Hello to you all, it’s been awhile since I posted. We are cruising along with Covid 19, the pandemic is   Definitely Changing how things work in our world.  Masks are becoming mandatory when you are in stores, or can’t keep the recommended 6 feet/2meters away.  I don’t get out much, trying to stay safe, I usually go to the grocery store or Walmart, and that’s about it.  Our numbers are still low in our area, and Alberta isn’t doing to bad in our numbers of infected.  

School has started with staggered starts, with masks monitory. And of course hand washing and sanitizing all the time. We will see how our numbers will far, the news and health officers are telling people to keep their family groups small, with schools reopening.  Spring break 2020 was tooo long.  Some of the kids are doing online learning, I think I heard 75% back to school and 25% staying home.

Our daughter will be starting her first year of University, tomorrow from our home, and doing her study’s online, until further notice.  Schooling will cost the same, and was told that it costs more to change to online learning. Hopefully she will be able to head to school in January, but we will wait and see.

Our son is out at sea on the HMCS Regina, they are in Hawaii and taking part in RIMPAC 2020, they are isolated to the ship, not allowed off of the ship. So I’m sure this is difficult and isn’t that much fun. 

Follow Royal Canadian Navy on Facebook for more info

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/from-seaman-to-sailor-royal-canadian-navy-announces-new-rank-names

With the pandemic hubby has taken up guitar playing, he’s enjoying learning a new hobby. Now he needs a band...😎. He has always loved music, people have even called him Shazam, (it’s a music app that can name that tune) He’s been working through the pandemic.

There are a lot of people that lost their jobs with this pandemic, I feel things are starting to start up now, but things are definitely different.

I have taken to genealogy, and still do my crocheting, and gardening will be coming to an end, My sweet peas are flowering but the sunflowers Iplanted aren’t even close to flowering, we will see if they bloom in time.  Our summer wasn’t the best, but with Covid, it helped to stay home.  I feel that bite in the air.  We will see what happens this winter, I have seen many things about this winter being brutal.  We will see, hopefully this is not true.

Well our house smells like banana bread, just make a banana cake, yummy!!! Have a great day, RM

 

May 29 2020

Wow, the days are going by, we are still isolating, but are coming back from the Covid 19 virus.  We have moved on to stage #1, of getting back to our new normal.

Covid 19 is still present, but here in Alberta our numbers are flattening.  I hope things will stay the same in the numbers of infected. 

Alberta

Confirmed 6,979 +29

Recovered 6,220

Deaths 143

Canada

Confirmed 89,418 +994

Recovered 47,518

Deaths 6,979 +112

Worldwide

Confirmed 5.92M +105K

Recovered 2.49M

Deaths 364K +4,239

We are trying to stay safe, and health, but it's a wait and see game.  Hoping a vaccine will be found soon.

Our warmer weather is coming back for a few days, then it gets cool again.  I have been out weeding my garden, edging around my flower gardens, and pulling weeds.  My body feels age, or being out of shape, have to take my time and rest my back.  So slowing but surely I will get it all finished.

Well that's it for now, just wanted to add an update, as it has been more then a more since I posted last. be back soon, R

April 22. 2020

Well we are still alive, it's been 41 days of social distancing (Self isolating) for us.  I go out once a week to get groceries. 

Our life is at a stand still, trying to get a handle on Covid 19, there are a lot of people out of jobs, and our country will take along time to recover from this Pandemic.  Gas is 63.9 at the gas stations.  People have to stay 2 meters apart unless you live at the same address.
Here's the number of affected in Canada and the world: as of today.....😕

Canada

Confirmed 40,190

Recovered 13,986

Deaths 1,974

Worldwide

Confirmed 2,623,415

Recovered 709,694

Deaths 183,027

 

Every week at the store, I never know what to expect.  In the beginning it was hard to fill my shopping list at the store, because people started stocking up on groceries in order to keep their families fed.  There was many shortages on the shelves and still are to this date. 

My last trip, was actually one of my best trips so far.  I got everything on my list and the store wasn't busy at all, and staff was filling the shelves. 

We now have a lot of rules to follow at the store.  Only one family member aloud in the store at a time, only 50 or so people in a store, depending on the size of the store.....there are arrows on the ground, at each isle to keep traffic moving and to keep everyone safe and at the recommended 2 meters distance, I wear gloves, I see people wearing masks, but it's not a mandatory thing yet, so I don't bother with the mask.  I did make a few masks, two I crocheted and 3 I made with fabric and crochet.  They are so hot to wear.  There are so many patterns on like to sew masks, but I'm not a sewer....I can never get my machine to work.  I do hand hemming or sewing in a pinch. 


Covid 19 in a nut shell.....below.  That's all I'm going to add today, hopefully things will improve not get worse.  We will see how it going, stay safe and healthy Everyone!! It's okay to stay on the couch, if you aren't an essential worker, it's saving lives.  Chat later

How coronavirus spreads

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

Difference between quarantine (self-isolate) and isolate

There is a difference between advice to quarantine (self-isolate) and advice to isolate. These measures are in place to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Additional restrictions apply to travellers returning to Canada.

Quarantine (self-isolate)

Quarantine for 14 days if you have no symptoms and any of the following apply:

• you are returning from travel outside of Canada (mandatory quarantine)
• you had close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19
• you have been told by the public health authority that you may have been exposed and need to quarantine

Isolate

You must isolate if any of the following apply:

• you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are waiting to hear the results of a lab test for COVID-19
• you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild
• you have been in contact with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of COVID-19
• you have been told by public health that you may have been exposed to COVID-19
• you have returned from travel outside Canada with symptoms of COVID-19 (mandatory)

Preventing coronavirus

Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. This includes staying at home as much as possible and being prepared in case you or a family member becomes ill. Everyone should be practising physical (social) distancing. Even if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you could become infected by others.
As we continue to see transmission of the virus within different communities, we know that everyone must take precautions, even those who have not travelled outside of Canada.
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within communities and across the country, all Canadians are advised to:

• stay at home unless you have to go to work
  • talk to your employer about working at home if possible
• avoid all non-essential trips in your community
• do not gather in groups
• limit contact with people at higher risk, such as older adults and those in poor health
• go outside to exercise but stay close to home
• if you leave your home, always keep a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others
  • household contacts (people you live with) do not need to distance from each other unless they are sick or have travelled in the last 14 days

You can go for a walk if you:

• have not been diagnosed with COVID-19
• do not have symptoms of COVID-19
• have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days
• are not in quarantine (self-isolating)
• are not isolating

If you go out for a walk, do not congregate and always practise physical (social) distancing by keeping at least 2 metres apart from others at all times.
Think you might have COVID-19?

Physical (social) distancing

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Physical (social) distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak.
This means making changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others, including:

• avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health
• keeping a distance of at least 2 arms-length (approximately 2 metres) from others

Hygiene

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• when coughing or sneezing:
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
  • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Cleaning

Coronaviruses are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product when used according to the label directions. Health Canada has published a list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective for use against COVID-19.
Although they do not claim to kill COVID-19, cleaners can play a role in limiting the transfer of microorganisms. Health Canada recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces often, using either regular household cleaners or diluted bleach. This bleach solution should be prepared according to the instructions on the label or in a ratio of 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per cup (250 mL). Directions are based on bleach that is 5% sodium hypochlorite, to give a 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution.
These surfaces include:

• toys
• toilets
• phones
• electronics
• door handles
• bedside tables
• television remotes

Refer to the guidance on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces for more information.

Wearing masks or face coverings

Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for health care workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.
Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering while out in public is optional. If you do choose to wear one, refer to our guidelines on wearing non-medical masks and how to make your own.
Masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical (social) distancing.

Risks of getting coronavirus

COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk will vary between and within communities, but given the increasing number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high.
This does not mean that all Canadians will get the disease. It means that there is already a significant impact on our health care system. If we do not flatten the epidemic curve now, the increase of COVID-19 cases could impact health care resources available to Canadians.
The risk for COVID-19 may be increased for certain settings such as:

• cruise ships
• crowded areas (such as public transit and shopping centres)
• gatherings (spiritual and cultural settings, theatres, sports arenas, festivals and conferences)

Check if you have been exposed

Have you been on a recent flight, cruise, train, or at a public gathering? Check the listed exposure locations to see if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Vulnerable populations

There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

• aged 65 and over
• with compromised immune systems
• with underlying medical conditions

People that fall into these categories should reconsider attending gatherings. This includes large gatherings and even smaller events in crowded or enclosed settings.
If you have symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing), do not attend a mass gathering, event or places where people gather. You could put someone whose health is vulnerable at risk.

Travellers

The risk for getting COVID-19 may be increased for travellers. Canadians are advised to avoid all non-essential travel. If you must travel, check the latest travel advice before you leave.
We will continue to adapt our risk assessment based on the latest data available.

Pregnant women

Because COVID-19 is a new disease, we are still learning how it affects pregnant women. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women are at a greater risk for more serious outcomes related to COVID-19 or that their developing child could be negatively affected by COVID-19.
You can protect yourself from becoming ill by taking the following precautions:

• stay home as much as possible, except for important medical appointments
• talk to your doctor, obstetrician or midwife about the possibility of telephone or videoconference appointments
• avoid unnecessary visitors to your home
• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• practise physical distancing by keeping a distance of at least 2 metres from others
• avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes
• avoid crowded places and peak-hours
• make limited trips to the store for essentials
• avoid travel by public transit

For more information, refer to our advice for mothers on pregnancy, childbirth and caring for newborns.
If you are pregnant and concerned about COVID-19, speak to your health care provider.

Survival of coronaviruses on surfaces

It is not certain how long COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Preliminary information on COVID-19 suggests that the virus may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days depending on different conditions, such as:

• temperature
• type of surface
• humidity of the environment

Surfaces frequently touched with hands are most likely to be contaminated, including:

• tables
• handrails
• doorknobs
• electronics
• countertops
• light switches
• faucet handles
• cabinet handles
• elevator buttons

Products shipped within or from outside of Canada could also be contaminated. However, because parcels generally take days or weeks to be delivered, and are shipped at room temperature, the risk of spread is low. There is no known risk of coronaviruses entering Canada on parcels or packages.
To protect yourself from COVID-19, make sure to do the following when handling products shipped within or outside of Canada:

• use good hygiene measures
• regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
• do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth

Food

There is currently no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus and there are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 transmission through food. People are unlikely to be infected with the virus through food.
Scientists and food safety authorities across the world are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19.
If we become aware of a potential food safety risk, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure the safety of Canada's food supply.
Coronaviruses are killed by common cleaning and disinfection methods and by cooking food to safe internal temperatures.
Learn more about food safety.

Animals in Canada

The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. There is no evidence to suggest that pets or other animals play a role in transmitting the disease to humans. Scientists are still trying to understand if and how it affects animals.
Pets can contribute to our overall happiness and well-being, especially in times of stress. If you are feeling well (no symptoms of COVID-19) and are not self-isolating because of COVID-19 illness, you can continue to take walks with your dog or spend time with your pet. This can contribute to keeping both you and your pet healthy.
As a precautionary measure, if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating due to contact with a COVID-19 case, you should follow similar recommendations around animals, as you would around people in these circumstances:

• avoid close contact with animals during your illness
  • practise good handwashing and avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals
  • do not visit farms or have contact with livestock
• if possible, have another member of your household care for your animals
  • if this is not possible, always wash your hands before and after touching animals, their food and supplies and practise good cough and sneezing etiquette
• limit your animal's contact with other people and animals outside the household until your illness is resolved

These measures are recommended as a precaution, and are basic practices to prevent transmission of diseases between humans and animals. If you have concerns, seek professional advice from your veterinarian or a public health professional who can help to answer your questions.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency website has more information about animals and COVID-19.

False and misleading claims

We have not approved any product to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. Selling unauthorized health products or making false or misleading claims to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 is illegal in Canada. We take this matter very seriously and we are taking action to stop this activity.
Health Canada has published a list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective for use against COVID-19. This list is updated regularly. Although they do not claim to kill viruses such as COVID-19, cleaners play a role in helping limit the transfer of microorganisms.
We encourages anyone who has information regarding potential non-compliant sale or advertising of any health product claiming to treat, prevent or cure COVID-19, to report it using our online complaint form.

March 30 2020

Hello World,

Well lets just say since my last hope at the beginning of March, the world has come to a stand still.....the Whole Wide World.  We have been infected with Conovirus-19.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

this picture is from Feb 4th 2020

Now here's a more resent picture, and the numbers are growing daily.

March 23 2020

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada

None 1–9 10–49 50–99 100–499 500–999 1,000+ Confirmed or presumptive cases (as of March 27)Confirmed or presumptive cases per million inhabitants (as of March 27)Confirmed cases per million inhabitants by health regions (as of March 26)Show all
Disease	COVID-19
Location	Canada
First outbreak	Wuhan, Hubei, China
Official website
canada.ca/coronavirus

An ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first confirmed to have spread to Canada on January 27, 2020, after a man returned to Toronto from travel in China, including Wuhan. As of March 28, 2020, there have been 7297 confirmed cases in Canada, 479 recoveries, 67 deaths, and over 100,000 tests performed.^[1]
Most of those cases are in British Columbia (884 cases, 17 deaths),^[2] Ontario (1,117 cases, 19 deaths),^[3] and Quebec (2,498 cases, 22 deaths).^[4] Confirmed cases have been reported in 12 of Canada's 13 provinces and territories, with Nunavut being the only remaining territory without a confirmed case. An additional 13 cases involve repatriated citizens from the Grand Princess cruise ship.^[5][6][7][8] Until March, all cases were linked to recent travel to a country with a substantial number of cases. The first case of community transmission in Canada was confirmed in British Columbia on March 5,^[9] and Toronto's chief health officer announced on March 16 that there is "some evidence of community transmission".^[10]
In mid-March, all of Canada's provinces and territories declared states of emergency. Most provinces and territories have also implemented school and daycare closures, prohibitions on large gatherings, as well as the closure of various leisure and entertainment venues.^[11] On March 16, Canada severely restricted its border access, barring travellers from all countries except the United States; on March 18, travellers from the United States were also banned in a mutual agreement with the US government (with exceptions in place for family members, essential employees who commute across the border and to ensure continued exchange of goods). Under an order issued by the federal Minister of Health under the Quarantine Act, as of March 26 all travellers (excluding essential workers) returning to the country are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days. Several provinces had already instituted similar mandates as part of their respective state of emergency.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau tested positive for the virus on March 12 and she and Trudeau went into self-isolation.^[12][13] On March 28, she thanked her well-wishers and announced her full recovery via social media while the Prime Minister announced he would remain in isolation for another two weeks to ensure he had not contracted the virus.^[14][15]
  

This is like a Movie....Everyone is Self Isolating...it is very weird.  School has been canceled, every thing is cancelled. Our gas price right now is 67.5 a litre.  was at 99.5 a litre when this started.  

I feel like we are living in the I am Legend movie, the whole world is shutting or shut down. 
We don't know how long this will take, to be over, we are social distancing trying to flatten out the Virus.   It's really still un real.  So we wait and hope that we are going to be okay, and our family is going to be okay.  

Not sure what to say, but it's still hard to believe,  I'm glad for all my crafts and crochet to keep me busy.  So glad that we have internet, cable, power....etc. this would be so much worst, trying to keep kids busy.

My daughter is doing school online now, as many of the kids are around here.  Every area is going about things differently.

Thank you to all the Essential Workers!!
Hope everyone is staying health, I will update soon, hugs to you all.  xoxo