New Year's Eve

 Usually tonight there are lots of celebrations going on. We're usually pretty quiet here apart from watching those celebrations and my near midnight call with Mum. I can't help having mixed feelings this year. A part of me is glad to say goodbye to 2020 but a part of me knows that maybe (at least the first half) of next year might not be a lot different. I'm sad and angry seeing the number of deaths this virus has caused. Almost 350,000. Every one of those had family and friends who are missing them. My friend's dad lost his life early in the pandemic. I want to close the door on this year and wash my hands of it. Sadly it doesn't work that way. I am going to close the door on what I've classed as failures this year, try not to be too hard on myself and move forward.

I was looking back and there were some things I did this year. Not great, fantastic things, but I was pleased that I completed them!

* 366 photo challenge. At the beginning of the year I signed up for a photo-a-day challenge. I made a theme of Things That Make Me Smile - A Year in Phone Photos. I didn't know at the beginning of the year what a challenge it would be to smile each day. I did it. I tried (and succeeded) in finding at least one thing that made me smile each day. I have completed the challenge!! For those who read this blog regularly know how much I struggle at sticking to anything so this is feels like a good accomplishment.  I've signed up for again for 2021.

* Back Button Focus. This is a photography thing. A big one in my book! Instead of using the shutter button to focus you use another button on your camera. It is (and I feel does) supposed to help with the sharpness of photos.  You can focus and then recompose your shot. It takes a bit (lot) of getting used to. I felt like giving up at points, but I kept going and now use it exclusively. I find it has really helped in my photography especially the wildlife photography.

* Photoshop  I'm still working on this one but I've been quite pleased with working with textures and photos, a technique I really like. I've been working on this throughout the year and feel as though I might be ready to think about selling some of my stuff. 

* Book Decluttering I really feel as though I've done quite well with this one though I still have a long way to go. I haven't brought that many books into the house either - that one is a positive result of Covid. I haven't been able to use the used bookshop this year lol. 

* GoodReads Challenge I completed my goal of reading 100 books this year! I actually read 117 (that I kept track of. Yah!

Okay so it's not a great list, but I thought the year had been a total failure and it hasn't. There have been a few little wins. I'm hoping next year will be better!

This is the photo I'm using for my cover album of my 365 Photo Challenge

 I can't believe we are almost done with this...well, I'm not quite sure how to describe this year. I'll be glad to see it go but I'm not sure next year - especially the beginning half - will be a lot better. I am going to try to stay optimistic. Things could be a lot worse for us and I have to keep reminding myself of that. 

It's been a long ol' day today. My morning walk usually sets me up for the day and - I'm said it before - that I feel quite lost without it. The weather outside though really was frightening. We had snow overnight which then turned to freezing rain and then rain. So it was water on top of the ice on top of the snow. Yuck. It rained most of the day. I was supposed to have a hair appointment. Son volunteered to drive me. Before the appointment we were going to stop at a couple of places. While at one of these places my hairdresser got hold of me to let me know that she was running late. She thought it could be 20+ minutes. She sounded a little stressed (dropping off two children at daycare) so I let her know that it was up to her and if she wanted to reschedule for next week that was fine with me. So no hair appointment today. 

I came home and started on tidying up the craft room and stalled! I got distracted and ended up working on a couple of projects. I also finished reading my last book of the year. I suppose there were more productive things I could be doing though to be fair I did get the normal housework done. 

Photos today - a couple of things that have made me smile in the last couple of days. 

These were one of the few things I bought in the after Christmas sale just because a) I could use them and b) who could resist a husky and a hedgehog? They really were a bargain. 

A cute little keychain my daughter gave me. We both have a thing for keychains. 

Was there something little that made you smile in the last couple of days? 

What Day is it?

 I feel as though that's something a lot of us are asking this week. I have to keep reminding myself that it is Tuesday. Tomorrow I shall call Mum - hopefully I'll remember. Having a bit of a blah week this week. I think I overdid the walk today as my foot is really hurting. That resulted in not a lot else getting done. It hurts every time I step on it. Ouch. Instead I snuggled in my blanket and started a new book. Obviously there should have been something more productive done. I shall have to make sure that more gets done tomorrow. I haven't arranged to walk with my friend tomorrow as we are due snow and then freezing rain and then rain. Yuck. I won't drive in ice unless I really, really have to. The rest is probably what is needed for my foot but I hate missing a walk. If I don't go my whole day seems a little off. 

Photo today - male Cardinal. This really should be the bird of Michigan in my opinion. The state bird is a robin (a duller, not-so-cute version of the English one) and most of them leave for the winter! Cardinals stick around all year long. They are a much-needed pop of colour during the winter months. They are usually the first birds to our feeders in the morning and the last to leave at night. I think they like feeding in peace. They mate for life. It's actually rather sweet to watch them together as they sometimes feed one another. It's mainly the male feeding the female, but sometimes I've seen it the other way round. 

The In-Between Week

 This is an odd week - short too. Christmas is over but we've still got the New Year to see in. I forgot to post again yesterday. I remembered when I was tucked up in bed and frankly I couldn't be bothered to get back out again! I really need to blog earlier in the day. I had thought about it several times throughout the afternoon, but kept forgetting!

We went out for a little walk yesterday. Not too far away as I was Skyping Mum at 12.30 my time (5.30 hers). We got to see some ice along the lighthouse. It's been unseasonably  warm here (we're talking maybe just above freezing lol) so there isn't as much ice as there is usually at this time. 

Today I met my walking friend for a dull, dark and chilly walk. Of course now that it's late afternoon and almost time for sunset the sun has decided to come out. Sigh. I was tempted to see if I could go for a really quick walk but my foot is hurting and frankly it's cold out. 

After my walk this morning I did go out. I had to replenish some cleaning supplies. I was...well, not really surprised to see Valentine's Day items already out for display. Crikey. That's pushing it a bit in my book!

It did make my smile-for-the-day. I almost laughed out loud in the middle of the shop. 

Boxing Day

 Son came over today and we had a lovely time opening presents and chatting. It's been a while since he's stayed for any amount of time so it was nice to just relax and enjoy the company. I got lots of goodies - some photography bits, some books and chocolates - even a little alcohol! My middle sister messaged me today with some photos of her grandchildren at their get together from yesterday. It was lovely to see photos of the children. They are growing up so fast! Her latest grandchild was born in June so I haven't even got to see him yet. He looks like such a lovely, happy baby. 

The gifts have all been handed out and now comes the lull between Christmas and New Year. I am looking forward to getting back in my craft room, tidying up and starting afresh. I am going to take this week to think about the direction I want the next year to go in and try to think of some realistic goals to set. I've been looking back on the last year and sorting out things. The year definitely proved a challenge. 

Photos today - I made four albums for people for Christmas. They contained photos of my daughter's proposal/engagement. Now I have to make one for me!

I also made several calendars. Most were done on the computer but my Mum's was completely handmade (of course I forgot to take photos of that one)

And I also made a couple of 2020 mask ornaments. 

And a husky ornament

I liked making the ornaments. I used to make quite a few of them, but for some reason (probably just being really busy) I stopped making them. I do however have a few more picked out to do. 

Overall I'm quite pleased with my makes this year. How about you? Did your Homemade With Love gifts work out? I think - this year especially - a handmade, thoughtful gift is lovely and such a great way to let someone know that you are thinking about them even if you can't be close!

Happy Christmas!

 I hope everyone has an enjoyable day. It's going to be really quiet here. We actually won't be opening any gifts until tomorrow as that is when son (our only visitor) will be coming for the day. He has to work today. We went for a lovely, cold but snowy walk this morning to start off the day. Later we shall be dropping off some food and gifts. It will certainly be very different but that's okay. It will be nice to have an afternoon of doing...well, nothing, maybe some reading or some crafting. I might even (gasp!) catch up on some housework. 

Thank you all so much for reading and supporting my blog. There are several regulars who comment and have helped me get through this past year - not just with their comments, but by reading their blogs too. 

'Twas the Night Before Christmas..

 Well, it's the afternoon. Took a cold, snowy walk this morning. It was -7C when I went out and the wind was a blowin'. It was nice to get out and take a break.

I have the wrapping finished, cooking done, tree on. I'm going to sit down a while before trying to tidy up a bit. It's nice to know it's almost done though we do have food and gifts to exchange tomorrow. We shan't be doing our usual Christmas but will be exchanging and delivering food to relatives and giving out gifts tomorrow. It will be a quiet Christmas after that. We aren't unwrapping our gifts until Saturday (Boxing Day) when son can come.

I thought I'd share a few ornaments that are on our tree made by my wonderfully talented Mother-in-Law. She has made some lovely ornaments and I love having them on the tree. 

I took all the photos with my phone - thank goodness for phone photos! 

Hope everything is coming together for people. 

Still Wrapping...Done Shopping

 I have finished shopping though I haven't finished wrapping. I have been procrastinating. That is nothing new. I don't like wrapping. I don't have the patience for it. As a result I've been putting it off and now I'm out of time. I love the thought of giving people gifts that I've chosen, but the wrapping is something else. I don't have any choice though - it has to be done!

I can't believe the day is almost here! I'm not sure we're going to open our presents on Christmas Day. Son is working that day (no rest for newspapers!) but he does have Boxing Day (26th) off so he is coming up that day and we might just wait for him. If we end up not doing anything for the actual day I might (weather permitting) go for a walk or just spend time in my craft room cleaning up the bomb that seems to have hit it!

I went for a walk first thing. This was the first day I walked with my friend since she broke her leg (thought it was her ankle). She is mending well, but still has a foot brace. She drove to the park and we walked around. It was nice to have a chat and catch up. It wasn't very bright, but it was dry. We're supposed to meet again in the morning. I hope she doesn't overdo it!

I chatted with Mum. She hadn't turned on the radio today or seen the news so she didn't know that Suffolk is going into tier 4 on Saturday. She actually had her hair cut yesterday so she was glad she got it in before the changes. I don't think she's too worried about the shops as she has been staying out of them. I think it will be a disappointment that she will be stuck inside again. Sigh.

Photo today - a bit of the holidays. 

Ok...What Happened?

 It's Tuesday and I haven't posted since...Thursday??? That's an epic fail. Yikes. I honestly thought I'd only missed a day, well two at most. I feel as though I'm running around like crazy. Things shouldn't be so busy as we aren't doing as much this Christmas, but I still seem to be running out of time!

Mum and sisters got my cards. I posted them on Saturday 12th and they got them on Friday 18th. That's not bad considering post going from one state to another takes longer than that! I'm hoping she got her calendar and couple other things I posted on Monday 14th. Hopefully she will let me know tomorrow! I did end up ordering her some books on Amazon and had them delivered to my sister's house so that Mum didn't have to worry about hearing the postman or going to the post office to pick them as (as they are an Amazon hub). Sister let me know those did arrive. I shall find out how/if Mum's Christmas plans have changed since the new announcements came into effect. 

I still have wrapping to do - it's that time management thing again. I am running out of time. I'm still not sure what day we shall do our small (our house and 1 son) gathering as son has to work Christmas Day. Older son (who lives with us) is SO looking forward to Christmas just because he will have ten days off (he still had some time to use). He has been working 10 hour days without a break for about three weeks now. I think it is just that promise of time off that has kept him going. He is so tired at the end of the day he has a bath, eats dinner and goes upstairs to his room. He usually ends up falling asleep and stumbling downstairs sometime in the night to actually get ready for bed. 

Things will be calming down soon. I am looking forward to thinking about 2021 and what changes/goals I plan to make. This year just ended up...blah...and most of what I thought about went along the wayside as I've been struggling to get through the days. 

Photo today - a lovely little stone I saw on my walk the other day. Things like this always make me smile. 

BTW thanks for all the comments - I do read them! I think I accidentally deleted one the other day instead of publishing - sigh. 

Well... it happened again!

 Ack.  I've been so tired lately I keep forgetting to post.  This will be a quick one as I'm getting ready for bed soon.  The days seem to be passing really quickly even though I'm spending more of them at home.  I think it may just be the time of year! The woods seem really quiet in my walks.  I think when it's so cold everything is hunkering down for the day.  I was really surprised to see a chipmunk in my garden yesterday! I threw it a couple of peanuts.  I'm not sure if it was one of the ones who visited in the summer.  It wasn't scared of me but it didn't come close enough to take the peanuts out of my hand.

Photo today - a card I made for daughter's upcoming birthday. 

Brrr....

 It was cold this morning! 18F/-8C! I bundled up in my long undies, hat, double gloves and hand warmers so I wasn't too bad. The cold did keep people away. There were a few other hardy souls out. The sun was shining so that was good. I didn't see a lot of wildlife, just lots of geese. The beavers have been busy with smaller trees, leaving the larger trees alone for now. Asylum Lake was beginning to freeze in places. 

I ran a couple of errands, came home to wrap some presents, finish an ornament and try to keep my sanity! I have a love/hate with this time of year. I like the giving of gifts but I tend to stress myself out. It's my lack of organisation and time management that gets me every time. I'm trying to think of one word that encompasses both so I can work on this next year. I'm getting to a point where it is something that is bothering me so it is time for a change. 

A couple of cards I made today. I quite like them. Once I've got the few projects left I am finishing up I think I'm going to make more of these so I have them on hand - another reason I need to be organised. I've been watching December Daily Vlogs on YouTube and so many people seem so organised for the holidays and I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off. 

How organised are you with gifts? Do you have a stash of gifts on hand? Do you plan throughout the year? 

Ooops I Missed a Day

 I missed a post yesterday. I'm not going to put myself down or give up completely. I'm going to chalk it up to a forgotten day and keep posting. I did forget. Completely! I thought about it several times when I was looking at my computer but honestly I had other things on my mind. 

We decided to go out in the morning. It was dull and grey here but we drove up north and got to see a little snow. What a difference a bit of the white stuff makes to the scenery! It was cold but we had a little walk. There were people out and about, all bundled up for the cold. The roads weren't snow-covered, a little dusting in places. It was actually quite a fun day out. We drove back down the lakeshore on the way home to drop some things off at son's place. 

When we got home I finished my Mum's calendar, got it all packaged up and filled out the custom's form. It is all ready to be posted this morning. I was so intent on getting it done that I forgot to take photos of it! I'm not going to unpack it now lol. I hope she likes it. I took more photos than I remembered. I thought I was going to struggle finding photos of the kids this year but I did okay.

Photo today - hardy fisherman braving the waters of Lake Michigan despite the snow! I can't imagine how cold this must have been! That is dedication to what you like to do!

Saturday

 It rained all morning. Poured down. No walk. We decided to run some errands. The Post Office was first on the list. There is one near us that opens at 8.30 (the others open at 9). We got there at 8.35. The inside (very small) was already filled and there were two other people waiting outside! There was only one person serving inside. Luckily there was a small cover over the door where the three of us managed to stand at a distance from one another masked up. I thought about going to one of the other post offices, but realised that by the time we got there and they opened we would probably be better off staying where we were. I got finished just before 9am. The man serving was pretty quick - I've chatted to him before - and sounded quite upbeat despite being busy and on his own. I always try to make sure that I'm not grumpy towards the people waiting on me as it is not their fault that there aren't enough staff. 

We picked up a couple of bits needed, but it was busy and raining. I decided to hold off on the rest.  Monday will be a lot less busy and is supposed to be dry!

Skyped with Mum. She hasn't been out all week, but did sound okay. We had a lovely chat. It was really quite nice. The rest of the afternoon I did some stitching, worked on a couple of crafty projects and worked on some photos. Not a too bad day. I'm hoping to be able to go for some kind of walk tomorrow. 

Photo - poor rained out Blue Jay. They come out even when it is wet outside!

Thanks

 I just wanted to say thank you for all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them. I am especially thankful for those who comment on my photos. Your comments keep me going when I'm feeling down on myself. I read all the comments though I sometimes fall behind on replying to them. 

Today was a blah sort of day most of the day. I get so stuck on routine sometimes that anything that messes with the routine rocks me off kilter for the whole day. Usually every morning (during the week) I go for a walk at Asylum Lake. I couldn't go today. Husband had taken my car in to have the back brakes replaced.  It was really silly of me but it upset my whole day even though it was a planned event! The afternoon went better. I got a couple of projects finished. This weekend I am hoping to get up the tree so I can at least take some photos of it. I am quite looking forward to seeing some of the ornaments that had been tucked away last year (that I had wanted to keep out).

It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow so I think that a walk is off the books for tomorrow too! I shall get out. Husband and I have decided to run some errands if the weather forecasters get it right and it is raining. Sunday is supposed to be dry. Just north of us the rain is supposed to actually be snow so we might go looking for snow photos on Sunday.

What are your plans for the weekend? Do you get upset by a change in routine? Or are you a go-with-the-flow type of person? 

Just a fun photo that I did last year (it might have even made it into the blog). I was experimenting with the tree and zooming in. 

Yes, I bought the PJs

 Lol. Was trying to think of a title for my post - not feeling that creative in the evenings as I've been quite tired. Anyway, I did buy the pajamas. I had thought about telling husband that I would like them for a present but then I realised he would have no idea where they were and it would probably be better if I just bought them for myself. So that's what I did. They look so comfy and warm! I shall wash them tomorrow and probably wear them tomorrow evening. They look like something that will be nice just to put on and curl up in my chair. 

It was frosty cold this morning. On my morning walk the whole field at the nature park was covered with a thick white frost. It was so beautiful. It was actually sunny this morning too. 

Because it was cold there weren't too many people around. Just the kind of morning I love! I could just stand there and enjoy the beauty of the morning. 

Things That Made Me Smile

 I thought I'd share a couple of things that made me smile recently. Just silly things, but all this year I've been taking a photo-a-day of Phone Photos - Things That Make Me Smile. I can't actually believe that I've almost completed the year and kept up! I usually struggle at things like that. 

I love hedgehogs. I saw this today at the store and it made me smile. I should have probably got it but I didn't. That doesn't mean I won't be giving in at some point. Looking at it again I'm not sure it's the cutest hedgehog but when I passed it by it did make me smile!

I think if I do see these pjs again I shall by buying them. They looked so fluffy and warm and the owl made me smile. Sigh. I probably should have got them. They weren't an unreasonable price. 

Seeing this Christmas wreath on a public bench just made me smile. 

So there it is - random things that have made me smile recently. I think we all should look for those little things that make you smile!

Tuesday

 Chilly and unproductive day today. I feel quite disappointed with myself. I need to stay away from the news and negative social media. It isn't good for my mental health and I end up getting little done. I went for a pretty cold walk with a snow shower. Brrr... I know it's coming but I'm still not ready for it. I also spent too much time just watching birds and trying to keep positive. 

I was glad to see this little one coming to my feeder. It is a Red-Breasted Nuthatch and is a winter bird where I am. This is the first time I've had one come to my feeder on a regular basis! I've been watching and taking photos of the birds in my garden for a couple of years now but I have to say that this year they have really kept me going and cheered me up when I've felt down. 

Even the squirrels - that I usually find annoying - had me smiling today. This is a Fox Squirrel. They are quite big, eat a lot and seem to not like anyone else eating near to them. 

Hope everyone is keeping well - physically and mentally. 

Monday

Quick one today. I almost forgot again. I was just getting ready to shut my computer down for the night when I remembered that I had been meaning to post. It was a pretty grey day this morning while I was out for my walk but of course it brightened up later after I got home! Today was an in-house day - some tidying and jobs and crafting Christmas projects. Tomorrow is a shopping day. I shall be picking up some things for son as he wasn't able to get out and do his food shopping this week as he's been working all the time. 

Photo today is of the crows that come to the garden. There are five in total. They have taken to making lots of noise at which point I will go out and put peanuts on the feeding table that they will then come and take. I find them quite interesting birds. 

Day Six

 This is the sixth day in a row that I've managed to post! I think it's the most in one go that I've managed. Son was up and at work again before I got up today. Husband and I went out for a bit. It was quite cold again - below zero (-2 or -3c) but I bundled up today with long undies and thick winter coat. I even managed to find my hat in the week! We went up to Muskegon for a walk up in the sand dunes and down on the beach. Crazy I know but it's so very peaceful. For a moment we stood still and could hear absolutely nothing. It was so beautiful and quiet. There were a few other people out and about - a lot of dog walkers, but it is a big state park and lots of places to go where there aren't a lot of people about especially now that it's winter. I really enjoyed it.

There isn't  a lot of colour about now though. It is mostly browns and greys. I certainly miss the brightness of summer and autumn. The beaches all have the fences up now ready to try to stop the sand and snow from blowing and drifting. It looked as though the waters have already reached quite a way up the beach at some point as there was quite a bit of debris on the beach. Some of the fences were already pretty buried. It's difficult to comprehend that a lake could cause so much damage but the winds sometimes blow pretty fiercely and cause the waters to crash quite high on the beach. 

I love watching how the sands change over the winter. As you can see from the bottom photo - the sand has already reached the top of the fence! I think I amused husband when I was taking so many pictures of fences. 

Start of a new week tomorrow. I had such good ideas when I was sitting in the car as we were driving up to the state park. I told husband that I should put a pad and pencil in the car so when we are out and about I can jot down my ideas! By the time we have arrived home I've forgotten them all!

Hope everyone had a good weekend. What are your plans for the week?

Thoughtful Day

 We had to drop some stuff off to my son this morning so we took a (very cold) walk along the beach. Brrr... Tomorrow I will be getting out my long underwear if we're walking along the beach. It's time I think. I Skyped with Mum and had a lovely chat.

Today was the day my online camera club had a virtual meeting. Had it been in-person I would not have been able to attend as it would have been in England! I participated a bit but I was busy until later in the evening (UK time) so only hopped in a little. It was interesting and got me thinking quite a lot. One of the things we were to do was to look back on the year. I'd rather forget about it to be honest, but I had forgotten that there were good times too. We also had to look back on our photography year. I must admit the projects I had planned on doing weren't done. My Big Project for the year was going to be documenting the erosion on several beaches that we (used to) visit regularly. Due to the virus that ended up not happening. I did walk almost every day (during the week) at my local nature preserve and it was interesting to look back on the year. I have started to put together a project of sorts regarding that. I had forgotten how many nice photos I had taken. Certainly an interesting day. I'm still processing it. 

Here is a collage of some of my favourite deer photos I have taken at Asylum Lake. It's been lovely watching them throughout the year. Tomorrow is about looking forward. 

End of Week

 My mouth is a little sore today, somewhat sensitive to anything cold. Ouch! My dentist called later in the day - they always follow up after treatment - and I mentioned it to her. She said it could last a few days. If I was still sensitive after a week I was to call them. I'm sure it will be gone by then. Hopefully.

Today was chilly but bright. I woke up quite early. I always do but usually I can go back to sleep. This morning I started thinking about things, my mind started racing and I couldn't sleep any more. Rather than just keep laying there getting frustrated I got up. It gave me longer to wake up before I go for my walk lol. It was really quite quiet about. 

This is a photo from my phone. The clouds were beautiful. 

I came home and got my daily jobs done and did some work on a couple of projects I have going. Some of my photos arrived yesterday so I was able to get further on the projects. 

I'm not sure what the weekend will hold. My oldest son (who lives with us) has to work all weekend. Poor guy. He has been told that they will have to work five 12 hour days and two 8 hour days. For all of December! I think he's hoping not. He is already tired as they have been working ten hour days for a while. Some of the guys were off work during the shutdown so I'm sure a few of them will be glad of the extra money. Son has been working throughout. He does have a holiday coming up at the end of December for which I'm sure he is going to be really happy about! He always buys his own breakfast and lunch foods. I told him I would pick things up if he couldn't get to the shops. 

I'm sure we'll be off walking somewhere. I know that, at some point, we have to take some mail down to our other son as he had a couple of things shipped to our house. Other than that I am hoping to finish up a couple of projects. I shall Skype Mum tomorrow our usual time. 

What do you have planned for the weekend? 

Always at the Last Minute

 I almost forgot again lol. I had actually opened my page earlier in the day and of course, being the procrastinator that I am, I put it off for later. It wasn't until I'd already turned off my computer, checked the doors were locked, turned off the lights and was heading for the bathroom that I remembered. Sigh. I will do better tomorrow.

Thanks for the comments on the cards yesterday. I actually enjoyed stitching these ones. I have to decide my next project now. I do have loads of patterns, fabrics and floss so it's just a matter of picking one out.

Today was...well, I'm glad it's over. I had a dentist appointment today. Anybody who has been reading a while knows how much I love those lol. It was with a different dentist so I was quite worried. It was a little painful (tooth was sensitive under the temporary crown) and apparently my gum was a little swollen. It's done now though and I don't have to go back until March. Hooray! I'm so glad it's behind me. 

Well, I am actually going to go to bed now so I can be up bright and early to go for a walk. 

Today's photo - before I went to the dentist I stopped at a couple of shops. In one I came across this lovely display of colouring books and goodies. They made me smile as I immediately thought how much I would have loved getting one of these when I was a child. There are lots of presents I don't remember but I always remember how Father Christmas would bring me new pens and colouring books. It's funny how seeing something like this just brings back good memories. No, I didn't buy one though I was sorely tempted lol. 

Almost Forgot the Day!

 I was going to post that it was Tuesday but remembered at the last second that it was Wednesday and changed the title lol. I only remembered because I talked with Mum and I always do that on Wednesdays. She was a little more cheery today as she had gone into town - shops reopened - and had a walk around. I think it did her good just to do that. She said she didn't encounter any queues (at least outside the shops) and didn't stay too long, but it was out. She has been to the shops with my sister, but I suppose it's different when you can get out and just walk. 

I was pleased today to have some photos delivered for a project I'm working on. I had thought I had enough, but couldn't find some of them and didn't have enough of others. I'm pretty pleased with how quickly they arrived. 

I also finished these cross stitch cards that I'll be sending to my Mum and sisters. I hope they make them smile a little. 

December 1st

 Wow. Already. This year is almost over - yeah! I must admit that I'll be glad to see it go. I'm hoping, even if 2021 does start off rough, it will end up better. That's all we can hope for, right? Something better. 

I was thinking about posting every day this month but it was almost an epic fail when I almost went to bed without posting! Ack. That just about sums me up. I seem to be forgetting a lot of stuff. My mind seems to be darting around like crazy and I have trouble focusing.

The foot issue - so, so. It's okay once I get moving but it's pretty stiff if I sit down for a while. In the morning - ouch - it's quite painful until I get moving. I'm not sure what I did. It's not getting any worse, thankfully, but not really that much better either. Sigh. It seems that every winter something is stiff. This year I thought it was going to be my wrist - it's been sore too - but I'm thinking it might be my foot or maybe both. Lol. I guess it's one of the benefits of getting older. 

December. What is it going to bring? What plans do I have? I'm actually a little up in the air about all of it. I'm not even sure what, if any, celebration we'll have this year. I'm such a downer sometimes.

Okay. How about this? I will try to post each day, but I won't beat myself up if I don't. Each time I do post I'll make sure to post something that I'm happy about or that makes me smile or that I'm thankful for. 

Day 1 - I am happy that the sun was shining today. It might have been cold, but it was lovely to see the sun!

Something holiday-ish. I'm not sure if I posted this photo last year, but hey, it's 12 months ago so if I did I'm hoping nobody remembers lol. 

A bit of an experiment. We don't have our tree up yet but I'm looking forward to trying this again! 

Today

 It was really frosty this morning. On the weekends husband usually comes for a walk with me, but he's been working overtime this week so I left him at home to relax while I went out. It was a nice walk despite being cold. The sun was actually shining! There have been several cloudy days this week so seeing the sun certainly made me smile. I think I might have walked a little too much as my foot has been hurting since this morning. It has been quite painful to walk on. I'm hoping it will heal overnight so we can go out for a walk tomorrow. It isn't supposed to be a bad day tomorrow either so it would be nice to go just a little further. It's been a while since we have been to Warren Dunes State Park and I was hoping to see how the beach has been weathering the autumn winds. 

I Skyped with Mum today. She seemed quite upbeat. Skype worked well today and it was really good to have a nice chat. I wasn't going to send a box this year as post is so expensive and I thought to order something to be delivered to her, but I think I'm going to spend the money and put together a box that I hope will make her smile. I think that will be money well spent. 

This afternoon I did some cross stitching and watched some Vera. I must have seen them all a handful of times, but I love the show and as I've seen them before I can catch up if I get distracted by the cross stitch lol.

Phone photo of the frosty morning at the lake, sitting on a (wet) downed (by a beaver) tree. 

A card I made for husband's aunt's birthday. I hope she likes it!

Checking in

 Usually this week would have included a family get-together with lots of food, some laughs and lots of leftovers! It was Thanksgiving here in the US here on Thursday. Usually we go over to MILs but this year we all thought it was best if we stayed home. Both my husband and son have been working throughout the pandemic and there have been several 'scares' at their work (they both work for the same company - though in different areas). I cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday as my other son (who lives alone and has been working from home) had the day off and could come to eat. We enjoyed the food but it was certainly different than the norm! I am thankful that both my husband and all the 'kids' have worked throughout (middle son and daughter work from their homes) and other son (he's an industrial insulator) does work inside buildings owned by Pfizer (who is making one of the vaccines). I suppose that's Kalamazoo's claim to fame right now - the place where one of the vaccines is being made. 

I have been getting some of my Christmas projects well under way. Unfortunately when I started some of the photo projects I realised that I couldn't find the prints or hadn't got enough. For now I will work around the photos and try to get the projects done. I didn't go out shopping today. I had to pop for some bird food, but I ordered it online and picked it up through the drive through. I'm glad I did as the car park was packed! As I drove home everywhere looked busy rather as if there was nothing going on in the world. I did do some online shopping and anything I need from the physical shops I shall wait and get until it isn't so busy. I love a bargain but I'm willing to pay a few dollars more to avoid the crowds! At least this year. 

On my last post I shared some photos I took of the beavers. They have been hard at work this week and felled two more trees! There is only one left on the point now and they have started on that as of this morning!

I'm now on tree watch to see how long that one takes to fall. It's really interesting to watch.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. I have some reading of blogs to do. Perfect for a relaxing Friday night.