Snow and Random Thoughts

The rain has turned to snow, and it has snowed all day today. The winds were quite wild too. I ended up staying home. The roads were horrible as any standing water turned to ice and then there was snow on top of it. Too many people had to go out to work and such so I just stayed off the roads. In truth, I'm a bit of a chicken anyway. It seemed a bit pointless to try to get out and take photos when the weather is something like a snow globe. I did stand out on the back porch a couple of times and take some photos of a few of the birds coming in for food. 

I was not too productive the rest of the day. Not going for a walk really throws me out of whack. Oldest son is home too and that makes things not normal too lol

I'm starting to give a little thought to plans for next year. Ideas are still forming. I know that I want to work on finances. Buying less, saving more, using what I have, sorting through what I have. I haven't said much on the blog, but I did quite a bit of reselling in late 2024/2025. It's a way of making a little extra money now and maybe once husband retires. However, I'm not sure it's working with the decluttering. I get rid of a bunch of personal stuff only to bring more stuff into the house to resell. Our house isn't big enough to have dedicated space to store a lot of things. I have to decide whether this is something I want to continue or not. Going into 2026 the goal will be to limit any items coming into the house and trying to get rid of the things we already have. I do like doing this to finance the trips that we take. Something to think about.

I am going to do start up my Phone Photos Things That Make Me Smile 365 project again. I've been feeling a little down and thinking about things that make me smile makes me consciously look for things that bring me joy. It's a good goal to have. 

Other photography projects - still thinking about. My Big Project this year was documenting the beavers' lodge at Asylum Lake. Part of my project next year will be organising these either into a photo book or an ezine. I haven't decided which yet. 

Crafting Projects - I really want to get back to doing some craft projects. Unfortunately, the craft room is even more of a mess than it has been. Late in the year it became a dumping ground and now is taken over with items I need to relist for sale. See dilemma above regarding reselling. Sigh. 

Are you thinking about goals for next year? 

Just a Post

No great words of wisdom or things going on. It's been rather blah here and I've been feeling rather blah. Granddaughter had her birthday party yesterday and unfortunately we couldn't make it. It's just making me a little sad and I also realise how hard things must have been for Mum when we were so far away from her. We will be going to see her for her actual birthday. It was a choice between the two. Husband is still working and can't take any more time off in 2025. Only another two and a half years and we won't have the restrictions we do now. That's what I keep telling myself.

It doesn't help that it's been a horrible dreary weekend. Yesterday was grey and dull and a little drizzly all day. We did go out for a bit, but it wasn't a great day out. Today it rained all day. All day. No break at all. We did go out and take a few things back to some shops that I needed to. Other than that, it was a blah kind of day. Tonight, temperatures are supposed to drop dramatically and then we are under a Winter Storm Warning for between (maybe) 4-8 inches snow. It's pretty windy - I can hear the wind howling outside even now - so there will be blowing and drifting snow. 

All that means I probably won't get out for a walk tomorrow either. Sigh. I am going crazy. I would really like a walk! I'm hoping things will at least clear a bit so I can get out on Tuesday. 

Couple phone photos from yesterday.

I did finish my 98th book of the year yesterday. A fun read. 

I needed to get it finished as it was a Kindle Library Loan and it was about to go back!

Hope everyone had a good weekend - and maybe some sunshine (please blow a little this way please!)

Christmas Day

Things That Made Me Smile Today

A beautiful sunrise. Yes, it really was that colour. This is from my phone. 

Video chatting with Baby A. She was so excited, though after opening her baby doll she really didn't want anything else. It was lovely to be able to watch her open her presents, even if we couldn't be there. 

* Having some good food though I didn't take photos

* The gifts that my family got me. I have enough chocolates to last until Easter lol

Hope everyone had a good Christmas. 

Christmas Eve

Well, it's getting on at night on Christmas Eve - Christmas Day in England already - and everything that is going to be done has been done. There are some presents under the tree, so I did manage to get something done. Things are very low-key though. Tomorrow we are just having father-in-law over though I'm not sure he should stay long as both husband and older son are still not 100%. Middle son is going to his girlfriend's place in the morning as she has to work in the afternoon, then he will pop over for a bit. I'm planning on going for a walk in the morning and then spend the day just relaxing. 

I hope everyone who celebrates has a Happy Christmas. For those feeling sad or alone, it is just one day to get through. Take time to relax and be kind to yourself and perhaps find something that brings you joy, even if it's just for a moment. You aren't alone. 

Things that made me smile today

I forgot that I had bought this little votive candle holder, but while I was clearing things up today I found it, lit a candle and popped it inside. 

Sunrise this morning. A lovely way to start the day, so quiet and peaceful

More MIL ornaments

I honestly don't know where the day went today. I had definite things I wanted to get done but didn't manage to follow through. There was no wrapping at all done today which means I'm going to be wrapping tomorrow. It's not my favourite thing to do. It never has been. Daughter made me laugh yesterday as she sent me a text that said something like - Don't wrap. Just put our stuff in bags. Wrapping is horrible'. Lol. This is the first year they've had to wrap a lot of things for Baby A. Daughter says she is going to do a video call on Christmas Day so that's something to look forward to!

A couple more ornaments made by Mother-in-Law. For the past few years, she's been giving out something she made and then some cash. She always tried to present the money in fun ways. One year she knitted all these little jumper ornaments, put money in them and sewed up the bottoms. Really fun!

Sunday Monday

We managed to get out on Sunday. Husband hasn't been feeling well, so he sat in the car while I got out and had a walk on the beach. Although it wasn't as cold as it has been, it was still rather chilly, so it was good he stayed in the car. 

We're still deciding what we'll do for Christmas. I think husband is cooking something and his dad is coming over to eat. We invited his half-sister, who usually spends Christmas at mother-in-law's house, but as husband is battling something and son seems to be catching it too she sounds as though she's decided to stay home. 

It feels really strange not having mother-in-law around. Usually, we are chatting with one another, making plans, deciding who is making what, the time we'll get together and such. It just seems lonelier without her here. I feel a little lost. I don't have Mum any longer and I don't have her in my life. 

I know I'm cutting it close, but some sort of Christmas preparation is coming along. Although I haven't done as much as I usually do, I have managed to get a few bits for people. I keep reminding myself that it is just one day. AND I keep reminding myself that we will be going to see Baby A New Year's Day!! Daughter sent us a really funny video of her. They were all on the sofa and they were telling her that she was going to see her nana soon and she says Yes and S says Grandpa too and she says yes, I see my grandpa. Then she climbs over S (as daughter R has the phone) and says I see my Nana and wanted to talk to us on the phone! It's moments like this that make me smile. 

Tomorrow, I have the last of any shopping to do. I've made a list and that's going to be it! Then it's come back home and wrap. 

How are things in your part of the world? 

Saturday

Apologies to the blogs I posted on and left Anonymous comments! Apparently, I was logged out of my account when I made them. Sigh. 

We did finally put up the tree today. We have just decorated it with ornaments that mother-in-law made. I'll be sharing a few photos over the next couple posts. She was such a talented woman. She once said that the only thing (like it was insignificant) that she was good at was cooking. She WAS a wonderful cook, but we reminded her that it wasn't only that which she was good at. She was such a talented crafter - she could sew, knit, crochet, cross stitch, bead, the list was endless! We're missing her, but putting up the tree with her creations is a way of honouring her. 

I did go for a walk this morning. It was pretty cold out and I didn't go for long, but a little walk is better than no walk! Husband and I then went out for a bit to do some shopping. Nobody feels much like baking for Christmas, so we splurged at the Amish shop and bought some pies, cookies and lots of cheese to have with crackers. A couple of doughnuts landed in the basket too! 

When I got home, I did a little random cleaning up, bits and pieces that should have been in other places. It felt good to clean up. A long way to go and lots of sorting in the new year, but I'm pleased with what I did today.

How was your Saturday?

Friday

It's daughter's birthday today. I wish I could be there with her. She had an okay day (her words). We all clubbed together and got her a Nintendo Switch 2 and she was really pleased. Her husband took a video of her opening the present which was nice to see. 

It's been a blah few days here. The weather has been up and down, really cold, then mild with rain and now back to snow. The melting snow and rain caused thick ice on surfaces and then the snow covered everything up again. I only went over to Asylum Lake for a walk today and even that didn't last long as the wind was blowing, and it was bitterly cold. When I was home time went pretty quickly, and I didn't seem to get much done. I was planning on dragging all the gifts out that I've got so far and wrapping tomorrow as husband and son were going out but they cancelled as husband has come down with (hopefully just a) cold. Now I'm not sure when I'm going to get things done! We still aren't sure what we're doing yet. Nobody really seems in the mood so it will be a bit low key I think. As I said before, new traditions will have to be made next year. 

We haven't even put up a tree yet. I want to get the small one up and decorate it with MIL ornaments. A mini tribute to her. It still seems so strange without her. I sometimes think that we expect parents will be around forever and they are invincible, whatever their age, so it's such a shock when they are gone. I suppose I'm feeling a little lost with both her and Mum gone. I know it will just take time. 

Wow, this post is a little sadder than I was planning! 

Things that make me smile 

* Sister reminded me today that it is just two weeks until we see Baby A again. It will be her second birthday! How time flies!

* Having a nice warm house to shelter in when the weather is so cold outside.

* Having lots of cup-a-soup that I brought back from England with me, perfect on a cold day

* Being out in nature even if it is really cold!

Sunday Adventure

We did go out on Sunday, but it snowed. Sigh. I really, really wanted to go further up the lakeshore, but there had been a bit of snow and the weather that way wasn't looking good, so we decided to cut it shorter. I really think we should have headed south as there was sunshine! We saw a little of it as we travelled along but then we went into the snow which wasn't good. The roads were pretty horrible. Sigh. Maybe next weekend I'll get to go where I wanted to lol. 

Sunshine and Snow

Pancake ice beginning to form on the lake. It's quite early for this. 

Bench buried by snow

We got out for a bit and did take a little walk when we got back into town. It's nice to go out together for a bit even if we don't see much or go far. 

It's been a cold week so far but temps are supposed to at least get above freezing for the next couple days!

How has the weather been in your part of the world? 

Quiet Saturday

It was quite cold this morning and the wind was blowing so it wasn't a fun walk this morning. I actually wish I'd stayed in bed! Even though the temp said differently, I honestly thought it was the coldest day this week! It didn't help that it was snowing a bit too. I spent the rest of the day trying to warm up! Not good. Nothing I did seemed to help. I think it's what's known as cold to the bone! It certainly felt like it. 

I was supposed to go to a couple of places after the walk, but the snow on the roads made me feel a bit uncomfortable so I asked husband to drive me. He was happy to do so. He and son had been out for a bit but when they saw the roads they knew I probably wouldn't drive on them, so they headed back. I'm so thankful that none of my children have a fear (like I do) of driving in winter. I suppose it's because they've grown up with it.

I was glad when I got back home, but like I said, I did spend the rest of the day trying to warm up. I took a bath (which usually works), drank some cup a soup, bundled up with a blanket and finally got out my oversized snuggie. I'm not overly hot now, but I'm finally comfortable. Needless to say, I didn't get as much done as I'd hoped to today. Some days, I suppose, are just like that!

I used a bird mug for my cup. It's pretty and though not classically Christmas-y, the colours remind me of the season.

Husband and son went out for a while and picked me up some lunch where they went. It was a vegan wrap with spicy cauliflower and chickpeas. It definitely was a little spicy (at least for me) and not something I'd usually pick, but it was pretty tasty. 

Tomorrow we might, or might not, go on a Sunday Adventure. There might, or might not, be snow tonight. We're under a Winter Advisory but who knows what will actually happen!

Hope you're having a good weekend!

Friday

This week has gone quite quickly. I have been getting out for walks, but they haven't been that enjoyable lately. The trails have thick packed snow and ice. It's not easy to walk on them. I think it should count as double distance lol. There haven't been that many people around walking, only the regulars who walk in any weather. Hey, I think I might be one of those!

I haven't got any extra done around the house this week. I've been slacking on the lists, and it shows! I am determined to get back on the list wagon next week so I can be more productive. I feel as though I have to work errands around the weather right now, so I'll allow a little bit of leeway. 

This weekend looks to be quite cold. Our highs are going to be 22F/-5C and 21F /-6C and the lows 6F/-14C and 5F /-15C. That doesn't include wind chills that make things feel even colder. It could be worse though. Daughter in Minnesota is having a lot colder temps. Hopefully we'll get a break next week mid-week when temps should be above freezing! Sadly, on the trails that means more of a mess. Being British that does mean I have to at least mention the weather a bit lol. 

I think I'm a bit behind - that's being generous, as in reality I've not got a lot done - in the Christmas shopping area. We haven't decided what we're doing. In all honesty, I don't feel like doing a lot of anything. I know we should celebrate a little family get-together, but we're missing a huge part of the celebration and it's still so new. An ideal situation would be everybody jetting away to spend time with Baby A who brings us all such joy but it's not a reality. Hopefully, we'll get to see her on video calls to cheer us all up!

How are your Christmas preparations coming? 

Things that made me smile today:

* Messaging with sister. It always brings me joy and lots of memories from home

* A burst of sunrise this morning. It only lasted, at most, three minutes, but it was beautiful. Sadly, it was the only bit of sun I saw all day!

*Being able to drive myself without much trouble as the main roads at least are clear of snow!

Midweek

The week is plodding along and so am I. I was going to post yesterday (my goal is to post every other day) but come about seven o'clock I was already dozing while sitting in my chair. At 9pm I decided to just go to bed. I've been waking up at silly o'clock, thinking about things and then I can't get back to sleep again. Sigh. I suppose it's because I have a lot on my mind. At times like that, I just try to go with the flow. 

Monday was a busy day. I had a dentist appointment (yuck) and then an Asylum Lake meeting. The dentist appointment went just as I thought it would and there are more appointments to follow, but not until well into the new year. I told them I just couldn't do it right now. The Asylum Lake meeting went on for over two hours! It was productive, but long. Husband drove me to it as the side streets are still dodgy and, thankfully, one of the other board members offered me a lift home (she lives pretty close) so husband didn't have to stay awake to come and get me!

It's been quite cold, so cold that Asylum Lake is beginning to freeze over. I have been out and I'm glad I did! Despite being several degrees below zero I'm glad I went as the beavers were out trying to keep a channel of water unfrozen. I find it fascinating to watch them as they try to break the ice. They use their paws and their body weight to break it. 

They certainly make me smile!

Today was a mess outside. The temps got a little bit above freezing - yeah a heatwave! - so the precipitation was rain (at least to start with). The ice on the trails melted a bit (quite thick) so it was a squishy, sticky, slushing mess, not to mention the rain. Sigh. Temps will drop back down tomorrow so everything will freeze again. Our next above freezing temps aren't going to be until next Wednesday. 

I think winter has arrived. 

I video chatted with Baby A yesterday for over an hour. She was very chatty and showing me her dolls and reading me her books. Cheered me up no end. I miss her. 

Something else that made me smile, was the sunrise on Monday morning. It was cold and beautiful and there was barely another crazy soul in sight. 

What has made you smile this week? 

Sunday

Overnight snow changed our Sunday Adventure plans for today. When we went to bed last night the forecast was for less than an inch of snow. When we woke on Sunday morning, we had three inches of snow, and it was still snowing quite heavily! The roads were looking pretty bleak, so we decided to not go as far as planned. Husband is a really confident, good driver in the snow, so we did decide to go to the nearest lakeshore point. We were thinking of even just sitting in the car in the car park and looking out at the lighthouse. I wouldn't have driven on the roads at all, but I'm just a scaredy cat. Husband was quite comfortable so although the roads were pretty horrible the journey wasn't too bad. 

It obviously took us longer than normal, but by the time we had got to the lakeshore the snow had stopped, and the sun was even shining! I did tell husband that was the plan lol. I had looked at the forecast for Sunday, and the snow was supposed to stop, and the sun would shine for a bit. Luckily, this time they were right.

There are a few little shops by the lakeshore that I wouldn't have minded stopping in and looking around, but they weren't open for a while, and the pavements hadn't been plowed yet. Husband didn't want to get back too late as he would have to rake the snow off the roof and clear the driveway of snow before relaxing. Perhaps another time! As we passed by, I could see some Christmasy displays in the windows. 

As it was, we did get out at the lighthouse, but we didn't walk far. There were a couple of fishermen on the pier, but we didn't walk along it. Two fishermen who were sitting at the start of the pier called out to warn us that there was sheer ice under the snow. They were right! We could feel it beneath our feet. I didn't fancy falling over! I took a few photos and then we popped over to the other side of the channel where I couldn't walk at all as the snow was too deep! 

A couple of phone photos

Some ice was beginning to form in the channel!

Blazing a trail through the snow!

The roads were clearing by the time we made our way home. Our street is still very icy as they haven't been through yet but the main roads looked good so I'll just have to hope I can get up our hill in the morning!

Hope everyone had a good Sunday!

Getting Back on Track

We ended up with about 11 inches of snow in all so it was a good thing son-in-law managed to get here before the snow. Baby A was so excited to see him! 

On Monday we said goodbye to mother-in-law. It was quite emotional. It still doesn't seem real that she is gone. Daughter, Baby A and son-in-law left on Tuesday and that made things seem a little lonelier. I hadn't realised quite how much having them here was making me not think of the reality of losing mother-in-law quite so much. The world seems a little less bright without her in it. So hard especially at this time of year when she was such a big part of the celebrations.

Father-in-law is still struggling getting to know about bills and routines and such. Theirs was such a traditional marriage. Husband is trying to help as much as he can and is trying to make sure to get father-in-law out doing some things. Father-in-law is realising how important it is to have things in place and has already taken steps to make sure things are in place if something should happen to him.

I have been getting out for walks, but it's still so cold and snowy. Yesterday morning was 6F/-14C and the windchill was even colder! I was glad I went out though as the beavers were out being busy, an eagle stopped by (don't see many of them in my area) and there were some trumpeter swans (another rare visitor) sleeping over at the lake. It was so quiet and peaceful too. Of course, by the time I was done I was frozen, but it was worth it!

I'm going to get back into regular blogging again and hopefully post some photos of things that make me smile, because well, the alternative to smiling is crying and well...

This view makes me smile. This was the really cold morning. So peaceful. 

The little tree in the garden covered in snow

Hope everyone has a good weekend and are staying warm!

Snowy Days

Winter has arrived with a vengeance. We've had some snowy days recently. Son-in-law was supposed to drive up today and spend the weekend and come to MIL's memorial on Monday, but he ended up driving up last night. He stayed for a few hours in a hotel and then drove on, arriving about 7 am this morning. It was a good decision as it started snowing about 11 and hasn't stopped since. The roads are pretty slick. It saved us all a lot of worry that he missed the snowstorm and arrived safely before it. We are under a Winter Storm Warning until tomorrow.  We're supposed to get an additional 3-5 inches of snow. I'm not sure what the total will be but it's more than enough lol. 

I did manage to get out for a walk this morning before the snow. It was cold, but peaceful. 

The skies were very dull, but it was good to have a little walk before returned to the happy chaos of home. 

Last night Baby A made us all laugh out loud. She loves music, has since the day she was born. She was getting a little cranky, so daughter put some music on her phone - Ghostbusters - and she loved it! She was dancing and twirling around. It was absolutely adorable. She makes me smile so much. Her latest thing is saying, after doing something tiring, that she's taking a break. That is all my fault! When we took her out for a walk the other day, she wanted me to carry her, and she is getting quite big, so I had to put her down several times saying Nana needs a break. Now she's saying it! 

Children really are a delight. 

Days Drifting Along

Time seems a bit in limbo right now. Things aren't quite taken care of yet, and proper goodbyes haven't been said and it seems we are all just waiting. Thanksgiving is today. It was MIL's favourite holiday. She was always busy in the kitchen on this day, from early morning put in the turkeys (yes, more than one as she wanted everyone to have leftovers to take home) to making pies from scratch. Even when we told her to slow down and not make so much, she couldn't seem to slow down. 

I was tempted to just skip it. I sort of did. It's never been 'my' holiday, a Brit in America, but I did go along with the celebrations and had (over the years) eventually got the hang of making the from scratch gravy just the way MIL liked it. My daughter R came up just after MIL passed with Baby A to spend time with us and to be able to be here for the goodbyes. She is lucky enough to get a lot of time off work for bereavement. They have been staying with us. Our house is full, and it's taken our minds off things for a little while. Children always seem to make you smile when you don't really feel like smiling. R wanted to do something for Thanksgiving, so she picked up a meal from Costo, just needed to be cooked. It worked for them. It just made me feel really sad. Maybe next year will be a little easier. 

I haven't been out for many walks this week, though being in nature helps me feel a bit brighter. R had to bring the two dogs with her (hence why the house is bursting at the seams!) so I stayed in so she didn't have to bundle up the baby to take the dogs for a walk. It's cold outside. Snow is falling today. Luckily, it's not too bad. Up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan they have got a lot of it. I went out this morning as husband was home and could help with the dogs. It was cold, snowy and blowy but it did feel good to be out for a walk and even have a little cry by myself. 

The Beaver Lodge 

Baby A. She is getting so big and saying so many words. It's really quite fun to watch. 

Sadly, my mother-in-law, Nancy, passed away on Monday morning. We miss her terribly but glad she is free from pain. I've been taking a bit of time out, just feeling blah and a bit down. There are always such horror stories about MILs. I was so lucky to have her. She accepted me - sight unseen lol - and welcomed me into the family with loving arms. To our children, she was a really present Grandma in their lives, and they are lucky to have such good memories of her. Back in the day, when the internet was new, she had the first computer and was the 'cool' grandma who had all the games. She was the one who stood out in queues when they had certain things on their Christmas lists. She made them Halloween costumes and even clothes when they were little. She was really glad when my DD came along as she had two boys and her sister had no children. 

MIL was so talented. She was really accomplished at knitting, crocheting, sewing, cross stitch, quilting and beading. She loved doing all these things. She was also great at any kind of baking and cooking. All the pies she made for Thanksgiving were legendary - at times there was almost a pie person as she didn't want anyone to miss out on their favourites! She had so much talent and loved to share all her makes with family and friends. She was a wonderfully generous lady - which explains why most years there were a couple of non-family members at the Thanksgiving and Christmas table. 

She was definitely one of a kind and I am going to miss her!

The Colours are Beginning to Fade

Just a post today about my morning walk. I have been enjoying them alone. My walking friend is off on another holiday. I must admit that I probably wouldn't have been good company this week. The colours at Asylum Lake are beginning to fade. It's still been quite beautiful, but the leaves are starting to fall and soon everything will be grey and dull. Poor husband had cleared the back garden of leaves last weekend but more have fallen so he had to do them again. You couldn't see the grass for all the leaves that had fallen! He just ends up putting them at the very back of the garden. 

It's been rather quiet in the mornings. I'm not sure if it's because (once again) the sunrise is getting quite late or because it has been rather chilly. Either way, I quite like it. There is less interruption to just sitting in my usual spot and listening to the sounds of nature. 

The Beavers' Lodge

The field was looking rather dull today. 

Fallen leaves along the trail

I spent the rest of the day trying to get the house picked up a little bit. It's driving me a little crazy. I really need to do some major sorting but for now I am sticking everything in the craft room. Probably not a good idea in the long run, but for now I just want a clear space where I am. I really haven't felt like crafting at all. 

Today MIL slept the whole time we were there. I'm not sure she can hear us, but husband and I told her about some of the good times we remembered and the holidays he enjoyed as a child and special times. I'm hoping she can hear us and knows that we are there and love her. 

Thursday

The snow is gone - for now. I'm not sure whether that is good for bad. It's pretty dull out there right now. Thank you so much for all the comments and good thoughts. I am still behind though I am trying to keep up. I got onto my blog and started to catch up with the blogs I read and, well, I made comments but apparently, I wasn't logged in and a few of them were anonymous. Sigh. Well, the thought was there!

I am trying to make lists to try to keep a little bit on track with things. For now, the decluttering has been put to the side to be continued at a later date. I'm okay with that right now. 

For the last couple of days MIL has been mostly sleeping. Yesterday, she had a few waking moments and (mostly me) chatted uselessly about things, but today she was mostly sleeping. We let her sleep and spoke a bit when she was awake. I held her hand to let her know I was there. The aide/workers at the place are just lovely. One worker checked in on her while we were there and even though she wasn't assigned to MIL today she fed her ice chips. In passing she mentioned that she just liked to treat all the patients like family as they could be her sister, her mother, her auntie, or even herself. I'm so glad MIL was able to get into the place she is in. 

Getting out for walks is, as always, an escape. I find walking and photography a great way to escape for just a little while. I am not a morning person, but I do get up early in the morning. Asking me to talk to anyone for a couple of hours isn't an option though, but getting out there when no-one else is around and all I can hear are the sounds of nature is just such a wonderful escape. This morning as I sat, the geese were quiet until the sun started to rise and then they started squawking and getting ready to take off, the sound of their flapping wings overhead a chorus to my ears. There were at least four beavers out this morning - two playing, one bringing in large branches for winter food. It was just lovely. 

Bit of another depressing post. I'll have to find something a bit lighter tomorrow. Thanks for the comments, good thoughts and such. I do appreciate them. 

Snowy Days

We've had a couple days of snow. It's sticking to the grass and a little to the roads, but nothing too bad yet. I have managed to get out for some walks. It's been quite cold so there haven't been many people around. I really enjoy days like that even though my hands and feet don't always like it! I had to break out the handwarmers yesterday and today. Luckily, I had a couple pairs left over from last year. I have ordered some more. I consider them money well spent. I thought about not going out but I really need the time in nature right now, enjoying the calm and not thinking about life. 

Mother-in-law is not doing well. She has mostly been asleep when we've been going by. Yesterday, she didn't wake up at all. Today she woke for a while, but most of the day she's been asleep. I did ask her if she was comfortable and pain-free and she said yes, so that's good. It's just hard to see her fading away. I'm glad she's not in pain. The place she is in seems like such a lovely place, providing a calm, dignified space. There isn't a lot of noise, or moving around and everything (machines, bags etc) are tucked away. 

There really isn't a lot else to say. The rest of every day going ons don't really seem to matter right now. We are just plodding through life, trying to support MIL as best as we can. 

I have blogs to catch up on. I have that planned for tomorrow. 

Weekend and the Dreaded S Word

The weekend didn't quite go as planned. I did get a few things done but nowhere near as much as I had hoped. The time just seemed to have flown by! I have worked out my menu for the week so that's good. I still have to write the shopping list though. Not so good. I sort of sorted through the pile I wanted to. It's slightly smaller but not as sorted as I had hoped!

As for the dreaded S word, yes it did snow. Not too much, but enough to stick to things. The roads - touch wood - seem clear for now as the ground is still too warm. We're supposed to have snow showers until Tuesday. I am hoping roads will be clear enough that I can get out for a walk in the morning. It's going to be cold though 20F/-7C. I'm not quite ready for it!

The photos were taken with my phone so they seem quite dark!

In the Garden

Husband built a mini snowman while we were out lol. It was rather dark and dingy all day. I would have liked it better with a bit of light! I am not liking these darker days. 

End of the Week

It's been a busy week. I feel as though I'm running behind on everything. Hopefully over the weekend I'll get a bit more on track. Usually, I take the weekends to just relax a bit but there are some things I want to get done so that I can start off next week on good footing. I will do some relaxing and fun things. 

On Thursday night I attended a Zoning Commission Meeting for our city. Not something I've ever been to before. To cut a really long story short, at one end of the place where I walk is a plot of land that the owner wants to get rezoned to commercial to (potentially) put a carwash there. The local community doesn't want it and The Asylum Lake board that I'm on has been trying to help rally people to write and attend the various meetings. The Zoning meeting was a big one. It was really well attended. The main room was filled including standing room, the overflow room was full and there were people in the hallway. When it came time for comments the queue was around the room and out of the door! The meeting started at 7pm and got done around midnight! It took that long for everyone to be heard. I couldn't stay longer than 9pm but watched the rest on the Youtube channel. 

The Zoning Commission voted unanimously to deny the zoning request but unfortunately that's not the end of it. It has to go to another committee that can (stupidly!) be able to overturn their decision. It really seems to me that these people who work for us really don't want to listen to what we say. This is the third time he's applied for rezoning within the last 4 years! People were quite angry. 

I'm really glad I went! The next meeting isn't until December 1st, so we've got a couple weeks to plan. 

It's such a beautiful place. Lots of people spoke of how walking there has got them through some tough times. It certainly helped me when Mum was ill and after she died and walking there helps me now. It's lovely to walk and enjoy nature and not think about all the bad things in life. 

Not sure of other plans for the weekend - apart from playing catch up - the weather forecast is calling for the dreaded S word. I hope they are wrong. 

Do you have plans for the weekend?

Back...Again

Took a longer break than I intended. Life. It happens that way sometimes. 

Update on Life

I did go to daughter's. Had a lovely time. Baby A is getting so big and saying all kinds of words. She is really just delightful!

She dressed up as Bluey for Halloween and had a lot of fun. Daughter lives in a really small town and a few of the shops were open for Trick or Treat. She had a lot of fun walking from shop to shop and getting treats. There weren't that many of them, but just enough for her! Later in the evening, she went to a couple of neighbours' houses. Daughter and SIL have a lot of children coming by and Baby A helped hand out the sweets to the other children. She was really quite good at it and had a lot of fun. 

Update on MIL - not so good news. She ended up getting an infection around the feeding tube and was taken back to hospital. She decided to opt not to get another one. She has been moved to Hospice Care, end-of-life care. She is just tired and has had enough. It's a difficult time. We are visiting her daily and taking photos and videos of Baby A as well as video calling. The place she is in now is lovely. She seems quite comfortable. 

I have blogs to catch up on. Lots of them. It will probably take me days!