Mid-Week and Catch-up

I completely forgot to post yesterday until I got into bed and by then it was too late!

We had a lovely weekend away. The weather was just above freezing each day which is really good for the Upper Peninsula at this time of year. The sun shone every day we were there. The roads were nice and clear so we couldn't ask for better. There was lots of ice and snow and that was what I had gone to photograph. It was lovely to be able to get away for a few days. There is just something carefree about going away, forgetting all your worries, not being surrounded by things you should be doing. Just to do what you want and get out and explore. 

We didn't really have a plan, just enjoyed our time away and did what we pleased. The hotel we stayed in was nice - we've stayed there before - and they had a nice breakfast each morning. 

My husband's favourite time of the weekend was the hike down to the Lower Tahquamenon Falls. They close the road down in the winter as it is a hill. It's about a mile walk down to the car park and from there about another two miles to the falls and around the island so in all about a four mile or so walk. We were glad we had our ice things on our boots as it made the walk a little easier. There weren't many people there - probably as you have to walk so far lol. It was lovely though. 

My favourite thing was going to see the piles of blue ice near the bridge. It was amazing. Not as upright as last year and it has not been so cold so we couldn't walk out so far. 

We went down there a couple of times as it was pretty close to where we were staying. It isn't somewhere a lot of people seem to visit and there was only one other person there. He was a bit foolish as he was determined to get out to the piles of ice, not paying attention to where there was some weakness in the ice. He got so far, took a step forward and one leg went in up to his knee! Luckily, he was able to keep on his feet, but we think he hurt his leg as he turned around and limped back to his car. He wasn't close enough to us to ask if he was okay. I couldn't believe he was that foolish. We could clearly see that there were areas of standing water and really weak ice. I'm glad he was okay and didn't actually fall completely through the ice.

Here's a video of the ice

Anyway, a great time was had. I'll share a few more photos as I look through them. 

Now it's back to the everyday. I didn't make a meal plan before I left so Monday evening (we didn't get back until late afternoon) and Tuesday was basically a 'yikes' couple of days. I'm back on track now so meals are planned, food shop is done.  Housework is somewhat caught up and tomorrow I'll start catching up on the clothes washing. 

Just a Quick One - and Sunrise Video

Had a lovely weekend away. Sun shone all weekend and the temperatures were just around freezing (which is good for this time of year in the U.P of Michigan). We've just got back so no long post. I'll catch up tomorrow and read blogs. 

We had wonderful sunsets and sunrises. This is the video I took yesterday morning. Absolutely stunning. 

Rain

No walk today. It rained all morning. Not just a shower but pouring rain. I had to go to the post office. Roads were pretty waterlogged. There are two lanes on a lot of roads and so I kept to the one away from the curb. It was fairly mild out this morning. I think the high temperature hit 51F/11C and then it plummeted this afternoon to 36F/2C. 

I got all our washing done today and some housework. Usually, I do some washing today and some tomorrow but...drum roll...we're going away for the weekend. We usually do a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sometime in February and this weekend is apparently it. Last minute thing. I booked the hotel on Monday. There aren't many hotels open in the winter up where we go. We've stayed there before. They have a nice breakfast, and the rooms are usually clean and comfortable. 

It's supposed to have snowed up there today. But the weather over the weekend should be dry and just around freezing which is actually warm for up there. Last year when we went it was really, really cold, almost 0F I think. Ultra cold. I'm looking forward to taking icy scenery photos. Fingers crossed. We're just looking forward to getting away for the weekend. Obviously, we will bundle up. I'm not sure I'll be posting over the weekend - I'll try! I will be doing some Instagram stories if anyone is on Instagram 

My Instagram

I'll hopefully post some short videos here when I get back. We really just want to get away for a bit. No real plans of where we're going, just stopping where we want. 

I did do a bit of stitching today. The light was bad, but I closed one curtain and used my craft light so I could see. It's not a lot done, but it's a start!

I'm really looking forward to working on this one. I shan't be taking it with me so I'll have to work on it next week. 

Frustrating Day - Grrr Computers

Last night my computer decided to suck the life out of my memory and upgrade to Windows 11. It was stuck last night and went on in to today (once I had got back from my walk). I ended up going back to Windows 10 - which took forever just so I could have the memory back AND because I couldn't get Lightroom to work on Windows 11. Going back to Windows 10 didn't fix the problem as I still couldn't get Lightroom to work. The catalogue is corrupted, I think. I had to start a new one. The photos aren't lost but a some of the editing work (straightening, lightening shadows basically) has gone. It's a good thing I'm not that good at editing lol. 

It just took most of the afternoon to get it all sorted. Really frustrating. And then when I got on my computer to write this Blogger was messing up and wouldn't let me reply to comments. Sigh. Just a generally frustrating tech day. 

I did get out for my walk on a lovely sunny day. It was below freezing when I went out but still nice. The trails were really, really icy though. Tonight, there is supposed to be some rain that will extend into the morning. I shan't go for a walk if it's raining. The trails will be just horrible. 

I'm off to bed now. More tomorrow. 

Here's a couple of phone photos from today. 

Tuesday

Went out for my walk this morning. It was cloudy when I started. Above freezing though. All the paths were icy. I was so glad that I wore my Yaktrax on my boots to stop me from slipping! It was very quiet there. Not sure if that's because people were avoiding it due to the ice. Whatever the reason, it was so nice to be alone. There was still someone out ice fishing on the lake. Brave of them as most of the lake has unfrozen and I can't imagine the ice is that thick! I don't think it's that deep, but still crazy to go out on it. 

I didn't have to go anywhere after my walk so I came home, got some housework done, packaged up some Ebay packages to post tomorrow and then worked on my Asylum Lake project. I feel as though it's never going to get done! I'm only up to mid-May. 

I did go up to the craft room today, but I did more moving things from one space to another than really doing anything. Sigh. It needs attention again as that was where I stuck things over the Christmas period when I needed space elsewhere. It's something I definitely have to work on!

I did find up these lovely little paperclips. I didn't make them. I found them at the charity shop for 1.50. I thought they would make lovely paperclips to go in journals (which I intend to work on...someday ha ha). 

I had to rescue them! They took a while for someone to make. Several of them have tiny rolly eyes on them. 

I thought I'd also share a photo of the cross stitch I intend to do. I was going to work on it today, but the afternoon light was pretty bad as it was cloudy and dull out. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny so I shall at least get a start. I did make a copy of the chart so I can highlight the stitches as I do them

There are a whole series of these 'In the Woods' charts. I have the woodpecker , but there are several on my wish list! I need to at least do one first. It looks like all whole stitches so hopefully won't be too bad! I had the fabric and floss in my stash. 

** side note - I think I have caught up on all the comments left recently. I do read them all and appreciate them. I'm just not great on always replying though I shall endeavor to do better!

Monday Monday

Well, the start of another week. 

Yesterday was a pretty good day. We went out to the lakeshore and had a look at the ice. It was quite peaceful out. The temperature was just about freezing, warmer than it has been, and the sun was shining so it was extra nice. 

There was lots of ice in the lake, big, huge chunks too. It was amazing to watch and hear the large pieces of ice moving about. I've included another video.

Admittedly when we got home I did more relaxing than anything!

I went for my walk this morning. It was chilly, but the sun was shining so it was another nice day. The temperatures this week are supposed to be above freezing in the daytime though there will be rain mid-week which will cause a slushy, ice mess to walk in. 

I did manage to get a few extras done today. I finally finished the food cupboards! They are all sorted. I have started on the freezer but that's a project that still needs to be finished! I also took care of a few things that were hanging around where they shouldn't have been and they are now - well, in the rightful room at least. I also got a cross stitch project ready to go. Hopefully, I'll start on it tomorrow. 

Saturday

We went to the lakeshore. It was fun. Sun shining. Really quite cold this morning as the wind was blowing too. There was some ice on the lake and some in the channel leading out to the lake. It makes me quite dizzy to look at!

The ice was quite amazing. It is always so different. 

Lots of balls. These are the end result (though not in the same place) of the balls in the video last week. Waves from the lake push these up on top of one another until forming a line of ice balls. It's quite a sight to see. 

It was only half day trip. We usually go out longer tomorrow. 

When I got back this afternoon I sorted out - shock! horror! Gasp! - another 20 books from a bookshelf to donate. Really quite pleased that I'm able to let them go. I think I've almost filled February's box and all with books! I shall have to start another. 

Hope everyone is doing okay. Have a good weekend. 

End of the Week

I can't believe another week is over! 

It was really cold this morning and despite still feeling a bit blah, I did bundle myself up (double mittens, double socks, 4 layers on top, a hat and a hood, hand warmers and toe warmers) and go out for a walk. There was a tiny bit of open water at the beaver lodge but I didn't see any beavers. I had a quick walk, kept moving, took a few photos, enjoyed the unexpected sunshine before heading back to my car. I made a brief stop at the shops to pick up a couple of items. 

I did get a tiny bit of decluttering done this afternoon. There is a small bookcase over in one corner that has a multitude of books piled on two shelves, all higgledy-piggledy, but balanced carefully. Another shelf has a bunch of cross stitch magazines and five folders (binders) containing recipes and printed out material. I got a start on it. I have 13 books that I have so far let go of. I sorted through three folders. Threw out a whole bunch of recipes and organised the others. They are all in plastic sleeves to protect them when I take them out to cook the item. I have to look through the magazines. The plan for tomorrow. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a start. I did find some photos of me and mum that I'd tuck away years ago. A little sad but made me smile to. I miss her so much. Sigh. 

I should have - and meant to take photos of the sorting but forgot. Did take a couple of phone ones on my walk. 

I looked up and saw sunshine

And this sign made me groan (?) laugh (?) feel confused (?)

Not quite sure what this means. The beavers came to this place by themselves (ie they weren't introduced), they aren't kept there and can leave whenever. I'm thinking someone has too much time on their hands. 

Not sure what's up for the weekend. Probably a couple of trips to places along the lakeshore. Because the temps have been so cold there is ice building. Next week will turn warmer (above freezing) and it will probably melt, so we want to go see while we can.  Tomorrow afternoon I'll work on the bookshelves some more. 

What are your plans for the weekend? Is the weather going to be good or bad? 

Feeling a little off today. I don't know if it's because I've been spending too much time in the cold - is that a thing? Just a bit achy and a little dizzy. Hopefully, it's just a 24-hour thing. I took a walk in the cold this morning, a brief one. I did manage to get my housework done (I have certain things I do each day) so I suppose that's a plus. Not a lot else going on to be honest. I suppose in some ways that's a good thing!

It's going to be cold tomorrow, but I shall bundle up and go for a quick walk. The beavers have still been managing to keep a tiny bit of water open. It gets smaller every day. I keep waiting for it to disappear. It's supposed to be above freezing next week so if they might be able to keep it open. Lake Michigan is starting to freeze along the lakeshore. Hoping to get out there this weekend to take some photos. 

I'm going to tackle a small space tomorrow and see if I can start filling up a February box of donations. So that's the plan for tomorrow. 

Photo today - this is of that funky little squirrel I've posted a photo of before. He's so funny and so used to getting peanuts that I swear he waits for me to get home! Today, after my walk, I turned off the car, got out of it and he ran right up to the back porch and started sitting up looking for a peanut - so funny!

Behind as Usual

I seem to spend my life perpetually trying to play catch-up!

Yesterday was a fairly good day. Took a walk. Saw the beavers. Ran an errand. Did some housework. I did name this blog My New Uneventful Life, if anyone thinks to complain. Lol. Today I didn't get out for a walk. Husband had the car so I didn't drive to my normal park. The neighbourhood still has too much ice to feel safe walking on. Most people - even though they are supposed to - don't clear off the pavements. Besides, it was really, really cold this morning. So cold that I did bundle up and go outside trying to freeze, and take photos of, bubbles. I'm not sure how they turned out. You guessed it, I'm playing catch-up sorting out photos. 

I did get around to sorting out several problem areas that I've been meaning to take care of. I just feel like I've mainly moved the things from one place to another though. I really need to start decluttering. I need to work on books. I find it really tough though. Daughter says I should concentrate more on ebooks, but there is just something about holding a real book that it just so soothing and comforting. Electronic books are just not the same. Sigh. However, I do have some books both in physical form and as an ebook, so perhaps I should start there. ? Maybe? 

Regarding other decluttering, how do you decide what to keep and get rid of? What happens if it was something given to you? How do you make the choice? 

I really think I'm overthinking this a little. Sigh. 

I did manage one box of donation for January. I am going to try another box for February. Baby steps lol. 

Oh, the car had an oil change. There's nothing else wrong. Except one of the lights on my licence plate was out (there are two). The mechanic says as long as I have one working, I should be alright. He has ordered a replacement (as the holder needing replacing too). 

A Photo - an icicle. Husband did not clear off the roof last snow go round so we now have lots of icicles.