Good Evening!

It is the end of June.
We are still living in caution, mindful of trying to keep everyone healthy and safe.
In our region, some restrictions have been lifted but, but I really do not feel comfortable celebrating the little bit of freedom just yet. I still wear my mask in areas where I cannot maintain social distancing. I still wash my hands as often as possible. To be honest, it has almost become second nature. I know there is a lot of discussion and grumbling about the use of masks and limiting our social groups. I really do not find it that uncomfortable. Perhaps it’s my introverted nature.

With the warmer weather upon us, Jackie and I spend the majority of our time outside.
We begin our day by saying good morning to the chickens.



As soon as my feet touch the floor when I get out of bed, Jackie is making a dash for the back patio to visit her new charges. I must admit, I’m excited to visit with them as well!

After, we have our breakfast with the cats and then continue along our day.

Sometimes we sit outside and draw, or knit, or chase the chipmunk.


Other days, we are inside reading, playing video games, cross stitching, housework.
We are never bored, that is for sure.

We love spending time on the back deck. It’s very secluded and peaceful.


On the nights I go to work, our days are little shorter than we would like. We still manage quite well.

Recently, I treated myself and purchased a handmade watercolour sketchbook from PaintsPalettesPages. The one I purchased has feathers on the cover. It appealed to me because of my interest in drawing birds. I find for such little beings, they have so much character!

I’ve already completed a few sketches that I am quite proud of.


If the weather is decent, I will draw a few more.

I completed my Braided Lace Striped Socks.

They are amazingly comfortable. I thought they would be too big or too stretchy. They fit just right!

I’ve also been working on my 10 Stitch Blanket.


I absolutely love the random colour choice I’ve made. It’s like a working memory of all the socks I have ever knit.

Overall, it was a lovely week end. I work tomorrow night, so off to bed I go for a little nap.
I hope you are all well and staying safe.
Talk with you later.

So Now I’m a Chicken Mom?

The chickens arrived safe and sound last Friday.
Jackie is totally fascinated by these strange dinosaur like birds.



She visits with them as soon as possible, every morning. Throughout the day she sneaks away when she thinks we are not looking, to visit them again.

They are Leghorn chickens.
They are more slender than the average chicken. Their main purpose is to lay eggs. They are not meat birds. That is perfectly fine by me!



I now have some more inspiration for my artistic mediums! Be prepared to be inundated with poultry.



It’s a bit chilly today.


The sun keeps hiding behind the clouds. I don’t really want to sit inside, so I’ve found my sweater, and Jackie and I are following the sun as we continue to knit our socks.


The pattern is, Braided Lace Striped Socks with two cakes of Alanya Sock Yarn in Icy Waterfall colourway.

Hmm. As I type this, it’s beginning to look like rain.
Not sure how much longer we’ll be able to sit outside.

I hope you are all well.
Talk with you later.

Good Afternoon

Just getting a few things in order before our feathery friends arrive tomorrow.
Jackie has been doing several perimeter walks to ensure the estate is well guarded.
Just a dusty chipmunk and very talkative birds to report.



My little toe is doing a little better. I have been trying to stay off it as much as possible.

It still feels super weird.

Since the boy and I are home a fair bit, we decided to get in some practice driving.
I’ve learned a few things these past couple of days.
I am a horrible passenger.
I do try and remain calm, and succeed fairly well, I might add. There is no sense in both of us being nervous.
The other thing, there are a lot of impatient and rude people out there.
We were at a stop light.
He was making sure it was clear before we made our turn.
You have a few people run red lights, you learn not to rush into intersections.
The vehicle stalled.
It happens. He is learning.
The lady behind us honked her horn.
Yes.
That will definitely help the situation.
The vehicle was started again. It really did not take long.
Of course it seems longer than it is when you are incredibly nervous.
We made our turn.
I asked the boy to pull over.
I got out and approached the lady behind us.
I asked her to roll down her window a little.
As calmly as I could, I explained he was learning.
Perhaps she could do with a bit more patience.
Her response?
It wasn’t just me honking.
Like that excuses everything.

Then wouldn’t you know it?
We ended up at the same shop.
She trying to avoid me, and me just carrying on as normal.

When we had finished our errands and practice of parking, (a lot of practice parking), I asked the boy to remember what that felt like.
When that woman, who has no idea what is going on in the vehicle in front her,
was too much in a hurry to really examine the situation.
When she honked her horn to try and get the vehicle to move faster.
I asked him to remember that feeling of anger and embarrassment.
We were all new at one point.
We were all unsure and trying our best.
That is why I never honk my horn unless it is to alert someone of possible danger or to be aware of something hidden from view.
So when he is ore experienced, and zooming along, be patient. Don’t do the same to someone else.

We all need patience and awareness.

I hope you are all well.
Enjoy your days.

Happy 152nd Day of The Year

There remains 213 days left of the Gregorian calendar.
Let’s mKe the most of it!

I experienced something new.
I managed to break my baby toe!

It was an experience I would rather not repeat.

Who knew such a small member of the little piggy family would have such a significant impact on mobility. I cannot quite put a shoe on, so my movements are quite restricted.
I’m just enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of the patio.



Jackie has been keeping me in great spirits! We have been bird watching together.


The birds move a bit too quickly for me to capture them on the iPad.

Our Cherry Tomatoes have really sprouted up!

Little yellow flowers are just beginning to bloom. I think this was one my better ideas for growing tomatoes. It’s just a large laundry hamper with some holes drilled into the bottom for draining. We shall see how the tomatoes fair.

I’ve been drawing a little bit and using my watercolours.

Birds and flowers seem to be my go to subjects for the moment.
I have this app that helps me identify the mysterious flowers that emerge in the gardens.
It’s called Garden Answers. It’s just amazing!
You take a photo of the plant in question, or upload one from your album.
The app then finds plants or flowers, with similarities to yours.
Sometimes it takes seconds. Sometimes you have to narrow down your search a bit.

Oh yes!
The chicken coop is complete.


Just in time as our new feathered friends are due to arrive on Friday!
We are all very excited about this little endeavor.

My battery is running low.
I think about covers all my new adventures.
I hope you are all well.
Talk with you later!

Happy Victoria Day!

May 2 - 4.
Usually the time when Canadians emerge from hibernation to try and assimilate with longer days and warmer sunshine.
This year of course, it’s a little different.
We need to exercise more caution. We need to be more aware of our surroundings.
Most importantly, we need to be aware that our social distancing is protecting our weaker members of society. The more vulnerable who deserve our protection. These are our senior citizens, our immune compromised, our neighbours, our grandparents. All of our people are important and need to be protected.
It’s also rather simple. Stay home. If we need to venture out, exercise caution. Wash our hands, often!

I’ll be honest. Every time I need to go out for supplies, I never sleep well the night/day before. My anxiety kicks into overdrive. Who knew all those years in y youth playing Pac-Man would provide me with the necessary life skills to survive 2020?

Right now my family and I are enjoying the beautiful day outside. The boys are putting the finishing touches on the chicken coop. It is really awesome!


I’ve had to relocate my raspberry bushes. They will need more sun than what would be available between the garage and the coop.
The boys are at the stage where they are putting seals along the doors and windows and trying to find the best location for the water and feed containers.

I’m outside working on my Morag Pullover.


I’m at the sleeves. One more increase then it’s less math for a while.
Please ignore the Jackie hair. She is usually next to me when I’m knitting, or drawing, or playing video games, or breathing. I’m grateful for her company. She really does lower my anxiety levels.

Between knitting and just enjoying the sounds of outside, (not my neighbour’s questionable taste in music), I’m watching the antics of this cute little bumblebee.


He has quite the selection to enjoy!

I also have my herbs started in their containers.


This year, I’m trying something a little different with my tomato plants.
I Initially purchased this giant plastic container for my Oleander tree. I thought if I insulated it, maybe it would survive winter. I chickened out. I placed the Oleander in it’s usual place in the garage.

So now I have this giant bucket thing. I thought why not use it for the tomatoes?


They seem to like it.

I’m going to continue working on my sleeves.
Have a great day everyone! It’s going to be okay!

Have a Little Faith

Last fall, I planted a series of bulbs in my garden.
I placed markers so I wouldn’t accidentally dig the up or disturb them.
Now they are making their debut and I have no idea what they are!



This surprise gardening has become my mantra. Just keep going and have a little faith.
As a side note, it’s also how I cook.
I try to follow the instructions, but sometimes, you JSU have to roll with it.
It works with Banana Bread!

This is a banana with frozen berries mixture that my family loves.

I have been working steady on my Rainbow Wave Socks, designed by Christina Danaee.
Jackie and I have decided to take advantage of the warmer weather and sunshine and moved our little workspace outside.

I’m at the Afterthought heel. It’s still a weird concept for me to wrap my head around.
Jackie is supervising the progress on the chicken coop.


Meanwhile, little Luna is showing her displeasure of not being allowed outside.


I hope wherever you are, you are doing well.
Take care and enjoy the little things.

Progress!

We have been pretty occupied this weekend constructing our chicken coop.
It has been quite the learning process for Little Man who has been feeling pretty good about his accomplishment.
So far, here is the progress up until this afternoon:

What a wonderful feeling to see something built from the actual ground up!
They are a bit out of order but you get the main idea.

For myself, I dedicated this weekend to cross stitching.

Little Luna has been very helpful!
My Deathabilly by Marcus Jones, has been so much fun to work on!

With the weather getting a little warmer, my green friends have sprung up!

It seems each day, something new returns!

Jackie is giving me the side eye.

She is a more efficient time piece than any clock I have!
I am scheduled to work tonight so, off to bed I go.

Let me know how you are all doing. I hope wherever you may be, you are able to get a bit of fresh air.

See you later.