Dear Neighbor . . .

 

(source)

 

FRIDAY, January 30th, 2026

Estate Lane, Nova Scotia

-11*C/12*F mostly cloudy 

cold and snowy days ahead

Dear Neighbor,

It is definitely a chilly in here this morning. The cats are snuggling up on the heated floor in the bathroom. I don't blame them. If I thought I would be able to get up again I would be snuggled down there right with them!

Brrr . . .

I ended up having a very busy day yesterday. I had my cleaners come late in the morning. I was expecting them. They were scheduled to come on Tuesday but the appointment got put off due to the snow, so they came yesterday instead. I always love how fresh and clean the house smells and seems after they are here.

In the meantime in the morning I got a call from the hospital saying that the Urologist wanted me to drop a Urine sample off either yesterday or today. Of course I don't have any specimen bottles.  They emailed me a requisition and after Cindy's Tai Chi class she drove me over to the hospital in town so that I could do that.  I also managed to get some cat food picked up and some sugar free lemonade. I just gave Cindy the money and she went into the shops to get it. I can't be pushing a grocery cart and walking around the grocery store with this stent in. The other night when I went out to dinner with Cindy and Dad I had to visit the bathroom three times. I will be so glad to have this all over with.

 

(source)

It is debatable as to whether or not I will be able to have the procedure on Monday anyways. There is a weather advisory for heavy snowfall in effect from Sunday on into Monday.  The roads may not be fit enough to drive all the way into Kentville.  Plus I have not got anyone to stay with me for 24 hours after the procedure. I asked Eileen but she can't or won't and Cindy can't as she has to take care of Dad. I can have someone checking up on me, as Cindy certainly would do so and I am sure Glenna across the road would as well. But I don't have anyone who can actually stay here with me. I wonder what the protocol is for someone who doesn't have anyone that can stay with them?

I feel very nervous about the whole thing. I can barely walk 10 feet without having to go pee. I am not sure how I will be able to walk the length of the hospital, onto an elevator and then up stairs to where I will need to be.  I shouldn't be dwelling on it. But I am.

This was my little man snuggled up next to me on the sofa last night. He likes to be close by. Usually when the cleaners are here they don't see him. Cinnamon comes out and watches them the whole time, but Nutmeg he stays hidden.  Yesterday he thought they had gone and he came trotting out and then noticed that they were still here. The look on his face was of pure terror and he went scooting back under one of the chairs at the table and then slunk from there off back into the bedroom. I do not know why he is so afraid of people. He is the epitome of the term "scaredy cat" when people he does not know are around.

Whenever my sister drops me off he comes to the door and looks at her through the screen until she rolls her window down and says "Bye bye Nutmeg." He gives a little meow and then gets down and goes off to do whatever. He actually looks for that bye bye. Its really cute.

Pets are wonderful. Yes they are a bit of a tie and lots of responsibility, but they also add a wonderful dimension to your life that you would not otherwise be able to experience, and, if you live alone, they are great company. Cat or dog, I would not be without a pet. I think they are quite wonderful.

 

(source)

My neighbor across the way has completely moved out now. She has moved back into one of the units on the next street that she was in before she moved into these units. She had thought she would feel safer in these places. I have no idea why she wanted to move out. At 83 I would find moving anywhere very stressful. In fact at my age I would find moving very stressful. It is not even something I want to contemplate. I will not be leaving this place until I die or unless they put me out, which I cannot imagine. I think I am a pretty good tenant. 

They (whoever they are) say that moving is one of the most stressful things you can experience.  When I was married to my second husband and bringing up our family, we moved frequently.  It was always really hard. The last few moves were the most difficult as we left children behind each time. As a mother this was really difficult. Nobody likes to leave children behind, but they reach an age where they don't want to move and you cannot force them.

When we moved from New Brunswick to Meaford, Ontario, our oldest son was in Uni and had a girlfriend (his wife) and he didn't want to leave, and when we moved back to Nova Scotia from Ontario a few years later our youngest daughter chose to move back to New Brunswick and live with her best friend and her family as she didn't want to finish her high school years with a bunch of strangers. Totally understandable. It was a wrench for me both times.

I am at a stage in life now where I am happy to just stay put.

 

(source)

This week I watched a 2011 concert by a boy group called "Take That" in Wembley stadium. It was really good.  In the 1990's they were considered to be Great Britain's answer to The New Kids on the Block.  Most people don't know who they are over here, even though they have had a few successful records over here. But if you say the name Robbie Williams, people know who he is, and he was an original member of the group.  I had all of their cd's and used to listen to them often when I was working on my art in my craft room  over in the U.K. 

Anyways I really enjoyed this concert. It was really good. I never ever got to see them in person when I lived over there. There is a documentary about them on Netflix at the moment as well.

If you like great music and want to see a really entertaining concert I can't recommend this concert enough. It's great!  You might even recognize some of the music. I found myself tapping my toes and singing along with them all through it.

 

(source)

I have plans to clean out my refrigerator today. We will see how that goes. Hopefully I can get it done. I haven't been to the grocery store for a few weeks and there is stuff in there that needs throwing out. I try not to waste things, but these few weeks I haven't been really up to cooking much to be honest.  Just quick and easy stuff. Hopefully once I have this next procedure done things can get back to normal!  I remain hopeful!

I don't really have a lot else to share with you this time. My life has been very narrow as of late.  I will leave you with a thought for the day . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*Happiness often sneaks through

a door you didn't know you left open!

~anonymous • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。 

In The English Kitchen today I am sharing a recipe for Dublin Coddle.  This is a delicious Irish comfort dish of sausage and potatoes, bacon and I added some barley.  Simple, warming, economical.

I do so hope you have a lovely Friday whatever you get up to. Stay safe and stay warm!

Don't forget!

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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And I do too!    

   

My Favorite Things . . .

 

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens . . . these are some of the things in life that I enjoy, and which make me happy, inspire me, or put a smile on my face. Maybe some of them are yours too.  Let's share!   

 

(source)

Silhouettes  . . . 

 

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Hearts  . . . 

 

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Angels  . . . 

 

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The man in the moon  . . . 

 

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Toadstools  . . . 

 

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Radishes  . . . 

 

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Ginger cats in hats holding chickens  . . . 

 

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Pigs  . . . 

 

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Tea pots  . . . 

 

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Exercise  . . . 

 

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Knitting sheep  . . . 

 

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Bunnies and carrots  . . . 

 

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Foxes  . . . 

 

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Apples and pears  . . . 

 

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Cats in dresses  . . . 

 

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Hares . . . 

 

(source)

I guess I just enjoy the creativity of others and wish I could do the same!

I had a call from the hospital yesterday. They have set up an appointment for my next surgery (to remove the stent I am assuming.) for Monday next. I am to be at the hospital by 8:30 a.m. which means I will need to leave here by 7:30 a.m. I am supposed to have someone stay with me for 24 hours afterwards. It is supposed to snow on Monday so I don't know if it will happen or not. We cannot be driving that far in a snow storm.  Plus I don't have anyone to stay with me, but that is a minor problem I can try to work around. Looking at the amount of snow expected however, I really cannot see it happening. I will need to reschedule most certainly. When you live an hour away from the hospital, in the wintertime this is the risk.

I did get out for supper last night with Cindy and Dad. It was great to be out of the house!

A thought to carry with you . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*There are people whom one loves 
immediately and forever.
Even to know they are alive 
in the world with one is quite enough.
~Nancy Spain  • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins.  Simply delicious. If you like a good oatmeal muffin then you will like these!

I wish for you a beautiful day, filled with some of your favorite things.  Don't forget!

Don't forget! 

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ════════════  

And I do too!    

   

Wednesday Witterings . . .

This was one of my favorite story books when I was a small child. I never tired of hearing the story about the little dog moving in next door to a family that had a huge ferocious looking dog and how they eventually became friends. 

Back in those days most things, directed at children anyways, had some moral attached. Cartoons, television programs, books, etc. and good always prevailed.  The cowboy in the white hat always came out ahead, and the bad guy always lost.

I've been recently watching reruns of Leave it to Beaver on my ROKU tv. This was always one of my favorite television shows when I was a child and I have probably watched every episode of it multiple times through the years. I still enjoy watching it. Every single episode has a lesson to teach about the differences between wrong and right behavior, etc. and the consequences we often face from making poor choices in life. It hearkens back to a simpler time when the lines between right and wrong were not as blurred as they appear to be today.

Back then I saw women like June Cleaver, Aunt Bea, Margaret Anderson and Donna Reed as role models, much like my own mother. They kept tidy homes, were great cooks, were always well put together, and they loved their families and would do anything for them.

Idealized of course. Life is not a sitcom and our problems cannot be solved in half an hour. Oh that they could.

 

(source)

It took them almost the whole day yesterday to dig us out from the snow. I think we probably got at least a foot if not more of snow. It is piled high on the lawns now, and more is to come later this week. These are the days when you dart out to get what you need as soon as the weather clears as you never know when your next opportunity to do so will come.

I need to get some cat food. It seems I am always buying cat food. Oh, I do need much more than that. It's been weeks since I was able to get out and do a proper shop with all of my health woes holding me back. I am out of all sorts. Its a good thing I have always been a stock piler of toilet paper and water, and I do keep a hefty store cupboard of tinned goods, etc. but  . . .  you cannot live out of your store cupboard forever.

And I do need cat food. I only have a couple of pots left. I sure miss home grocery delivery. There is no such thing here where I live.  You can get those meal things like Hello Fresh delivered, but the last time I got one of those everything in it arrived frozen. Lettuce, spring onions, carrots, potatoes, and the meat. Not so bad when the meat is frozen, but fresh fruits and veggies, not so good.  I gave them a 1star review. Harsh I know, but I was really annoyed.

 

(source)

The cleaners were unable to come yesterday due to the weather and the roads, which was very understandable. They are coming Thursday instead. I did get a few things done myself. I actually cooked something and I got some journaling done. I also did a load of laundry. I hope to get even more done today around here and I have plans to go out for supper tonight with dad and Cindy. Things are not 100% but they are looking up.

This will be a January I will never forget. Not a great start to the year but on the positive side there is nowhere to go but up. 👍👍👍

 

(source)

I have discovered some new accounts on YouTube over these past days that I quite like.  One is Shelby's Cottage. She makes DIY look really easy. I love her little house.  Another I have enjoyed is Dani Connor Wild.  She lives in Norway and does a lot of wildlife photography, in particular birds and squirrels. They are the most interesting looking squirrels I have ever seen.

One day I watched Karissa Eats as she tried all of the most viral/popular foods in London. She ate a lot of food. But she is so skinny (pretty too of course.) I found myself wondering how she stays so skinny with eating all the things she eats. Is it possible she has a spit bucket next to her that we are not seeing.  It was a little bit unbelievable but compelling at the same time.

Yes, I have been watching an inordinate amount of television. I suppose it has been a diversion for me and a great distraction. I don't normally watch this much. I hate the idea of watching other people live their lives and wasting my own in doing so.

 

(source)

I should have been reading more but I have found myself quite unable to concentrate enough to read much of anything. I kept having to read the same words again and again.  My attention span was not enough to be able to take any of it in.  I did manage to watch An Officer and a Gentleman on Netflix however. But I even had to watch that in short bits.

And now, all of a sudden, I feel as if I could go back to bed and have a nap. I think I will do just that. I obviously need the rest.

I will leave you with a thought for the day  . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*Your heart is a living forest
full of songbirds. ~ e.e. cummings

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters.  Simple and delicious. Tender, juicy, economical.

I hope you have a lovely Wednesday, this the last one in January.  How dd that happen?  Whatever you get up to, stay safe, stay warm and don't forget!

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ════════════  

And I do too!    

   

A Day Book . . .

 

FOR TODAY, January 27th, 2026

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ...

I took this photo a few minutes ago.  We are still under a snow warning until mid morning today and it is bitter cold, although it has warmed up somewhat since yesterday, but is still in the minus digits. They did plow yesterday but have not been through to plow yet today.  I woke up at 5 a.m. when they were plowing the farmer's market behind my place.  Not a lot was open yesterday due to the snow and the kids had a day off school, which I am sure none of them complained about!

 

(source)

I AM THINKING ...

I feel as if I may have turned a corner with what's been going on health wise. I am not feeling that over-the-top urge to go wee this morning and there is no pain when I do, at least not so far. No blood either. I also did not need to take a pain killer last night, which was a real bonus.

I AM ALSO THINKING ...

Last night in bed I was reading in Emily Belle Freeman's book, Grace to Become.  She was writing about how Jacob was in the wilderness and had that dream about the ladder to heaven and the angels ascending and descending from it.  About how God met Jacob in the wilderness and she posed the question: Have you ever wondered if the Lord would meet you there in your wilderness?

I pondered that question and I was able to say, I KNOW He will meet me in my wilderness as He has done so before. Many times. He has met me in every corner of my story and had carried me through some bits of the story when I could not carry myself. It is a good feeling to know these things are true. He hears me. He sees me. He loves me.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR ...

The warmth of a home. A place to shelter in and keep me in the storm. 

 

(source)

I AM ALSO GRATEFUL FOR ...

Letters, postcards, etc. emails. Just to know that people think enough of you to stay in touch. It means the world.

IN THE KITCHEN ...

French Dip Burgers. A wonderful mishmash of two good things, burgers and French dip sandwiches. With a lovely au jus for dipping.

ON MY "TO COOK" LIST ...

I love the look of this Basque Garlic Salad Dressing on Retro Girls Kitchen.

 

(source)

THIS I BELIEVE ...

I'm a stay-at-home recharge person. I love my home. It IS my sanctuary.

 

(source)

SOMETHING THAT IS NICE ...

Toasty toes. 

 

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SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS NICE ...

The comfort of a warm throw  . . . 

I AM WANTING TO CREATE ...

 

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Pretty envelopes  . . . 

 

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Little ships  . . . 

 

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A mouse in a tea cup  . . . 

 

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Paper dolls  . . .  this is Belle and Boo.

 

(source)

Doll tags  . . . 

SOMETHING I ENJOY ...

Movies with Jimmy Stewart in them  . . . 

SOMETHING ELSE I ENJOY ...

Old Disney cartoons. This one was always a favorite when I was a child.

I AM READING ...

MRS. ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE, by Rhs Bowen 

Blindsided by betrayal in pre-WWII England, a woman charts a daring new course in this captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and new love by the bestselling author of The Rose Arbor and The Venice Sketchbook. 

 Surrey, England, 1938. After thirty devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is blindsided by her husband’s appeal for divorce. It’s Ellie’s opportunity for change too. The unfaithful cad can have the house. She’s taking the Bentley. Ellie, her housekeeper Mavis, and her elderly friend Dora―each needing escape―impulsively head for parts unknown in the South of France. 

 With the Rhône surging beside them, they have nowhere to be and everywhere to go. Until the Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing hamlet of Saint Benet. 

Here, Ellie rents an abandoned villa in the hills, makes wonderful friends among the villagers, and finds herself drawn to Nico, a handsome and enigmatic fisherman. 

As for unexpected destinations, the simple paradise of Saint Benet is perfect. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches. Ellie’s second act in life is just beginning―and becoming an adventure she never expected.

I am thoroughly enjoying this. Thoroughly.

I know I should be finished this by now, but life has gotten in the way.

THINGS THAT I FANCY ...

 

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Pom Pom trim  . . . 

 

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Succulents  . . . 

 

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Pretty tea cups  . . . 

 

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Bouquets of flowers  . . . 

 

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Dutch doors  . . . 

SOMETHING TO WATCH ...

The latest Season of All Creatures Great and Small, on PBS

I love that show.

A THOUGHT TO CARRY WITH YOU ...

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*Be happy in the moment,

that's enough.

Each moment is all we need,

not more.• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

~Mother Theresa• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

And that is my daybook for this week!  Thanks always for being here!

  ⋱ ⋮ ⋰

⋯ ◯ ⋯ Take time to enjoy the small *´¯`.¸¸.☆

  ⋰ ⋮ ⋱ blessings in life.*´¯`.¸¸.☆ 

✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•. ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥╬

░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ 

Have a beautiful day!  Don't forget!  

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ════════════  

And I do too!