Dear Neighbor . . .

 

(source)

 FRIDAY, November 28th, 2025

Estate Lane, Nova Scotia

1*C/34*F mostly cloudy

Dear Neighbor,

I am working on my big desktop computer this morning so it is taking me a bit longer. I seem to have gotten a virus on my laptop and I don't know how to get rid of it so I am afraid to use it. I am grateful that I have this desktop as a backup. I do have a virus program on the computer, but for some reason it won't kick in and the virus itself is telling me with popups to renew my McAfee, which I know I already have, which has not done it's job. Its very frustrating. It was easier to just shut it down and move to using the desktop. Pity because I liked the portability of my laptop. Then this computer was telling my virus has expired, and I knew that I had just renewed the other one a month or so ago, but it wouldn't let me sign in for that, so I just purchased a new program because it was less frustrating than trying to get the one I already have to work.  Plus I cannot get my printer to work on this. 

First world problems. 

 

(source)

Dad got home from the hospital yesterday in the early afternoon. He was a bit disappointed that his cat did not make as much of him as he thought she should, but he was happy to be home nonetheless. We are also happy to have  him home.

Today is a busy day for them, as Cindy has checkups booked for her two younger cats this morning and then Dad has an eye appointment this afternoon.

I may try to drive my car today. I need to have the wheels torqued and I also have one tire which is losing air so I need to have that checked as well. I am not sure if they will have time to check the tire at the garage or not, but they can certainly torque the wheels.

I just hope it starts after not having been started in over a week. Fingers crossed.  I also need to go to the store. I have not been for any real grocery shop for more than a few weeks now. I've mostly been living off what I have in the cupboards, etc. Not a lot of fresh veg. I did  pick up some broccoli and cauliflower one day to make that casserole that I have posted in the kitchen and I have some of those veggies left, but that's all.

 

(source)

I have never been a really confident driver. I will be the first one to admit it.  For years and years I had men doing all the driving. When my ex husband would go away with the army, he always took our car with him, and of course in the U.K. I only drove a few times. That was a nightmare for me, even though I took driving lessons. The roads were just too busy and of course everything was totally backwards, and it just made me too nervous.  I think nervous drivers are a hazard on the road.

I have my way of doing things when I do drive. I will drive a mile out of my way to avoid busy traffic. When I get to the corner of bridge street and main here in town, rather than turn left into the traffic and have to cross the road, I will turn right and then go left onto the street the post office is on and drive around in a circle that brings me out the other side of Tim Hortons so that I can turn right onto the road and not have to cross to the other side. Not that that made any sense I am sure. But it is the way I do things.  That corner is just always so busy and then people drive up next to you that are turning right and you can't see what is coming and if you have an impatient driver behind you, they get annoyed with you for not going, etc. It just gets me all flustered, and I would rather avoid feeling that way if I can.

 

(source)

I have enjoyed seeing everyone's Thanksgiving photos on Facebook of their families enjoying their meals. Everything looked so tasty. I used to love cooking a big meal like that for my family when they were growing up. The last real family Thanksgiving I had was in 1998 before my husband made me leave the family home. (Don't ask, mental abuse is a hard thing to describe, explain or understand.) Anyways that was the last time I had all of my chicks in the nest and cooked a big turkey dinner. Oh, for sure I have cooked turkey dinner's since then for missionaries, etc. But somehow that is not quite the same as cooking one for your family and enjoying all of the family togetherness that comes with it. 

I think I would have to do it in stages now anyways. I get so tired having to cook more than one big thing. My knees and back get too sore. One of the joys of aging. I can do much better if I can pace myself over a few days.

I did a bit of pencil sketching yesterday. I only did the one in the middle up top yesterday, the others were ones I had previously done. I used to love working with pencils when I was younger. I find my eyesight doesn't want to cooperate much these days. I will be glad to have my eye appointment next month and see what's up with that. I think I am needing a cataract operation more sooner than later, but we will see.

 

(source)

I watched another really nice film on Netflix last night. Letters to Juliet.  It takes place in Verona Italy and it was just wonderful. A bit of a romance, less than two hours in length so just right. No swearing, violence or nudity. No sex.  Lots of beautiful scenery. It made me wish that I was younger and up to going on travels. So pretty. If you haven't seen it and are looking for a good film to watch, that is just plain nice,  then this just might be up your alley.

\\\\\ 

(source)

I started writing out some Christmas Cards yesterday. I had a birthday card to do for my youngest daughter. I know she doesn't contact me and hasn't in years, but she has never told me not to contact her yet and until she does I will continue. I got that done and then a few cards. I have a few more to do. I don't send out as many as I used to in the old days. These days I only send out very few in comparison. But the ones I do send are special, and sent with love.  

I tell myself each year that I am going to include a letter, but each year I run out of time to do so. I don't really have all that much to put in a letter really. Most of the people I know already know what's going on in my life, so there wouldn't be much new to write about.

Arrg . . .  I am having some computer problems so will have to cut this short. Sorry about that.  Hopefully I will be able to get them sorted and be back online soon.

for now, be safe. be happy and don't forget! 

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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

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)

Pretty bags.  I loved it when I first went to the U.K. and noticed that most shops, even the small ones had really pretty bags.  Even the sweet shops. Little striped paper bags, etc.

 

(source)

Deer being deer  . . .  in their natural habitat.

 

(source)

Christmas trees in pots. That way you can replant them into your garden after Christmas.

 

(source)

Hand spun yarns  . . . 

 

(source)

The Coastal Towns of Norway.  So pretty. 

 

(source)

Writing desks. So much character. Always wanted one.

 

(source)

Old wooden chairs  . . . 

 

(source)

Jack Frost  . . . 

 

(source)

Fresh bread with butter and jam. But I could never cut it that straight.

 

(source)

Hope. How could we ever cope without it.

 

(source)

Manual typewriters. Its what I learned on.

 

(source)

Vintage dolls . . . 

 

(source)

Bone handled knives . . . 

 

(Source)

Tweed-like yarns . . . 

 

(source)

Eyelet lace  . . . 

 

(source)

Turned wooden beds . . . 

 

(source)

Quilts . . . 

 

(source)

Roses . . . 

 

(source)

The classics . . . 

 

(source)

Crochet Shelf edging . . . 

And those are my favorite things for this week. I hope some of them are also some of yours!

A thought to carry with you . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
*"It is an excellent plan
to have someplace to go
where we can be quiet.
~Louisa May Alcott• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。*  

Another vintage recipe in the kitchen today. Easy Cranberry Orange Mold. From the 1950's. Its simple to make and quite delicious. Only 3 simple ingredients.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American Readers and friends! I hope it is filled with lots of good food and family. May you be blessed!

We are hoping that dad can come home from the hospital today. He was doing so much better yesterday and has a lot of his energy back since the blood transfusion!

I had my ECG. No news on that yet.

In any case, I hope you all have a beautiful day. Be safe!  Don't forget! 

═══════════ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ═════════════ 

⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿

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

And I do too!    

   

Wednesday Witterings . . .

 

(source)

 In the country, even more than in the town it is best to be a hug-the-hearth during November. Except for a few rough-coated young stock the cattle and cart-horses have long ago been brought into stall and stables. All wild living things have sought shelter, many are already in a hibernating torpor.

The badger, with eyelids fast shut, is snugly asleep in his set under the green hill dreaming of succulent pig-nut roots; the hedgehog, rolled up in his leaf den, is in his fancy eagerly afoot after slugs and beetles . . . the doormouse, with his tail curled to touch his cold nose, sees in his quaint imagination hazel nuts more in number than he, with nimble forepaws, could have piled up in a lifetime of day-time reality.
~Llewelyn Powys, The Twelve months, 1936

It's getting to be that time of year when we all wish we could curl up in a burrow and go to sleep for a few months. There is a bite to the wind now that was not there even a few weeks hence.  Christmas is now less than a month away.  

How does that happen? Each year it seems to sneak up on me with the stealth of a ninja. This year is no different than any other in that respect, although I do have most of my cards bought, etc. I only need to write them out and post them.

 

(source)

Dad appeared to be in a much better mood when we went in to see him last evening.  They have him back on solid food now, so he was very happy about that. He had had a few good meals under his belt. Eating is one of his pleasures these days. He really enjoys his meals out on Wednesday nights and his breakfasts out at the weekend. He goes to a different place on each Saturday and Sunday mornings. The food in any of the places is not really all that good, but I have come to realize that it is not about the food for him, it is about the getting out and about and seeing people. 

With each year that passes his world has gotten smaller and smaller.  With the loss of much of his mobility and his hearing, and his dimming memory, it must seem a bit like he is being swallowed up in a box and the desire to get out must be really strong.  I do not blame him. He really enjoys going for his cups of tea in the afternoon, and for these other little jaunts out and about. I wish I was a more confident driver and more capable of keeping him upright. 

In any case, we are hoping that he will be able to come home tomorrow. He has had his blood infusions, or one at any rate. I am not sure if they are going to do another one today or not. Hopefully with this his energy will come back and he will perk right up. It makes me sad to see him feeling low as he is usually such a cheeky Chappy.

 

(source)

This afternoon I have an appointment at the regional hospital in Kentville for an Echocardiogram. It's a good 50 to 60 minutes away, depending on traffic. It is a rainy day today, although not terribly cold so there should be no expectation of snow. We always go on the old highway. It winds through all of the little towns and villages here in the valley, past farms and orchards and rolling hills and fields. It is quite picturesque any time of the year.  You get to see all of the things that you would normally miss seeing on the new highway. 

At one time it was the only highway. Before "progress" cut off the heartbeats of the towns along its way. It may not be the fastest route, but it is the prettiest route.  It is a drive which is filled with memories for us as we have travelled it many times through the years.  It sings the song of our hearts. We have been travelling it since 1966. That's a pretty long time.

Oh, there have been changes for sure. But it has mostly stayed the same.  That's how I like it. I abhor change most of the time. It never comes easy for me.

 

(source)

Yesterday was a sad day as Cindy and Dan had to make the heavy decision to have little Mac put to sleep. His condition was worsening to the point where it was really becoming a struggle for him. And for them. It is never easy to watch your beloved pets suffer.  His breathing had become very loud and poorly. There was really not a lot more that they were able to do for him here. He had a good life however short it was.  He was loved and well cared for.  Mr. Personality. He was a real character. It was impossible not to love him. 

We have not told dad.  Mac always liked sitting next to Dad on the arm of the sofa when dad was sitting there. Dad really enjoyed him. He enjoys all of the cats, really. We felt it was too much for dad to take in at the moment with all that he is going through himself. There will be time to break it to him when he gets home. Hopefully then the sadness of it will be tempered somewhat by the joy of his being let out of the hospital.

Yesterday was already a hard day for Cindy, and this just made it harder. 

 

This Was Meant To Find You

Charlotte Freeman

This is something I constantly need to remind myself of.  I need to learn to give myself the grace that I so freely extend to others. I hate to always be asking for or needing help. As I get older, I find myself needing more and more to reach out to others for help. 70 has been a particularly bad time of it so far with one thing or another.  She says not, but I am sure whenever Cindy's phone rings and she sees my name she thinks to herself, "What now?"  She never makes me feel like a burden though. Never. I just feel myself to be a burden. 

When I think about it, there is nothing that I would not do for my loved ones if called upon to do it, and I have done many things through the years for them. I am just not that great at asking for help myself. If I ask for help it is because I don't have an alternative. 

On Monday she and Dan came over and helped me to flatten all my carboard for the garbage pickup and then put it all out by the roadside for me. I normally am quite capable of doing this myself, but with my arm the way it is after my fall, this week it was much harder for me to do. I really appreciated their help.

When I first moved back here, I thought I would have my son, who lives just in the next town, to help me with these things. Unfortunately, that is not the way it has turned out. I know if my other two sons lived near me, they would be here all the time doing things for me. 

My older son kind of alluded to what the problem is with my younger son the last time we were talking. Apparently, my youngest son does not believe that I was not complicit in what Todd did. He believes that I must have been in the know and gone along with it. Nothing could be further from the truth than that. I would expect that perhaps strangers might think such a thing, but not someone who knows and loves you. 

I admit that, until it happened to me, in the past I might have thought the same thing about the wives of offenders. I might not have believed that anyone could live with someone like that and not know.  But having gone through it, I know first-hand that it is possible to live with someone for a very long time and never know who or what they really are. Especially if they are a psychopath and you are a person who is prone to believing the best of everyone.

I fear sometimes that his misdeeds will haunt me all the days of my life.

 

(source)

I was able to get my bed changed yesterday.  I had been planning on changing it the day that I fell.  Yesterday I felt that I had enough movement back in my arm that I could get it done. It took a while and a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and maneuvering with a cat trying to get in the way through the whole business, but I did get it done.  Eventually. 

How lovely it was to crawl in between clean and unwrinkled sheets last night when I went to bed. I hate wrinkled sheets with a passion. I am like the princess and the pea.  The least little wrinkle feels like a chasm to me.

Anyways, the bed was changed and it felt great!

 

(source)

I watched another good film on Netflix last night. It had Julia Dreyfuss in it. (From Seinfeld.) It was called Enough Said. 

"Enough Said is a warm, witty romantic comedy-drama about Eva, a divorced masseuse who starts dating Albert, only to find he’s her new friend’s ex-husband. Balancing romance, friendship, and her own insecurities, Eva navigates love and second chances."

It was only 1 1/2 hours long. That seems to be my tolerance limit for watching anything all in one go. Any longer than that and I seem to lose interest for some reason.

 

(source)

Tomorrow is the American Thanksgiving. I freely admit that I love the timing of it. In the U.K. I always had a Thanksgiving celebration at the same time as the Americans. For one thing it was much easier to get a whole turkey to roast at this time of year and for another thing, there were usually American Missionaries serving where I lived and I wanted to make a Thanksgiving Dinner for them. It just seemed to help to usher in the Festive season in the best possible way.

I wish for all of my American readers and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. I wish I could be there enjoying a turkey dinner right along with you!

And with that I best leave you with a thought for the day.

A thought to carry with you . . . 

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*"Give thanks for

blessings• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 

already on their way.• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。*  

In the kitchen today, Cranberry Streusel Sweet Potatoes.  This is different than the usual Sweet Potato Casserole in that it is not overly sweet nor is it slathered with melted marshmallows.  Just buttery mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery breadcrumb, cranberry and pecan streusel topping. It is delicious!

I really hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.  May it be just the day you are hoping for.  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, November 25th, 2025

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ...

Its definitely looking chilly. -2*C/28*F but mostly clear. Yesterday ended up being lovely and sunny, although rather cool, especially in the wind.  They say rain or snow for the next three days.  I expect/hope it will be more rain than snow. Our grass has turned mostly green again.

I AM THINKING ...

Poor Dad. He was very down and glum yesterday. Not his usual self.  His hemoglobin has dropped to only 70 yesterday, which is very poor. We had to sign papers for him to have some blood transfusions to bring them up again. Cindy as his caregiver and myself as a witness. All being well, he should have those today. He has special stockings on his legs.  He just looked worn out and was not that chipper. Cold. He said that they were not nice in there.  I think that the different attitudes of different nurses really get him down. Dad is such an easy person to get along with and nurses he had yesterday were quite abrupt and impatient. He is very hard of hearing, and you do need to repeat yourself a lot and speak loudly to him. And make sure he is looking at you. I hope that the nurses he has today are a bit more patient and pleasant. I know they are overworked and underpaid, but it really costs nothing to be kind.

 

(source)

I AM ALSO THINKING ...

It's been over a week now since I fell. My arm is doing a lot better but still has a way to go. I was however able to fully use both arms and hands when washing my hair this morning, which was an improvement. You never realize how much you really use both when doing things until one of them is compromised. 

Also, I am thinking about Cindy's cat Mac. He is going to the Vets today to have a special investigation where he has to be aestheticized. They are checking out the growth in his throat. Poor wee thing. His breathing is so loud. He is well in every other way, however. Still full of vim and vigor.   I hope he does well. It is a rough day for Cindy. 

 

(source)

I AM GRATEFUL FOR ...

My sense of smell, and all of the warm baking spices.  This is the time of year that our homes smell so lovely with all of the preparations for the festive season. Mincemeat. Fruitcakes. Cookies.  Turkey dinners, etc. It is all so good!

IN THE KITCHEN ...

Yesterday I baked some Scandinavian Almond Cookies. They are incredibly moreish. Especially if you love almonds.

 

ON MY "TO COOK" LIST ...

These Stovetop Custard Cream Buns look really good. From The Gardening Foodie.

 

(source)

THIS I BELIEVE ...

Why ever would you be blessed with more if you cannot appreciate what you have already been given?

 

(source)

SOMETHING THAT IS NICE ...

Pretty florals in bedding.  These pillowcases are beautiful. 

 

(source)

SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS NICE ...

Pretty tea cups. These are beautiful. How very elegant.

I AM WANTING TO CREATE ...

 

(source)

A cute cat doll . . . 

 

(source)

That face . . .  so expressive with so little detail.

(source)

Another really expressive face  . . . 

 

(source)

I love this  . . . 

 

(source)

This also  . . . 

 

(source)

SOMETHING I ENJOY ...

Strawberry Jam. It is my favorite of all the jams.

 

(source)

SOMETHING ELSE I ENJOY ...

Pencil sketching  . . .  

 

(source)

OH MY GOODNESS ...

I just love Brambley Hedge. So quaint and charming.

 

I AM READING ...

THE WORK AND THE GLORY, volume 1 Pillar of Light by Gerald N. Lund

"You believe me, don't you, Nathan." 

It was not a question, but a statement, filled with wonder. 

 It stunned Nathan. 

 "You believe it all. I can see it on your face." 

 For a moment, time seemed suspended as Nathan probed the inward recesses of his soul. There was still the incredulousness, still the sense of hearing something that couldn't possibly be true. And yet he knew it was. He knew without the least shadow of doubt that everything Joseph was telling him was true. And so, finally, with a wonder of his own, he said, "Yes, Joseph, I believe you." 

 Pillar of Light — the first volume in the series The Work and the Glory — begins the epic story of the Benjamin Steed family. In the 1820s they move from Vermont to Palmyra Township in upstate New York in search of better farmland. There they meet a young man named Joseph Smith and are thrown into the maelstrom of conflict and controversy that swirls around him. Did he really see the Father and the Son in a pillar of light? Has he truly been visited by angelic messengers? What is all this talk about gold plates and new scripture? In short, is he a prophet and seer or a monumental fraud? The answers each one gives to these questions — intensely personal, potentially divisive — will dramatically affect the lives of the Steeds forever after. 

 Author Gerald N. Lund here masterfully weaves together historical reality and high-powered fiction. In his hands this combination seems to make the reader an eyewitness to the early scenes of the Restoration, thus deepening one's understanding and appreciation of those momentous events. The well-drawn plot and fictional characters present a moving, gripping story. Here are Benjamin and Mary Ann Steed, devoted to each other as man and wife, yet at odds over religion; Joshua, their volatile son, who rebels and heads for trouble; the sensitive Nathan, their second son, in whom Joseph Smith's message strikes a responsive chord; the beautiful Lydia McBride, who captures the hearts of both Joshua and Nathan. 

 This book skillfully explores the inmost motivations of Joseph Smith and his early followers and the responses of typical contemporary families to the claims he made. These people come to life in this powerful historical novel, a story that captures both the heartache and the happiness that came in the wake of Joseph's experience with the pillar of light.

I am restarting the series. I read the whole series years and years ago and really enjoyed it immensely.

THINGS THAT CATCH MY FANCY ...

 

(source)

Old wood stoves and enamel kettles  . . . 

 

(source)

Old books and vintage penmanship  . . . 

 

(source)

Pretty roof tops  . . . 

 

(source)

Log cabins  . . . 

 

(source)

Joan Walsh Anglund  . . . 

 

(source)

Fairy Lights in winter  . . . 

 

(source)

I AM GRATEFUL FOR ...

Warm socks, a warm home, cozy throws, an electric fire  . . .  

MAKES ME SMILE ...

He can sleep anywhere  . . . he is a big pile of floofiness.

SOMETHING TO WATCH ...

Champagne Problems on Netflix. I watched this last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Cute. Cute. Cute.

A THOUGHT TO CARRY WITH YOU ...

☾ ° ★° * 。  

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

*"Love isn't a state of perfect caring.

It's an active noun, like caring.

~Fred Rogers  • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。

• ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • •。★★ 。* 。 

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!