Catchup - Jan 30th-Feb 6th

Jan 30th

WOW it was foggy this morning!  After a couple appointments I went over to Sylvia's and did more puzzle!  This is the first time we haven't set the border first, just too difficult!  So we are setting various stars and hope to anchor in place and easier to do the border, which is exactly the same two colours and same width of edging in each piece!!!

Feb 1st

Well yesterday and today I'm fighting a horrible coughing, sore throat, plugged ears and drippy nose!!! I've been drugged up but had to go replenish my stock hopefully stopping this bug!!! Sylvia and I missed our sewing day at Assiniboine Circle Quilters and I a visit with Pat etc, as I'm sicko but not Covid thank goodness!!! I'm definitely on shaky ground and glad my shopping was quick!!! In and out!!!

Nothing but watching the backlog of hockey, eyes too teary for stitching, a little puzzle setting but slow going!!!

Feb 2nd

Damn I thought I was feeling better this morning! Nope, feeling weak but with lessened coughing, sneezing and drippy nose BUT my sciatic in both hips is acting up! Enough already!!!!!

Feb 3rd

Well my head is clearing some so worked a bit more on the puzzle. Slowly but surely it's getting there.

Feb 4th

Well this cold is winding down but today was hell with the sciatic, even the new lotions and Tylenol Arthritis did not help today. And today I needed to drop off my car for some repairs.

Well all I can say is Urban Garage staff are awesome! Cole I think, after my checking about a ride home but basically not offered, he ran out the door to stop my limping way to the bus on my sticks. He asked where exactly I needed to go, could I wait till another client arrives and he could give me a ride home! He brought me to tears and I said thank you I will gladly wait for a ride. See I wasn't even sure how close I could get to home and how far I'd need to walk afterwards! So a couple hours before the shop closed, I phoned to see if I should start out to the bus and hope to make it in time. WELL he needed to pick up a client and wanted me to wait and he'd pick me up shortly! I am so thankful! Some Tim's in their future!!!

Then talk about an awesome surprise to see Cindy standing there (I needed that hug), her baby for an oil change, and we chatted till they wanted my payment! 🥰

I needed a few groceries afterwards but talk about torture! This was a first time I've sat on the lower section of the cart as I could not stand on shaky legs twice before finished.

Once home I relaxed, had supper and then finished off the puzzle. Sadly two pieces are missing!

Feb 6th

Well I stopped into MPI after the two close to threatening letters demanded I show up. So I did and yes I'll lose my merits even though it was not much of an "accident" but she filed and I am responsible. It took maybe 20 minutes, 6 or so photos taken and out he came with my claim info of $1,400 repair to my license plate holder, slight scratches I didn't see on paint and disconnected plastic grill filler to be replaced! Hmmmm, now to decide whether to get it fixed or not, $200 deductible will be charged if so. He said I may as well get it fixed. Will see!

Nice to meet Sylvia for lunch!  Then home to relax and a load of laundry too!

OMGG talk about a walk down memory lane today!!! See I got a call from an excoworker from mega years ago, from Laura of Technical Services Branch/Farm Machinery Board and at that time I think I was with Economics Branch, but all part of Manitoba Agriculture! WOW!!! Not sure why, but she found the "icing corsage" I made for her baby shower in April 1983, along with her note. WOW!!! So one day we'll meet up for lunch, but she's a better recall of work name changes etc than I do! I still can't believe this! Not bad for 40+ years!!! Well cared for!!!

Catchup - Dec 1st-2nd

Dec 1st

I'm having a quiet day again, BUT I did starch the remaining snowflakes (#41 by Robin Perfetti in Four Dozen Snowflakes) for Majia and the two bookmarks (Butterfly Bookvine by Kimberley Donahue) I tatted this week. The butterflies are from leftover thread on the shuttles that I used up before rewinding for the next one! DUH me only brought two shuttles, I've lots at home!!! 

And now while dogs are napping, I'm watching sappy Christmas movies until the Jets game, probably again restricted and will have to listen to radio playby!

WOW lovely country door decor, but I'd personally leave out the roses. Maybe other woodsy floral?

Dang!!! There goes my merits on this baby, 6 years clean! See I did a solid bump to the car in front of me and very little damage but she says she's reporting it! We were slowing down to a stop on Maryland prior to Wolsely but I was a bit too close and road a bit slick but not icy. My license plate holder is bent slightly and she has two scratches and impression from the contact. We exchanged licenses and insurance but I forgot to get her phone number, nor she mine. 🤔

Catchup - June 8th-19th

June 8th

I've never been here! Thank you Iona for suggesting it and one day we'll be here again with Maija. Sorry forgot my dish picture before attacking it!!!

Mixed Tempura dish, shrimp, yams, dumplings, mushrooms and mixed.   Yummy!!!

OMGG!!!!! I know I'll probably not follow the left side column of advice, except for morning ritual to WAKE UP FIRST!!! Otherwise could be dangerous with rotary cutters, pins n scissors!!!

Well I visited Sylvia this afternoon alongwith McDs muffins and coffee, she enjoyed that! Also looking better and progressing with her exercises, but not out of bed on her own yet, but walking with the walker. She's glad her room mate has a TV and looking forward to the BOMBERS game tonight! Hope they win!!!

Dogs: Finally she's settled down, we're fed and now cuddle time!!! So excited to see her again!!!

Me: I'm pooped as I AGAIN forgot the key at home and added another hour to travel time needlessly! Gotta get with the program! And last night I reminded myself to hook the key to the car keys, YEAH RIGHT!!! I need the feet up even if I get covered in hair!!! 🤗

What's this face about?  

Guess I'm not following routine!!!

Hmmmm wonder if anyone remembers someone?

OH MY!!! Guess Dahli does not like me doing my hip exercises as she barked until I stopped! 

But WOW does Taunya ever have a green thumb??? WOW!!!

These suckers are about 10" high and 4-5" across, ontop the fridge.  And those two huge ones probably started all these smaller ones!!!

June 10th

I sure hope there is adequate signage well in advance for everyone's safety sake!!!

Ohhhhh what a great idea!!!!

June 11th

Hey I forgot to tell you I have a small fish tank here to feed. Hopefully they survive as mine didn't, but then I didn't have these gadgets.

Dang I wanted to go outside for lunch but it's dang well not 23C out there!!! More like 30C and no breeze, so back inside. Maybe once the sun goes around the porch and I'm in shade I'll venture out.

Dang I tried to sit outside in the shade even with my bug lantern but no dice! Even a HUGE black long antenna thingie tried landing on me! Damn I hate bugs especially mosquitoes!!!

June 12th

YEAH, some good news this morning from Sylvia. She's getting slowly out and into bed herself but needs help if it has to be quicker. They are moving her to rehab so she can get therapy to get her moving lots better. So will see how this goes. 🙏

OMGG!!!!!

June 14th

WOW, what a difference a day made with Sylvia! I went today to have lunch with her, glad I did. She's more herself and looking forward to better days!

Sylvia messaged me after physio: "I did 300 ft walking. First 150 with metal walker. The next with a walker like Len's. Pat is going to bring my walker so they can adjust it to my height tomorrow. Says I may leave Friday or Monday for sure. But I'm played out now. Early to bed tonight." 💞👍🤗

I chucked at this. Definitely awesome and glad I visited earlier.

June 15th

Please everyone travelling be CAREFUL and don't take chances! So SAD!!!!

June 16th

Yeah she's home yesterday supper time and Pat is staying with her for a few days! I talked to Pat and was told Sylvia has done her exercises and settled for the night, happy to be home. Awesome!!! 💞

Pat is going today to pick up a few required items to help ease things some. I'll try and stop in tomorrow but I've a busy weekend myself.

Ironic!!!!!

Finally cooler for me to enjoy sitting outside, even no bugs! And the canopy is up and furniture out! YEAH!!! But the Bernese are inside, sillies!

WOW, that's a first so close!

I think there are two sets or more maybe, definitely two sizes of gosling?

And a duck with ducklings!

And look what they have, at least for mon-AC days!  Exits are at "Mach 1" speed as Angie said!  😃

Lovely!!!

Yep I'm to relaxing and totally enjoying it!

June 17th

I see this a lot at major intersections in Winnipeg. Even got honked at easing into the right lane from someone coming from the opposite end turning incorrectly into the right lane instead of their left lane. NOW I slow down or even stop to ensure they are in the correct lane AND NOW get honked by those following me. GO FIGURE!!!

I HATE planning a holiday and making a zillion decisions! I've a couple last minute confirmations and I think this is it! Oh and since last week the one awesome attraction I wanted to visit in London, The Shard, is now closed for maintenance till mid-August.

GRRR, why in the summer!!! I just want to pay the costs and GO n ENJOY!!!  

Well I've done as much Googling as I ever wanted to, but think I've decided on what I want to see, how far some attractions are from my hotels etc. I just need there to be ink in my printer next week so I can add these maps etc to my booklet!

June 18th

AWESOME sitting outside under the canopy after breakfast with the dogs in and out visiting. But soon will have to turn on the AC like last night, climbed to 25C. So lovely with the breeze.

Well, I just spent a good 7 hours planning my attractions for my prepaid London Pass and found two places closed while I'm there for servicing! Why in touristy time??? Well found another two to replace it. Even planned another restaurant for supper, hopefully I don't need well ahead of time reservations, will have to check. I'm pooped.

June 19th

A busy day, back to my hip exercises, gathering pictures of Churchill for Sylvia - sent to Walmart finally, handwashed items, sorting stuff for carryon/suitcase and finally sat down, feet up and enjoyed a muffin n pear. Still need to do laundry and sort out my travel clothes before packing up! Dang and still more to do! At least I starting 2 weeks before than 2 days!!!

Homeward Bound!

Aug 10th

Pizza was mucho better for me BUT so loaded and BIG pieces that I BARELY ate the allotted two pieces!  Stuffed and tired and ready for bed!  Yeah right!!!  But departure is 7:30 am so guess it will be an early night!

Then 5-7 days at least of self isolation just in case!

Aug 11th

We're on the bus and ready to roll! Will be nice to be home tonight!

Now stopped both ways just outside Thompson because of an accident ahead of us at the Manasan Quarry road! No movement at all. 🤔😒 Hope nothing serious or fatal!

Well after an hour the tow truck and a flattened truck on the flat bed headed to Thompson. Then the ambulance and fire truck followed and after an hour delay traffic started moving. Only saw one vehicle?

Now a truck of wood chips maybe jacknifed not far from Grand Rapids!!!!! But now cleared after a half hr delay for us. This guy pushed or pulled the baby out.

Crossed a raised bridge an what a view we had.

Now a rest stop, hopefully not too long though. I want lunch in Ashern at a decent time!

OK enough is enough already! I'm too cold symptoms miserable for any more delays!

An hour down the road we stopped for construction and an ambulance went by us. Maybe 10 minutes and the pilot vehicle turned and took us threw! Phew!!!!

Okay I'm home and reclining relaxing after a shower too!  

Monday evening after the chilly beluga whale watching boat ride I started feeling under the weather again. And Tuesday morning sneezing, fever and coughing, which progressed to horrible seal like barking and definitely sore ribs today! My stomach is unsettled too from the regular and no sugar Halls to help stem the coughing. My ears are aching too from the strain of sneezing and coughing. My eyes burn off and on too. UGH!

I'd say 3/4s of us were chilled or sick on the last day layover at the Legion, 17 hr train ride and 10 hr bus ride home, for us at least. Others were heading to Baldur and Brandon yet. Most are also stiff and sore BUT the adventures were awesome and people so ready to accommodate as best as they could!

Unfortunately we had some worse incidents than colds! Cyn, the organizer, his wife Dianne (she was part of the band) had a stroke on the second day and air vacced with her niece to Winnipeg. She was released the next day for home. Then Henry also in the band collapsed, rushed to the hospital and after tests, covid pneumonia and is still in Churchill but released to a hotel till Friday to fly home. Then Dianne was rushed into Brandon either Sunday or Monday, not sure of her condition. Then on the Prince of Wales Fort tour Ester tripped and fell onto her knees and flat out, so very scarey but didn't break her glasses. Needless to say she stayed in the office till we got back and seems okay but stiff and sore. This was not a good trip for Cyn but that won't deter other trips if results are good! 🙏🙏🙏

Churchill - Day 3

Aug 6th

Churchill - Day 3

Okay woke to this creaking bed and just had to video it!

Starting our first tour of Churchill and area with Koral who is known as the best guide here and even Internationally guiding too!

Koral, she is a tour guide here, elsewhere in Canada and even Internationally!!!

Tour #1 - Churchill and Area - part 1

OMGG our first tour was of Churchill and area and all I can say is Koral was an AWESOME tour guide/bus driver! There's more to Churchill than just the port! The awesome large murals painted atound town etc are incredible! The spongy ground cover was weird to walk on. The defunct and just about returned to it's original state HMSC Navy Base and older garbage dump way out of town. Even some cottagers set up way out from the town limits but naturally need a gun when going outside as it's way out of town limits that are patrolled. Some names will be added in once I find them!

A huge Snowy Owl and this is 30x magnification!   WOW!!!  Koral said it was huge and we were very lucky to see it!  And I spotted it!

Port of Churchill Elevator 

Port Staff House not in use now, wall mural left side. 

Jockville, a small seasonal suburb built by port employees in the 1920s.

Erected on Centennial Road 1967.

That blob is the back of a Beluga whale, we saw lots from land.

More belugas.

We got out here and explored.

The New Battery (early 1900s) with Prince of Wales Fort across the Churchill River. 

Rock Cairn foreground and the Old Battery in back!

The New Battery

Prince of Wales Fort- Churchill River 

Rocky land outside the New Battery 

Churchill Marine Observatory funded by U of M.

Former Port Staff House, right side of 3D mural.

The Stone Wall was last worked on in 2005, intentions of using local rocks for a B&B.

Tour #1 - Churchill and Area - part 2

The one sidedWhite Spruce trees a part of the artic marine ecosystem. 

Three types of berries here - these are Bearberries

To me this looks like Mama bear in back and cub in front.

Them dang winds, poor windflagged White Spruce!

Crowberries

Artic Cottonend of season

Artic Cotton in bloom, like a daisy.

Rocks covered with slow growing orange lichen.

They called it the Curtiss Calamity, Ol' Dumbo, the Flying Whale and, more recently, Miss Piggy.   Curtiss C-46 "Commando" twin-prop cargo aircraft that had to do a forced land.

Polar Bear snare trap not used anymore.

Current bear traps used and contained till ice forms or helicopter lifted 50-70 kms away and released.

And lots of bear traps.

The Polar Bear Jail

Rock crushing plant for gravel for rail beds.

This abandoned building overlooking Hudson Bay near Churchill was a radar station in the 1960s, used to track launches from the nearby rocket range.  It's exterior was painted in 2017 as part of a publication program.

SS Ithaca - shortly after leaving port on 14 September 1960, bound for Rankin Inlet with a cargo of electrical generators and plywood, it's rudder broke in an eighty-mile-an-hour gale and it ran aground.

It was a full 4 hour tour, no rushing as we didn't have another tour, so we just took our time. Got back 4:30 and told the bus was picking us up 5 for the Legion chili supper. Ohhhh noooo, not tomato sauce again!!! So Sylvia and I stayed at the Churchill Hotel and had a shared cod fish n chips with a small garden salad each, mucho better! Didn't matter we paid for it! Delicious!