I had to get my eyes checked

My local thrift store purchases end lots from the States.  Often the items are brand new with the price tags still attached.   While digging through the bins I was happy to find two packages of patterns from Joanne fabrics.  Each bag contained 10 patterns at a cost of $3.00 per bag.   Thinking I could always give the duplicate patterns to my daughter and quilting friends I purchased both bags.

When I arrived home and opened the first package I discovered not only was the pattern included so was the fabric, cut to fit the pattern.   The colour choices are not my favourite, but I can always use extra pre-cut fabric.

I knew then and there I had to get my eyes checked.   According to the ophthalmologist I have cataracts which he suspects were caused by my asthma medication.   I have been referred to an eye surgeon, as surgery is the best option at this point.

I don’t know if I am becoming a hypochondriac or just getting old.

Long weekend

One movie night, last summer Win and I saw “The Time Traveller’s Wife”.  I was unimpressed by the movie.

My daughter Andrea had raved about the book for months, so my expectations were high.

The chemistry between the two main characters just was not there, I couldn’t believe the love story between them  I know, I know.  It was just a movie.  But a good movie sweeps you up and allows you to forget that you are just watching a movie, it makes the whole story  real.   A good book allows you to play the movie in your head, long before it comes out on film.  In my opinion, Mark Ruffalo would have played a better Henry.

This summer I am reading the novel by Audrey Niffenegger.  And oh what a book.  It is funny, sad, intense, poignant and intelligent.   If you aren’t familiar with the story line, check it out here.  Andrea was right, it is unforgettable.  The story-teller alternates between Claire and Henry, but it is such a beautiful read that your mind almost switches voices as well.  This is the perfect summertime read.

When I finish the book, I intend to have a good cry and maybe rent the video.  Who knows perhaps I’ll enjoy the movie more the second time around.

Whether you are reading, quilting or time travelling this weekend, enjoy yourself.

I felt the love

Yesterday was a wonderful birthday! Just after noon I received a phone call from my DH to go out to the parking lot as a parcel was waiting for me.  And there he was!  My DH, who has been away for the past 22 days. Standing there with his signature rose and a birthday card.   I thought it could not get any better.

I was mistaken.  Not only had he left the job site to drive 4 hours, just to spend my birthday with me, he brought presents too!  One package of high-end Lee Valley clothes pins, a small flashlight and wait for it…..a Lee Valley Hardware catalogue.   Nothing says I love you, like your very own Lee Valley catalogue.

Needless to say, I did not stay at work for the rest of the day.   DH and I had a delicious barbecue chicken supper at home, as he eats at a restaurant three times a day.   Instead of birthday cake, we had my favourite chocolate cream pie. The evening was topped off by a visit to the Bulk Barn for kitty litter.  Yes, I have a life to be envied.

Throughout the day I received Facebook wishes, cards, birthday comments and my horoscope (thanks San).   My children and grandchildren even remembered it was my day.  In fact, my grandson Addison, tore himself away from  Star Craft 11 long enough to call and wish me a happy birthday!

My DH left at 5:00 this morning to return to the job site.  Hopefully the job will be done within a week.

Tonight everything is back to normal…….. me, the kitty and leftovers.   But life is still good!

Happy girl

Today is my birthday and Shoppers are giving a 20 percent discount plus a $10.00 card for anyone over 55.  Could it get any better?

What Age do you act?

Here’s one of those on line quizzes that you just know are absolutely true!
This is my results, see what I mean!

You Act Like You Are 30 Years Old You are a thirty-something at heart. You’ve had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!
You’re responsible, wise, and have enough experience to understand a lot of the world.
You’re at the point in your life where you understand yourself pretty well.
You are figuring out what you want… and how to get it!

If that’s true, why is it that most mornings I feel like a 70 year old? What age do you act?

Take the quiz here.

Flower fairy

THE SONG OF*THE CANTERBURY BELL FAIRY

Bells that ring from ancient towers  -Canterbury Bells
Give their name to summer flowers Canterbury Bells!
Do the flower-fairies, playing,
Know what those great bells are saying?
Fairy, in your purple hat,
Little fairy, tell us that!

“Naught I know of bells in towers–Canterbury Bells!
Mine are pink or purple flowers–Canterbury Bells!
When I set them all a-swaying,
Something, too, my bells are saying;
Can’t you hear them–ding-dong-ding–
Calling fairy-folk to sing?”

Happy feet

Each July I buy at least six pairs of shoes at the local County Cobblers.   They sell better quality footwear such  Rockport, Clarke, Naturalizer and Royer.  Being the spendthrift I wait until the July 50% off sale.   This year I was very disappointed as none of the  shoes on sale were in my size – 6.

Not to worry! Recently while shopping at my favourite thrift store I hit pay dirt! A pair of shoes and boots in my size.  Actually the boat shoes are  a mens size 4, the equivalent of a ladies size 6.

Both appear to be “seconds” as each has an imperfection,  the label on the back of the L.L. Bean boots is nicked.   One of the Timberland boat  shoe is a bit darker than the other.  Neither pair have any signs of wear.  For a combine cost of $6.00 I can live with imperfections.   What was your best buy this weekend?

Pretty blue platter

I love dishes, especially blue dishes.   I love dishes as much as I love a  bargain.  So when I found this Italian ceramic beauty at a yard sale for the princely sum of 50 cents, I could not refuse.   The platter is 12 inches in diameter and 3 inches in-depth.  The perfect salad bowl for a large gathering.

This summer I have been much more selective with my yard sale purchases.   If I buy it, I have to pack it, so not everything passes muster. Not only did this bowl pass muster, it sang to me “take me home:”.

My friend J makes ddecorative serving  trays using a colourful plate as the centerpiece.   I may ask her make a tray, but for now it is sitting on the dining table for all to admire.  Not bad for 50 cents.

Aprons

My Nanny always wore an apron.   The apron might have been butcher style with a full bib but it was always a pretty  cotton trimmed with colour binding.  I remember shopping with my Mom for apron fabric.  My Mom would sew aprons for Nanny as Christmas, her birthday and Mother`s Day gifts.  After all what would you give a woman who has everything including me as a grandchild.

Nanny preferred small floral prints in soft colours.   An apron was practical.  It was where you wiped your hands after making pie dough, or what you used to wipe the tears of a child who just skinned her knee.   The pocket was a great place to keep the money for the milk man or a handful of cloves, to chew on.

I found this beauty at the local thrift shop.   At first I thought the trim was plastic but a closer look revealed it was cross stitching over cotton rick rack worked on the 
gingham.  Can you imagine the amount of hours spent on making this  apron.  This technique is also called chicken scratch, depression embroidery, tenneriffe lace, snowflake embroidery or lace, gingham lace, or Amish embroidery.  With three or four types of stitches – the running stitch, the cross stitch, the double cross stitch, the threaded running stitch, talented hands could make beautiful patterns on simple gingham.

Thinking of making a chicken scratch apron, check out this site.   Need more pictures, go here.

Can you say antiphospholipid syndrome

Since February I have been undergoing blood test and folks the results are in! I do not have von Willenbrand disorder. I have been diagnosed with  antiphospholipid syndrome  (trying saying that three times fast) otherwise known as ASP.  Which is a disorder of the immune system.

The disorder is  also called phospholipid antibody syndrome or Hughes syndrome in honor of the doctor who first described it. The antiphospholipid antibody (a protein) is not considered a normal blood protein and has been found to be associated with a number of illnesses.

In the past I have displayed two very different symptoms, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot ) twice and thrombocytopenia (many times), which is a decrease in platelets, blood cells necessary for clotting.

The nasal surgery which was the original reason for the blood test is back on but I will be admitted to the hospital and monitored before and after the surgery.

“Antiphospholipid antibodies, such as anticardiolipin, have also been associated with decreased levels of prostacyclin, a chemical that prevents the clumping together of normal blood clotting elements called platelets. The treatment of patients with anticardiolipin syndrome has substantially evolved since they were discovered to be clinically important in the mid-1980s. Each manifestation of the antiphospholipid syndrome, and each individual patient with the condition, is treated uniquely.“

Told you I was special.