Tuesday nights, when my granddaughter plays indoor soccer, we gather here for for dinner and travel together to the game. My old Velma, being a van, holds us all and I avoid night driving by having a designated driver.
As we we going out the door, my grandson looked toward the bookcase and said that's a something, something pentagon. What he was looking at was a very pretty candle holder/vase/bowl in a mottled gold. It looks very pretty at night when lit by one of my flameless candles.
The shape is made up of joined pentagrams, five sided shapes for those of you not up on your math. t
I was impressed that he noted the shape as said object is tucked in with my books and other collectibles on a very full wall of shelves.
Then he noted the ceiling fan and said the fans were elliptical in shape.
Now I was duly impressed. Not only had he obviously listened in class, but he had taken that information and applied it to real life, recognizing how those shapes were used not only in creating something artistic, like my candle holder, but also functional like in the blades of my ceiling fan.
So there, Dad, that talk about paying attention in class and applying himself to his studies paid off.
Thursday 30 November 2017
Toilet Paper
A few days ago I was in the bathroom and used the last of the roll of toilet paper. I picked up the new roll and left it on the counter, too lazy to make that supreme effort of changing the roll. The curse of living alone.
Next time in I changed the roll and thought about why the toilet paper companies went to the mega rolls...to make life easier for people like me.
It really is cost saving to buy the big rolls, as they seem to be more tightly wound. The smaller rolls I purchased, on sale, are so loose I could pull the cardboard tube out with ease.
All this heavy thinking about toilet paper reminded me of that old cartoon from For Better or For Worse about the Mom yelling at the kids for not replacing the roll of toilet paper when they used the last of it. The answer was...because she did, as most mothers would probably agree.
The new roll of toilet paper could sit on the counter for days until Mom comes along and puts it in its proper place.
I know this for a fact as I had the toilet paper sitting on the counter when the family came and after one of the grandkids used the bathroom it was still there. Whereas, when I have used the last sheet of toilet paper at someone else's home, I change the roll. It's a Mom thing.
And as I have a touch of OCD, and I like the toilet paper to hang over rather than under, I sometimes change the roll to my way of thinking. I wonder if anyone ever noticed or if it even matters to anyone else.
I do think from now on I'll continue to buy my toilet paper on sale, but from now on I'm looking for the mega roll.
Next time in I changed the roll and thought about why the toilet paper companies went to the mega rolls...to make life easier for people like me.
It really is cost saving to buy the big rolls, as they seem to be more tightly wound. The smaller rolls I purchased, on sale, are so loose I could pull the cardboard tube out with ease.
All this heavy thinking about toilet paper reminded me of that old cartoon from For Better or For Worse about the Mom yelling at the kids for not replacing the roll of toilet paper when they used the last of it. The answer was...because she did, as most mothers would probably agree.
The new roll of toilet paper could sit on the counter for days until Mom comes along and puts it in its proper place.
I know this for a fact as I had the toilet paper sitting on the counter when the family came and after one of the grandkids used the bathroom it was still there. Whereas, when I have used the last sheet of toilet paper at someone else's home, I change the roll. It's a Mom thing.
And as I have a touch of OCD, and I like the toilet paper to hang over rather than under, I sometimes change the roll to my way of thinking. I wonder if anyone ever noticed or if it even matters to anyone else.
I do think from now on I'll continue to buy my toilet paper on sale, but from now on I'm looking for the mega roll.
Monday 20 November 2017
Window Painting
We were in the car at the gas station, waiting for my son to pump the gas and his wife in the attached Tim Horton's getting coffee. We could see the windows had been painted with bright holiday designs.
"How do they do that?" my grandson asked.
I told him it was painted on, but as we looked at the designs I thought I could see a faint clear edge around the design and wondered if it was actually a vinyl stick on.
Yesterday I was in a different Tim Horton's (yes, we drink a lot of tea and coffee) and I saw a woman on a ladder, outside, painting the festive holiday designs. I was wrong, it was painted after all. I watched and was amazed by how sure her stroke was, and was envious of her skill.
I paint, paintings, not windows, and I have never had that sure and easy of a stroke. For one, I need my hand supported and have never learned to do what some artists do and rest my hand on a bat sort of thing, when working on a easel or vertical surface.
I went outside to speak to her, and relate our conversation from earlier in the week about how these windows were done.
She was glad to talk about her work. Apparently she went to school to learn the lettering for sign painting, and for painting large scale murals, like what you see on the side of buildings. She said she used a non reflective paint, so the design was not lost in the refection of the sky that was obvious in the glass.
She also told me that when Tim Horton's redesigned their old coffee shops, they went with the double paned windows with special glass which distorts the designs if painted on the interior of the window. So all the designs are painted on the outside.
We had an interesting conversation, and I think she was pleased to talk about her work, and to know it was appreciated.
Funny, I was in a store after that and saw a man painting his holiday cheer, on the inside of the store window. It was an older building, and obviously did not have the more efficient double pained windows.
The things you learn when you ask questions and have a friendly chat.
"How do they do that?" my grandson asked.
I told him it was painted on, but as we looked at the designs I thought I could see a faint clear edge around the design and wondered if it was actually a vinyl stick on.
Yesterday I was in a different Tim Horton's (yes, we drink a lot of tea and coffee) and I saw a woman on a ladder, outside, painting the festive holiday designs. I was wrong, it was painted after all. I watched and was amazed by how sure her stroke was, and was envious of her skill.
I paint, paintings, not windows, and I have never had that sure and easy of a stroke. For one, I need my hand supported and have never learned to do what some artists do and rest my hand on a bat sort of thing, when working on a easel or vertical surface.
I went outside to speak to her, and relate our conversation from earlier in the week about how these windows were done.
She was glad to talk about her work. Apparently she went to school to learn the lettering for sign painting, and for painting large scale murals, like what you see on the side of buildings. She said she used a non reflective paint, so the design was not lost in the refection of the sky that was obvious in the glass.
She also told me that when Tim Horton's redesigned their old coffee shops, they went with the double paned windows with special glass which distorts the designs if painted on the interior of the window. So all the designs are painted on the outside.
We had an interesting conversation, and I think she was pleased to talk about her work, and to know it was appreciated.
Funny, I was in a store after that and saw a man painting his holiday cheer, on the inside of the store window. It was an older building, and obviously did not have the more efficient double pained windows.
The things you learn when you ask questions and have a friendly chat.
Friday 17 November 2017
Project Runway Finale
Project Runway is the only reality show I watch, and I watch because I love to see what these talented designers can come up with, week after week. This year has been a bit different as the models range from size 2 to 22, the first time plus size models have been used.
There was one designer that caught my eye from the beginning. Every look he put out on the runway was very distinctively his, where other designers did not have an established branding.
Last night was the final show, when the four finalists sent a 10 piece collection down the runway for their own show at New York Fashion week.
One woman, from Puerto Rico, sent a colorful collection, full of bold fabric designs and of course sparkle. I liked a few of the designs, but found it all too wild and full of pattern. I thought, as did one of the judges, that she could have used some solid pieces to offset the bold. She was the first designer eliminated.
The three designers left included a young man from Utah, my fave from the beginning. Next was a woman who designed for the modest market, namely those women of Muslin descent who followed their religious and cultural customs, who covered their head and did not expose skin. The last was a Japanese man who I felt was hit and miss throughout the competition. I think there may have been some language problems in his understanding and in making himself understood.
The woman put on an interesting show, including an absolutely beautiful wedding gown. Though she had some good designs, I think her collection might have been stronger if the show was 7 pieces instead of 10, as a few of her designs were not as strong as the others. She came in 2nd.
I was disappointed in my fave. He chose a colorful fabric as the basis of his collection and used it at full strength, and after he'd faded the colors to create a new look. He added a coordinating solid for variety. But here's the thing, the collection may have been full of fantastic designs, but it was lost in the repetition of color and fabric. There needed to be some pop of other color, some solids, to accentuate the design. He came in third, where I thought he would be a runaway winner. His disappointment was hard to watch. He is young and was very humble throughout, one of the only designers that did not get sidetracked with the drama between the group members.
The Japanese man won, and I can't quite figure out why. He felt he had nothing to lose and went with his own ideas, ignoring any advice, a basically black and white show with a few pops of red. He had some good designs, but I didn't think they were as exceptional as some of the others.
So, I'm disappointed in the outcome. I'm sure that all these finalists will have a future in fashion design and we'll hear about them in the future.
after
Apparently there is to be a reunion show, like what they do after the Survivor show's winner is announced. I'm sure it will be full of drama, as was this, the 16th season of Project Runway.
There was one designer that caught my eye from the beginning. Every look he put out on the runway was very distinctively his, where other designers did not have an established branding.
Last night was the final show, when the four finalists sent a 10 piece collection down the runway for their own show at New York Fashion week.
One woman, from Puerto Rico, sent a colorful collection, full of bold fabric designs and of course sparkle. I liked a few of the designs, but found it all too wild and full of pattern. I thought, as did one of the judges, that she could have used some solid pieces to offset the bold. She was the first designer eliminated.
The three designers left included a young man from Utah, my fave from the beginning. Next was a woman who designed for the modest market, namely those women of Muslin descent who followed their religious and cultural customs, who covered their head and did not expose skin. The last was a Japanese man who I felt was hit and miss throughout the competition. I think there may have been some language problems in his understanding and in making himself understood.
The woman put on an interesting show, including an absolutely beautiful wedding gown. Though she had some good designs, I think her collection might have been stronger if the show was 7 pieces instead of 10, as a few of her designs were not as strong as the others. She came in 2nd.
I was disappointed in my fave. He chose a colorful fabric as the basis of his collection and used it at full strength, and after he'd faded the colors to create a new look. He added a coordinating solid for variety. But here's the thing, the collection may have been full of fantastic designs, but it was lost in the repetition of color and fabric. There needed to be some pop of other color, some solids, to accentuate the design. He came in third, where I thought he would be a runaway winner. His disappointment was hard to watch. He is young and was very humble throughout, one of the only designers that did not get sidetracked with the drama between the group members.
The Japanese man won, and I can't quite figure out why. He felt he had nothing to lose and went with his own ideas, ignoring any advice, a basically black and white show with a few pops of red. He had some good designs, but I didn't think they were as exceptional as some of the others.
So, I'm disappointed in the outcome. I'm sure that all these finalists will have a future in fashion design and we'll hear about them in the future.
after
Apparently there is to be a reunion show, like what they do after the Survivor show's winner is announced. I'm sure it will be full of drama, as was this, the 16th season of Project Runway.
Tuesday 14 November 2017
Goodbye Lily
It is with great sadness that we had to say goodbye to Lily, my daughter's family pet.
It was recently discovered that she had cancer and knowing allowed the family to prepare, but today her suffering was too much to bear.
My daughter and I lived in a sort of duplex arrangement when we got Lily, so as a pup she was my dog more than anyone else's as she spent all day, every day with me.
For rhe last few years, Lily was again my dog for one week a year when the family went to Florida. She was old like me, so easy to care for. I never had to worry about her running off, especially as it was cold weather. I did create a bit of a monster though, as I was heavy on the treats. After the first time she never saw me without looking for some sort of doggie biscuit.
Many times, after she had returned home, I'd find myself talking to her, to only remember she was gone.
Well now she's gone for real, the tears have flowed and we've all shared a hug.
Goodbye Lil, you will be missed.
It was recently discovered that she had cancer and knowing allowed the family to prepare, but today her suffering was too much to bear.
My daughter and I lived in a sort of duplex arrangement when we got Lily, so as a pup she was my dog more than anyone else's as she spent all day, every day with me.
For rhe last few years, Lily was again my dog for one week a year when the family went to Florida. She was old like me, so easy to care for. I never had to worry about her running off, especially as it was cold weather. I did create a bit of a monster though, as I was heavy on the treats. After the first time she never saw me without looking for some sort of doggie biscuit.
Many times, after she had returned home, I'd find myself talking to her, to only remember she was gone.
Well now she's gone for real, the tears have flowed and we've all shared a hug.
Goodbye Lil, you will be missed.
Wednesday 8 November 2017
Name Calling
So, a few years ago I named my van Velma. I thought if I was friendlier, maybe she would be friendly back and we could build a relationship of trust, in that she would run smoothly and not leave me stranded on the side of the road. In return, I would give her more frequent visits at the spa, namely Uncle Brad's garage, for routine maintenance.
So far, it's been a win win situation.
Everyone in the family calls the van Velma, as in can I borrow Velma on Saturday, or will we take Velma or my car. It's fun and has become a family joke. Especially the talk comparing Velma's rust status with my bad back, both of us showing our age.
Yesterday we, five of us, piled into Velma and drove to my granddaughter's indoor soccer game. There was my daughter-in-law, me and the three grandkids, my son working until 7 P.M. As it was his birthday we were going to meet at Dairy Queen to celebrate with ice cream instead of cake.
The smaller kids have a bit of trouble with Velma's side door, as it tends to stick. The adult of the three grandkids, a mature 19, pulled the door open and made a comment about my dear Velma.
I was a few feet away, but I was sure I heard her call Velma a whore. I mean she's old, and is showing signs of wear and tear, but to call her a whore was...just rude.
"Did you just call Velma a whore?" I asked, and was given a shocked look in response.
"No," she replied. "I said I'd get the five hundred pound DOOR."
It was a joke for the three adults, one that I presume went over the head of the younger kids, and became a source of much kidding for the rest of the evening.
It's a good life lesson though, because what you think you hear, may not actually be what was said. It's always good to clarify.
I love you Velma, we have a few more roads to travel.
So far, it's been a win win situation.
Everyone in the family calls the van Velma, as in can I borrow Velma on Saturday, or will we take Velma or my car. It's fun and has become a family joke. Especially the talk comparing Velma's rust status with my bad back, both of us showing our age.
Yesterday we, five of us, piled into Velma and drove to my granddaughter's indoor soccer game. There was my daughter-in-law, me and the three grandkids, my son working until 7 P.M. As it was his birthday we were going to meet at Dairy Queen to celebrate with ice cream instead of cake.
The smaller kids have a bit of trouble with Velma's side door, as it tends to stick. The adult of the three grandkids, a mature 19, pulled the door open and made a comment about my dear Velma.
I was a few feet away, but I was sure I heard her call Velma a whore. I mean she's old, and is showing signs of wear and tear, but to call her a whore was...just rude.
"Did you just call Velma a whore?" I asked, and was given a shocked look in response.
"No," she replied. "I said I'd get the five hundred pound DOOR."
It was a joke for the three adults, one that I presume went over the head of the younger kids, and became a source of much kidding for the rest of the evening.
It's a good life lesson though, because what you think you hear, may not actually be what was said. It's always good to clarify.
I love you Velma, we have a few more roads to travel.
Monday 6 November 2017
The Need to Chat
I need a friend who has the same interests, so we can talk about the same things.
Like crochet. I find a new pattern, with some interesting new stitch or way of doing things and I want to share. I want to talk about it, but for those that don't crochet...boring.
The same can be said for my other creative efforts, like my art or other craft projects. For people who don't do those things, they find it hard to feign interest.
I need a friend who is as keen on the J. D. Robb series of books as I am. I absolutely love these books, how the characters have been developed over 45 books and still remain as interesting as they were in the beginning. I am fascinated, as a writer, at how the author creates a mystery/murder story for each book and at the same time shows a new side to the main groups of characters.
I also like the minor secondary characters who come and go, like the young street peddler, the computer whiz. I like the closure you get as a reader when the author brings back, for a minor role, a character from a previous book.
But I have to wonder how the author does it How does she keep track of all these people she has created. Like the baker who was kidnapped and tortured, rescued by the star character, the homicide cop. Her last words, on being rescued, were about the special cake she was going to bake, in thanks. That cake was delivered a couple of books later, and was a crucial part in helping the detective solve her current case. How did the author plan that, or make that happen? I need someone who reads these books and wants to talk about it.
And then there's Project Runway, the only reality TV show I watch. I love the creativity of this show and often design outfits in my head as I watch. This year has been particularly interesting with the emotions in the sewing room. But I don't know anyone who watches this so I could talk about it.
Maybe I need to find some chat rooms, there must be one somewhere that has "like" discussions, but I'd prefer an animated discussion over coffee.
Oh well, at least I have my son-in-law to talk to about the recent sporting events. But he's more into hockey, or golf, and I need someone who also likes tennis.
Funny, but if I got out more I might find that person of "like" interests, but if I got too social, I wouldn't have time for all those interests. Is that as confusing as I think it is? Have to go, my programs about to start. LOL
Like crochet. I find a new pattern, with some interesting new stitch or way of doing things and I want to share. I want to talk about it, but for those that don't crochet...boring.
The same can be said for my other creative efforts, like my art or other craft projects. For people who don't do those things, they find it hard to feign interest.
I need a friend who is as keen on the J. D. Robb series of books as I am. I absolutely love these books, how the characters have been developed over 45 books and still remain as interesting as they were in the beginning. I am fascinated, as a writer, at how the author creates a mystery/murder story for each book and at the same time shows a new side to the main groups of characters.
I also like the minor secondary characters who come and go, like the young street peddler, the computer whiz. I like the closure you get as a reader when the author brings back, for a minor role, a character from a previous book.
But I have to wonder how the author does it How does she keep track of all these people she has created. Like the baker who was kidnapped and tortured, rescued by the star character, the homicide cop. Her last words, on being rescued, were about the special cake she was going to bake, in thanks. That cake was delivered a couple of books later, and was a crucial part in helping the detective solve her current case. How did the author plan that, or make that happen? I need someone who reads these books and wants to talk about it.
And then there's Project Runway, the only reality TV show I watch. I love the creativity of this show and often design outfits in my head as I watch. This year has been particularly interesting with the emotions in the sewing room. But I don't know anyone who watches this so I could talk about it.
Maybe I need to find some chat rooms, there must be one somewhere that has "like" discussions, but I'd prefer an animated discussion over coffee.
Oh well, at least I have my son-in-law to talk to about the recent sporting events. But he's more into hockey, or golf, and I need someone who also likes tennis.
Funny, but if I got out more I might find that person of "like" interests, but if I got too social, I wouldn't have time for all those interests. Is that as confusing as I think it is? Have to go, my programs about to start. LOL
Friday 3 November 2017
TV Guide
Do you remember the old TV Guide, the one you picked up weekly at the grocery store check out?
It had the listings for the week, interesting articles, sometimes a recipe and a crossword puzzle on the inside back cover.
I liked to read through, see what was on. I especially liked the fall issue that gave you a rundown of new and returning shows. Here it is fall, and I'm confused with the number of shows available.
With the number of channels now available, the TV Guide would be too big to be useful. Scanning the listings offered by my cable company is bad enough.
The one thing I do with the listings, is read the caption about what happens in each particular episode. You don't actually have to watch the show, to stay current, or almost current.
I have a DVR, PVR, or whatever you want to call it, and record ahead of time, save to watch later. I have a number of my favorite movies recorded, and a number that sounded good, but I've yet to watch.
I like the crime shows, NCIS, in all its locations, are my faves. So, I have episodes recorded in lump showings, not individually. When the daytime programs are not appealing, I can go to the PVR and put on 2, 3 or 4 hours of shows, and let it run.
The thing is, I don't really pay attention, as I'm usually doing some kind of craft project. It's background noise, and when I watch it's to give my eyes a rest from doing close work.
I like the reruns, the repeats, and I find it funny that sometimes, I can watch a show I've seen before and see something new. Not a surprise as I don't always wear my glasses at home, and am hit and miss with my view of the screen.
New shows, old shows and hundreds of channels and we still complain that there's nothing on.
It had the listings for the week, interesting articles, sometimes a recipe and a crossword puzzle on the inside back cover.
I liked to read through, see what was on. I especially liked the fall issue that gave you a rundown of new and returning shows. Here it is fall, and I'm confused with the number of shows available.
With the number of channels now available, the TV Guide would be too big to be useful. Scanning the listings offered by my cable company is bad enough.
The one thing I do with the listings, is read the caption about what happens in each particular episode. You don't actually have to watch the show, to stay current, or almost current.
I have a DVR, PVR, or whatever you want to call it, and record ahead of time, save to watch later. I have a number of my favorite movies recorded, and a number that sounded good, but I've yet to watch.
I like the crime shows, NCIS, in all its locations, are my faves. So, I have episodes recorded in lump showings, not individually. When the daytime programs are not appealing, I can go to the PVR and put on 2, 3 or 4 hours of shows, and let it run.
The thing is, I don't really pay attention, as I'm usually doing some kind of craft project. It's background noise, and when I watch it's to give my eyes a rest from doing close work.
I like the reruns, the repeats, and I find it funny that sometimes, I can watch a show I've seen before and see something new. Not a surprise as I don't always wear my glasses at home, and am hit and miss with my view of the screen.
New shows, old shows and hundreds of channels and we still complain that there's nothing on.
Wednesday 1 November 2017
Velma...Good to Go
Velma, my van, is back from the spa (the garage), and with a good to go report. I know her time is limited, but like most of us good old girls, we're toughing it out.
I was afraid of a big bill, too many costly repairs, but other than the rust issue, she's working pretty good. We'll see how she makes out in the spring after a winter of snow and salt.
I joke around and say that when Velma is ready for that great big scrap yard in the sky, my driving days will also be done. But I know if it happens next year, I'm not ready to give up my independence.
I got a lecture about this in the summer from a neighbor, who had to make the drive or not drive decision. He's thirty years older than me, and though he has some health issues, his mobility is better than mine.
His car was old and rusted out and he was told that it was not safe to drive. So he faced the dilemma, to drive or not to drive. He chose drive and bought himself a little red car, a Sprite I think it is.
Like me, he doesn't go out a lot, but when he wants to go, he wants to go right that moment. If you don't drive it's the bus, so a walk to the bus stop. It can be Community Care car service, but that has to be booked 3 days ahead of time. Wheels, the bus service for the disabled is also a book ahead service. As a last resort...it's a taxi...$$$$$.
I know my kids would be there for me, a trip to the grocery store, a doctor's appointment, but what about that spur of the moment trip to Walmart or the dollar store. The sad thing is, if your friends are of the same age or condition, they are not driving either.
I take my 90 year old neighbor with me when I go shopping, as she otherwise has to book a ride. She appreciates the opportunity.
I have another friend who is at that point, that decision making point, of whether to drive or not to drive. I feel for her, for by the time that decision has to be made, there have been a number of losses that have come before.
Independence, or the loss of independence, is not an easy choice. I'm not ready to make that decision, let alone live with the negative, the loss of my freedom to go out, to do as I please, when I please. Let's hope I have time before I have to face it.
I was afraid of a big bill, too many costly repairs, but other than the rust issue, she's working pretty good. We'll see how she makes out in the spring after a winter of snow and salt.
I joke around and say that when Velma is ready for that great big scrap yard in the sky, my driving days will also be done. But I know if it happens next year, I'm not ready to give up my independence.
I got a lecture about this in the summer from a neighbor, who had to make the drive or not drive decision. He's thirty years older than me, and though he has some health issues, his mobility is better than mine.
His car was old and rusted out and he was told that it was not safe to drive. So he faced the dilemma, to drive or not to drive. He chose drive and bought himself a little red car, a Sprite I think it is.
Like me, he doesn't go out a lot, but when he wants to go, he wants to go right that moment. If you don't drive it's the bus, so a walk to the bus stop. It can be Community Care car service, but that has to be booked 3 days ahead of time. Wheels, the bus service for the disabled is also a book ahead service. As a last resort...it's a taxi...$$$$$.
I know my kids would be there for me, a trip to the grocery store, a doctor's appointment, but what about that spur of the moment trip to Walmart or the dollar store. The sad thing is, if your friends are of the same age or condition, they are not driving either.
I take my 90 year old neighbor with me when I go shopping, as she otherwise has to book a ride. She appreciates the opportunity.
I have another friend who is at that point, that decision making point, of whether to drive or not to drive. I feel for her, for by the time that decision has to be made, there have been a number of losses that have come before.
Independence, or the loss of independence, is not an easy choice. I'm not ready to make that decision, let alone live with the negative, the loss of my freedom to go out, to do as I please, when I please. Let's hope I have time before I have to face it.
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