Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The following are some of the meals I have prepared. I keep forgetting to take pictures.

Salmon with dill sauce and salad

In slow cooker, roast beef, potatoes, carrots and gravy

M and M Chicken Chunks, fried potatoes and salad

Stuffed Chicken with apples, ground pork and bacon wrapped.
It looked too good to pass up on a deal.

Turkey schnitzel with Knorr Alfredo and broccoli.

Pork loin with scalloped potatoes

The first time I did scalloped potatoes, I had put the turkey garlic sausage that we really liked, added potatoes, onion, cream of broccoli soup and 1/2 cup of water. That was really good, so ever since, I use a cream soup.

Meat balls with scalloped potatoes

This was put on my mail box.
It was nice to be appreciated for my lights.

During the last couple of weeks, I have done some baking. I baked a Blueberry bread in the small loaf pan, my Mom's shortbread cookies and Pecan tarts. I prepared packages as Christmas gifts for a few people here in the building. 

I kid of cheated, in that I didn't make the crust.
I used the Tenderflake premade crust.
The recipe is on made 24 tarts.

Homemade nuts and bolts from a friend.

I have also received various baked goods from friends here in the building. Needless to say, I have desserts to last a while. Most are in the freezer so they won't go stale.

This past Tuesday we had a group called, The Holiday Trailer, sing Christmas carols for the 4 buildings. They travelled to each building and I followed along for 3 of the buildings. They were awesome.

Not sure if the following video will work.

Christmas will be very different this year. In previous years we enjoyed Christmas in the south with friends and last year a great Christmas with the families. This year, I'm expecting to celebrate Christmas with a turkey breast, cranberries, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower and a salad. The families will be getting together via zoom or Facebook. So I will still see everyone.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy it however you can. Next year will be better.

Stay safe.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Last week I got my Christmas directions out of storage. I slowly started decorating. The first day I was working on the front window. Being as I have a southern exposure, it was hot and bright with the sun shining. I needed my sunglasses to start. I didn't want to wait for a cloudy day.

Monday Night

Tuesday night after snow fall.

Of course, along with a snow fall and winter, I need to shovel and clean the car. I don't rush to get the snow cleared as I do not want to overdo myself. 

I didn't rush to decorate. Last year these directions were at the Hospice. George and I were able to enjoy our decorations. Except for last year, the longest our decorations were up in the RV was maybe 2 weeks as we were always on the move. Now I can celebrate the Christmas season for a month.

Whenever we decorated, we always had Christmas songs playing. I don't have a CD player anymore but I found on You Tube various Christmas songs. Wonderful.

I am really enjoying Bell's service. I can program the TV to record programs, view TV shows I missed using On Demand and now also You Tube to enjoy music that is not playing on the Stingray channels. In the summer I subscribed to Netflix and really enjoy watching movies and series with no commercials.

This past Sunday afternoon, a few of us ladies sat outside and enjoyed our social time. It was sunny and everyone dressed accordingly. These social gatherings have slowed down, of course due to weather conditions.

Thanks for the comments on my last posting. Last night, I tried a recipe that George has on the blog. It was the Chicken Parmesan Alfredo. I had leftover Alfredo sauce that I had froze in small containers. It was very tasty. Of course, I adjusted the recipe for 1 as I always do. Along with the chicken, I had mashed potato and a salad. I was so full, I didn't want dessert.

I continue to live my life everyday to the fullest.

Happy Thanksgiving

This morning (Monday) as I was starting to prepare this posting, I finally realized how everyone figured out that my last posting was on my birthday. I forgot that my birth date is also on the tombstone. I guess I'm a little slow or pre-occupied.

Thanks for everyone wishing me a Happy Birthday and the lovely comments about the tombstone. I agree that it is very fitting and summarizes our years of full timing and our dream.

As time has gone by, my cooking skills are coming back. I have not had a bad meal yet. I have used the deep fryer several times with great success. So far, I have used the slow cooker, oven, George Foreman grill and deep fryer to accomplish good meals. I even baked the mini pecan tarts that George has on the recipe section. I didn't make the pastry though. I bought the premade shells. They turned out wonderful. Quite a while ago, I purchased Anova Sous Vide. My sister and husband have one and they really enjoy it. They suggested it might be something I can use to add to my cooking skills. They have perfected on how to use it but I'm still a little challenged with it. I really like the idea of when purchasing meat to put single servings in a freezer bag with spices etc and then cook it in the Sous Vide. This is something that needs a little work for me, but I will get there.

The day after my birthday, I began to think that Thanksgiving this year would not be the same as previous years. I didn't want to miss out on a Thanksgiving meal. Over the years, George and I have purchased turkey products from Hayters Farm in Dashwood, Ontario.  They have a great selection of turkey products. A road trip was called for. A friend from the apartment and myself took a trip about 1 hour away. I purchased Turkey Schnitzel, Honey Garlic sausage and a 3 pound dark meat roast. The roast will be perfect for me and have leftovers as well.

On Saturday I started my Thanksgiving dinner preparations. I have always liked turnip or rutabaga, so I was able to cut it up (which can be challenging) and cooked the turnip in advance. Sunday I started the roast in the slow cooker with carrots and prepared a turnip casserole. I invited my brother and sister-in-law over for dinner. We had all the fixing for a Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, carrots, turnip, potatoes, gravy and a salad. For dessert, I had purchased Apple Crisp from M & M Food Market that was 2 single servings and added ice cream. The 2 singles were more that sufficient for us. Dinner was a success. It wasn't until after they left, that I realized I forgot the cranberries. Oh well, left over cranberries I can always freeze. George had made the Cranberry sauce with orange zest last year. 

Last night about 5 pm, the Yates got together using FaceTime. The Yates's always get together on Thanksgiving Monday. This year, of course was very different but it was really great to see everyone and get caught up on what the families are doing.

Most nights a group of us from the building get together and socialize. We have got to calling it "The meeting of the minds". Always great conversation and laughs. I have been out several times with friends to the Legion here in Stratford. They have a meat draw and 50/50. Another great way to enjoy life. So far, I have not been lucky enough to win anything. It is great to socialize with friends and family always following suggestion for social distancing.

I am especially thankful this year to family and friends for the help and support they have provided this past year. The coronavirus has made it very different but I am sure that George would have had a positive attitude through it all. 

Life can be difficult, but always remember to live your life to the fullest as you never know what will be around the corner.

Successful Dinner and Memorial Stone

Two weeks ago, I invited my Dad, sister and brother-in-law for dinner. They were the first guests I had over for a meal.  I prepared a beef roast in the slow cooker with carrots, baked potatoes and Caesar salad. For dessert I baked a Peach Crisp. The meal was a success. I had enough leftovers for another dinner for myself. I didn’t have a container for dessert so I borrowed a 9 x 9 Pampered Chef from a neighbour. About half of the dessert was eaten, therefore, I shared some leftovers as a thank you for the borrowing of the dish and keeping several servings for myself.

George’s memorial stone is in place.  It was decided that the 2 families would get together to share more memories. So, this past Sunday we got together at the cemetery.

Grand daughter #2 at the funeral said to me that Grandad needed a stone. I promised her that he would get one. She was finally able to see it. With Covid-19 the whole process of getting the stone was delayed. With it now in place, we were able to see it.

The plan was to go to the Trail’s Edge in Plattsville for a meal. Unfortunately that didn’t work out as Plattsville didn’t have power.  An alternate restaurant Scran & Dram Scottish House in New Hamburg was selected.  We had a very enjoyable meal. Lots of laughs and creating more memories. Everyone enjoyed watching the 2 youngest granddaughters. They are definitely a pair. 

I have finally been able to go back to Rock Glen for a 3 night visit in a cabin on Monday the 14th. Friends let me know that they were going in, so I of course planned the stay. I had asked them to let me know when they were going. I let another couple know and they arrived Monday as well. 

We all got together on Monday for a social time. It was great to see everyone. We all got caught up as we haven’t seen everyone for almost a year.

As soon as I informed the couple in the park of the impending visit, I was invited for supper.  I got, (as George would say) a doggie fix with Tucker. It was a great supper. One less meal for me to cook. 

Tuesday morning I had no heat in the cabin. I was quite cosy in bed but not so much out of bed.  The fireplace had been turned off. Maintenance came and fixed that by turning the pilot light on in the fireplace. Now I won’t be cold in the morning. 

Also on Tuesday, Rob came over to continue a tradition of having fresh perked coffee. He doesn’t like reheated coffee. George and I would make a pot and it would last for a couple of days. Being as I brought the perk with me I thought he would enjoy fresh perked coffee.

On Wednesday a group of us went to Skeeter Barlow's and enjoyed a wonderful meal.

I had an Awesome visit at Rock Glen. It was great to see people who I haven't seen in a while. Social times each day was very fun with lots of laughs. I will be back, but not sure when.

This milk can was given to us, including my siblings, one year for Christmas from my parents. They had the cans painted with a picture of the farm I grew up on. My father has been storing it for me and now I have it back.

Continuing to live each day going forward.

Much Needed Update!

The best news of all, is that the RV is SOLD. The new owner picked it up on Thursday. I didn't get the price that I wanted but I think it was a reasonable price. For me, it selling the RV was stressful. I wanted to be close by when I had someone interested in it. Now I can figure out what I am going to do next.

A couple of new pieces of furniture.

A friend here in the apartment building had the above TV stand available. It took a while for me to get it because of Covid-19. This unit gives me more storage, haha, and is also a little higher than the previous stand. There was nothing wrong with the previous one, I just like wood furniture better. The left hand corner of the top is a great place to keep, of course what else, doggie treats. 

During my cleaning of the RV, my brother found the above corner cupboard in one of their storage units. When I saw it, I thought it was perfect for this corner. He did some sanding, staining and refinishing. He did a great job. My brother and sister-in-law delivered it on Friday when I invited them out to supper. Being as I was buying supper, we went to Demetre's here in Stratford. I was hungry for liver. On the top shelf is a key holder that George and I had at the house and also in the RV. The picture was taken "BS" (before Sue).

On Saturday night a bunch of us from the apartment building went to the Legion for 4 pm. They have a meat draw, 50/50 and a basket of breakfast items. When I got there, Jim said that new people coming always win something. Boy he was so wrong. I came away empty handed. Another friend from the building drove and as we were leaving, I asked her if she wanted to go out for supper. Neither one of us wanted to cook for ourselves, so Montana's was the restaurant of choice.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to daughter #2's house. I packed up some stuff that they could use in the car. Hey, more stuff that I don't need, gone. They invited me out for supper. A great supper of Fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp, chicken and Caesar salad.  What a wonderful time spent with the family. The hours just went by so fast and of course sharing great memories of George. The following is a picture she had to have, creating new memories without her father.

Tonight, so far, I am staying home for supper as I have left over liver.

Last night I had trouble getting to sleep, which is unusual for me. My brain just would not shut down. I kept thinking of various items to cook and repay the dinner invitations I have had since January. Now maybe I can figure out what to cook. When I do some inviting, they will be my first attempts. We will see how that goes, only time will tell.

So forward I go, where ever that leads me.

Have a great day.

1999 Holiday Rambler Vacationer For Sale

Located in New Hamburg, Ontario.

1999 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36 feet, for sale. $25,000 negotiable. Certified. Ford 6.8L V10, mileage 150,000 miles or 241,400 km, 1 slide, 6 seat belts, 2 solar panels of 230 watts, 2 A/C’s, microwave, 3 burner stove, oven, fridge replaced in 2013, dual pane windows resealed October 2017, Onan 5.5 KW generator, queen walk around bed, TV in bedroom, split bath, bench dinette, sofa bed, Allure ISO core luxury vinyl plank flooring in 2017, soft touch padded vinyl ceiling, 2 roof vents, 1 Fantastic fan, screen door, self contained, skylight,4 window awnings, awning replaced 2016, 2 pass thru storage compartments, back up camera, Koni shocks, leveling jacks, front tires 2015, rear tires 2016, aluminum roof, aluminum side walls.  Includes Brake Buddy, tow system, sewer hoses, electrical cords (50 amp & 30 amp) and various parts and cleaners applicable for RV.
 Contact me at sueyate@gmail.com.

Happy 71st Birthday

Today is George's birthday.

It seems unusual to celebrate it on a Wednesday and not this past weekend. He has said for years, that Canada celebrates his birthday every year.

Depending on where we are, we would go to Anna Mae's in Millbank, Trail's Edge in Plattsville or Skeeter-Barlow's in Forest. I think these are our favourite places to eat. This year we wouldn't be able to go to the restaurant, but we could still get take out. I will celebrate his birthday with family when we can.

Happy Birthday Sweetie

Want to learn more about Membership camping at Rock Glen Family Resort ? click this link www.geosuzie.rockglen.com to book a tour

Not Much Happening

I seem to be getting back into my routine. I compute in the morning then read. Added to this, I now  also listen to our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau about 11 am and Premier Doug Ford about 1 pm.

I do like hearing what they have to say and find them very informative. They both want to keep Canadians safe. The other day, I saw the following posting on Facebook:

I’d rather stay in Quarantine

for the whole Summer,

just as long as I don’t have to bury

one of my family members, kids, or loved ones!

Our current situation is not what I'm sure anyone of us wanted but the above says it all. Thanks Monique. Also thanks to all who post positive on Facebook. Our mental health right now does not need negativity.

Usually about 4 in the afternoon, a gentleman in the next building plays 4-5 songs on his trombone in 3 locations around the 3 buildings as a thank you to all the first responders. I believe he also starts at noon and plays by the hospital and senior resident's in Stratford. What a great thing for him to do.

You all know that I like petting dogs and George would say that I was getting my doggie fix. Well, that has not changed. As the building is filling up, more dogs also arrive, so I continue to meet dogs. Below is a picture of Scooter and Tucker.

Thank you to first responders.

A lady in the first building has been making these and for a donation, we can get one. At last count, there are 7 on my side of the building. She is kept busy doing this. These on all 3 of the buildings.

Today, I was looking forward to the Canadian Snowbirds flying over Stratford but unfortunately, due to the weather, they had to turn back to Trenton. Maybe it will happen tomorrow.

Stay safe.

Want to learn more about Membership camping at Rock Glen Family Resort ? click this link www.geosuzie.rockglen.com to book a tour

Staying Safe

Finally doing some decorating by getting pictures up. I had thought I was to going to ask for help to hang the following pictures. With everything that is going on now with the Covid-19, I decided to do them myself. Measuring the wall, pictures and the space between, so they look kind of balanced. The first set of pictures was a challenge but I got it done. Mistakes are not visible. Patting myself on the back. Ha ha.

Left is flowing well from Plattsville, center no description required and right a gift at our wedding.

Quails that were hanging in the RV above the door.

Family group picture from our wedding.

The picture on the cedar chest is from our honeymoon. The old clock I got from my grandmother before she passed away. As a young girl, we lived with our maternal grandparents. They had several clocks that you would wind up. The key to the clock is still there. I haven't got it going yet as it needs to be perfectly level in order for it to chime. The clock sat on an entertainment in the house, but we couldn't get it to work until we were purging the house.

Souvenirs from my trip to Egypt. (before George)

I had the tools to put the pictures up. George made sure that we had hammer, screw drivers etc. There is a case here that includes everything, including a level. So when the pictures went up, I made sure to use the level. If the pictures above look crooked, it is because I took them crooked.

To stay safe during this time, I go out to the grocery store when needed. I am following the suggestions from our government to help slow the curve of the virus. In some ways, it isn't hard for me to do, as George was the one to do the shopping and I was reading.

I have finally read 2 books since October, which is unusual for me as I could read a book a day. I'm starting to get into a new routine. It will take time as my mind wanders. I start a project, go to another and eventually finish each project. I have a project to put up more pictures that are of my family as it has grown. At the moment it is not completed as I need more pictures printed and then frames as well. This I consider a non-essential project, so it will wait for better days ahead.

Unfortunately, at the moment another non-essential project is the RV. I was really hoping that by now it would be closer to being ready to sell. I haven't been out to it in the last couple of weeks. It still needs a couple of compartments looked at, compartments cleaned as well as the living space. It will have to wait for now.

Yesterday, I wanted to do shake and bake chicken in the oven. Now, I know that we had shake and bake chicken packages, but do you think I could find them. Not sure if we ran out (which I find hard to believe as George always replaced something when we were low) or if the package was expired and therefore, it found the garbage. I then improvised the Honey Pecan Chicken recipe (thanks Deb) on the blog minus the pecans which I didn't have. I must say, it turned out pretty good. I used a chicken leg which took a lot longer than the chicken breast in the recipe.

Know that I am safe, eating well and getting my rest. I hope all you readers out there are doing your best to stay safe and healthy as well.

God bless you all.

 Want to learn more about Membership camping at Rock Glen Family Resort ? click this link www.geosuzie.rockglen.com to book a tour

Still Busy

In my last posting, I forgot to mention that I went to Grandson #4's hockey game. On his first shift on the ice, he got a breakaway on scored his first goal. He repeated a goal on his second shift. He ended up having 3 goals. His mom said in a Facebook message that she thought he was showing off to me. That could be, as it is the first game I have seen him play since October. But he is an awesome player. George was always taking pictures of his games. We were only able to see them in October and sometimes in April when we got back. We always made a point to see the games. This game was the first game that was during the day. All the other games were at night and I'm not fond of travelling at night.

This past Monday I went out to the RV. It was such a nice sunny day that I didn't want to miss out on being outside. I just couldn't stay in Stratford and not go outside. I started going through compartments. First to see what would stay and what would go. I was able to take some stuff out and store it in my brothers quonset hut to be dealt with later. Whatever is in the electric and wet bay are staying with the RV. I was able to through all the compartments on the driver's side. The only thing they need now is to be cleaned. On the passenger side I cleaned out one compartment. The balance will wait until good weather happens. One of the compartments has a tool box that there is no way I would even attempt to lift as I know it is heavy.

While at the RV, I also was inside and removed items that we didn't need when we moved into the apartment. So, the inside is almost empty and some of what remains, will also remain with the coach.

The last couple of days, I have been getting organized to do our taxes. They are basically ready to file except there is at least 1 piece of paper that I made need for Income Tax 2019. I get mail here at the apartment as well as the previous address. I'm not in a hurry to file the taxes as I want to make sure I have everything I need. In previous years, I didn't file our Income Taxes until mid April anyway.

I have been waiting for the following to be completed. I found the original picture that appears on the blog and had it printed. I then went to Michael's to have them frame it in a frame I got inexpensively. It took 2 weeks for to get a mat and be then framed.

They did a good job

Now it just needs to go up on the wall.

A comment was made on the blog about me buying something smaller that I could handle. Unfortunately, at this point my RV'ing days are over. I'm not sure I would be comfortable travelling by myself, keeping 2 vehicles and setting up a smaller RV even though George taught how to do everything with the RV. I believe he knew that I wouldn't be RV'ing anymore. But that doesn't mean that I won't travel. That day will come. For now, I know I can always go to Rock Glen Family Resort and rent a cabin. That is the my current plan.

Also a comment about a sewing machine. My mother taught my sister and myself to sew. We always had a sewing machine at home. I was never as good as my mother but I did learn the basics. A sewing machine might come in handy but for now I think I will just borrow my sister-in-laws. I actually saw a small one at Value Village here in town that I almost bought. But, I decide to leave it as I don't have any sewing projects in mind and I would also have to find a place for it.

So far, my cooking disaster hasn't been repeated. Today, I started a beef roast in the original slow cooker. I've been smelling it all day and it is up to temperature. Good thing for Google to let me know what things should be cooked to. As I was writing this my potatoes boiled over and made a slight mess of the glass top. Crap, something to clean. I guess I can also do work make projects.

Fall apart beef

Yummy supper

Thanks for all you comments in the previous blogs.

Going forward, day by day.

 Want to learn more about Membership camping at Rock Glen Family Resort ? click this link www.geosuzie.rockglen.com to book a tour

Almost Feels Like Spring

Not exactly sure what I have been doing but I do something everyday.

The other Friday, I throw out supper. I had put a chicken breast in the new slow cooker in the morning with a cream soup (I did this previously in the bigger cooker). But it never got up to temperature of 165 F, according to the internet. I heated up frozen vegetables, fried some potatoes and put that together. I checked the chicken, it still didn't look right, so I added chicken chunks to the fry pan. I attempted to eat what I made, but I didn't trust the chicken, so in the garbage it went. Hate throwing out food, but I wasn't taking the chance on food poisoning. Not sure if it was the slow cooker or the chicken, since the soup was current. That was my first disaster in making a meal. I've been really good at cooking my own meals without using Skip The Dishes. A hot dog was then what I could do quickly.

We had an accumulation of snow the last weekend in February. I had planned for this and got what I needed regarding groceries so I didn't have to travel. I took a couple of pictures of the result. I thought it was rather cool as we had a west wind and looking closely, the drivers side had an area that reminded me of someone surfing, with the way the curve of the snow was. When it stopped, I cleaned the car off. I wanted to avoid having to scrape the windows and the sun did melt the snow remaining on the car.

This past Monday, I planned on putting ties in the duvet cover. When I bought the cover back in October, the cover did not come with ties. The ties help to keep the duvet in place. Over the last couple of weeks I found material (an apron that George used in the restaurant) and cut it up to use for ties. My sister-in-law brought me a portable sewing machine. I started the process of getting the ties sewed into the cover, except the bobbin ran out of thread. Now, I haven't sewn in years and it was a machine I wasn't familiar with. So, to fix this, I packed up the sewing machine, duvet and duvet cover and went to my sister-in-laws. Success, ties sewn in the duvet cover and tied.

I have been working on a list of repairs done on the RV since 2006, sorting through manuals etc to go with the RV and listing some things I know that I will sell. Yes, the RV will be sold. I just need now to take a look at what is in it and decide from there. George knew that I won't keep the RV. Hooking up the car to the RV is beyond my capabilities. He also knew that I would have to create a new life for myself. What a smart man. My brother made a comment a while ago that he thought the RV was empty. Fat chance. I told him, only the top half is empty. He was a tad surprised at that.

I purchased Command hooks that are meant to be used to hang brooms etc. They have been in the corner of the front closet and often times fall, which is a nuisance. Therefore, the hooks. Now, they stay in place and are easily removed.

The other day I saw the garbage truck pick up the garbage. I have seen them before but I was able to take pictures of the process. When we first moved here, I wondered how the garbage and recycle was picked up. What a cool process.

The garbage bin

Near the front of truck, an arm of sorts was raised

 

The arm lifted the bag out and into the truck

 

The arm putting the bag back in container.

During the process, the operator loosened the ties, then when the bag was over the truck, pulled and the bag opened. The garbage was now in the truck. I found the process very cool.

Today was a Spring like day (50 F, 10 C). The forecast for the next 14 days, we will have above freezing temperatures. Wonderful. Will see if that happens. Hopefully it does, because I would like to get out to the RV and take a good look at the compartments. See what to keep and what to sell. Of course making a note of everything.

Going forward, day by day.

 Want to learn more about Membership camping at Rock Glen Family Resort ? click this link www.geosuzie.rockglen.com to book a tour