Busy Couple of Weeks

About 2 weeks ago, my brother-in-law delivered the china buffet that was at my brother's. I had emptied the boxes prior to the buffet arriving. Needless to say everything needed to washed. Everything has been boxes since 2006, so a wash was necessary. I used the dish washer for the first time to wash anything that wasn't crystal as I believe crystal needs to be washed by hand. 6 more boxes empty.

Because of the various moves of the boxes, I was very surprised that only 2 sherbets were broke and one chipped glass. There was a box that travelled with us. It had china dishes, crystal wine glasses and good utensils, to be used for a special occasion. What I surprise I had, that everything was intact. Can't believe that for some of the roads we travelled on were very bumpy.

While my brother-in-law was here, he also did a minor repair on my spoon rack. George had given it to me one year for Christmas. It was in pieces as he didn't have time to put it together. So, the spoons needed to be at least washed, except of course for the silver ones. We actually had some Twinkle downstairs in storage which made that job much easier.

I accomplished some purging in the linen closet. There was no way I needed all the towels, tea towels, dish cloths, wash cloths and rags. The majority went into a bag and I delivered it to a Thrift Store that they can sort through for rags. During my purging of the towels, I then had a lot more storage I could make use of. I was able to move the shelves to what I wanted to put on the shelf. Of course, I moved shelves several times and they might be moved again. Who knows, time will tell. I'm sure you notice that the bottom shelf seems very empty. There is a plan for that space but I need to get something out of the RV or downstairs in storage. It may not make a lot of sense, but I like the idea of having George's tools handy for me to get to. Thank goodness he was thinking when we took things out of the RV.

Of course during the process, I re-organised stuff in kitchen and laundry area. When we first moved in, we wanted to move some shelves for stuff to be in it. Because of the me first adjusting the shelves in the linen closet, I was able to figure out how the clips work. The clips have a locking system on them and it was suggested to take the doors off and pull the shelf out. Well for me that is not a good idea as I am really good at taking things apart but I'm challenged when putting it back. So, I was able to move several shelves in the laundry area without taking the doors off.

This past weekend, I went to the RV to get what I was looking for. Found some things I was looking for and some I couldn't find. Mind you, I was able to open all the compartments but one (frozen shut). Maybe what I want is in it or I didn't see what I wanted. While at the RV, I did empty a couple of areas inside the RV to go through another day.

Also, while at the RV and talking with my sister-in-law, she found out that I have done a couple of meals in the slow cooker. She suggested we go to the New Hamburg Thrift Store and look for a small one. I was in luck and found a little one for a really good price. Found couple of more picture frames that I will use for another project. While at her house, she had a couple of things that she was purging and I could use. So another great find.

The following project has taken a while to accomplish. I wanted to create an area that shows the merging of two families. The first row of pictures are from our wedding and the balance pictures of George's 70th birthday party.

During the past couple of days, I have copied some of George's recipes to a word document. Not all the recipes on the blog will I use. I have accumulated 30 plus pages of recipes. They are now printed and in a binder that is 5 1/2 by 8". I much prefer a book type selection of recipes instead of always checking the internet. Of course, any recipe I find on the internet will go into my binder.

As you can see, I have been busy with several projects, with more in mind. I have managed to keep busy. I have started to get to know some people in the various buildings. I've been to coffee time twice, worked on a puzzle with someone I have met and yesterday there was a wine tasting from Bell's Winery here in Stratford. They will make wine from kits to suit what you like. It was very interesting but the red wine they brought, I definitely didn't like.

Thank you all who commented on Daughter #2 tribute to her father. It took her a while to compose it. She had asked her brother to read it at the funeral, but he declined as he would need a box of Kleenex's. I tried to warn you about the Kleenex's as every time I read it, I need the box.

I am doing Awesome and taking care of myself as George would wish. He would not want me living in the past. He would want me to go forward with my life without him, even though he is in my thoughts every day.

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

Getting Things Done and a Post From Daughter #2

Where I am today? 

Stratford, Ontario

I have been keeping myself occupied with getting things done.

The kids and myself have gone through George's clothes. The majority has gone to Goodwill and some to family members who can make use of them. We also went through pictures and other items.

I have been working on several projects for pictures. One was to put more pictures on the viewer, so I can have play it with the most important pictures. But I ran into a snag, that has something to do with FAT system and NTFS system. Not willing to deal with that at the moment.

Displayed in the kitchen where I see it everyday.

In living room, a present from my siblings at our wedding.

One day this past week, I went shopping with my brother and sister-in-law. Some of you know how much I like shopping. I'm really good at going into a store, not finding what I'm looking for and walking out empty handed. George always said that I can be in and out of store in 5-10 minutes. Well this time, I had success. We went to Habitat Restore and I found a lateral file cabinet for $25.00. Minor damages, but mostly not visible. Then we went to Festival Furniture. They sell used office furniture and I found a desk that was suitable for $225.00, delivery included. The file cabinet was put in my brother's vehicle and the desk was delivered the following afternoon. Why buy new when used works just as well. With these 2 purchases, I was able to empty 5 containers and get everything put away. Needless to say, I had a busy afternoon but also productive.

File cabinet and desk in den.

When George and I were living in Plattsville, we got a dining room buffet from my parents and refinished it. When we retired, it went to my brother's place not thinking that I would ever use it again. Well, it is coming back. When it gets here, I should be able to empty the balance of the boxes that are in the den. Not sure what is in them, but I know the boxes contain items that we kept. This will make shopping very easy and I'm sure there will be surprises as to the things we kept.

Buffet, not including the items currently in it.

Thanks for your comments. I continue to take care of myself and will continue to do so, as George would wish. Before you continue reading, you might want to get some Kleenex's.

The following is what daughter #2 posted on Facebook.

Well; took me a while, but I guess I have to start accepting it... missing you Dad.

Dad

Well Dad we laid you to rest. Not something I ever pictured doing. Its been almost a month ... it feels like so much more ... I cry every time I edit this, I cry thinking about you not here ... I am the baby so you will have to bare with me ... I think I have put off posting this in ill acceptance that you are gone. Where will I go for that positive don’t give a shit opinion...

I couldn’t stand up and say something at your funeral Dad, but you know that. So I’ll write and post and hope that you’re up there reading it.

My heart has been heavy for months knowing this day was approaching. I’ve cried and cried hoping it wasn’t real. I dreaded the day you would leave us. I cry daily knowing you have ...

I guess I always just took for granted my happy go lucky Dad that would always grace me with his presence and positive advice every spring and leave me with something to think about every winter... the southern bird that you had become .. I was proud and fiercely jealous all at the same time.

Watching you weaken over that short time was one of the hardest things I have ever had to experience but you kept us all in line with your positive thoughts.

Thank you so much for the last Christmas together Dad, I know you struggled to stand and speak from your heart to all of us but it was so beautiful and truly will be something we will cherish beyond years. If only we could all have such courage. You broke my heart ...

Watching you leave us was so hard; I will never forget watching your last tear fall wiping it away and telling you it was ok ...but I was not ok

Your visitation and funeral where absolutely beautiful Dad but you know that. We sent you off in your fedora, your suit, a silly tie; of course your vest just in case. We snuck in some goodies; great scotch and some OV. I know there were probably more tears shed than you wanted but its pretty hard to imagine life without our happy go lucky Dad.

The spring will be unimaginable knowing you will not be returning from the sunny south greeting us with all your stories and little treasures you bring back. And of course every detail of every deal you found; whether it be groceries, outings, gas and of course booze.

We will do our best to continue traditions you have left with us.

It sometimes was hard to know all the events and things you missed during your winter journeys but you made us all realize how important it was to get out and do the things you love and to live life to your own individual dreams.

I have so so many fond memories of the restaurant days with you. You taught me so much. Many may not know but you would keep all my hand written orders so later you could go over all my spelling mistakes with me. Or how you would make me sweep the floor numerous times until I got all the dirt but never would tell me each time where you still saw dirt... an old friend reminded me recently of the big dinners you would put on for everyone after the figure skating carnivals, because you were just that guy!

I’ll never forget how you would drive me to god knows where to get my skates made and sharpened where Elvis Stojko (figure skating enthusiasts would only understand) had his made and sharpened. I cherished those drives with you but probably never showed you the true gratitude I had.

I ‘ll never forget the kind of man you were when I was old enough to pay attention to things like how you would prep dinner before Suzie would get home and tidy up the kitchen just in time for her to walk in the door to the fresh glass of wine you had just perfectly timed for her. And you never stopped being that man for her.

To be honest I thought the blog was silly at the start but it turned out to be quite the idea after all dad. I read it much more than I ever let on to you. More to keep an eye on you or see what you were cooking. Now we all have this special place to always go and read your words.

When asking my oldest what they thought of when thinking of Grand Dad of course they said beer and laughed, which you probably laughed too, they then quickly moved on to memories made;

They wanted to make sure it was said that:
Our kids will always remember your determination to make sure that the last thing you did with them every year was carve pumpkins with them at Thanksgiving, before you heading south, the eldest of the grands as dad would say will have over a decade of these memories. I will never forget your sadness this past year over not being able to do this with them.

They specifically stated they will always remember Grandad making as many hockey games as he could before heading south and taking soo many pictures while on the ice. They would always ask which pics made the blog. Oh and of course breaking quartz rocks open that you would bring back.

All of your grandchildren are going to miss their silly happy GrandDad sooo much.

Words cannot describe the pain I feel knowing you are actually not coming home this spring Dad...

And oh Charlize the love you showed to her. I toted her along to the hospice most days always found it hilarious that even in your last days you made sure we knew, that you knew she was there; even with your hearing aides out. I never realized how much of an impact this was on her until after you were gone as we got in the car and she said “let’s go I gotta visit my grandma Sue and Grandad.... I am just so happy we had the visits we had. She knew you were sick and something was happening; I know you smile when she said “shhh that’s grandpa he’s sleeping” ; as she stood by your casket.

I remember you saying once to me not too long ago “looks like the third really is a charm” and then later remembering you always said that about Suzie. I took that as your approval Dad. I knew you liked him.

I will never forget very near to your last day you shaking Robs hand and saying, I am doing great and smiling your big smile at him. You broke both our hearts. But left us shaking our heads a smiling later. But that’s you.

Your last text to me Dad when I knew you were still 100% you ; you said to me; after I had had a rough day; “ you made it this far kid, keep on going..” and those words will be with me as I move into this life without you.

There are so many things I wanted to say over the years and recently though didn’t because usually I only had to look at you and you would just know.

I will never forget how you taught me how to drive stick up an icy dirt road... constantly throwing it out of gear while up hill saying ooops what do you do now... over and over... you taught me so much.. I thought you were such an ass ...

I will miss your check in’s to see if I was ok. You would always tell me when you would see I wasn’t happy and wanted to discuss how I should change something so I was. I was usually determined to deny what you were seeing, but now wish I would have welcomed those discussions more with you.

I will cherish all those last kisses when 1 was never enough..

I will continue to use hot sauce on everything but now will think of you every time...

I could go on forever... I will miss you so much more than all those words above can ever express. I just cannot believe you are gone...

Cheers Dad , till we meet again

I am sure you’re making it awesome up there.

Love You Always, letting you go has been so hard ... but I know you are with me...

Your youngest

Daughter #2

Jessie

My reply to her posting:
Jessie, Always remember your Father's positive attitude and the way he lived his life. He would want you to carry on as he would have if he was here. He appreciated each and every visit with you, your siblings and grandchildren. Thanks to the 3 of you and family for helping me with packing up our belongings from the RV, moving to the apartment and unpacking. Your Father wanted to make sure that I had a place to live, (he knew his time was short). Thanks for helping me through this difficult time and willing to travel to Stratford when I needed you 3 to help. Your father got his wish to spend quality time with family, friends, Christmas with both sides of the family and New Year's with me. Thanks Jessie for your posting.

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