Monday night catch up

I have been meaning to write every day for the last 4 days, but time gets away. Usually when I have time to do something like blog it's a choice between blogging, reading my book, doing some quilting, or maybe watching a show I like, or something else. So, blogging has been the victim. But I just finished my wee witchy quilt yesterday, so I have the satisfaction of having finished another project!

So, last Thursday we went to the Pumpkin Patch with Duncan's preschool. It was perfect weather for it, and we had a great time. He keeps calling it the Duncan Patch. LOL. And he loves his little pumpkin. He keeps wanting to play with it. I told him he can't play with it, because if he drops it, pumpkin goes splat and that's the end of pumpkin.

Friday Ronnie was over in the morning for a visit - which was awesome. We never get to see each other any more. I had picked up a sewing machine on Freecycle and wanted her to have it. So I took a bit of time to clean it out, figure out how to make it work, and then showed her. She said she was really happy to receive it. She's been wanting one for simple projects. This one is a Kenmore machine, probably 15 years old or so. The lady I got it from said she couldn't keep the needle threaded. While I was looking online for the manual that might go with it I noticed that Janome makes the Kenmore machines. I have a Janome, so I tried one of my bobbins in the Kenmore, and it worked great! So it seems after all that, the lady only had the wrong kind of bobbin in her machine. This one is a bit of a bear. When you press the pedal it is THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP. I guess I am used to mine which has a speed control, and franhkly is a bit more gentle. But hers still works!

Friday afternoon it was WIGGLE TIME! Woo hoo! Oh boy did we have a blast! Honestly we enjoyed the show just as much as Duncan did (or perhaps because he did). They sang all of their really well known songs, and you can tell these people know how to entertain children. But on top of it I was really impressed with Anthony, Jeff, and Captain Feathersword with some of the physical tricks they were doing. These guys are in shape!! Jeff Fatt is over 60 years old. He's the Purple Wiggle. I would take Duncan again if I had the chance. And we can tell he loved it because he still keeps mentioning it. The only downside was the hour it took to get out of the parkade - most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. And Cordie was screaming bloody murder. She hates her car seat when we're not moving. So Bill eventually took her out and walked her around and down as we crawled forward. Once we got going both kids were out.

Saturday was standard cleaning and shopping and totally missing Andre's birthday party. I'm sorry Tanya. I never ever responded even after you told me when it was. We wouldn't have been able to make it out anyhow for several reasons, one of which is that the kids would have been completely over done if we'd gone out at that point, but I apologize for not at least letting you know. I hope you had a great time.

Sunday morning Duncan, Theresa and I went for a walk to the store. Duncan rode in the wagon there, but walked the whole way home, which for his little legs was a long walk, but that was great that he did.

Today, Monday, is Thanksgiving!! Happy Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful afternoon at my parent's place with my siblings and their families. Unfortunately my brother Sean was not able to be down as he had to work. He's been having a bit of a rough time of it lately, so if you could pray for him/send good thoughts his way that would be awesome. Anyhow, Cordie and I went over to Mom and Dads around 1 to help with food prep. Cordie napped, which worked great. When she woke up I fed and changed her and left her there while I went home and got the boys. Duncan hadn't napped, so we thought he was going to be super owly, but he was so well behaved! My nephew Erik is just awesome with both of the little ones and makes a point of playing with Duncan and running around with him etc... it's nice for us because we can just sit and visit...or make food and Bill can read his book. Now that sounds funny, but our family get togethers are really laid back. My brothers Tim and Jeff were on their lap tops, Bill was reading, Nancy and Shelley (SILs) were chatting, kids were running around... it was just perfect. And now I'm just having a cuppa tea and writing while Bill is gaming... just unwinding.

Next big thing is my Dad's 70th birthday party on November 21. I've been calling around for a venue, but we need to solidify something soon. 3 people are flying out from Holland for this, which is awesome.

My blog roll on Google Reader is getting insane, but I really enjoy them for casual reading. Three blogs I follow are "food blogs" and they are also women who are really talented with a camera. So if you want to have your taste buds tantilized, check out:
The Pioneer Woman - Ree has been winning all kind of blog awards for her blog, and with good reason. She also just released a cookbook.
The Otherside of 50 - I ran into this one through the Dinnervibe menu I get. We tried her turkey meatloaf with quinoa, which we loved. She calls coworkers Co-irkers. tee hee hee...
Imperrfections - Meg Kat... I think one of her recipes was in the Dinnervibe email I get weekly (which helps me with menu planning), and I got sucked in with both her photography and recipes. What's interesting is that she actually noted that her recipe being linked made he readership go through the roof. Well done Meg!
And once again, stolen from Jersey Girl in Colorado - Nancy -
Today…

Outside my window: it is dark. Another beautiful fall day, but it is now supposed to rain for like a week straight.

I am hearing: Main Theme music for Last of the Mohicans. Love this soundtrack.

I am thinking: Not a whole heck of a lot. Just worn out physically because Cordie has been getting up several times a night again. I knew it wouldn't last (sleeping through the night), but it is taking it's toll on me!

I am hoping: That Cordie sleeps well tonight :) That we get Dad's birthday organized soon.

I am reading: Still An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. I told you I'm a slow reader!

I am creating: Well I just finished my Wee Witchy Quilt, so I think I'll pick up the other quilt I'm half done and am considering giving away for Christmas.

I am wearing: my pjs pants and a brown t-shirt

In the kitchen:

* Monday: was turkey dinner! Yum!
* Tuesday: Pork chops, baked or boiled potatoes, veggies. I'm thinking of adapting this recipe. I can't make it as is because the chops are too thick, but I'm thinking of baking them 1st and then finishing them this way. Do you think it will work?
* Wednesday: Probably pasta
* Thursday: I'm thinking left over chicken and rice casserole
* Friday: Burgers and fries I suppose. I make a meal plan for the week but we don't assign actual meals to specific days until the day of "what do you want tonight?" "what's on the menu?"

Around the house: There is always so much to do. But we really need to get the outdoors cleaned up for winter. Gardens cleaned up, and finish digging up the dirt by the foundation and laying rocks down. That dirt was a big part of the reason for our ant invasion *shudder* this past summer.

Plans for the week: clean, sort, get Dad's birthday party figured out - at least a location booked.

A few of my favorite things: Duncan's prayer for breakfast this morning. When we pray before meals we get him to repeat after us, but today he didn't need to. "Jesus, thank you for today and friends and school and family and food. Amen" That about sums it up, doesn't it? My other favourite thing? Cordie giggles.

Picture Thought: Duncan digging the Wiggles: