New Townhouse Condo

 Just a quick note to let you know that visioning and praying does work! I got my dream place, located close to the water, little enclosed yard and a garage! I couldn't be more happier.  

Selling my condo

 Hi,

I know it's been awhile since I wrote, but every day seems to be the same with nothing new to report, other then Covid is taking over everyone's life. I have had my first vaccination, and I am really happy to have that. 

Now I have decided that I would like to sell my condo, I miss having a yard and I would also like a garage. I have an upper unit condo, which is beautiful, just hope it sells. I know where I would like to move to and even have it on my vision board, so here's hoping.

This covid and all the lockdowns have really made people uneasy, least the ones that do as the government tells us. Here is hoping for new start and new beginnings.

Take care,

It's a rainy day here, hope everyone stays safe!

Quotes - Happy New Year!!

These are some really good quotes from John Tesh's facebook site. I hope everyone is doing well, and sometimes some quotes can help you get focus back on what's important in life. And to not get caught up in the drama. Have a wonderful week!! Positive thoughts and warm wishes for a beautiful week ahead.

Love Brenda AKA ladybug 😀

Sundays

 Hello,

What are you Sundays like? Mine are catch up on things, visiting people (which now is phone visits) and having the day to myself to relax and prepare for the work week ahead. Well, I enjoy my morning walk and I really should remember to bring a camera with me so I can take some photos and post. Today Suzy and I seen some ducks in the water. I love my walks in the morning, lets me get in touch with nature.  My dad as you had a stroke and was in a wheelchair but today he told me he was able to finally have a shower this week the first time since he has been home. Its good to hear of his progress. Well, I have nothing more to report, Covid cases are through the roof and we are now in Simcoe County in the red zone as of Monday. There is a vaccine coming, hopefully by summer things will be somewhat back to normal.

Well, that's about it for me. Stay safe everyone!!😃

Brenda.

Sunday November 22, 2020 - wildlife (muskrat)

 Hello everyone,

Well, Suzy and I had an interesting walk yesterday morning. We were walking along the riverbank and low and behold I noticed a muskrat. I love to watch animals they were diving in the water and running along the bank, probably looking for food. God's creatures are so interesting and so good for our eco system. It is very amusing to know that the earth can go on without humans on the earth, but take away any of God's creations and the earth would not survive. So we must appreciate things and learn to live with nature. As so many people think it's their right to be on this planet, they don't realize that the world will go on.  I am so appreciative to be alive and have my health. I had a good week this week, my dad is able to walk with his walker (with a little help with his physiotherapist). I hope he has the motivation to try a bit harder. Well, looks like second wave of covid is here, areas of Ontario are back down to lockdown. People just don't get it, well I try and do my part and just stay away from people. I am aloud to be with another household but I really try to keep my contacts limited. I don't really want to get it or give it to someone else. 

Well, I hope everyone has a good week. Prayers are answered, not always as the way you would think it would go, but no one knows their future, only God does

Take care,

Brenda 😁

\

November (windy and rainy)

 Hello, and happy Sunday! A day of rest and self reflection, least for myself. I usually call my dad on Sundays and check to see how he is doing. He has usually other years left for Mexico by this time. It's a dull and dreary November day typical for this time of year. I was able to get my walk in this morning without getting drenched though. I always like to look on the positive side of things. I am reading the book by John Tesh called Relentless. One of the quotes is: Dream lofty dreams. Ands as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be. Your ideal is a prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. (James Allen, as a Man Thinketh). So I try to picture myself in a better place, of work, life etc. But sometimes especially now perhaps we should  be grateful for what we have. This time during a world wide pandemic one must be thankful and grateful that our loved ones are staff and healthy. I do believe in what you think and picture yourself doing will happen eventually. I also believe that sometimes the reason why some things don't go as planned as God has a bigger picture for us. And it isn't meant to be and he protecting us. I watched a church service today on tv. It was quite moving, this man and his helpers would go to third country prisons and give the inmates soap etc to make them feel like someone is caring for them. It was quite moving. 

Anyhow, I just wanted to share this feeling of someone caring for us whether is being a family member or Jesus not forgetting about us. Please remember you are not alone. I especially feel lonely and sad this time of year.

Have a great week!\

Brenda 😀

Sunny and 20 degrees Celsius in November!!

 Hello,

It's a sunny day and 20 degrees on November 8th in Collingwood!! What a beautiful day, went for our walk with my dog first thing this morning before all the Tornontonians got out. I can't believe how busy it is here. Yesterday my friend and I walked to Sunset Point and the place was packed, I have no idea why they cannot stay in their own city. They are in lockdown, so they figure there are few cases here so why not come up here. Anyhow, no need to go there, it is just frustrating before covid it was a nice small town. Price of houses has gone crazy. I shouldn't complain, but hopefully in a couple of years when this virus is gone they will go back as Toronto will open up and there will be more things then here to do. It does bring business here for the restaurants that are struggling. Just hope they don't get shut down again.

My sister and I would like to go for a hike but there are too many people out there overtaking our trails. So she is coming over here for a visit. Which is okay my place is pretty sunny and bright. My dad is doing better and having some surgery Coronary angioplasty! It should help as he only has about 20% capacity.

Oh more good news, Donald Trump is no longer president of the USA.

Well I had better get going and do some reading. I am reading John Tesh Relentless, I am enjoying the read. I find it inspiring and uplifting. Knowing that prayer and positive thinking works. Well my sister is on her way over. Until next time.

Love and hugs!

Halloween - Full Moon/Blue Moon

 Hope everyone had a safe and great Halloween, this year was extra special with a blue moon. Now it is November wet, rainy and cold. This time of year is not my favorite of the seasons. I mad chili in my instant pot, wow that is the best invention. Whenever I cook in it, and I can make it in one pot, the taste in prenominal. Oh, these days are lazy and movie or reading is always good. Been thinking of taking a course, but at this age I really just wish to retire. With covid here it's been a lot of extra work and family seems more important, as I have told you my dad had a stroke and is 3 hrs away would be nice to visit more. Anyhow, my book is calling me, I am reading John Tesh -  Relentless. Have a great week ahead.

Brenda :) 

Sundays and Family

 Hello everyone,

Every Sunday I call and talk with my dad. As I have told you before he is in a wheelchair as he has suffered a stroke. He is recovering but not as quickly as he would like. I try and lift his spirits and tell him he is recovering just very slowly. He doesn't realize just me being abletto talk to him on the phone gives me so much pleasure and he can have a conversation. I live 3 hrs away and seeing him is difficult, especially when I work full-time. I told him today how much I enjoy just talking on the phone and I am so glad to talk to him or else I would only be able to see him once a month and that wouldn't be good for either of us. He always tells me how proud he is of me and level headed, I get that from him. He has changed so much since his stroke. He just is so sweet and loveable. I don't know why my brother isn't in touch with him. I don't understand him. Anyhow, to each their own. I can only control what I do. I just can't imagine after all that dad has done for him why he treats him the way he does. 

My dad has been very generous over the past 8 yrs. We get a big birthday and Christmas present.

It is a dull dreary fall day today in Collingwood, the leaves still look pretty but if we get a heavy rain and wind they will be done. Hoping in the next few weekends to get out for a walk or hike. Probably go down and see my dad in a few weeks. I just hope the snow holds off for a while. I really hate driving in the snow. It's still covid and Toronto, Peel and York are going back to stage 2. Which means they are coming up here, and going to the parks and trails. I guess it's good for the economy. I try and be positive, but it gets rather annoying going to the parks and its filled with people from Toronto. Anyhow, enough complaining, I have a roof over my head and food to eat.\

Well, that's all I have to talk about today, may you all find peace and love. Have a wonderful rest of your week. Made some clam chowder now going to make a stuffed chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, YUMMY!  

Autumn

 Oh, how the seasons are changing. I love the summer hot days, sunny until 9 pm and sunrise at 5am. Now it is Autumn, short days, wet and cool. Not my favorite season although I do enjoy the clothing and leaves turning but not November and the bareness. I do look forward to the changing of the seasons. Makes you feel alive.

This weekend it is well above seasonal temperatures here in Collingwood, I cleaned off my deck/balcony from plants and ornaments. I usually do that in October after Thanksgiving, but they are going to be painting the outside of my building so I cleared and put away most things other then a couple of chairs. 

Well, I hope everyone in Collingwood was able to get outside and enjoyed the day! Not many days like this are going to be around. It is a beautiful area to live in and the air quality is the best. Hope everyone has a fantastic week.

Take care & be safe!! 😀

Family

 Well, it was my mom and sister's birthday. Kinda different celebration during covid. My Mom and sister have birthdays on the same day. My niece has her's the following week. My dad is at home recovering from his stroke he had in May 2020. He is doing quite well for being paralyzed on his entire right half. He is recovering and has a very strong will. He lives about 3 hours from me so makes visiting difficult (about once a month). But phone conversations work well too. I miss him dearly and feel like it might be the last time I see him after every visit. Man, you are never prepared for your parent to pass on. Life is very short, my dad and I have always been close. Now that he almost lost his life, he is very sweet and loving. Makes my cry to know how much love he has for me. I hope he lives a few more years, he travels to Mexico but since this virus in upon us he won't be going. He can't now anyhow due to Covid 

It's now September, raining and always damp, so it seems. It is Labour Day today, so I am off work and just taking it easy and going to a friend's for dinner. Well, I don't like the fall much, I find the weather to be depressing watching everything die and the wet weather. If the sun comes out that is what I like, but the wet drizzle isn't warming. I like the sun and the warmth. When the leaves change colour and walking in the forest with the crunchy leaves on a warm sunny day! 

Time to end our conversation for today.

Have a great week!

Hot Humid Weather = Major Rain Thunder Storm

How is everyone? Been a crazy busy week and trying to catch up on the weekend. Where does the time go? Well, it's been a hot humid weekend. Went to get my groceries and when I was backing into my parking spot, all hell broke loose outside, wind, flash flooding, wicked rain and thunder and lighting. My poor scared dog was inside the house,  so when there seemed like a break in the storm, I took my sandals off, ran back to my trunk grabbed my groceries and ran up the stairs. I was completely soaked! Dog was okay! Not a nice way to start my Sunday, mopping up the floor. Drying my drenched self off. And putting away, drying groceries. 

Work has been crazy busy, thinking of making a change. Also thinking of moving to a condo with a garage!  Lol... will keep you posted. My sister came over Saturday night we had pizza and some bevies, reminiscing of pizza with dad. I think I told you he was in the hospital. We used to visit dad and bring pizza for lunch. I miss him, hopefully he recovers and we can have pizza lunches. With this virus, keeps everyone apart.

Well, enough with the negativity! At least I have a job, dad is alive and storms are good for the water.

Take care! 

Full Moon!

Full Moon

Good evening,

I hope everyone had a good weekend! The weather was perfect sunny hot!! Summer is here and tonight a full moon! No wonder work has been wacky this week. Well, I spoke with my dad today, not sure if I mentioned but he was travelling back from Mexico and had a massive stroke, back in May. He is getting stronger everyday and it is nice to reconnect with my step-sister, who saved the day and went down to get him and her mom. When you get older and your parents get older the roles kinda reverse. Which is fine I was talking to my mom earlier on today and found out she was in the hospital for the day because of some stupid diabetic diet she was trying. Oh my gosh, my parents do at least on silly thing a year and I hope this is it for this year.

Well, I hope everyone has a good work week. Going to be hot weather this week in Collingwood. The people from Toronto are up and the beaches get packed and with this covid thing makes it uncomfortable to go to the beach. I keep telling myself, this is temporary. I wish I could say the same thing about my job!

On that note, time to find something constructive to do.

Until next time! 😎

Sunday June 28th

Good afternoon,

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather outside today. Well, it has been an interesting 2 weeks, sorry I haven't been on here but went to see my dad last Sunday as it was father's day. It was good to see him as this covid has kept us apart from seeing one another.

So, the week before last I got woken up by coyotes yipping. I live near the woods in Collingwood and with the windows open at night you can hear them in the early hours 3am. 

Coyote

And then this week I had a bat flying around my condo. Oh man, things you put up with living in the woods. I guess things could be worse.

Bat

So I am back to work and busy with getting people called and scheduling from 3 months of being closed. Well time to go walk my dog and decide what to have for dinner. Hope to get on here a little more regularly. As like begins to get back to the new normal.

Sunny Sunday!

Good afternoon,

How is everyone today? It's sunny on a Sunday, temperature isn't very high for this time of year in Collingwood. Although the sun is out so that makes a world of difference. What did everyone get up to today? Well, I walked my dog for an hour, then talked to my sister to see if we could get together and call our father as he is still in the hospital in Woodstock, and due to the covid we are unable to go and see him. Honestly this really sucks, not being able to see our dad! Well I did some cooking today. I like Sunday's they are usually my relaxing catch up days. Oh, I also gave myself a pedicure! I am still quite afraid of going to a restaurant or going to have a manicure or pedicure. Even getting my hair cut, I do it myself with the clippers, I bought some attachments from amazon and do it myself. I stopped coloring my hair over a year ago and it's money in my pocket instead of paying a hairdresser. 

Well, that's it for today, I hope everyone is having a good day and enjoying themselves.😎

Back to work part-time

Good Afternoon,

Hope everyone is doing well! I am back to work, just part-time for now as the dentist college and hygiene college can't seem to agree on or even speaking to each other about the conditions to return to work. As of now only the dentist is working, I don't mind having a few days off a week. So today I am home, cleaned and disinfected my condo. Kinda cool day but the sun is trying to come out. 

So when I was off work due to the virus, I love to cook and try new recipes, I made some Pad Thai, a couple of times so I think that is what I will make for dinner tonight. Most restaurants are still closed and patios are allowed to open, although I am a little hesitant to go to a restaurant. I don't mind doing take-out, this virus is pretty scary.

I live in a resort town, when were in self-isolation for the first part, there was absolutely no essential travel people were advised if they had a second home (here in Collingwood) not to go as it would stress our hospital and other essential services. 

I really wish things would go back to normal but I don't think it will for some time. My dad had a stroke on his way home from Mexico and is in the Woodstock Hospital now in rehabilitation, not able to go see him due to the covid virus or phone him as he has requested that we do not call him as talking causes him to be to exhausted. I miss him terribly and I hope a pray he recovers.

This is Pad Thai recipe I made from Pinterest, I love that site. I have made so many things from there and most projects or recipes turned out quite well. 

Well I had better get back to chores. Til next time!! 😋

Pad Thai 

INGREDIENTS

Kosher salt

8 oz. wide rice noodles

2 tbsp. lime juice

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. fish sauce

1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 eggs, lightly whisked

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, or chicken

Freshly ground black pepper

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 c. roasted peanuts, chopped

 

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook noodles until al dente. Drain.

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

In a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side.

Push the shrimp and vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the egg. Scramble until just set then mix with the shrimp mixture. Add the cooked noodles and toss until combined. Pour in the lime juice mixture and toss until the noodles are coated.

Garnish with green onions and roasted peanuts before serving.

Gardening (small space no maintenance)

Good afternoon,

Another fine day in Collingwood! Just wanted to drop in and show you one of my projects that I did this week, with a little help from my friend. Small space and wanted it to be maintenance free. Well this is the before and after photos.

After

Before

We moved the BBQ to the other side of the yard. My friend had some plants that needed to be divided and he had a tree cut down so we had some mulch which needed to be used up. So, my sister was in desperate need of a  backyard face-lift to her small backyard and front yard. (We will get to the front yard another day) So in a few hours we dug up the yard put in a few plants ideal for the location, mulched and transformation Added a few chairs to the space. Was quite the improvement let me tell you! Now I can go over for a social distance visit without going through her house!! Whoop... 

Wednesday 27 May 2020

Hi!

 

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the summer temperatures out there. I love the summer, I love my little balcony and I put a few plants to make it homey and inviting. Well, it's been over two weeks since my dad has decided to travel back in his van from his house in Mexico, I am a little concerned but due to this virus and crossing the boarders I am sure things are slower. I just pray that he is safe and well. Is anyone else loving this weather? There is a photo of my balcony! I love sitting out there enjoying a coffee in the morning, reading or just having a drink. It's relaxing, and helps with my thought process. Just hope to be back to work shortly as it is getting to be 10 weeks I have been home. Not that I am looking forward to the new normal of dentistry. Just want to have some sort of meaning to my day, although being home during the summer is lovely. I do miss my family and friends.

Til next time, I need to go walk my dog. She is coming in the office giving me the look. 

Thursday May 14, 2020

Well, looks like I will be off work until June 2020. The weather here in Collingwood is getting more spring like. I cleaned up my winter boots and put them away. So, I am sure it will snow next week. I live in an upper level condo. I bought it in 2014, rented it out for a few years and then renovated it and moved in.I am quite happy in my own space. 

My dad travels and lives in Mexico for the winter, usually from Oct to Apr. This year he stayed a little later due to the virus and he bought another house there and was getting it ready to rent out. The last contact was him telling me that he was going to leave on Tues May 12. He was in the hospital with pneumonia, my dad is 79 yrs young. Hopefully he has a safe trip home as he drives his van, he has a wife and he has been driving down for over 40 yrs. So, that part I am not too worried about. Just his health and this virus. I pray that he has a safe journey home. 

Week 8 of self isolation due to co-vid 19

Good afternoon,

My name is Brenda, I am home due to the co-vid 19 virus. Trying to do new things and I have always wanted to start a blog and be creative with writing. I find people's lives to be fascinating. I always like to learn new things, keep active and enjoy what life has to offer. 

I live alone, well with my dog, who is quite the character, as most people think about their pets. I work in a dental office in Thornbury, the office has been closed due to the Co-vid 19 virus. Not certain when it will reopen but hopeful for June 2020. As much as I have enjoyed my time off. I am getting restless and would like to go back to work and feel as though my life has some sort of fulfillment.