Had to Post

 on the last day of 2021. At least, say goodbye to Betty White.

Margaret s friend An. is here for Chinese food <mostly > some good wine and company. They wathced ' the Martian ' while, I tured to recover from sleep deprivation. I woke at 5 AM, couldn't go back to sleep. I had a little soup and crashed -at 9 my eyes were open - a little.

We had a busy day. Clean house, exercise < me > and get the food. Actually, we were fairly well prepared and events went smoothly. Then I started to feel, well, slightly off. Just out of sorts, like maybe, not enough sleep.

2021. We didn't travel. I fished a bit. Oh, wow, sounds boring. It was.
We are not globe trotters but now that we can compare say 2019 w/ 2021 - what a difference.

If your New Years resolution - is to make one more year, that can sound pretty desperate. On the plus side, 2022 is a Tiger year on the Chinese zodiac. That means, 6 cycles for me, from 1950.

OK. Here is me hoping for one more cycle. See, that is ambitious.

Happy NEWER Year. Better year. 

signing off

Closing In on the Nu Year

 Which will bring, peace and Joy - plus the end to CV 19 pandemic

As CV becomes the nu flu on a regular basis.

So, let s see. We get shots for flu, pneumonia and shingles - at least I do.

Let us add CV19 yearly Vx < booster > or up date shot

Weather is close to freezing but above w/ damp < ugh ! > and a light but uncomfortable wind.
I used the CAT compressor to pump up the tires. I bought a gun compressor < yes, straight from StarWars >, the little guy chugs away like the ' train that could ' and tries really hard. After 2 tires < filling from 25 -> 30 PSI > -   ugh,ugh, cough , cough - " I don't want to go, no more ' happens. The compressor must have a fail - safe stop mechanism for over heating.

I brought ou the CAT and she went right to work - automatic read for pressure, gets close to set point and slows and finishes. She is a beast.

New Years Eve. A small get together < 3 > w/ Chinese food and whatever movies that we can agree on. Something w/ Matt Damon seems to be, in order.
We shall see said the Zen Master.

Confession 101. Slept in, mega. I woke at 5 ish and tried to sleep downstairs - played ' Find the Difference ' game app and crashed

Suddenly at 9:30 AM my eyes popped open and brain said ' Good God or God Good ' what is this - and I was awake, mostly. A coffee set me upright and a bit of walking seemed to help. Life happened.

SuperStore

quite early, is a breeze. Parking lot, store - check out, was walk right up and go.

However, you should never shop on an empty stomach or if you are really cheap. You see, RCSS < superstore aka >, had a cold bin w/ prime rib at 6.99 / # at $12 / # off. Still it cost $51 but its meat for days for us. The Devil made me do it ! 

OK, that might have been a little excessive. But we are not travelling - and it is meat for 4 meals easily. Yes, I'm feeling a tad guilty

The day is damp and raw- the wind bites. Ah, winter in the 6ix.

 

How Bad Was It

 w/ the freezy, sleety snow. Sort of OK for us, in here.

We had a simple dinner potato scone, egg and back bacon < Canadian > w/  a little fried mashed potato.
The scones are from the British < Scottish > bakery. They were part of M Xmas stocking or extra s.

Again, this year I'm battling to keep the humidity level up. I don't trust those in furnace humidifiers. I bought a mister < ultrasonic type > but have found that water sprayed on a towel over the heater really helps. I saw readings of 30 % w/ out the moisture steps.
I'd like the humidity to touch 40.

No blue lights out front b/c I have not been upstairs.

Been out driving, roads slushy but good grip mostly. I returned our empties - mega cans < beer >, mega bottles < wine >

A mild day, very damp w/ a brisk wind - conditions are uncomfortable.

Follow up - maybe. I've been searching for the remote for our small TV < 22 in screen >. I looked everywhere - every place that I would have logically left the remote or safely put away.
Nada. So, I ordered one from Amazing Corp.

Today, M says ' whats this remote doing on my desk ' ?

Argghh ! It was the remote that was lost. And now, Ican tell you why it was there or left there. Duh ?

Warning : Freezy, Sleety Snow

 { this is post # 3251 }

is a- coming. Actually, the Environment Canada alert was slightly more technical BUT

I believe that I caught the gist of the message. Do not go out unless compelled to.
E.g. returning gifts or exchanging presents - the bare essentials, ma'am !

Further alert. We ate turkey again yesterday. Stuffing, rice < for me >, spuds < for her >, broccoli casserole and gravy. We always hem and haw about eating turkey two days running - well, we should. Great meal, encore.

This year, we let the turkey thaw for 3 1/2 days < instructions claim a shorter time but not for us > and sit at room temperature for close to an hour pre - cooking.
As well, the turkey sits and cools for an hour  < at least 45 minutes > post oven. M s friend A. listened to us and said that the turkey was the moistest ever. And ours, was really tasty. Ah, success.

My Xmas DVD was the Disney offering, the ' Mandalorian '. I watched Season 1 # 1 - 2. 
Rating. Better than most stuff that I get from Netflix and Prime. A little slow and the lead guy, Mando ? never takes off his helmet < he sure doesn't play in the NFL >

Plus, we watched 'News of World ' starring Tom Hanks. A former infantry Captain develops a trade as a crier < news reader >. He carries newspapers from town to town delivering the stories and events local to country to world.
Captain Kidd comes across a former settler's daughter, former Indian captive abandoned in a series of dadly events. His mission is to return the little girl to ' home '. The defintion of home mutates during the trek across Texas < which is not a nice place, post Civil War >.
Thus, a rating of 8 seems fair. However, on the Netflix scale - this DVD is a 15.

Yes, the storm blew in. Well, at least the first dose. Big swirling flakes and thrashing wind. Next will be the crap. A mushooga < made up word ? > of what Nature can deal out. Booze and coffee seem appropriate,

I truly, hope that I do not need to test the CAT.

Not a Creature

 was stirring < except a mouse >

Error. Wrong day --  BUT I coudn't get up today. Late night partying ? < NOT >

I have been playing ' Find the Difference ' app - 500 photos and you point out the odd spots in two photos.
Maybe up a little late - too often.

OK. One present yesterday was a 20 lb CAT, power station.
A. had heard me muse about a replacement air compressor and a jump start / power supply. Well, I guess he found this one and thought ' lets shut the guy up '

If it works < charging, now > well - a pretty neat package < 20 # mind you >.

Some features of CAT :

 AC power supply < will power a laptop >

DC power supply much like a battery

Jump start a 6 cylinder car

Night light work lamp

USB - junction < 4 outlets >

Door stop - sits flat on the floor

Air compressor - for up to 60 PSI < manual says more but Amazon reviews, say, no. >

and so much more

However, it still is # 20 to haul around

The less technical < read here, electronic > gift is an apple corer and peeler machine. Yes, I whined about peeling and M. said ' lets shut the guy up ' < are you seeing a theme here ?? >. Thus, ' more apple than dough ' cake might have gotten easier
We shall see said the Zen Master

' Meh - rry '

Christmas. to you and yours
peace and love < What the world needs now - Dionne knew >

Reference then. The latest movie for Netflix [ which now costs $ 11 and change ] describes two scientists who locate a " E L E " < extinction level event > object on target for Earth. The response is ' meh ' as in we've heard it before - leave us alone, scientists

So. Meh - rry Christmas. Except that I mean it in a good way.

" So this is Christmas
and what have you done "

another year older and deeper in debt < not true >.

Segue. Once again, I bought Xmas day clothes. Last try was pajamas from the Tiger. The tops had Xmas moose done in plaid and the bottoms had the matching plaid pattern as a trim down the sides. OMG. Butt ugly and made w/ polyesteer. Fit was crap and neither of us could wear any of it.

OK. At Walmart, I saw women s sleep tops w/ a Xmas cardinal < bird not the priest >. I bought 4 X plus and XL so that we can wear other clothes underneath.

XXXXXXX fingers and pray

Oh. Merriest of Christmases - love from me

Follow up. The movie ' Don't Look Up " where the ' meh ' came from is " meh " ish. W/ Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo deCaprio plus several other name brands is definitely ' meh '.

Santa was good - booze galore
And the Xmas tops worked out.

Day is gray and rainy. Rainy.

a Blanket of white

 were happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland " authors Bernard / Smith

Obviously, we are not trying to drive in Scrberia or on our street or the access road < a bobsled course, of our own >

However, coffee in hand, I survey the sugar coated world outside. Birds not so happy - food is covered. 

Events : today is cook the turkey day. Likely, we'll eat the bird tomorrow - Xmas dinner afterall it seems.
The stuffing is the recipe of my entire life. I believe that there have been less than 5 occassions when I did not taste the family recipe for stuffing. In some years, probably twice. My cousin < mother s were sisters > makes the same recipe stuffing.
I recall a) mother was hospitalized one Christmas and father ordered a turkey. b)four times M and I were away in Florida and the islands. However, I bleieve that on at least one accassion we were here for Christmas
I will consult w/ the official keeper of records, M

Dec 23 in the 6ix

 or here

The Environment Canada advisory is for swirling winds and accumulation of snow beginning this evening and thru the night. Santa may need antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid < not to drink, mind >. 
The day begins gray and the wind chill is 26 or so.
Our turkey is thawing in the basement fridge. Through a mighty effort < really > I managed to pry the drumsticks apart and wash the inside. I read that you don't need to wash the turkey. Part of the reason < chickens too > is that you fling droplets of turkey all over the kitchen.

I think washing out the cavity is good for ice removal. And the neck was in there as well < stuck like glue >. Besides, I use the laundry tub and we don't cook down there. Today, I'll rub soya sauce all over the bird < my version of brining >
I think the soya sauce is a good seasoning and helps w/ surface bacteria growth prevention. We're used to eating rice < so go figure >. And you veteran readers know my one method theory for rubs - soya sauce, everytime, all the time.
                One sauce to rule them all
               One sauce to bring them all
               And its a dark one afterall

Alrighty, ran out and did chores -last items Xmas shopping that had to wait til today or tomorrow < tomorrow, much better but crowds and inclement roads < roads are ' inclement ?? > are a consideration.

I remembered to eat an orange for health and a episode of ' All Creatures Great and Small ' had Father Christmas < dressed in the traditional green suit > gifting oranges for Xmas celebration. Thus, an orange was reminiscent

The conundrum of Amazon. Amazon has our house on speed dial and we are not the only ones on the street. We are in direct competion w/ next door b/c they have a daughter who is yoked to her phone - read here Door Dash, Amazon etc. 
Oh ! the embarassment when we try to explain this lapse in consumerism or fit of consumerism that we promote.
And we never thought of ouselves as Amazon people < well, I didn't for sure >

Oh, the times, the times

" Oh, the times, they are a - changing " lyrics now owned by Sony or MegaCorp ......... by Bob Dylan

Decadence

 fish and chips for lunch. Well, somehow it felt the right move. And the Halibut House < very close > does good fries and halibut has real flavour. We added shrimp and a Caesar. And there are left overs, too boot.

The day was basically miserable tinged w/ ugly. Cold and damp w/  brisk wind. Surely a harbinger of poor conditions for overnight.

Onatrio has CV 19 case numbers that are setting records. Our rolling 7 day average < the only way to keep count > is up 2 X over the score a week ago. On the slightly not horrible side - in S. Africa # s may have peaked - maybe - we shall see said some weary gov't rep <likely they got a Zen Master, too >

2 Great Tragedies

 adage goes :

....the two great tragedies in Life are wanting something and getting it ....

Humhph. I'm all for the second. I sorta understand but still .... yeah, the second, for sure

A cold day in the ' 6 ' or ' Six '. I better check on the correct spelling < spelling ? >

Well our murder count is up < and the pandemic was blamed > Yet, we are supposedly alright b/c the bulk of the hits were gang related. I never quite felt re - assured by that attribution.

Blue lights went on at 6 ish AM.  Hello, you dog walkers !

The ' 6ix ' is also a ' spelling ' as is the ' sixth '. The appelation comes from Rapper - Drake who used the term in a song representing our area code, 416.
 And most Torontonians don't use any nicknames for the city.
Also, " T.O. " and ' T dot com ' are sometimes used
OR the classic " Tarantaaah ".
We native Torontonians have been accused of substitutung ' a ' for ' o ' thus Tarantaaah

And. Da da. Winter starts today. Approx 11 AM < don't know why - the moon is in conjunction w/ the jack of spades - or something >

It was a mixed bag kind of day. The sun showed up and wind and moisture < slightly >

And a visit to the Tiger ! Not too crowded and a little line up at cash.

Early Bird

got to Walmart at 7AM something, and the door was locked. I banged. Nada. Another guy came and said ' I'll try downstairs '

In a few minutes, a girl came w/ a wand - waved the sucker and the lights went green. Dada ! The magic doors slid open. Thus, 30 of us < customers > shopped in calm and quiet.
Except for " Associates, time for a sanitizing routine, clean all surfaces at your station ! " I didn't do anything.

Spent a bleeding fortune but it was all in a good cause. Embarassment prevention was the goal. 

Saved !!!!

Dampish and slightly windy. Uncomfortable kind of day. Gray and looming. Oops ! Day brightened quite a bit.

AND gifts for Christmas are prepped. Label and pretti - fy - and done
Good work, ace !

Holiday Time

 social run gets off to a fab < fabulous > start. The Brits use the ' fab ' short form a lot.

Yes. Blue lights are welcoming dog walkers on the street.

And my ' Great Wall ' cum kaleidoscope light show were a success. Plus. Next door can see the lit wall from their house. They love it.
The guys wanted to know how the wall stands. Oops ! I thought it was easy. They think its a wonder that it stays up. Better re - think the engineering.
The group < 5 > also feels that the wall can go on during the non winter months b/c the light show isn't really solely Xmas colours - sort of generic.

Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.	View this email with images

the Greek Alphabet

in Science, there is a whole whack times that you needed to use / understand the Greek Alphabet. 
Alpha Beta Gamma Episilon e.g. were variables in equations. Or Alpha version, Beta version for first try and second try

But we never got to OMICRON

And now I know why

A freaking disaster happens - c.f. omicron variant as at now

Here. The blue lights were turned on ' to welcome dog walkers '. A blue beacon going home. The colour for Autism awareness and My choice for our Xmas deco s.

Apparently, ' deco ' is short form for ' decoration ' in England where they do a whole lot of those abbreviations. B/c I don't remember hearing ' uni ' for university before I went to England. In Agatha Christie, an older lady tut tut s the use of ' demo ' for demonstrations. As in ' he went to protest Animal cruelty at a demo '.

Unfortunately, we will have an ' omicron ' snow event as in a cascade of snow.

BTW, in reference to deco s on our street - and how we are flanked by ' animal - Santa ' light displays. Another household, also gave up in the U.S.. Nextdoor was a fabulous display for Xmas. Now, there is a 10 ft high lit sign w/ arrow that proclaims " DITTO  ---> "

Not us. We will do our colour / flashing window light thingy. Subtle but well intended. < CHEAP > Hey, not fair !!!
Thrifty. or something

The snow has tapered off. Looks messy but we aren't out there trying to drive. AND our house got voted worst house to get to in winter by the poker group. We have swervy hills and our street is sloped east to west. We are on the higher side about 4/5 of the way up but still, it can be tricky.

the Blue Beacon

shines, this morning. Hello, dog walkers, hello

Coffee, of course, typing away to the ether - verse 

Wind ish

say what ? In their lingo : a Colarado low is giving us its backside. Strong winds up to 50 - 60 could occur. Danger of flying objects and power outages.

Segue. Did you know that Feb 2021 had 5000 % more power outages than ever before ? This factoid was on Google trends 

Blue lights are ' on ' in front of the house. Aliens or / ' Hello, dog walker ' Our Xmas social calendar starts today w/ lunch and gifts at a friend of M s. Unfortunately, we cancelled a DE 26 do at my cousins. We have CV 19 hesitancy. We don't want to get it. 

You know curiously, I've heard no doctor etc express concern over dry home air as increasing infection rates or chances. Hmmm ! - dry membranes in airways, woulda thought ' not good '.
I've been running the humidifier.

Warm ish

and rain. We are in a flow of warm air on the backside of a pressure system. Maybe hitting 50 F and 64 tomorrow. And we do cool down after that 

Around the room. The window hosts a High Elven sword < full size >. The sword is a replica of the sword that elves used in the opening scenes of the ' Fellowship of the Ring ' in the battle of Dagorlad where Isildur cut the Ring from Sauron s hand. The sword weighs over ten pounds and looks pretty. I've tired swinging the sucker but it is rough going for me. As well, the Cutty Sark sits on the sill.

The ' drapes ' are green cotton fabric on curtain rods. I sewed the seams and arranged the system such that the lower < larger > piece, not only slides but the rod comes down and hooks below the window sill if needed. On the green curtain is a button that says ' I perched in Orillia '. Spring runs of perch draw thousands and the area has ' Perch Festival ' week. We rented a boat and PERCHED. The year was 1996 and brother Ken did not see 1997.
As well hooked on the curtain rod is a ' wristlet ' that proclaims ' Arsenal '   < more later >
The picture of ' Wonderwoman ' w/ the stylized WW on the box is on the cupboard. Someone thought that I was the kind of person that would appreciate - the DVD and DOLL. Yes, I have a Wonderwoman doll. I thought Gal Gadot was a babe and so was WonderThing. OK. They found the right person for it.
There is an open closet door

This Game

 or the fallout from playing " June s Journey ". June s Journey is a computer game and trap based on a murder. The player is given a scene and locates objects scattered around a room or cityscape. All the while, adding features to a home scene in the countryside.

Surprise !
I quit. The ultimate goal is
a) you'll spend money to buy  ' energy units ' or fooforaws < not their name mine >
b) get hooked into a network of fellow detectives to help solve the crime or meet online

Instead, I started ' Word Trip ' or make up words from a a scrambled set of letters. The goal is to waste time and keep your mind sharp.
or get you to buy coins that let you sneek peeks at words that are allowed. I won't pay and you are limited to hints   < that I have needed >. And if you won't pay then there are commercials in between the games.

Well, the front of the house is blue " hello street ! " mode. Recall, we hope, one dog walker will appreciate the gesture.

A sun filled day in the Big Smoke. We grocery shopped. If you say ' didn't you shop, Monday ? Yes.
This trip was a joint venture, partially b/c I failed in Monday s mission. Yeah, shopping is tough. In my defence, Real superStore didn't three items. Thats three out 30 that we bought today. 
Back to the game. 

My version of June s Journey is to look around this room and remember - where did the objects come from

One corner is a tribute to ' the Cutty Sark ', the clipper that set the record for London - Shanghai for ten years from approx.1869. It gives it s name to a blended Scotch.
I saw the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, England. BTW, a ' cutty sark ' is a girls pinafore. We see a clock and plaque of Cutty Sark. There is a model of the Cutty Sark in the window - drapes closed tho', right now. The model holds bar matches w/ Cutty Sark and a minature chocolate Whiskey bottle of Cutty Sark. 
I drank, Cutty Sark for a long time.

Scarberia Weather

 we catch the remnants of the big blow yesterday. Temperature fell from close to 50 Sat. afternoon to 34 or so today.

I did the ' traditional ' morning greeting of ' blue lights ' for the street. I figure, someone will say ' hey, their timer is ****ed ' and one walker will say ' so nice to see the colour, what a nice  Hello '.
So for the one walker

Oops ! Error. The day is a semi balmy 45 w/ damp and wind - OK a tiny bit raw.

We sucked out and went for halibut and chips in lieu of cooking. Sort of Sunday takeout for a non cooking day. We got a single order and split the package and came up w/ leftovers. I think  the fries are better than average.

We are slowly cleaning and tidying before the cleaning ladies come.

Oh, yeah. Cleaning before the cleaners - makes sense to me !

and the Wind and the Rain

 arrived as promised. In the camera, stuff is flying sideways and we hear the rains thrumming on the glass.

I started a book < ? > or a series of questions and observations in Google Docs. Why?
Dunno.

While waiitng for M in the Walmart parking lot, she was at the doctor s. Someone came to feed the pigeons. I watched as they - heck, this is what I wrote 

"" Asking ? Is ‘ Life on the Wire ' a substitute  ‘for the ramblings on the blog “ 2sentsworth “ on Blogspot. Currently, the number of posts is approaching 4 000 < liar, its 3234 posts >

Actually, I’ve always done the writing ‘ thing ‘ as memoirs a quasi - journal. However, ‘ 2sentsworth ‘ is the most consistent that I’ve ever been. 

And I’m not even sure what it is - life here in Scarborough, as its highlighted in the blog. """

And its true, I have pads and tablets < paper kind > from 1970 or so.

So, as long as you don't mind - loyal readers, really

like I'd stop.

From 1972, an article in Sports Illustrated < my ' bible ' for all things sport related >. Fletcher Jones the author of the quote, had seen his horse Typecast run down by a stayer, Convenience. Speed will win out. No.

' the scenario doesn't always work out the way would choose - for every dictum there is a contradiction '. 2 months later, Jones was killed in a plane crash.

Alright - what is so important about that quote. Life. And the certainty that some people maintain about their life, my life.

As in ' I always ........ ' which is a guarantee that the person doesn't and if they do then you really wouldn't want to have to be w/ that person

Follow up, 3:00 PM. The winds are roaring through the trees. Like jets taking off.

the Neighbours See Blue

 as they venture off down our street
I lit the front
as a ' HELLO ' and b/c no one else does it - Good Morning

the zoo animals on either side aren't litup until 6 PM      < by timer >
Here. I'm the timer

Its a dull day out there. But way warmer. Trotted down to the recycle bin to add garbage and was pleased to note the change in temperature. In fact, come Saturday maybe, we'll have close to 50 F

Plus, the threat of high winds and flooding potential. If we flood up here on the heights of Cedarbrae - woe to those below. We are 60 ft above the creek.

Treat of theWeek. Takeout Chinese from Skyland.

So, What Does

December 9, bring. Cool ish gray look out there. The yeast is warming.....

b/c the jar is stored in the fridge. I measurd out the yeast and its sitting til ......

bread day starts. 

This attempt will be bread 3.0. New tweaks to find a suitable way to make bread here.  
Such as warming the yeast to room temperature.
Letting the yeast, water and sugar mixture ferment for a period of time - this step creates a bubbly froth as the yeast cells digest the sugar.
A longer rise time < c.f. the 20 minutes that was in the first instructions mark 1.0  >. 
And a rising chamber b/c the kitchen is cool < coolest room other than our bedroom and basement < our Hurt Locker ! >
BTW, I got the ' mark ' nomenclature from wathcing ' Evolution of the Spifire : from Mark 1 to Mark 25
or version etc

We shall see said the Zen Master !!!!!

Taste confirms - a goodly loaf. Nicely brown, soft and moist.

Changes ? maybe the final rising in a loaf pan

 < ??? why >
The volume change would be easier to spot for the second rise

In fact, one tip was to cover the dough in the first rise w/ plastic wrap and outline the original ball in marker on the plastic  - when the dough is bigger than the original by 2X then its done

Overall, a solid effort. Rating is at least a 8 / 10.

to quote the Beatles
' its getting better all the time
can't get no worse ....' of course, it could be worse. But as advice has said ' its flour and water, just go for it '

the Promise

of a cruddy day for driving

I put on the Xmas tree < quite pretty ! >

And the front blue lights are lit - I'm saying ' hello ' to the world 

We skipped our 2 h drive for a visit to M s friends. Probably, OK but the temperature is hovering near 30 and the host locatipn is right on the water. There were fender benders all morning

And discovered that a former student lost her husband  in May < oops, guess that one got by me >. The student < grandma > would be 63 give or take. OMG. Life happens. 

Cold, Crisp

or f****** freezing

Glorious sun, tho' - Always hopeful when the sun blasts through.

" when you're smiling ... the sun comes shining through

We will run a test today 😃

Grinning like a fool and the day cooperated - so far. TG the wind died and is a wafting breeze after roaring for 20 h

Crisp ! and we segue into the piece de jour...

yes, Yes, YEs, YES  its apple cake again. OK. How does it compare to past issues of the recipe

Good. Delectable. I wouldn't kick it out of bed

I usually add yoghurt and flx seed. Sort of a fibre burst during the day

 

' the Lights Are On

... but you're not home " sang Robert Palmer < R.I.P. >

Ah, the twinkle lights on the garden hose wreath are running as is the ' kaleidoscope on the great wall of Me ' 

The dark was so gloomy looking, I turned on some sparkle. Everyone elese has timers set for 7 PM. These lights are manual timers < as in me >. One candle to light the way

the Sunday Morning Come Down

 but we didn't drink last night

Alabama, the Crimson Tide, won big last afternoon. SEC champions, a ticket to CFB final four, semi finals and reprieve from a dipsy wobbly season.

" roll Tide "

the Bread

is almost gone. Thus, one loaf in this house survived < in fridge > for 4 days. Guess, I'm not baking daily then. The homemade bread toasts up quite nicely. The homemade bread is not as sweet as some from the store. Of course, sweeter and saltier is going to appeal to the greatest % of buyers.

A gray day showing over the trees. Predicted weather is a grab bag of everything, hovering aorund freezing all day

Found on our tree

This year and for the past 20 something

Yes, homemade in the year - the craftsy bug hit

We Cooled Down

 a lot. As in, 10 degrees down. Spotty rain is due, mixed w/ who knows what

My social index goes way up today. I have lunch w/ A. The fare is dim sum or ' little tea '. In truth, there is nothing little about any of it. Lots of green tea, there will be grease and starch. I do insist on a veg dish, however, this step is token b/c everything else is ' super ' tasty which means - salt and oil.

Lunch as advertised. More or less, grease away !. The tea may dilute the damage < please >

Certain people should not shop together. A and I are dangerous, we can talk each other into buying anything. I see bathmats $22 plush and cleaning would be dicey. Instead, I buy a carpet runner for $ 10 that may need cutting into bath mat and sink mat < where you stand >, thus way cheaper. Remember tho' it is a runner, primarily. However, in a guy s bathroom and something easy to clean is Bonus. Then A decides that he'll buy 2.

Really ! we are poison to each other. His problem is worse b/c he would need to convince Grandma that a runner is a good idea.

Update, rain was drops and the wind was brisk but the sun lit up the world, thus not bad for winter.

We Warmed Up

 the birdides love it - the winged ones are frolicing < is frolic supposed to be on land ? >

However, a reprieve from the chill w/ some damp and wind.

A day to get jobs accomplished. Shopping b/c its Senior s day at Shoppers drug mart. 20 % off, regular merch < thats modern speak for stuff >

the un - Cyber Blog

 or the usual drivel. BUT

Important drivel, none the less. The day has promise, bit of sun that penetrated the cloud layer. Ah, the first of Dec - hey ! isn't St. Somebody s day. The patron saint of what do we do today.

It seems, that this is my last day to profit from ' Black Friday ', yes on Wed. That was, just in case that I panicked on Friday in Walmart. I did run the gauntlet on Monday and got the coffee on sale -      Maxwell House " good to the last drop "

I recall, in Florida, that we said we used Folgers and friends guffawed and lamented our choice < as poor, I suppose > Betcha that they use tapwater in their coffee maker w/ the premium blend. That means that are paying $13 / # to brew coffee w/ mineralized or hardish water from the municipal pipes.

They'd be better to spend $8 / # and use spring water. A coffee merchant who travels the world said, when asked ' I manage about three cups of coffee a week. If I don't know the water quality then I don't drink the coffee '.

I have my B.B.C. axiom. I use bacon, butter and coffee. If the doctor says cut out a member of BBC then I'll keep doing BBC.

" Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed "

This adage was at the back of my mind while I gave another try at bread making. Many modifications to the previous try. Way less agony - no esctacy either, tho'. I let the yeast sit in warm water and a tad of sugar < kinda get a start - took 15 minutes BTW >. The rising went well, a ballooning happened. The second rise was also on target. And baking was a solid 8 out of 10. Next time I'll use the thermometer sooner - an internal temperture of 195 - 200 is ' bread done '. My loaf got to 209 F. A smooch too long. 
The taste and texture test- nice soft bread, delicate flavour. Alrighty ! The rating is a 8 / 10. A bit of room for improvement. But I'm on track to becoming good.
We won't kick this bread out of bed. Hey, that sounds ....... kinky, No ?

the Cyber Blog

Flash Sale ! Your last chance to save on words

Yeah ! like there was a hope

Blather unlimited..... and proud of it

Our arms are a little tender but M might have a reaction to the shot - chills etc. Soup time for sure, today
Rest and hydrate
Me too, if I'm smart 

" Silvermane '

 is a character in a SciFi or alternately, Fantasy. BUT

There is Sarah Silverman. Irreverent and feisty might cover her schtick however she is different.
Her comment on Christmas, ' all the best Xmas songs are by Jewish writers ' , we grew up w/ a Hannukah ' bush ' so that we wouldn't feel so left out at Christmas. I think she makes me re- evaluate what comedy can be. 

Snow on the ground b/c it is cold out there. We are talking 26 maybe going to 32 but it will be tight. Sun is out thus melting is possible today.Blue sky through the trees. The paper landed 10 ft from the porch < in a baggie >. I know that this isn't horseshoes BUT hey  dude ' a little closer ! 

A day of sun, we got our third Vax today. Thus, in 2 weeks our CV 19 protection is up-to-date. We can party all night and party all day - yea, if we don't fall asleep, first. Which is really the best likelihood, always the best possibility.

Let us see. Well, the homemade bread sitution. We have almost finished that ' practice loaf '. Granted - not the best or second or third or ....... mayyyyybbbbbeee, 6 th place. Edible and fresh tasting - not memorable. 
Actually, to quote, Nigel Starling in ' the Ghost and the Darkness ', " the struggle is the glory "
He was trying to convert non - believers and I was trying to convert flour to ' mannah ' or somesuch.
Knew it - shoulda gone for the wine from water

Apparently

 snow falls in Ontario. Yes, we are white. A layer of snow is now warming the gorund b/c the air temperature is 28 F plus a wind chill b/c you can hear the wind

How do you spell ' FIASCO ' - well fiasco
NO

NO   bread. I'v been saying ' bake bread ' and yesterday, was it. On YouTube, I watched ' never buy bread again - make it ! ' E Z PZ recipe. One bowl and 45 minutes.
Right. Everything gets measured - OK
Then. Add hot water, oil to the dry. Mix well.
A ball of dough forms. Ah, but was the water too hot < kills yeast cells >. 
Time for the rising of the dough. 20 minutes. Nope, nada. Read some articles. Rising can take 2 hrs. Yes, hours. So, wait. Wait. Wait.
Oh - did the dough get bigger ? Huh ? Maybe.
Knead again and let rise. The riginal recipe calls for 10 - 20 minutes. It takes at least 40.
Good. Pop in oven for 20 minutes. Of course, it doesn't work. Thus, another 45 minutes later - a ' creature ' resembling bread emerges.

The loaf was smalish but tasty.

Egad. 4 1/2 hrs all in. They built Giza in less time

Chalk it up to - life......... experience and CHEAP
Cheap ? An article that I read emphasized. Try bread. Make mistakes and keep going. Its only flour. You have a bag. Thank you - Mister ????? but thank you

What Am I doing here ?

 or

I'm in Walmart on Black Friday - HELP !

I drove M to the doctor yesterday. The plaza shares the parking lot w/ the Medical Suites building. The closest mall entrance was, yes, Walmart. The situation was normal until I saw the people' s eyes. Frenzy.

Definitely, frenzy.

I escaped and sat in the car. I jotted some notes while safely harboured in the Subaru.
life in the wire - is a Google Doc now. Ramblings really

And how different from this blog

Likely not. Alternately, how could it be

Alright, Football crazy day ' day after Thanksgiving ' get together. Kentucky Fried Rat was the mains, supplemented w/ macaroni salad and coleslaw. A slew of desserts, primarily cake, b/c the host is a hope to be diabetic.
Fair. A pleasant afternoon. The talk was banter and never serious ecept when it turned to hockey b/c this is Canada afterall.

And while trunk diving - in Denis s car boot, I got a Team Finland hockey sweater < slightly dented > that reads, of course, " SUOMI " Always wanted one

' Time After Time

 ... I tell myself that I

am so lucky to be loving you ' ala Margaret Whiting circa 1940

OR Cyndi Lauper ' Lying in my room ...... and think of you '

'Flash back warm nights ......

Suitcases of memories ...... '

A fall day in all its glory -cool to cold, dampness in the air. A suppressed day, waiting on...... 

The annual Football after Thanksgiving Day gathering, occurred. A big success.It turned out that, it was also a high school re - union as well.
We ate Kentucky Fried Rat and pizza plus a wide selection of desserts.
All healthy and nutritious - ahem.

" I Met a Girl ....

....who sang the blues
and I asked her for some happy news
but she said the music wouldn't play "  D McLean

I was ' blew ' myself

I blew leaves out of the gutters, yesterday aft. < cute segue, eh ! >

Actually, based on other experiences, I anticipated a failed attempt. Surprise !
Easily a 9.5 / 10 job. There were stray dribbles of leaves but not packed in gobs < as I've seen previous >. I celebrated w/ a Carling Ice 5.5 %  beer. AND pizza, leftovers. Dynamic.

Of course, I'm < overly > proud of my ' system ' to de - leaf the gutters from the ground < OK, I need the step ladder for most parts, b/c I'm too short >
However, the betting says that a 2 ft fall beats a 14 ft fall every time.
Truth to tell, my tape jobs on the lower hoses was a poor try - 3 times the air blasted the hoses apart. I have a 'Echo ' brand leaf blower and a ' Stihl ' brand pipe assembly. Those two are cylindrical but the have slightly different contours, hence the tape.
We surmise that we need a) better tape
b) better tape - er person
c) or both
But we are stuck w/ what we got

Also, it was " apple cake " day.     Naturally, the ' more apples than cake '  is / has become a regular feature here.
And it passed the ' the proof is in the pudding ' test. Voila !

' All Over but the Shouting

 .... we are de - leafed. Official

W/ full gutters as well

Sun is the day s featurew/ a cold wind - not cool, cold and damp

Another Day Older

 and deeper in debt "' goes the ditty -- ' I owe my soul to the company store ' or Amazon as the case may be

After whining about ' not a disease ' my right knee aches like a sprain or twist ..... and I'm innocent b/c I didn't do anything.
right Dr Jeff, not a disease
just torment
you weenie

Colder today w/ a 6 degree wind chill

Not a Disease

 our fav show ' Dr Jeff - Rocky Mt Vet ' has the doc quoting " old age is not a disease "

Por Favor, el doctor - yes it is. I'm living proof. I recall throughout my life hearing ' hey, you better get in better shape ! '

And this is when I was 165 # and running 14 miles a week. I finished 320 something out of 3 500 runners at the Vancouver Sea Wall Run. " you need to get in shape "

Old age is breakdown disease. Heck, my exercise has the goal of maintain. Maintain what ? A creaky old body

Right ! Guess I'm in one of those moods.

Yeah, we can celebrate standing

walking....... breathing 

Amen...... amen

Down to the Last Hardy Few

 as in all great battles, some individuals are lingerers. One tree that we look at is 80 % leafed, greeny - yellow but looking summery. Everywhere else you have a bare look. I imagine some readers are thinking ' don't they have naything better to do than report on leafage

You are right and wrong. This view is trees and we watch the scene change from a leaf screen and wall to a sightline across the ravine < and the back of the plaza comes into view - not our favourite image but its only the roof line above the treeline . >

A report form our medical officer of health for Ontario highlighted the difference between Ontario and our cross border nirghbour Michigan

Ontario w/ a population a third bigger than MI has 700 cases as a rolling average daily.

MI is coping w/ 7 000 cases. I think the guy was trying to say ' that you should re - consider running across the border, even if you didn't require a molecular CV test to return to Cda.

Hanger s On

 in the trees are now in the minority.

Today has promise - no rain and sun. Still cool out there FOLKs. I ventured out tres early and visited Walmart. I was trying something different.
Store was sparsely filled w/ people and aisles open and friendly.

the " Wheel of Time '

 is an upcoming Netflix original.

My version is ' Re - inventing the Wheel '. 3 yrs ago I decided that a mail slot in the side door of the garage wasn't the best. Thus, I cut a slot in the aluminum garage door front.

That left the original mail slot in the garage door. I patched the opening w/ tape and hope. The fail happened about a month ago. People could see the tape falling down and a gap in the door. Now, the door isn't much. I figure its an inside door that someone thought would be ' OK' or barely serviceable. 

The door has the integrity of a pablum. But its my door. Thus, I re - patched w/ spit and tape - will it make the winter ? kinda repair. It is a better patch but in the same vein of - anything beats tape falling down etc.

We shall see said the Zen Master.

Apple Cake ala more apples than cake is in the oven

We shall see said the Zen Master

The leaves are 70 % down for sure.

Good Morning, World

 I wish. Count your lucky stars. Or I should.

Temperature is mid - 40 s for the day. Overcast and gloomy w/ rain

We went to Pickering Casino. I lost -- M won - same old, same old

A day for long underwear

A YouTube channel rates restaurants, fried chicken shops etc. I get it, someone saves you trying 12 different chains for fried chicken.

Then I see ' frozen pizza ' rated from worst to best. Holey Schmokins Jose....... best frozen pizza ?? who would care. Lets see cardboard layered w/ cheese and tomato like sauce.

Fried chicken had  Popeyes come out on top. Well, close. The others are not Canadian. Church s was 5 or 6th. And KFC < Kentucky fried rat > was # 11 or so.

Leaf Fall

or fall leaf. The cascade goes on, as yellow orangy colour floods the lawn. My guess - timate is that 30 % of leaves remain in the trees.

The day is predicted as cool ish and damp - showers possible anytime and frequently.
And rain did arrive. A sombre look out there. Slight breeze.

Our afternoon was spent w/ the bank advisor. We followed w/ early supper at Tara Inn. Tara was a favourite - oh, perhaps three years ago. M flet that the chef had changed for the worse - mainly, the soup went from grand to poor. Thus we stopped attending.

We did catch a TV interview of restaurant owners and Tara was featured. And jsut down the way from our bank we stopped in to the Inn. The food was tasty and hot. We were satisfied. But no soup.

an ' Atmospheric River '

 is what it s called. What is it ? The pattern of rain over Canada s West Coast interior < inches of rain per hour, causing mudslides and flooding > is caused by a water laden formation of air. Obviously dropping the rain in certain areas. 
I just thought it was a neat sounding name. BTW, this is close to the areas that were exposed to a heat wave this summer w/ forest fires as well.

The day is damp ish and windy. Actually, great working weather. I did some chores. Then, I went to the ' Butcher Shoppe ' for burgers. Since, we missed on Saturday, I figured ' Tuesday is Burger Day ' in our house.
The BBQ got hot and the prime rib burgers were appropriately done. High quality and a good deal

Back to the sparkly wreath  < BTD, bit the dust >. At Canadian Tire < sort of Pep Boys meets Walmart .... yes, its incest > I tried to buy a spike socket w/ 6 ft cord, cost $19 and said NO. In the Xmas section, there was a Kaleidoscope projection light, $ 15 w/ stake and cord < its a useless stake  ..... a metal rod, really >. Last night, I used the silver insulator material and it looked OK. I thought to widen the insulator for a better effect. 

Well, I took down the silver insulation piece but forgot to bring it in for the add on. What the hey ! I plugged in the kaleidoscope light and MAGIC - the effect that I wanted.

Boy Genius strikes again ! On base by error

a New Verdict

the front of our house is in full bloom - that is if you like blue or blue - ish. The TV light strobe is mostly blu - ish but traces of reds, etc ... its a TV glow afterall.

However, as the name implies, the TV light flashes those colours - and I turned the face around to illuminate the shutters. This strategy throws more light up on a white surface and gives a showy effect.
In the same vein, sparkly wreath is more or less ...... less
alright but not up to expectation
a) when I built the Great Wall
b) or when I thought up the wreath idea
M says just string lights across the sides and edges

Oh, no. What toss the hose away ! I think the hose is a goner for sure. I have one idea left.

BTW, the week is fraught w/ rain and gloom - sun in short supply. The beginning of ' hunker down ' time - methinks

Skip the Burgers

 we did. Niether of us was in the mood. Got by w/ leftovers. I made chow mein from bits and bobs. Quite good really.  I overdid the vegetables < smart move >. Onion slices first, then zucchini,  spinach and cremini mushrooms` . Also a touch of  garlic. I used leftover beef stew for flavour and noodles from a Chinese food meal.

Bingo ! Dinner served w/ leftover rice. You can see the theme was        ' leftover '. 

Lovely day going w/ sun and a goodly breeze stirring the trees and dropping leaves like rain now.

Follow up. A thought came to me. Why not use the mini strobe light in the front bay window - and I did. The strobe was a fake TV light. It mimics the light pattern from a TV. Alright, it wasn't the greatest but not bad. A few tweaks and the strobe can stay.

We shall see said the Zen Master < that is one patient guy > 

Well, shopping at Giant Tiger < my store for therapy >. Things got out of control and $80 went in a blink ..... but I bought colouring books + crayons for A s kids < in case ? > and ----- Surprise a ' blue LED ' desk light < that is bound for a window out front for the blue effect,  vat else > and a gallon size can of diced peaches,  < I love canned peaches , always - always >..... Oh ! grapes were on sale < love red grapes >.

I was reading on the box for the Inphic keyboard  < that I'm using right now > has a ' scissor foot construction ' 
What ? thus, I looked it up. Scissor construction is how the keys on the keyboard are supported and attached. Okay. Better, dunno

A Fall ish Day

 We saw blue sky early but forecast said 60 % chance of rain. Now, cloudy and less bright. We get take out tonight for dins. Burgers from Burger 6
" Get your fix - at the 6 ! "      its their motto. Recall, T.O. is often called the ' 6 ' by locals. Howeve, their address is ' 6 Chelwood ' < how I remembered that now is nuts - couldn't think of their street name to save my life, this week >

My Amazon account is getting a workout. Yes, something else from the mega monster.

The Aftermath of a Roaring Wind

the sparkly wreath blew down. Yepper, I guess chopsticks stuck in the brick gaps isn't good enough. I went out and hung the wreath w/out the insulation shiny thing. It looked about the same - maybe a tad better. 
Something about the mother of invention

Another step in the visual creation for Xmas. I ordered ' blue LED ' bulbs from Amazing Inc < free delivery >

Behold the ' look ' or what motorists see as they approach our house. ' I'll have a blue Christmas without you ' sang the King.
We are headed for a ' blue 'Xmas, too.

Not quite done - one little add on needed - can you guess

B/c I'm still thinking

in the Darkness

seems rainy out there.  And it s showers that are predicted for three days ' off - on '. However, today was to be the last of the warm - fall days. At around 60 < not bad > the fall off is down to 45 F or so for the following week. This 45 is called seasonal.

I blew out the gutters, yesterday. Amazingly, in one go. I've had times where three run throughs were needed to clear out the troughs. NOW, this situation may be that the leaves haven't had a dedicated de - leafing yet. I'd say we have 70 - 80 % leaf cover. Most years, leaf cover would be in the 20 % range as at now.

OK. this is the street view of our Xmas subtle treatment < BTW we are first to decorate of our local group on the street > Subtle and first !!

Hey, really not bad. People coming into our street will see this view quite prominently - and soon to be flanked by the menagerie fo our neighbours

Alrighty

 one last kick at balmy. The air will warm to barely shy of 70 - then - oops ! you mean its 45  out there

Forecast for a sunny day, and its bang on it seems.
The saga of my sparkly wreath goes on .... I backed the lights w/ a silver coated insulation blanket. The surface is supposed to really reflect sunlight ..... they didn't say sparkly light which is obvious now.
In reality, which always sucks - I invested nada in the sparkly wreath, an used garden hose and lights that fell off the garage door frame, last year.
I watched the " Great Wall " last night while sweating away. Nothing like those cute girls in blue armour to raise the quality of the workout.
Did you know the movie ' Great Wall ' was a close to failure at the box office and got pretty critical reviews as a poor mix of talent and overall effectiveness. Let s be blunt - on the Netflix scale, GW would be a 10.7 for sure. 

P.S. M revealed that she thought GW was not bad. She is not a ' sword and sorcery - hack'em up ' movie fan, either. Thus, GW must be not bad < hows that for a movie review " Not bad ", never gonna see that as a promo comment.

Out in the front, I strung reflective blue lights under the bay window. UNDER ? Well, it s hard to attach the lights anywhere else w/out screwing into siding or the aluminum of the windows < never ! >. However, underneath is the deck for the window and that is wood.

We shall see said the Zen Master

Follow up. The front looks quite glitzy. A very subtle effect. We go for subtle b/c it usually costs less. We are surrounded by a zoo - both neighbours do polar bears and reindeer, icicle lights etc. We have to be subtle b/c we can't compete.

Amazon People

 < as in the company not the river > must be lazy or

these folks have tried on line and found.
One time offers for free delivery. Just sign up
Oh, item not available in stores. order on line, plz
Selection poor to non existent

Yes, 4 picture frames plus a DVD < that one > are shipped and coming

Arrived on the helipad or doorstep. Pictures are framed and ready to go. DVD is not BluRay. No matter, I wanted a copy and ..... yes, in my grubby little hands

Day started sunny and has now degraded to gray

Call me lazy. Go ahead. I've got stuff coming

Apparently, Adjusting

 to the time change. Now, you'd have thunk that getting an extra hour would be easy to get used to.
My sleep is off for ure. However, one has to then ponder ' off or normal '......... see its a close call. But 6:30 AM < dark > I've got a coffee already and doing ...... this

Story : I went looking for the  ' Great Wall ' DVD which I assumed that I had bought. NO. Not findable. Thus, I went used discs and orderd a copy for $11. Next day, its broadcast on Showcase TV. M says if you have PVR recording will you cancel the used disc. I said ' no '. Today, an email says that the disc was sold before my order went in.

Drats ! Yet, you see that I do have a copy. Cute warrior girls in their blue armour swinging away at their drums - ah, joy !

A windy day trying to ruin the blessed sun and relatively dry air. Nope. Still a bonus day

Making It Worse

the clocks fell back - And I'm up at 4:30 AM which is really 5:30 but makes you feel that your insomnia is worse

OK Coffee in hand and typing away. My thoughts turn to my sparkly wreath. 
Now, using a garden hose to make the form of the wreath is economical since it was basically lying on the ground for 10 years. However, I think that I needed to prepare the hose properly to do the job. Thus, I have some mods to try. Oh, 'mods ' is short form for ' re - inventing the wheel ' again....... what else

The Great Wall, itself w/out sparkly wreath

 

Limestone

 and me. when the workers dug up the front to remove the interlock , now known as the Great Wall, there was a surplus of limestone screenings. The guys piled it up on the far median. In case, the median sunk again, there would be stuff to fill the hole that would pack nicely < sand better and cheaper, BUT    >

The screenings came out soaking wet and HEAVY !. I've been gradually drying out about ten buckets and using the screenings around the back.

E.g. , the interlock not only made a wall but a border for the tree stand. W/out engineering the project, you end up w/ spots where its hard to flush fit the interlock. The limestone finishes the edge and grass won't grow in the limestone. First, b/c its limestone and second it packs in like cement after a while.

Sun blasting out this morning, into the chill but still air. throw on a sweater and ' Bob s your uncle '. Ready to putter.

I YouTubed  ' dust elimination ' :

Tip #1  Change your bedding frequently

Tip#2   Use a dehumdifier and change the filter often

Tip#3   Use blinds instead of drapes

Tip#4   Use an air purifier

Tip#5   Vacuum....... vacuum .............. vacuum - the only way to                         effieciently remove dust

Uh - oh. We have some work to do

Friday in the 'boro

 thats Scarborough. ' boro ' is the nickname for Middlesbrough UK < site of the virtual funeral >

Full sun. Good. B/c the newly laid sod can grow some. Sun up at 8AM and down at 6PM < ~ >. We have no big plans for the day

Lunch < 2 PM ? > was a veal cutlet sandwich from California Sanwiches.The sandwich is bIg, M and I shared one and there 1/3 left over. Plus in a fit of a fit - I added poutine or french fries covered in melted cheese and gravy. Yes, there were calories..... and grease. And yes, there is some leftover poutine

The sparkly wreath was raised up a little on the wall and the bulbs aimed toward the centre - lights on at 7 PM. I put the set up on a push button remote.

" success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed ' - ah, the sparkly wreath....... yes, an improvement

But really doesn't have ' POP ' - what were we expecting from a garden hose and light set. Sorta looks like a star - not a circle. However, star isn't bad

P.S. that quote is Emily Dickinson

The lag was 3 h from when I lit the sparkly wreath and M noticed the change < as per today >

" Just Another Brick in

 the wall " sang  Pink Floyd or Maggie Doolittle

Last night, I put out a red LED lantern on the wall. Great. M didn't even see it. Truth. The lantern was not memorable

Re - do. I made a wreath from an old water hose and the sparkly lights from last year, that basically fell down. The plastic holders split on a bunch of the bulbs and were drooping badly. This year, w/ the wall - let s try a wreath of those sparklies.

Testing. Testing is tonight

Crikey, I may need to electrify the wall.

We shall see said the Zen Master

As well, our first virtual funeral, in England. M sister s husband passed from complications of everything. Pretty standard. Maybe, the exception was the closing curtain on the casket. Here, the norm would be the casket lowers or slides into the wall. 

We only recognized 5 people of the 40. And if one guy hadn't been introduced - we wouldn't have got him either

Dinner. Tonight, I made southern oven fried chicken. I recall during a travel show, the chef made veal cutlet <  wiener schnitzel  > and stated never deep fry. Pan fry and finish in the oven. 

The chicken thighs were opened to take the meat away from the bone < for faster and even cooking >. The process was flour the pieces, egg wash and finish w/ bread crumbs. As stated, pan fry to brown and into the oven to cook through.

Well, delicious - moist and tender. Perhaps, a little more salt but you can add salt.

And follow up. The wreath of sparkling lights. OK but lacks a splash. Too small, too far away ???

It is 3 1 / 2 ft in diameter - still its 60 ft to the wall and there are still leaves on the dogwoods < interfering ? >

Another Go

 at ' more apples cake '. Yes. You're tired hearing about this. BUT I'm pleased. M likes the cake. I'm using frozen apples and I am not sure how much bettter / worse the cake is. Seems OK. Unfortunately, the jury is out on how much time it saves < effort etc >

How can a news item be so sad and hopeful - at once. Elon Musk has been quoted " show me how $ 6 billion can solve world hunger and I'll donate it "

Really ? It can't be done

' If you build it, he will come ' from Field of Dreams. And I did. Build it. I created a wall from the interlock blocks. The wall is shoulder height and 8 ft wide. The blocks were up against the house wall on the lower walkway. I wanted those blocks out and away from the wall. Usually, its not advisable to place weight that will cause the area near the house to sink. Those places have a tendency to sag anyway.

 SO.

Move them. But I decided that I always wanted a wall in the backyard to project lights for Xmas.
Bingo ! Not quite.
Those blocks got heavy and heavier. I'm using muscle rub and Ibuprofen to mnimize discomfort. Success. So far, exactly what I had hoped for.

Salvation

 Army may take the homeless candy that we have left over from Sunday. They'll call me back.

Rain perisists for at least one more day. The clearing trend is coming but the next few days may be iffy for rain. We shall see said the weatherman

A Box of Not Claimed

 candy. Yepper, 20 - 30 kidddies came to the door last night. Let s see that leaves 90 or so candy bars.    Ugh ! A few OK but ninety ......

So, November weather arrives which means cooler and wetter. In Svalbard < I watch Cecilia s posts from the island on the edge of the Arctic Circle > last night was the last sunset for 4 months. TG, we'll still see sunsets etc.  Correction that should read 4 months a bit

The sun decided to do a full show. Almost makes you want to venture outside. 

I tell this story quite often BUT tough you're stuck w/ me

My first couple of years teaching, I was scheduled for Grade 9 Science. On Halloween day, the students asked ' are you giving out candy ? '

Me: I won't be home so I'll leave out a bowl w/ the candy. You'd only take one, right?

Class : yes

Later, as the group was leaving, a girl from the back stopped and said

Girl : Sir, you shouldn't leave out the bowl. I'd grab as many as I could, honest

Yepper, 47 yrs later and that memory remains. Likely why, I stuck it out reaching.

Since the workers left the interlock blocks, I decided to use them. Yaears ago, I used a cheapie garden hose and created a border around the stand of silverleaf dogwoods and pine that marks the property line as distinguished from the table land belonging to the park. I trimmed the outline w/ limestone < white on green garden hose > for an embroidered effect.
That look has disppeared but not the garden hose, now, much worse for wear. I took the different blocks and created a stone edging. As I worked, I kept saying ' looks like a dog's breakfast '. However, M got home and said ' amazing what a great effect ' < later when she s had a chance to think it over, I'll ask again >.
I admit from up top here in the living room that you can't see the dog   < kidding Looks quite striking !> BUT I am sore. They were only interlock but I guess 200 blocks is 200 blocks. As well, I started building the Berlin Wall at the edge of the property. I've never had a wall that we could shine a Xmas light effect on < that you can see from our living room > Maybe, this year !

AGAIN. I find the attached keyboard of the Duet laptop - a real pain. I switched to the plugin keyboard. 

Mistake is our Lake

 the guys removed the interlock brick and dug out the limestone screenings. Then it rained ...... rained ....

you get it. Well, there is a lake < L. Mistake > that formed in the pit. I believe that I've seen boats out there making their way across the ' pond '.

We deemed today ' do not have to cook ' Day. Thus, we brought in ' Two Can Dine ' meal from Kentucky Fried Rat or KFC. 3 pcs of chicken and 3 chicken tenders and fries for $ 9.99 < 2 can dine for 9.99 - for the rhyme >. Almost perfect for this house. I also order a gravy and microwave ' corn and peas ' as a side. Actually better than anything else at KFR.
I previously, told the story, Right ? The fishing guys always reminded you when you ordered KFC  ' about the guy that found a mouse - deep fried in his bucket of KFC '. Urban legend ? 
However, we always check for tails on our chicken

Drippy, Soggy

 autumnal day. Stay by the fire glued to the telly.

" pay your coin to the witcher " sings the bard. Yes, I'm watching the Netflix series, season 2 ' Witcher ' Action, blood, witchcraft and evil people - what more could you ask for - hee, hee

Sad. Right. " Let it be " from the Beatles

Thus, version # 4 of ' more apples than dough ' cake. Quite pophlar around this house. Relatively low calories, loads of fruit and little sugar are a positive combination
Hey, kinda looks good as well.

Friday ....

 and here's the picture. We are in an Indian Summer. Most days are running above seasonal w/ the rain < typical for now >. The trend is set to continue a little longer. A ' horseshoe shaped ' jet stream bulge is sending cold air N  of us leaving the Grt Lks in warmer air S of the bulge.

The furnace is on b/c nights are cool, say 40 - 50 F. As well, we are running a oil filled electric space heater in the living room where we live < approx 80 % of waking hours > 

In the vein of more pictures, see below the advertisement logo for a restuarant that we ' used to ' enjoy in St Pete Bch

Beer is a good deal and the food respectible.
However, lately, I am finding good buys on lager. But not Labatts Blue, tho'

And lunch was fish and chips from Duckworth s - a Scarborough legend. Actually, in Toronto but only East end stores are still open

Well. ' the Sun did come out

 tomorrow ' as per the song

OR today. Bright and light and spirits soar. Along w/ the mercury - which will be double yesterday

coffee in hand and whacking away on the keyboard. And celebration 12 yrs that the Dell Studio 17 in laptop has been clicking along. Let s see.

The system in the Dell has been given Windows updates < paid for and free >. The system has been wiped twice. In fact, as at now, the laptop is bare bones considering that its running Windows platform w/ Chrome OS overlayed. There must be a constant struggle between the two. Microsoft Edge or whatever its called now vs Chrome.

And the battery has died and been removed, now leaving the laptop plugged in is the only option. Now. there were warnings that leaving the laptop plugged in all day has deleterious effects on the battery. However, the battery lasted 12 yrs and that is a loooong time for a battery.

BTW, if someone unplugs the Dell by accident while its on - baaad things will happen

Run around day. Dim sum lunch. Trip to drop off an outboard < not mine > for repair. A Costco journey for opthalmic products + 2 pork shoulders < really good price > and Cranberry Crunch cereal < just because ! I guess >

Gloomy Start

followed by brilliant sun w/ cool breezes

As chauffeur, there was a dentist run. While M was being cleaned and flossed, I went shopping and managed to buy lunch at ' Yummy Cantonese ' which is across the way from the dentist 

Long Range from Brett Anderson at Accuweather :

OC 27 - NO 2   mild for the lower Grt Lks

NO 3 - 9           mild for lower Grt Lks

NO 10 - 16       wetter for lower Grt Lks

Precipitation

in the Big Smoke or 

Hogtown or 

the six < as coined by Drake for the T.O. area >

Today, I drive to the Q to retrieve my Tilley hat. The neighbour confirmed that the hat is on the second hook in the hall. Thus, a round trip for a hat. 

BUT if not today, the next time someone is scheduled for the Q is Xmas. YES - thats 2 months

I MISS THE HAT - MY HEAD GOT WET all day yesterday

So there !

I'm back w/  hat. Left at 6:30AM < couldn't sleep > and returned by 12:35. The drive up was awash in roadwash < not spray > and half light. The return trip was better but still roadwash was an issue.

" It s a Rainy Day in

 Georgia ...." goes the song
" sometimes I think its raining all over the world "

like Scarberia, its termed a light rain by CBC weather. Sure seems like rain period.

Thus, work around the house is ' OFF ' b/c the workmen removing interlock < and replacing it w/ grass > under the bay window didn't show.

Well, I've got errands. A trip to Home Depot produced a ' I settle for this ' purchase. I needed a replacement aerator for the faucet in the upstairs bathroom. For $ 7, they sell you the faucet end and aerator. The faucet end is silver and the fitting is bronze. Yepper, I had to buy the whole thing for the aerator thingy.
However, for winter, we needed a new coir mat on our porch to scrape off winter sludge before you step into the house. Approx. $ 30 on line. At the Depot, $ 12.50.

OK. I might have come out ahead -  a bit.

BTW, yesterday afternoon was ' lets re - invent the wheel ' time. The dresser drawers slumped in again. Yes, the ones that I worked on last  week -lousy repair.
This time round, I tried a new work around. Might be long term - who knows ?

Sunday Comes Once a Week

 like today. We have gloomy days coming til Wednesday w/ chance of rain daily.

On the pain front, arm is a discomfort and I can live w/ it. The positive side is that the massage chair brings relief. Why ? 
Dunno. Muscle, nerve or ligament was traumatized

 I was ' tagged 'on FB and went to see 

It was a video on towing trailers < ??????? >

However, one click and FB did past entries :

{{OMG .... Wow .... dynamic $ 20 ticket and dinner And Vienna Teng was

...... was , well , phantasmagoraful. Greatest value that I ever got for an entertainment dollar ( or 20 ).

" and the angels sang ......... " James Taylor from ' Copperline ' , he must have been at a Vienna Teng performance , as well. }}

I'm guessing that I enjoyed the performance by Vienna Teng, American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, raconteur and producer

Got baking, again, ' more apples than ... ' I used granny smith and added sugar to compensate. Turned out moist etc.

As well, I discovered my hat isn't home w/ me. Oh, no.

I hope that I left it up at the QMH. Please ! otherwise --- Dunno

My aching upper arm responds somewhat to para + and soreness cream BUT also the massage chair.

Neat. Non - medicinal is always better.

Whoa ! Nellie

 left upper arm is sore - aching all night

I took a para + 

Rubbed some soreness cream in

And hrs later decided to chance an Ibuprofen as well

I am a walking chemist s dream

However, I still have shoulder < see, outlook, thats the key ! > I decided to move and do. Pain is there and work got done.

Thus, we'll celebrate and

venerate the last bass of the year < ???? > most likely

1 / 2 Day Busy

 back to the Q

I put mouse bait in the boat to critter-ridder the bottom inside                                                                       < P.S. there was no bait left last year in the spring >

It was ' Otonabee ' buffet for the mice in the boathouse.

We screened the gutters, tarped the boat and puttered inside and out

Pizza for lunch and home

All in a day s work, ma'am

Busy Day

 we went fishing on Wed OC 20 . or

sat in the boat, mainly which is good too
I got one smallmouth to hit and even managed to get it to the boat - but someone else needed to net the big boy

Wind gradually kicked up and became a nuisance. We found some crappie < a few and not enough > ( never enough -' to quote Johns Hopkins fan section " we want more "

Yes, the boat is asleep. I changed out the lower gear case oil. Is there a prayer of thanks for your boat. 13 yrs old and she ran a charm. As I was finishing up stowing gear,  I was outside on the lower deck AND the other gray Stratos on the lake / river was going by at slow ..... you see ' I never see myself in the boat ' thus this was neat 

This photo is version 1 < F took a bunch and forwarded 3 >