Simple Woman's Daybook - November 2, 2009

FOR TODAY

November 2, 2009...

Outside my window...the leaves are almost off the trees.  Winter is around the corner.

I am thinking...about my brother John and his family, who have just packed up their household and left the balmy climes of  Berkeley CA for Toronto.  They have done this with a 2 month old, a two year old, and a three-and-a-half year old.  And with my brother working half-time in Toronto.  They are now in Chicago, and John will be back and forth to Toronto until they all come up in the next couple of weeks.  Just in time for snow!  Thanks be to God for efficient immigration personnel on both sides of the border and an understanding workplace here in Toronto.  My sister-in-law will go straight to heaven.

I am thankful for...new friends, especially newly discovered family members.  And old friends, Sandra and Sylvia, who I spent Sunday afternoon with.

I am learning... more and more about my family history.  This week, I met (virtually) a distant cousin from Wales who has filled me in on the branch of my maternal grandmother (Goddard).  She is connecting me with local cousins and I'm getting some in on some of the family lore.

From the kitchen...well, the cupboards are a little bare right now.  I timed out on getting groceries yesterday so I need to do a big shop today, after my course.

I am wearing...sleepwear and slippers.

I am creating...a warm and inviting household.  A work in progress.

I am going...to the opera tonight, to see Robert Lepage's magnificent production  of The Nightingale and Other Short Fables.

I am reading...Case Histories by Kate Atkinson.

I am hoping...that I'm not coming down with a cold or flu.  My chest has felt very congested these past 24 hours.  I was coughing a fair bit in choir, and have felt run-down.  Must eat well and take it easy for a few days.

I am hearing...the shower running in the basement below me.  My brother arrived from Chicago last night and is staying with us again this week.  And I can hear Michael sniffling in the next room as he is still getting over his bout with the flu.

Around the house...we are getting ready to finish up our dining room remake.  We have the junction box installed for the chandelier, and now we need to get the crown moulding and painting done.   I also need to finish up the installation of the ceiling fan in Z's office.  And put everything that got displaced while the electrical work was being done back in order.

One of my favorite things...is autumn.  Seriously, this is my favorite time of year.  I love being outside with Wilson, I love being inside with a fleece vest or a throw blanket reading.  I feel energized by this weather, and able to tackle anything.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today I have my class at Regis and tonight is the opera.  Tomorrow evening is Catholic Women's League meeting.  Wednesday night I hope to attend a talk at Regis by Sydney Callahan.  Thursday morning, Bell Canada is coming to install some new jacks for our second phone line so that Z can work at home without tying up our main line for 10 hours.  And we can receive faxes more conveniently. Thursday or Friday our carpenters are coming over to quote for the dining room work (crown moulding, insulating the floor, paint).
Here is picture for thought I am sharing... from Alex's room in res....his philosophy of life, expressed by Andy Warhol.

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