Filling the Days

   A very quiet day today chez moi and a bit drizzly but not cold. I managed a walk down the ravine between showers and did a bit of housework. Other than that it has been reading or working on my puzzle. Still plenty of food in the house and I have been scouring the backs of cupboards for any neglected items that need eating up. I found some rice that I used to use to make sushi, and made a rice pudding with it. A first attempt and the recipe was rather fussy, but the final product was quite delicious.

   Yesterday was a brilliant day and I spent most of it outdoors, walking, gardening and just sitting on my deck. In fact I may have overdone it somewhat as my face was really hot by the evening. I don't usually sit out in the sun, especially in summer, preferring to sit in the shade, but I hadn't realized the sun was quite so strong at this time of the year.

   While setting out for my walk today I had a long distance chat with a neighbour. She is almost over a bout of the virus, contracted on a recent cruise (or more likely on the plane home). She has another week of self isolation at home but was quite cheerful. Yesterday a friend phoned and we chatted for almost an hour so I am managing to keep up social contacts while physically distancing. 

The first stage of the puzzle. The border is almost complete and all the pieces turned right way up.

Keeping Busy

  This month's RTO Executive meeting was to have been held today but, aside from not having anywhere to hold it, meetings are now banned. So, a phone conference was arranged for this morning. Despite the fact that I screwed up the entry code, it went off well. All items were shared and discussed, everyone got to give their report and, best of all, it was over in just under an hour. Usually it takes 2 - 2 1/2 hours to get through the whole agenda. Bonus!

    The current jigsaw puzzle is finished and a new one is waiting in the wings. It was part of the "care package" from the family. I will start it later today. I think it will be easier than this one. Watch for a daily report of its progress.

I found that there were two pieces missing. Hope they turn up the next time I vacuum!

Lots of detail which should make it easier but the picture is decidedly unhelpful.

   Here are the books I am currently reading. I haven't read Wilbur Smith for some time but this particular book of historical fiction is really holding my attention - fast moving, adventurous and a little bit racy!

I have just dipped into "The Kitchen House" and I think I will enjoy it - also historical fiction. It was also in the "care package" - my daughter and I have the same taste in books.

A Sign of the Times

   Quite a changed experience at the grocery store today - I had to go out to deposit a cheque so stopped by on my way home. First, there was a line up outside, one person out, one person in. I only had to wait about ten minutes and the sun was shining so I didn't mind. 

   The store was blissfully empty and I whizzed around and picked up everything I needed. I kept my gloves on and was careful to avoid other shoppers. At the checkout everyone stood well over a metre apart and there was a plexiglass screen between the customer and the cashier - quite rightly so. Only one spot for cash, they are encouraging everyone to use plastic, which I usually do anyway. The line at the cash checkout was very long. So, I think I managed to avoid picking up any germs.

   Still nice this afternoon so I had another long walk - lots of others doing the same but we all were careful to avoid getting too close. The next few days are forecast to be a bit miserable so I will be happy to stay indoors. Progress on the jigsaw puzzle but I am having to use the "try every piece" method which is very tedious!

Almost done!

   One other thing, I used the drive through ATM to deposit my cheque but it wouldn't work while I was wearing my gloves - had to touch the buttons with my bare fingers. Ughh!!

A Rude Awakening.

   This was what I awakened to yesterday morning. Thankfully it had all disappeared by the afternoon but it was a miserable, damp day. It is still March, after all.

New growth poking through the snow. Hope they survive!

   I am working on my hardest puzzle but should be able to finish ahead of my Easter deadline.

This was the easy part! Now for the tricky stuff, the ceiling.