Rather Unpleasant Day

    I had my annual checkup at the dermatologist booked for yesterday, and to have her remove a skin tag from my neck which has been annoying me for some time. However, one look at me and she went to grab her vapourizer (not sure what it is called but she uses it to blast incipient problem areas) and set about zapping me.

   Unfortunately she also found a couple of more serious spots and had the nurse take biopsies to send for testing. It's likely basal cell carcinomas which I've had in the past but, hopefully they have been caught early for quick treatment. I will know more once the results come back from the lab.

   So, now I look like a wounded warrior with red areas which will fade quickly, and a couple of band aids on the places that were scraped for the biopsies. The skin tag removal was deemed cosmetic so wasn't covered by OHIP but I was happy to pay the fee to have it gone. 

   Tonight I have treated myself to a take-out dinner - dim sum and sushi from the local Chinese grocery store. We have several in our area but this one has a very tasty hot table and items are marked down at the end of the day. A win-win for both the store and the customers!

Shovelling

     Several inches of snow overnight and I hadn't plugged in my snowblower battery so I was out early, shovel in hand. 

   It was quite easy work and I had half the driveway cleared before I left for my day at the Seniors' Centre. Surprisingly quiet there today due partly because it is the Chinese New Year today but also because the more cautious were staying home until the roads and sidewalks were safely cleared. I didn't have any trouble on the roads and my side street had been cleared by the time I got home.

   Another half an hour of shovelling got the whole driveway clear but by then the wind was picking up and, combined with a drop in temperature, made it a bit of a struggle. It's currently -8C but with the wind chill it feels more like -18C. I was very glad to come back inside to warm up. Tomorrow should be an easier day.

   

Starting a New Regime

    Went grocery shopping this morning after my Fitness class (Stretch and Strength, and, boy, did Alison stretch us out, we were gasping by the time we finished). I visited the bulk food store first to stock up on various items then a quick whip around the grocery store for fresh things and a few staples. I'm sure I was in and out in 20 minutes even though the store was quite a bit busier than my usual early morning shop. I will be back to my normal routine next week.

    That was pretty much it for today although I baked caramel bars this afternoon to use up the rest of the chocolate chips. The bars are now in the freezer away from temptation and all the chocolate in the house is used up. Let the resolutions begin!

Testing my Resolutions

   Minus 17C again this morning but it is set to rise from now on to the end of the week, thank goodness! I usually go out early for my grocery top up on Wednesday - mostly fresh fruit and veg - but decided to postpone the trip until later in the week as I still have plenty to keep me going. 

   I am finally using up the last of the holiday supplies and liquor as I plan to go "dry" for Lent. Tonight's dinner will be a smoked salmon and goat cheese salad and tomorrow I will return all the empties accumulated over the holidays. I had the last of a bottle of sherry for my pre-prandial snack today and all the wine is gone. I'm also going to go chocolate-free until Easter. That may be the hardest thing to do! I may get into the baking chocolate at some point to satisfy my craving for some dark chocolate.

   Yesterday was our monthly retired teachers' lunch and, although it was lovely to meet up with friends and share news, the meal was rather uninspiring. A nice enough salad and a very yummy Tiramisu for dessert,  but the main course Lasagna was very mediocre - just pasta and a bit of tomato sauce, not much meat and no cheese which are essential for a proper lasagna. A lot of complaints so we may have to look for an alternative location. Good spots that can accommodate 75 to 80 people are hard to find in our part of the city.

   That's it for today. Stay safe and warm wherever you are!