Beaver:
Since I obtained the new modem, I have rarely been able to use it here. The old one could be put up in a window to catch a signal but this plugs into the computer. Useful in Montreal but not here! I am seeking a new system and a friend suggested a local company which tells me that in a few months there might be service on my road. Very local! When I asked where they were located, I had just driven past it on the way to and fro mechanic. She told me she also goes to Pete! (about 6 minutes away.) I have been taking vehicles to Pete for 32 years, but not the years I lived away. I missed him then.

Happy to come home to a warm bathroom - where all the pipes are warmed by a small electric heater. When it was SO cold, I asked a neighbour to check- just in case. If the pipes broke, the pump would spew water until it burned out! So, Sue happily informed me that all was well!! However, the door to the studio had blown open due to heavy winds. All the plants and clay... Oh well.

Car did not wake up on Saturday after minus 26 C night. Neighbour Larry came to rescue but could not start it; But he did leave it to charge from his car for about 15 min while we had a cup of tea. He doubted it would help and went home. After a bit, I went out to close the hood. He had disconnected one of the terminals. So, I put it back on with a "why not give it a try" attitude and -it started right off. I was able to do errands after leaving a second voice mail to friends canceling the first one - a request to send out an email to the group to try for a ride to a Celebration of Life on Sunday! I got through the next few days, and am still, doing errands then disconnecting overnight. The mechanic thinks he fixed it but the nature of electrical problems has me still disconnecting so I can get running the next day. The day Larry charged it, we found their were small lights on even when the key was not in the ignition!

I emailed #2 son a request for a phone consult re my concern that this car may be reaching the end. I could have made payments on a new one for several months for what I have spent on it the last three. Well, having written that - maybe that is not too bad, if this run of repairs does not continue.

I came back to Beaver on 9th after having to wait out snow storms in Montreal. SO glad to be back: warm house, friends, fresh air and the exercise of bringing in the fire wood. The latter is wonderful exercise and I really detest "made up exercise". I also clear snow off back deck almost daily. There was quite a bit when I arrived; wonderful neighbour had cleared driveway! Then we had rain which uncluttered a great deal, but not all. But two above freezing days were welcome. Each one is a gift. I am hoping the next couple - on the weekend- will warm the studio enough for me to feel inclined to pot, which I have not done since early October.

Trying to get back to a modified Keto diet. A friend lost 25 pounds with NO wheat, dairy or sugar! What a challenge! She looks terrific. I have trouble with the no dairy but I am beginning to see that cheese causes me to cough; of course, it builds up mucous and my throat is constantly tickled into coughing.

Being here has many advantages. The nature of the uncluttered house, in which I can stay organized while keeping warm; the uplifting views, the sense of being home, the freedom to run to town (4-5 minutes, going into shops where I know staff and they know me. This is a generally friendly community where folks smile and greet each other even if they do not know who!

I finally gave up and took the computer to the library on Tuesday and shall do so again, maybe tomorrow. The air made me cough but I put on my mask and stopped. I love to go out on the back deck and just breathe in the wonderful air.

I am still lobbying gently for a better house in Quebec so I can spend more time with R. He has eaten up the food I left for him. I do not intend to go back there until the weather warms. He is not home much but it has been about 48F in the house. No fun getting up in the morning!

I have still not gotten into sewing. Waiting for .... I hope to surprise myself by just starting. I did not have to put Christmas things away because we never got them out! R was so tired we did almost nothing.

So, while I have finally managed to get in here: This am I managed to do the ironing for the last ten years, more or less. Not a lot but finally done and put away! Came to A Place for the Arts to use my modem. warm and friendly. Just about freezing today. Wonder what tomorrow will be!