Edible Mushrooms!  Covid has taught me to become more self sufficiant.. especially after a trip to the grocory store and noticing a lack' of certain items & noticing what I MISSED when I could not  run out for a few things.  I missed fresh mushrooms - we eat them often.
Lately, I feel so blessed it almost confuses me.  I think I'll go search for a trillium and there it was - off the driveway.  

I mentioned to Norm 'I want to find some edible mushrooms' - walked again, down my driveway and spied all these new mushrooms that had appeared, encouraged by 2 days of rain - I sent Storm a photo (former Foray director for the MST)  he replied:
Dryad's Saddle- Edible
OH MY! A basket full- right off my driveway!
Not 10 minutes later, sizzling in a pan with butter & were absolutely delicious! 
Google Dryad's Saddle - or Pheasant Back Mushroom on how to find, prepare & save for later, dried.  Now is the time to go looking!  The youtube I watched suggested the tastiest are no bigger than the palm of you hand - yes, tasty they are.
Food- provided by nature.  Amen.
I also put another intention out to the universe recently &  that DREAM too is coming true! It's a big deal (to me) - so I'll save it for another day!

It's a difficult time to feel blessed...  covid, death, cancelations & NOW images from the USA  are difficult to see &  KNOW, what they are dealing with - I GET it!  
When is it going to stop? IF this is what it takes - this is what it takes.
I get it and agree with the protesters... clearly, NO one is doing anything about black people being killed for NO REASON. George Floyd was murdered - tortured in front of many in broad daylight on the street- by police.  The two rednecks in Georgia- that killed the jogger 

Perhaps 'an eye for an eye'...    will be the only way people will start to SEE.

Tying to figure out how to address  feeling  anger & frustration & feeling blessed at the same time...  The solution for me is to try to paint,  paint and go out in my beautiful backyard to witness all Gods blessings & pray for better days.  
​Prayer changes things- believe it or not.

Good luck if your going to go out & hunt for some Dryad's Saddle, mines going in an omelette next!  I'm also slicing and drying for a later date. 
I'm making these mushroom art finds' & including maps on the back so next year I'll know where to look .. lol
 I don't think I'll forget that these grow right off my driveway.   Blessed.

With TLC & THC
​me

It's all in the details. 
Hard to believe I've almost been here one year... seeing this place come alive this spring has been stunning with the trees, mushrooms, birds- I've never seen- if anyone told me I'd be rusing out at 5 am to feed my woodpeckers, that crack me up with their  daily antics and funny noises -I'd of said... I WISH!    Wishes come true.

The deck is done - Norms part anyhow & now it's down to details.
There is a sunning/yoga bird watching area, a dining area with table & a chilling area to relax with a nice glass of kombucha, or cranberry & soda with a splash of cherry juice, my current prefered beverage. I can only open bottles with bottle openers fastend to walls due to arthritis so I bought 3 bottle openers for each area of the deck!  There's a store in Haliburton called Northern Expressions - they have the best selection of these metal hooks and openers.   It's also where we spied the metal 'bird tree' detail for the custom railing.
I'll be going back for more - the thing is.. I hate to tell you - they don't look like mine - I painted mine... of course. 

I'm going to paint some to sell, mostly because I like painting them!!  People notice the details...  I love it seeing people smile as things catch their eye.  The funny thing is with Covid times.. no one will be seeing my details until 2023.   I think we'll be o.k. by then. lol   
I forgot to mention our deck is VERY dog friendly, as is our home... I will encourage  humans to visit with their dogs.  I'm going to get Norm to install one of this faucets people have to fill pots - to fill the dog dish on the deck ;) (on his list! hahaha!) We also kept the 3 sofa cushions from our old sofa for the dogs, now on the deck covered in a lovely blanket & they  all lay there with us and face the driveway and watch the creatures... my dogs are in heaven as far as they are concerned, Eden at least.

Did you see the woman who called the cops on the bird watcher?
My thoughts on this
1. Cunt.
2. Take her dog from her - see how it's being strangled as she lies...
3. She should be charged,  although I've no doubts she is  paying for her actions on social media & should be.  GOOD.. I have no intentions of looking her up as I'm sure many did and expressed how they felt..  yes, I'm glad she was fired too.  This, was not a simple "mistake".
Black Americans are being shot jogging by fucking REDNECKS in Georgia (ALL ACROSS AMERICA - STILL - this is 2020 people!!)  and not even being arrested?
People like this bitch LIE - the cops could have come & shot him.  Obviously they don't need a fucking valid reason to shoot a black man. Worse, that stupid bitch could have  had some REDNECKS close who would have made a "citizens arrest" & shot him birdwatching - over her LIES. I'm going to find out his favourite bird and paint him  picture, send it to him & THANK him for educating us  and for  remaining calm during that horrible interaction.

June 9th - social gatherings only 5.
No CNE... no pools, no concerts, no sports events..  It's NOT all bad.
I am witnessing a surge of creativity online! Artists are getting better with each post! 
Locked in people have focused on their passions.  
I'm very excited for June 1st! My long time friend (since grade 5!) Carm - her son Mark has a Comedy Special on PRIME!  Wow - how wonderful! He's such a nice young man - I'm very happy for him, Carm & John & his sister Angela must ALL  be beaming!  Mark has always walked to his own beat and if you think that wasn't difficult at times - you are mistaken. I remember a few times Carm telling me teachers would discourage Mark, others tease him but thank GOD he is resilient! & HE WILL continue to SUCCEED because:

With LOVE you can not fail  and Mark has lots of love!
I'm watching!! Please do:

with TLC & THC
​Georgia

​Next my newest portrait- Rodney

Covid Surcharge - or tax... ?  Phhhhhhbt!
If I visit a business & they charge me a 'covid surcharge' or tax I will turn around & leave without my purchase.   Are you kidding me?  
Business owners better think twice.   Did I create this pandemic?
Am I responsible for making others sick or closing your business??      HELL NO.
I have been shopping (carefully with a mask) trying to support my community - take out from several places so everyone gets a bit..  yes WE are ALL in this together but if you think you are going to make me pay for 'it',  guess again.
To chage people extra because YOU are a business owner, lets face it therefore you must be  better off than MOST... if you own your own business..  am I wrong?  
WHY punish your CUSTOMERS who ARE ALSO infact, struggling.  
Nope. Don't do it!
Not only that.. actions will remember, long after covid is complete.

Will covid ever be complete? I WAS so proud of Canada until I saw photos for all the selfish
that decided it was a great day to hang out at a park in record numbers. I didn't see anyone over 50 in the photos.. perhaps the older are wiser.  Probably just more afraid of dying.

Covid-19 $$$ - have you applied? It appears there is money for all. I did not apply, I am grateful to God for all I have and know others need it more than I do.  I asked a friend tho if she's applied, I KNOW she needs the help as she is in a wheel chair. NO- the disabled are not being helped in covid times. NOT only that but she IS in a wheelchair (MUST be) and NOW, wheel trans says she can't bring anyone to help her get groceries!!!   What a fucking joke - she is wearing a mask, has to ride an elevator, can't get around or stay away from others 6 feet, like most of us.  YET, look at all those COVID IDIOTS in the park.  I have NO doubts many applied - got money and DON'T NEED IT.  She WHO NEEDS the help cant get fucking help!?  already living below the poverty line.  Now that YOU have read this  please mention it to someone.. it needs attention - OR we are NOT 'in this all together.' 
 
​Finally, a friend I've know about 2 decades on social media only  & become snail mail pals too, has had a battle with cancer like no other and she is a fucking warrior. Over the years I've watched this woman run marathons, LOVE her hubby -it made me jealous at times, work hard, support others who had cancer before she did, made gifts for many people including me, christmas ornaments.. she is so thought & kind a couple of years ago we decided to meet- I invited them to visit...    Recently, she did not go to the hospital due to cover fears  and now her cancer has reappeared -  I can't even.   :(
She's not doing well... so for all you - all over the world who want to hang out in a park  because your bored and don't give a fuck for others safety - YOU are slapping my friend who IS fighting for her life in the face and I am not happy about it.  FUCK COVID!!!  
And all of you who are behaving selfishly in these times.. do you understand how karma works?  

                                       Stupid is as stupid does. ` Forest Gump

We can't even bury our dead with more than five people. 
Pondering primates in mushroom cap caps are more intelligent that most of us.

Georgia

Sir canna cat.. not an original idea I admit- it was inspired buy vintage art I spied.
Yesterday, was a holiday in what seems like 2 motnsh of holidays & Mental health Monday' ...  for my mental health, I skipped a blog intentionally because I was having a beautiful day and didn't want to focus on anything but the day. 

I was thinking about a friends remarks 'she's Bi-Polar' and I thought FUCK that!  I do not like to see women/friends say such things... anyone for that matter.  I know many are feeling anxiety & depression MORE than ever & I pray they are learnging about psilocybin & cannabis before they introduce LIFE long medications into their bodies. Who isn't depressed at times lately?? Watch *Patriot Act on Netflix (most current episode) knowing what's happens in the USA is making me anxious - let alone Americans... I can't imagine how upset so many must be  with vultures waiting in the wings to kick them out of their homes.  YES, depressed - Bi Polar?   Hell no..  

I go from  singing "zippity doodah- zippity  day... to What the fuck!? Are you kidding me!!!? in a heart beat-  does this mean I am BIpolar? NO - it means I react to BULLSHIT and I am an expressive person - like yesterday, when Norm read:  'Rona Ambrose (former HEALTH minister of Canada)  is now working for an E cigarette comapny - - IF she isnt the biggest fucking hyprocrite - to think we Canadians let that bitch have anything to do with deciding on our health - she is a SELL OUT$$$$$$$$$  E cigarettes  $$$$  her priorities are very clear, I've no doubts she'll claim by working with them, she can control things.  LIES.
If you are foolish enough to believe them- that's your downfall.  IF we are foolish not to remember this sellout in the future - who knows where we'll be.. perhaps like our American neighbors. Struggling - ruled BY GREED.  

 So if my mood switching from  happy to pissed off in a second is considered "bipolar" by some bullshit I read/learn about -  phhhhhbt.  I'm grateful I'm not full of pills that are numbing and dumbing my life - BEEN there DONE that- and look where it got me.. TWITCH TWITCH. HOW do they help??  If more people learned HOW to express emotions - all they feel- safely - we might be better off instead of addicted to DRUGS - prescribed drugs. 
 
E cigarettes! Who isnt aware of the health damages of this growing concerne?  I'm sure she is... YET she made countless Canadians feel like worthless criminals over our cannabis cookies! What a fucking joke - and it's on us. I don't forget. We  have brains that allow us NOT to forget for a reason, protection.  History that is forgotten often repeats itself- LOOK at Slavery in the USA Todday.  All slaves to few- few who don't care about their health, homes, families - only sees it's humans as WORKERS - all expendable according to TRUMP. Still suffering & dying & struggling the most according to facts - Black Americans. History repeats itself.
WHY do we LET these "LEADERS" LIE &  continually screw us over?  I do not believe in one leader.  Thankfully we already have a FANTASTC representative for Canada.  I am proud of Canada & Covid.   Still I'm staying in- I don't think it's gone  and I feel to great to get it! Hee hee

Norms deck building! I fell through the deck, it was rotted and another deck was never finsihed- you stepped out your patio door onto rocks & dirt - Norms on it-  Weeeee I'm so excited I was already dancing on my new deck & he's adding a bench so I can sit & sketch my birds.. I woke up to this sunrise today! God shouting 'Good morning!'
I ran outside to take photos just so I could share with my son - NO filter- that sky was that stunning!!
How can one not see a miracle in that sky?
Another day - I've been blessed with,  wait until you see my super cheap but super fantastic bird bath! Time for me to get out  (Norms already out!) and finsih the Artsy'ist bird bath in the Haliburton Highlands! Just ask the bluejays.

with TLC & THC 
​Georgia 

     Truly my biggest struggle during this pandemic has been - not being able to see Storm.
I miss him  like I've never known, we all do... Daisy the most.  I've gone through stages, one week I could not face-time,  I'd start to cry.  Storm looked especially tired a few weeks back.  & it's heart breaking not to see him for so long.. no hugs.

 I woke like a BEAR the other day, roaring about something or other.. could'nt get the fire started, yelling at Norm for the raccons keeping me up, grumpy with the girls (gasp),  Maries mom passed,  Carms got extra work like crazy looking after her parents, wondering about my own,  could'nt get paint, no canvas  & then...  what seemed to be the final straw: The Canoe radio  100.9FM DJ   made  a wise crack about cannabis not being "an esential serivce"  & I LOST IT.  Yes, you know it... that DJ had a quick, BLUNT education on CANNABIS BEING a fucking esential service via text - several as a matter of fact.
Cannabis for those who forget is a MEDICINE FOR MANY.

We all know why the L.C.B.O is open. ADDICTION.  Alcoholics needing a fix - they won't dare close it- there would be riots. Cannabis he said was more of a 'comfort thing' in his mind. Arrrrrgh..  & really, not a very intelligent, 'current' remark to make. I have no doubts MANY in this community use cannabis.  It was simply judgemental, especially in an older community that could benifit from cannabis insteads of the chemical cocktails that far too many are on.  Anyhow, I love  Canoe (I listen all day, everyday) & ALL that I hear on the air, sound lovely so, I apologized for my 'abruptness' but not the remarks.  Come meet me I invited, see my twitich get a bit calmer with cannabis,  SEE my hands and feet and KNOW  it's all I use for pain- NO killer opiates here. Phhhbt.

NOT essential!? Don't tell me that, when I know Storms working day & night!!  
I can't visit, cook for him.. his dad can't drive down to pop in for a beer.. Arrrgh.
​He's not eating properly.  We miss him, he misses us & phone calls are not the same, sometimes he just bugs me & I hang up. lol  He's busy, frustraited, lonely, tired and others days he's better than fine, keeping busy (like us) and moving FORWARD. Pandemic or no... Time's not going to stand still.

I decided to paint my favorite photo taken at one of the grows he manages. It MADE ME happy spending the day with Storm (in only on canvas) - it worked! I was/am in a great mood! Giggling thinking of the many wonderful memories we have. The 3 of us. I'll hang it right by my desk.  Can you see my pride in the painting? hee hee   The 'white' seems harsh - but it was, BRIGHT with grow lights- LOTS.  There are several guys ALL working very hard (with Storm) to provide medicine & recreational relief.  With less help due to the pandemic they are working OVERtime and should be treated like others - respectfully - as all esential employees so the rest of us can stay home.  SERIOUSLY, thank your growers.

Thank you guys!!  I love you all (you know who you are) and appreciate ALL you do... all the time.  

Grocery clerks, gas station attendants, Radio Dj's, Garbage truck drivers - ALL keeping US, safe at home - while they MUST work.  Amen.  Thank YOU! 

Thank God for the internet... makes you feel more for all those moms during war time and only letters for communication.  If this pandemic doesnt have you appreciating almost EVERYTHING MORE - well.. I don't know what would.   17,000 deaths in Ontario, alone.
I had no idea, I've been trying to distract myself.  
​Depression & anxiety on the increase... the next pandemic.

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

What would Jesus do? 
He'd stay the fuck home!
Perhaps not, but he'd wear a mask and wash his hands because he would not want to spread the virus - killing many. Unlike the "faithful' that attended mass services in the USA..   wow. It should be interesting to 'see' how many who attended the service, infect others or die, according to police - we will.   I was not in a good mood for Easter, I'm sure I was not alone. 
We did nothing special.. we'll wait until we can celebrate with Storm again.  Norm did cook a chicken & I understand NOW I must write on the bird  "this side up" as he seems to think it should be cooked breast side down. lol  Not the first time.  

We're baking bread, today were making Pizza from scratch of course.  Scratch with clean hands. ;)  I DO have much to celebrate- I offered to sell some art & was able to make a donation to the local food bank for $1000!  Thank you to my friends who showed interest in my work.. in particular my friend Ezra, who purchased several. ;)  I'm  grateful  & yes it felt wonderful' to make a donation at this time when so many are struggling. 

I'll admit, I just wanted to stay in bed the other day and did nap extra long.  I think it's important to acknowledge feeling sad (understandably) and cutting ourselves some slack. 
If staying in bed made me 'feel better' than being grumpy & taking it out on others- (dogs, woodpeckers..) so be it. Time out.  
Then I eventually get up and say to myself:
GO PAINT! 
You have time, paint and passion... and portraits to catch up on!

I decided to paint a baby - a new addition to humanity.   The moment I saw the photo I was taken with the little being, I have called the painting: A little Ray of Sunshine.  Below is it in progress.   I hope to finish it today & start another portrait & paint my bedroom doors ..   Pandemic painting  turns out to be good for me.. how about you?

The planet is healthier during this pandemic... animals are exploring, mountains can be seen, air is cleaner, water clearer.    I painted Jesus to go with Mary. 

​We watched on YOUTUBE:  Out of shadows  
documentary.  I am disgusted yet hopeful that these sick FUCKS will be exposed as they are.. grateful to those who finally,  are showing courage to expose them.  It's only a matter of time before they will all be CAUGHT, exposed & shamed. GOOD.  Who's next?
Norm & I have been fighting for years about MOVIES that he watches & the trash that we have been exposed to - violence,  guns, murder, torture.. abuse against women in particular is rampant in movies,  all making us desensitized.  I was told about 'Pizza gate' a couple of years ago and was in shock thinking it must be a lie. Pizza gate is real & NOT acknowledging it will allow it to continue.   It touches on several topics, I strongly recommend you watch it & re think what you are watching.  WHO you are SUPPORTING.  Who's music are you buying? Encouraging?  Who's evil habits are you paying for? 

We no longer watch any CRAP coming out- it's all bullshit- brainwashing.
BE in control on your own mind- or someone else will.
Back to painting.   

With TLC & THC
Georgia 

Mother of God....  Wash your Fucking hands!  
This was my reaction after learning a retirement hospital/home near me has at least 12 deaths- maybe more now, due to Covid-19.  Letters have been sent to the families of the remaining residents- encouraging them NOT to consider using ventilation to save them, if need be.  I kinda get it. Still.  This is a whole new thing to wrap our minds around - age & being expendable.   For all those not worried  about it - you too will get older one day -so don't be a asshole.  People losing parents - all over & horribly - hurts.  I can't even imagine the pain famalies are feeling all around the world & can NOT even grieve  the loss of the loved one.  Pray for us sinners.  This painting looks fantastic - if I do say so, hanging in my bathroom.  All the reminding I need. 

This is just the start,  the number of deaths in Canada will climb much higher.  
When you learn about energy, mood and collective conscience - you understand the level of sorrow - like none this World has ever seen... the sooner we sort it out the better. For that reason alone, never monitary.

It will be back to normal' what ever that was.. my normal after all this is over will definately be somewhat NEW. How about you? I think I'll continue to wash my hands more and cook more - I know we all "feel" healthier.  As for Peace, it doesn't get much better for Peace - I am exactly where God wants me to be.   Thankfully.  
I am amazed, I am here, really.

Praying - more than usual.  I pray the Rosary.. thinking of several and  naming many in hopes they'll stay safe in this arduous times. It's all I can do - at least it's something.  & really IF Mary were here in these times- I doubt she'd be concerned with using the 'word' - WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS!
We must do what ever it takes to get the point across.
  
If that's all you are worried about than you seriously have not paid attention to what's happening outside & your probably one of the lingering still venturing outside so - STAY THE FUCK HOME - for what looks like a MONTH.  Or More.

I DO believe in the power of prayer... many do.  
"May is the new April!"  Yeeehaw.
The snow is melting here & the girls are wrestless. Soon we'll be out searching our property for mushrooms, looking for bear tracks, planting vegetables for deer not to eat...  painting and praying....  life goes on & so shall we.

Mother of God... pray for us. ALL.

​Georgia

Home sweet home.. where I am warm, flu free & keeping busy during these new times.
I had a headache yesterday - & tried to take a break - difficult to do when the world is under quarintine - more so when you realize many Canadins are not home... Canadians I know.

I learned of several a the day wenton- I know how worried I am as a mother (all of us) -worring about my own son, whom I told at the start of this- stock up! I't's going to be a pandemic - but he did not listen to his mother - what else is new... and left it till the last minute. That's frustraiting, so I can only imagine how my friend feels - her son stuck in California!   It was/is March break in Canada- so timing was not great- ACTUALLY -
had OUR Government ACTED SOONER - as they were aware of the problem in China..  many would not be stuck & scrambling now with inflated airline tickets and panicked airports full of such humans.  Once home- I hope people take the 2 weeks self quarantine seriously.

I know people who are currently ill,  sick  "it' just a cold - (I think) ..." they claim,  stay the fuck home - it's just a cold.  It's careless to  behave as such during currently times- I don't care "if it's just a cold - (self diagnosed) stay away.   What does it take for people to understand?  Don't go out and spread it around - it's that simple. 

What's not simple is stressing over $, food or illness...  someone complained they are getting grumpy with no cannabis- (already) and it's bothering his sciatica - wow. I KNOW people who can't afford food right now for two weeks quarantine, are worried about not making rent - since they can't work - let alone money for cannabis.   So if you are getting grumpy because you don't have cannabis - take a look around you, I bet there are people in unfortunate situations with much bigger concerns right now than bud.    

I hope I am wrong (really) about the thoughts I have of the direction this  is going..
8 weeks easy. Longer for schools and retirement homes. etc.. 
We are currently in week - one?  I take anti inflammatories, my wrist so sore as I type- I would not be able to paint  without & Italy is warning against them- stating they believe it makes the Corona Virus worse... what to do.. ask my wrists.  I need to paint.

I need to paint and keep busy & give my own brain a break today, no social media.
All I can do if think positive, pray for the safe return of all I know..  and Be here now- grateful for another opportunity  to hang out with my dogs - all so excited for another daily  quiet quarantine adventure!  

I love this community, talk about 'make you feel better'.. if you can't get out, are worried you can have your groceries delivered free by the Rotary club, people offering all sort of assistance.  You can still buy online from local business - I noticed a kombucha creator advertising -free local delivery!  I sent an IG message & had my kombucha delivered to my door! 6 pack-  the lovely young man Luc, removed the log in my driveway (I was going to meet him) he said it was very easy - yes, for him. lol    We greeted- "no shaking hands"   a
& I NOW have the best Kombucha I've ever tried! Really.  
It's all I drink (my wine in the evening)  and this orange turmeric is TERRIFIC!  If you like kombucha I highly recommend Luc's Brew , what a nice young man too!  I'm impressed with his  Brew, his attitude & business creativity.   

I am also a fan of Canoe Radio!  Boy oh boy do they have a difficult time - it's one thing to live this but to educate the masses as we go along... not an easy task. If you want to hear what my community is like with great music - listen to Canoe.

Be safe.
​oh, this kitty being created- today, on my instagram account.

What's the word of the day - Cancelled. GOOD.  Closed - BARS  - CLOSED AMEN.
What's it take- how many deaths.. ask Italy.
Yikes, I can't help but think - this is going to get way worse, in the USA in particular- before it gets better.  I had to unfollow a few on IG, I can't take the mentality - in particular, Americans who post  about others buying toilet paper - while they stock up on AMO to take the toilet paper - wow.  Holy cow- nothing like putting it out there  in early stages of the game.  It's no game tho.

What I think some  Americans don't realize - is Canadians own guns too... what do they think we do all day? Build igloos.  
Gun sales have hit record highs the past few days.  I am surrounded  by hunters - living here 9 months, seeing bear pooh in my yard, hearing wolves in my backyard,  it's easy to get lost on my property too - I found that out already (and I was'nt far) ... I understand it differently, now.  If I saw a coyote on our property, eyeing one of my girls... yes, I think I would shoot it.  I've been told they can be a problem and known to attack  dogs.  I was educated on that fact in California. 

  It's always good to be prepared as we are finding out...  I have toilet paper, stuff to bake bread & potatoes ;) I hear Toronto is like a ghost city. GOOD.  Times are going to get difficult but really -  some are already resorting to threaten to steal your toilet paper- at gun point... COME on PEOPLE is this how we behave?  This is a big test and when over, how will you have done, passed or failed? 
​
How about online shopping? The post office will be thriving in this. 
Today, I noticed a small business who has offered to deliver! Terrific!
Right to the end of my driveway, I'm excited. Talk about service. lol  
I choose to support them today & thank them for their creativity!
Is there any business you can help?  It might not solve all financial fears but it just might cheer someone up... I bet there are many who are feeling a little bluer than normal.
Have faith.  Be patient & learn a new hobby! Im painting anew timelapseto share tomorrow and trying to design a few kids printouts -for a free download to keep the kiddies amused. Kiddies of all ages ;D.

Ending on great news- SPRING is Friday- Maybe this snow will melt! hahaha  
Yesterday I saw my first ROBIN! Yeah!!!  I had worms waiting. Feed the birds.
BE safe, STAY in & WASH your hands.