October Recap

For most us October was a month full of so much fun and creativity with some inspiring blog hops to get ideas going for several quick gifts.

I was one of the stops on the From the Heart Blog Hop hosted by Carol of Just Let Me Quilt.

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I had a giveaway on my blog post for the followers who answered a question “what do you like to make for quick, little gifts” and did the draw by a random generator last night. Beth Talmage was the name/number drawn so Beth, please email me your contact info @ QuiltSchmilt@gmail.com so I can get your parcel of fabric in the mail! 😄. If I don’t hear back from Beth by Wednesday, I will have to draw another name.

I was busy doing some pattern testing for some quilty friends.

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Thanksgiving in Canada is in October. With the increasing numbers in Covid-19 cases I did not even consider travelling to Alberta to see family. Instead we stayed home and DH and I had a quiet day, he with his tv and me with my sewing machine and fabric. Much time was spent while sewing thinking of all the blessings I have in my life.

We celebrated my birthday with an al fresco dinner on an outdoor deck (the lemon square was so yummy!), telephone calls, and on line visits with kids, grands and great grands. Isn’t it great that we have such amazing communication methods available during this Pandemic?

I was able to do my part working at a polling station for the Provincial Election here in British Columbia. The count is still ongoing for the advance and mail in ballots but the voting results are not expected to make a difference.

While I was working at the Advance Polls, we had some anxious moments. Our Federal Government is actually a Minority Government and there was going to be a non confidence vote in the House. We were fortunate that things were resolved because none of us working at the polls would be ready to put in 14 hour days in 2 or 3 weeks after our Provincial Elections were done. The reality is that there is a possibility of this occurring again at any time. Now that we have our Provincial election over and we have had some time to rest all of my election worker friends are prepared to do their duty again.

My Country has had a difficult month with violent conflict between the commercial fishermen and the native fishermen in Nova Scotia resulting in the death of a person in a suspected arson, a religious fanatic murdering people peacefully attending church, increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases resulting in over 10,000 deaths, and the increased numbers of people who are QANON conspiracy theorist believers and anti maskers. I have stopped reading anything on Facebook (I usually enjoy viewing my kids and grandkids pages for photos of the littles) because even the most innocent post can result in vitriolic hateful comments.

I had thought that All Hallows’ Eve would bring the month to an end with some fun. People were being so creative to find ways for the littles to have some trick or treating fun safely or inventing fun, safe alternatives with their family bubbles.

Instead a 24 year old man left Montreal and went to Quebec City, dressed in a medieval costume, carrying a sword and proceeded to attack random people. It has resulted in several deaths and injuries to people who were out having some Halloween fun. My heart is hurting that this young man was so confused and capable of perpetrating this kind of violence on people he didn’t know.

When I got up this morning (yes, I did remember the time change 😉) at 6:00 my DH had already turned the tv on to our Canadian news station CBC and I was looking forward to seeing cute videos of littles in their costumes. Instead the news coverage was a panel evaluating the effects the America election will have on our country. They discussed the various scenarios; Vice President Biden having a clear win, Trump having a clear win, and a result on Tuesday evening that is too close to call. It will have an impact even on us when our neighbours to the south have to deal with it all. Then the reporters reported on all of the stores and businesses boarding up their windows, the National Guard and police departments being prepared for the possibility of violence, voter intimidation, and the resulting chaos and harm to the citizens of America. We should not be seeing this! The United States of America has always been a leader in world matters. It was united when crisis’s occurred. Previous administrations had preparedness plans for any event; pandemic, economic disasters, global warming, support for their allies in threat situations. All gone by the wayside with this administration. I am having anxiety to see what Tuesday will bring and am saying a prayer that my American family and friends will be safe and unharmed through the coming weeks. I’m praying that both of our countries will be able to see things through with no more harm to any of our citizens.

My November, the second to last month in the year of insanity, creativity, productivity and new ways of communicating with our loved ones is a month where I’m planning on being more positive and hopeful. 🙏🏻

I have several quilting projects on the go, some commissions to fulfill, another blog hop project to plan and some pattern testing projects to finish! Then there is the pile of flimsies on the To Be Quilted pile that just might see some progress if I get delivery of my longarm. There are good things happening so we do need positivity in our lives. As a dear friend, Roseanne said “this too shall pass”.

In the meantime, I’m sharing an upcoming event for you so you can have something to look forward to 😉

What are your plans for November? How did your October pass? Are you taking the time if you are American, to plan how to safely have a Thanksgiving dinner within your bubble?

I do appreciate your visits! Thank you for stopping by. 😉 Carol