WE’VE MADE SOME PROGRESS!

 I’m not a big fan of cold. Never have been. I  appreciate winter’s beauty and stillness but in truth I “endure” it more than “embrace” it. 

But for the past 9 years or so, I’ve supported a fundraiser that impacts across the nation, raising funds and awareness for homeless called “Coldest Night of the Year”. I suppose it strikes a chord with me that everyone, EVERYONE, should have a warm place to lay their heads at night. 

Back in 2015 I volunteered to stand out in the cold and wet snow, holding a sign that basically directed the sponsored walkers which way the route went. Here’s a pic from way back then:

Last year I got to drive my little Mini Cooper around like a pace car, ensuring the walkers were doing well and not in need of anything.

That was a pretty sweet gig!

A number of times including this year, I’ve helped with registration and managing money raised. 

Back in 2015, we raised a little over $20,000. This past year, close to $65,000 was raised! 

Not only has the amount of funds increased, but the awareness and support in our community has tripled as well. 

I’m not sure how many actually participated in the walk this year, but I do know we were very busy checking in the registrants! 

Since 2015, we now have an amazing homeless shelter called “Grace Inn” and a transitional home open with eyes of continued expansion and growth, supporting the homeless in our community. 

I know “Coldest Night of the Year” truly impacts and makes a difference. Way to go Quinte and thank you for getting behind this fundraiser! I can attest to the fact: We’ve made some progress!

PUTTER THE DAY AWAY

 

I’ve come to the conclusion a day of Puttering is a privilege, a gift. 

To Putter means to move around without hurrying and in a relaxed and pleasant way.

Puttering is not open to those with children underfoot! If they are young your moment to “relax” happens when they decide to nap. And usually your have a million things to do in the 2 hour nap window. So you had better hurry. If you have teenagers there are sports to get them to or a job to drop them off at or pick up. 

No Puttering is for the 55 and over group or for the 10-12 year-olds who refer to it as “I’m bored”. Little do they know the next opportunity to putter is when you are old and gray! 

I very happily puttered away this past weekend! Oh sure, I did a few necessities like vacuuming and mopping but mostly I moved from one moment to another in a relaxed and unhurried pace. No pressing agenda.

I went to the market and picked up fresh eggs and homemade raisin bread.

I stopped to pick up cat food and bought myself some flowers

I replenished the bird feeders and enjoyed watching them have their lunch!

And yes, I know that says Squirrel Buster but who are we kidding? They gotta eat too.

Saturday night we went for dinner with friends at Flame & Smith for a leisurely 6 course meal. And believe me, we puttered through it for over 2 hours!

From the seafood appetizer,

To the death by chocolate dessert

Tomorrow it is back to the office Monday - Friday and all the pressing details that go with it.

But Oh, to Putter the Day or even the Weekend Away!