A Pretty Quiet Day, Checking on the Ridge and Christmas?

Paisley, On

On Saturday, Nov. 21^st we were both awake and up by 7. We brought our coffee upstairs and from what Wes told Bill last night, today was going to be focused on getting their Christmas decorations up. We finished our drinks and some toast and then took a drive to Durham around 9:30. Bill wanted to check on the Ridge and while there torque the new snow tires on Ptooties.

Bill drove a different route today for a change

The sky experienced a lot of changes
but only in the depth and darkness of the heavy clouds

Driving on Concession 8 - West Grey BentinckTownship
we drove past our Snelgrove 'home' outside Elmwood
Mom always called it 'Dunc's' as we rented it from Duncan McAllum

The sky was cloud-filled, the kind of clouds that could produce anything. Everything looked inside the gate and Bill checked the tires while I walked around and did what I enjoy doing. Took pictures. We met down at the Hangar and went through the drawers on the tool boxes Bill bought from Mitch before we moved. He got a lot of good things and some things he’ll never use so should be able to sell.

It was snowing lightly when we arrived to open the gate

Things at the front looked good

When we left there, we considered dropping by to see Mitch but he wasn’t around so we carried on into town. Fueling up at the Pioneer and using our Journie points first, then we swung down Rob and Pat’s one-way street to see if they were home. Rob was but Pat was out with their car. Darn. We chatted in the lane with Rob for a few minutes before heading on home. It was a different route to and from this time and I enjoyed seeing different scenery.

You had to know there would be pictures
See the tall grasses with a bit of snow cap

My garden, already I'm anxious to see how well my plantings
will be in the spring

The winds got hold on the wheelbarrow and our sawdust bucket
Luckily, the lid remained intact
We use it in the outhouse for odour diminishing
and lime powder break down solids

My sister, Gayle, was wondering last night about my driving to Durham 2 hours for an hour job. Did it make sense? I felt confident that I was doing it for more than one reason but when you are questioned about something, it plays on you. I started wondering if it was a silly thing to do. Bill and I chatted about it this morning and he fully supports what ever I want to do.

from up on my garden hill
Goose the spruce looks healthy

I would think that a deer tried to cross here but the log was so lightweight
I'm sure the wind was the culprit here too

Bill torquing and they really didn't need it

Right now, I’m still ahead of the game because of the low fuel mileage on our SUV. I won’t be able to do it for much longer and it does give me something to do every other day for a few hours. Plus, I’m feeling that I accomplish things outside of the house. I also think I am helping Jamie at the same time; I hope. No, I’m sure of that. Without having to go anywhere else to do our food shopping, I’m keeping on top of groceries at the same time. 😊

The blue spruce trees are only 4 or 5 years old

Things would maybe be different if we were in our own place, like she is, although it sounds like she is concerned what she and John will find to keep them occupied over the winter. We are all such snowbirds now; this challenge is new to us. I think There, I’ve just justified my reasoning and with Bill behind me, will continue going to Durham as often as I can up until Christmas. So, back home, we both felt tired out for some reason. Bill stretched out and I delved into this book. I’m enjoying it, I like Sue Grafton’s style of writing.

Bill got this eagle from Mom (& Lloyd's) collections

And it has a place of honour with his Dad's sail boat
and Aunt Mary's train clock in his Hangar

At one point, I went down to make a coffee and brought up the last 2 brownies. Our mid-afternoon snack. LOL I was walking into a Christmas wonderland down there. Wes and Susan had been busy as little elves all morning, placing their many delights in the lower rooms and up the stairs. 😊 You can tell they get enjoyment out of it and it is just too bad that the pandemic has spoiled the chances of welcoming ‘little ones’ into the home.

I tried to light a fire but wasn't having much success

Bill had no trouble though

A periwinkle hangs on, refusing to accept the change in seasons
I had to alter the filter in order for it to stand out against the mulch

The afternoon passed at a nice easy pace and I was galloping through my book, hooked in the saddle. For supper, it was the last of the leftover chili and we both enjoyed it with a piece of toast. I had rye bread which I enjoy better and believe it is better than whole wheat or white. After dishes, I got comfortable on the bed with my book and Bill went to the theatre room to watch two Hallmark movies with Wes and Susan.

You'll be familiar with these views of the pond

The #1 campsite on the Ridge waits for our return

Looking out to the road

A small patch of snow in the front field

The turtle log, empty, waiting for a long winter to pass

At 10, I turned the last page of Sue’s book and out went the light. Good story and a quick read. I have the next one too, which is called ‘H is for Homicide’ so will carry on tomorrow. I was in a semi-sleep state when I heard the door creak, we have to oil our bedroom and bathroom doors! And felt my night owl crawl into bed behind me. “Night night, sweetie”.

Chili looking very festive
and tasting wonderful!
good night!

Thank you for popping around!