Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Birthday!

The Ridge

Sunday, Oct. 13^th is cause for celebration for a few reasons. First off, the reason for the holiday, because it is the oldest. The first Canadian Thanksgiving reportedly hosted (thanks Google) was in 1578 by Martin Frobisher in Newfoundland. Canada began celebrating it officially since Nov. 6, 1879. So, that being said, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! 😊

Good morning!
It was still dark when I pulled out of the lane
for work.

Secondly, we have 3 grandchildren born on this day. Carter and Zach, are celebrating their 18^th birthday and Olivia is celebrating her 15^th. So, Happy Birthday to those young’uns! ♥♥♥

Happy Birthday Zach and Carter

Happy Birthday, Olivia

Bill and I were up fairly early, he and Gibbs by 5:30 (!!!) and me just after 6:30. We sorted laundry and I was on my way into town by 7:00. It was my last cleaning and our last laundry day here in Durham and I wanted to be sure to leave the place spotless. Well, I try to do that each time but the floors don’t always get washed, today they did. 😊

I'm still loving the colours, while they last.

I stopped at the bank on the way in, and deposited some cash and on the way home, I stopped at Rethreads to drop off the Lost and Found clothes I washed on Friday. I was home by 9:15 and Bill had peeled and cut up 5 lbs. of potatoes and 3 lbs. of carrots for me. What a sweetheart! I was taking both to our dinner this afternoon. With laundry put away, I began preparing the food. Madame IP did a fabulous speedy job on both and everything was ready by 11:30.

Already, coming through the bush on Baptist Church Road,
the leaves are fading.

We drove to Donna and Gerry’s and they drove us to White Church to my other sister, Gayle’s, home for the gathering. That saved us a bit of fuel in Black Beauty so we appreciated their offer. 😊 We left the Ridge, leaving Gibbs in charge here, at 12 noon and drove to Hanover.

Returning home from cleaning,
our gate looks naked without the 
signage, flowers and flags.

Our drive was a bit mixed up but it was lovely country views all the way. How can it not be with the clouds breaking up, revealing blue skies and beautiful fall colours? We arrived shortly after 1:30 and the house was all-abustle. Bridgette, Chris, Patrick and Tina arrived within 20 minutes and Gayle counted ‘about’ 30 guests. Wow!

All gathered for grace before eating
and Gayle and John's 'welcome'. 💓

Most of the prepared dishes fit on the island
The rest was on the counter and stove.

Their ‘new to them’ home is not as big as Chatsworth but it accommodated everyone just fine. It was a beautiful day which helped for 7 of us to spread to the outdoors to eat the potluck meal. 

When the sun was out, it was warm enough to
eat outside.
Lots of food choices, many here on my plate!

It was a great afternoon, lots of food to choose from, my plate was too full. I never learn but it was delicious and I ate it all plus cheesecake, a square and cookie! ♥ More time was spent with family and I was most pleased to be able to spend time with my daughter, her hubby and my son.

Both Bill Bush's (yes, you read that right) lit the fire
and the heat was welcome by later afternoon.
3rd from the left, Patrick is standing.
5th from left, Chris is standing, sister Wendy and Bridgette.
The rest are nieces and extended inlaws. ♥

We were on our way home around 5 and returned to Gibbs before 6. No supper was needed but Bill and Gibbs had a munchie later. We watched The Floor together and at 9, I was in bed! Surprisingly, I dropped off quickly. 

See everyone in the spring!
They have room in their laneway for their 40' Montana.

The clouds returned by the time we 
were on our way home.

We had a full day, full to the brim of good things. I’m feeling great that my cleaning is finished for the year and just one more run into town for M on Tuesday.

The colours here are awesome!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends and family! We reached a pleasant 13C/56F and we will be dropping to much lower for the next 3 days. Time to move!

Thank you to everyone else for coming along with us today. Your comments are always welcome.