A Joke or Christmas?

The Ridge

On Monday, April 7th there was nothing going on and that felt great. Of course, we would get outside and do what we could and I would tidy up inside. 

Good morning!
These are last night's pictures.
Top right: reflections behind Bill's
Hangar are in laying water in the fields.

The sky was clear, and although I missed the sunrise, it looked like it might be a decent day.  Until we checked the forecast, that is. Rain, snow mix by early afternoon. Yeuch! No surprise though, we knew that before we left Ohio.

Gibbs still loves to look outside
Whatever is he thinking?

I wanted to vacuum but Bill suggested waiting until we were done with the 'in/out' business over the next few days. He didn't want to have to remove shoes, methinks, so I agreed and just used my Norwex mop today. 👍The floors were driving me nuts.

Mother Goose has a nest
Lots of water everywhere

We all went outside for a while and I picked up some downed branches as Bill puttered, straightening things up in and around the Hangar. No point in bringing stuff out of the Bunky yet, with snow on the way, but he did pull our firepit out. We often have sticks, cardboard and junk mail to burn. 

My garden is ready for some sunshine
Along the fence line it's nice to see the
plants showing some life.

After lunch, golden mushroom soup and toast, Bill and Gibbs went upstairs for a snooze. We chatted with Marilynne to let her know we are home and yesterday had a nice call from daughter #3, Krystal to catch up. 💕

Is someone happy?

I needed to do something so drug out my paper quilling and started creating.  I'm not great at coming up with ideas but I just let it go wild, starting with making a tree from my kit. Well, not much wildness, but I had fun just puttering away for a couple of hours. I did finish a pair of earrings that broke after a class last winter. 🤗

A family outing.

There's the Suite up there on the hill.
Across the fence into the neighbour's front
field, it is a lake. Yeuch!

My afternoon - I quilled a lot

Gerry showed up around 5 with our mail from the winter. He and Donna collect it for us and he was in the area. Thanks Gerry! At 1:30, things turned white outside. Crap! It WAS a lovely start to the day at least!

Pictures from around the property.
Goose the Spruce in the bottom left corner.
Huge and healthy.

Gibbs didn't waste time outside today, doing his business, a nose poke in the snow and back inside. What is that, Mom? 🤣  For supper, we went simple, since we won't be doing any shopping until Friday. Toasted bacon, cheese and tomato sandwiches. Yum!

Tasty and it filled us. Bill had
2, cleaned up the tomato.

Our programs are on tonight so NCIS and NCIS:Origins will keep our attention until my bedtime at least. We are toasty warm in here with two heaters going. Some propane and some electricity being used. It's working. We called our insurance company to reinstate Ptooties and called Murray to have her out and ready for pickup from storage on Friday.  The bad weather should be done by them. 🤞🤞

No words.
Well, maybe a few
HURRY UP AND GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM!
good night!

It was a great morning and a fine afternoon in the comfort of our own home. It says we reached 5C/40F this afternoon but I'm sure it was colder than that with the winds. A low of -9C/15F tonight so we'll be cuddling up. 💕

Thank you for popping by!

Good to be Home

The Ridge

On Sunday, April 6th, even though I looked at the clock at 6:30, I didn't drag my lazy butt out of bed until 7. It was dark downstairs so I knew Bill wasn't bustling around to get ready yet either. I dressed warm. Long johns were the order of my day. 

Good morning!
Just leaving CanAm
and heading down Highbury Ave.

It was a cold 0C/32F day in London so on the Ridge it would be windier and colder. Bill didn't unhook yesterday when we arrived so it was quick to put the Starlink satellite away, pull slides in and go after finishing breakfast. 

It is a pretty drive.
Homesteads and farms are
clear of snow after the winter's
dumpings.
It is looking like spring.

It was 8:40 when we left an empty lot at CanAm. Our first plan was to stop down the highway at a Flying J Truck Stop to get our travel unit weighed. Bill can fill everyone in on those details when he writes his next blog post. 😉

Coming into Durham

There was a sky filled with a mixture of sun and clouds. The drive was smooth, very little traffic, as we drove by familiar sights and past towns where friends and family live. Soon enough, 3 hrs later, we arrived in Durham.  Of course, I missed the sign! Yup, the town looks the same. ☺️

Snow along the roadside
Baptist Church Road - bottom right
Top - North Line

We turned into The Ridge laneway, Bill opened the gate and we drove up the 200 yds. to the top. One swing around and Gibbs and I got out to assist him in backing up to our stoop. He didn't need much help as he backed in like a pro the first time and we unhooked. How does he do that? 💕

Home sweet Home

We set a few things up and then had sandwiches for lunch. What a lovely day! The sun is out in a clear blue sky. There are very few white puffy clouds on the horizon and the sun is warming us up. Gibbs was ecstatic, as Donna said, and ran around FREE like a little nut. He was fun to watch and didn't waste time running to the small snow patches on the berm. For the rest of the day, he wanted out, in, out etc. and followed whichever one of us was out. 🐶

Looks like we've never left!

Bill got a lot done outside, recycling bins in place, hydro cord connected, the infrared heater brought up from the Hangar and so on. I focused on the inside, 'unlocking ' cupboards and straightening any messes. The fridge, even with extension bars, seems to be a surprise each time. There are a couple of things to repair but no major fixes. Thank God for that. I called Pat, in town, to see if the offer to get water for our tank was still open and she graciously said yes. 🥰

Someone is happy to be free
Bottom pix shows the swing we do at the top.

When we are looking at freezing in the forecast, Gerry doesn't turn the pump on at the Acreage, understandably so, until all threats are past. That is our water source during out time here. Pat and Rob always accommodated us in this request and we really appreciate it. 

I wonder why he's so tired?
💕💕

Bill went to fill our water bladder but because I didn't think Pat was home, I stayed here. Darn!! It won't be long and we'll get in there for a real visit and hugs. 💓 With lots done out and in, we came in to call it a day.  

The geese have mated and I'm sure
there are nests in the works

Checking the freezer, we resolved that it would be fish and chips again for supper. Choices are at a minimum right now until we shop. Bill went up with Gibbs to watch a movie (& snooze) and I made a tea and read a bit, trying to keep my eyes open. Lol. I guess it was the tea that kept me awake and a bit of the interesting story. 

Our heater on the left and
we are looking like home, on the right.
My two kalanchoe plants came across the
border with us. Tucked in a safe secret spot.
Sssh.

So, we started supper before 6 and finished it and clean up by 6:30. It was all very good, including the last of the fresh strawberries with cream.

There is a lot of bell ringing going on.
He just wants to sit on the step. No worries,
we keep an eye on him out there.
remembering, I'm sure.

Supper was good.
I have to get the squash eaten up
over the next few days.

The evening will be quiet in the Suite, cuddled up nice and warm. We are very happy to be home, to see this view across the pond and around the Ridge that we love. We have a few very cold days in our forecast so will take each day as it comes and see how much we get done outdoors. It was a good day. We reached a high of 3C/37F this afternoon under sunny skies. 

First sunset on the Ridge

Good night!

Thank you for your visit. Your comments are welcome.

Back in Ontario, Last Stopover

Can Am RV

It was at 6:15, after a wonderful sleep that I woke on Saturday, April 5th. It was a wet, dreary but mild morning. With no wind, the 45F/7C didn't feel bad at all. Our bodies are slowly becoming acclimated. 😉

Bill took Gibbs out at that time and I was so snug and warm that I rolled over and went back into dreamland until 7. What a dream filled morning it was! All pleasant though, as far as I remember! We wasted no time and we're heading out of the KOA at 8:20.

Good morning!
This is what our evening looked like
last night.

Through Stony Ridge we got back on I-75S and I-475N towards Ann Arbor and eventually Flint, MI. Bill filled Black Beauty in town using another Mudflap savings of .72 off at TA. We paid  $3.23/ gal, great price but we know that is soon to change. 🫣

A dull morning as we packed up.

Once we got onto US23E, we knew exactly when we were in Michigan. We missed the sign but the roads were patchwork and rough for the first 10 miles. It soon changed and we got on I-69E, making a huge difference. They have been working on this highway since Covid year. 

Rain rain go away

The rest of our travel day was mostly dry and the big surprise is that there was no wind! We made a stop on Lapeer Ave in Port Huron so Bill could pick up a parcel.  His radio transmitter for planes was repaired and sent there.  We were near the Canadian border and found ourselves 3rd in line. 

Bill picked up his transmitter at
this shipping depot in Port Huron.

A very friendly agent asked about AZ's weather and after a couple more inquiries, waved us through within 2 minutes. Gibbs made one small bark and then stopped on command. Do we have the same puppy? ❤️ Good boy!

In Ontario, I gave a shout out on FB and drove towards London through some fog, light rain and typical Ontario weather.  We ate our lunch on the road, catching the 402 from Sarnia. We arrived at Can Am at 1:30 and Andy gave us the go ahead to back into a spot with hydro/electric hookup. 

No line ups at all.
Such a smooth crossing.

It was pretty miserable out with cold rain off and on. Maybe we're not so acclimated after all! Bill talked to Andy about an issue, was it related to our tire pressures, and we decided to keep an over the summer and go from there. Now the itch is on to get home. Cold or not. 

I made a tea and we connected with a former co-worker, who had showed an interest in popping by to see us while here.  Cool! I ran the furnace to get warmed through and then we turned the Blue Flame heater on. I tidied up my notes from BB.

Back on home turf.

While on route, I jot down fuel and rest stops but over the years, I've gotten t negligent in putting what years! Duh. Bill helped straighten ME out (someone has to!) and we relaxed until supper. I heated up the leftover hamburger pasta and prepared (haha) a salad. 

We cleaned up the leftovers tonight.

Casey arrived just after 7:30 with coffee and donuts in hand. Oh, and a smile on his face. It has been a lot of years since we've seen each other. We used to work at the school board together (apart but still together) and shared the fun hobby of riding our Honda Goldwings together too. We had a wonderful catchup visit, it was fun seeing how many people we could remember, most of whom have retired since we left in 2016. Casey is still on 'board' but retirement plans are 'afoot'. Great to see you Casey! Gibbs loves you! 💗🐶

Posing for a picture, of course!

That was it for our day. It is always amazing to feel the relief when we set out wheels back on Canadian soil. It dropped to a typical 0C/32F overnight. Brrrr!

Parked for the night.
Thanks Andy.
Good night!

Thank you for following along on our journey this winter. We'll be at The Ridge in the morning. 

Bill's RC Expo, Quiet Day in the Park

Stony Ridge KOA, Toledo East

On Friday, Apr. 4th when I woke up, it was after 6:30. I hadn't heard a peep before that which was no surprise. I was in bed at 10 and dropped off really quickly. I woke at 11:30 when I heard Bill coming to bed and listened to him as he found sleep. Huh! I was awake then until after 1, tossing and turning. Geesh, I hate that! As I moved, Gibbs moved as well and made sure he was touching me after each turn. 💘

Good morning.
Top picture was from last night out our
back window.

Bill had a date this morning, our reason for coming here, and was busy getting ready. He left the Suite and the park around 7:30. Today and tomorrow is the RC Expo in Toledo and he was keen to go this morning for a couple of hours and see what he could, and pick up anything he needed. Gibbs and I enjoyed our time home. 

Gibbs and I went for our walk
this morning.
Starting out nice and sunny.
That's us with the arrow.

I showered and then we walked around the park. It was chilly enough, 44F/6C, but I was prepared and wore the outer layers that I started out wearing in Quartzsite in the fall. 🙄

Here is today's Spring picture

Back at home, I decided to pull out my paper quilling materials and pass the time in that manner. I had a plan of what I wanted to make and set about doing that. No divulging though, it's a secret. 

Top: I like the raised tent sites
Some pretty wet spots with more
rain on the way.

A lot of campers have left today
but more came in this afternoon.

Bill was home for lunch and after pancakes, we put together our claim lists for border crossing and discussed what we're going to do. Go home early or stay until the cold snap has passed? We'll figure it out and you'll know when we know! 

Yummy, I didn't bother making the
keto pancakes for me but we did
finish a bottle of maple syrup.

We missed Survivor latest episode on Wednesday so we sat and caught up on that. Darn! Not our choice of person was sent home but maybe next time. Our hearts are always in our throats, nervous as if we were there! Good grief, that is hilarious! 

You may not know what this is
but Gibbs knew it needed to be chased.
It's a stray kitty cat, it seems.
Friendly little fluff ball.

For supper, I cooked 2 pork chops, the last of our potatoes which are turning, and a vegetable for each of us. It was a good meal, didn't take long and we were cleaned up by 6:30. 

Bill called me outside while supper
was cooking.
Of course, it was plane related! 😁

Today reached 51F/11C and was overcast from mid morning to day's end. Rain was/is in the forecast but other than a few spits at 5:30, it hasn't reached us yet. Overnight and tomorrow will be wet, methinks. 😏 Tomorrow we will pull up stakes here and move on. It has been a pretty good day and we are ready. 

Prayers go out to those back home who are still experiencing power outages, this is day 6, and as well to our American friends (even those we haven't met yet) with what they are enduring with tornado and storm damages. We all have weather troubles at different times in different forms. Be safe!

supper was good.
Good night!

Thank you for stopping by today. 

Calmer and Closer to Home

Stony Ridge KOA, Perrysburg, OH

On Thursday, April 4th we woke up after 7. Not surprising after our late night or early morning.  😁We felt gratitude this morning, blessed that we were safe and thankful for the prayers. 

This was last night

Because yesterday was such a long day, we were able to take it slow this morning.  We only have a 2 hour drive today and it isn't an early check in at our next park. It is a sunny morning and 54F/11C. 

Good morning!
what a lovely change!
This is a nice Walmart to stay at,
there were only 3 of us and no semis.

We had our breakfast and Bill walked out to check out our departure lanes. Walmarts can be tricky to get in and out of. This one was easy and after I finished posting yesterday's blog, we pulled out. I knew some friends, not on Facebook where Bill posted an update, would be concerned. It was a few minutes before 9.

Lots of water laying in the fields
and ditches were full.

We got back on I-69E to I-469 taking us to US24E. Now this is a nice highway! I didn't bother giving Gibbs his pills or putting his thunder coat on and he settled down pretty well, early. Still a tongue hanging out but happy. 🐶❤️

Some of our route

We crossed into Ohio at 10:30 and joined I-475S/US73. Exit 1B into I-75N towards Toledo. Another exit 193 at Perrysburg onto 20E.  Because we were a bit early, we stopped at a mall lot to wait.

We stopped at Hobby Lobby passing 
30 minutes until we could check in at noon.

I popped into Hobby Lobby for a nature call and poke around. I found some paper background sheets for shadow boxes and we headed down to Luckey Rd. Stony Ridge KOA had us booked for 3 nights but plans changed and we canceled one night upon arrival at 12:15.

Someone is happy for the short day,
I think.
Oh and new smells again!

Many sites are water covered because of last nights rains and with more expected tomorrow, we asked for a different spot. The manager and host were very obliging and moved us to a pull-through site and even though there was an additional fee for this spot, we were happy to pay it. It was completely dry and very long. 😊

Supper was good.
I forgot I had squash in the fridge.

Once set up on Site #603, we proceeded to crash. Well, not exactly. Bill and Gibbs snoozed, noises ensued, and I read my next Stephanie Plum mystery. Then, I tried to snooze myself upstairs but I wasn't as tired as I thought. I did get a nice rest though, with Gibbs stretched out beside me. We watched a movie just for the enjoyment of it, one we've seen before but like. It's called Letters to Juliet and was a cute little love story with Amanda Seyfried.

A couple of park signs.
Love the "Whoa!"
but it needs punctuation. 😉

For supper, we had fish with fries for Bill and a vegetable for me. Strawberries for dessert and then we loaded the dishwasher.  It was very good and then Gibbs and I took a walk around the park. It is a lovely evening with barely any wind. There are a lot of puddles in the whole area but Gibbs managed to avoid them (almost!) like a pro. 💕 

Our site is a nice big one.

Back home, I finished my blog while watching 9-1-1, Elspeth and Matlock all at their normal times. We reached a pleasant high of 65F/18C.

It's a nice little KOA park.

This has been a good day. A wonderful day, with nothing to worry about for the moment. 😁

Spring in Ohio
Good night!

Thank you for your visit.