The Ridge
It was 7 when I got up on Sunday, June 28th. It's the anniversary of a very sad day, 31 years ago. My siblings and I lost Daddy and my children lost Grandpa Sunflower at the tender age of 71.
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| This was Daddy and I around 1985. Funny, I never noticed the similarities in our looks until now. 💘 |
That's the age I am now so it makes me sad that he was taken so early since I still feel young in many ways.
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| Good morning! These are a few pictures from last evening. |
Before I get into today, last night I mentioned surprise visitors after supper. We haven't seen our neighbours, Dot and Gord, for a while so when Dot texted about popping over for a visit, we were very happy! So was Gibbs. He misses Dot and visa versa.
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| What a special picture this is. Sometimes the camera is there at the perfect time. 💕💖🐶 |
Despite the nibbling 'skitters' we had a nice catch up outside for about an hour. Just as the visit was coming to an end, Bill discussed the table that we would like in the Suite, where my folding table sits. Gord has offered to help us sometime through the summer. He is a very busy man!
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| As they left, I noticed 3 Moonflowers had popped. Dot loves her new Bronco. It's beautiful! |
When they left, just after 9, I noticed my Moonflowers had bloomed! I forgot, duh, that they live up to their name and come out at night and remain out until early morn when I see them. I love that and I was so happy to see them. Okay, back to Sunday.
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| Potatoes ready for 4 minute cooking. |
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| I went up and used my rain barrel to water the vegetables. They're looking great! I have to spray the pepper plants though, one in particular has a lot of leaves eaten. 🤷♀️ |
Bill was up early and left for the flying field by 7:30. It was another beautiful, calm morning for it. For anything, actually, and it was going to be hot by midday. Bring it on! Because of a work conflict for our bil, Bruce, we switched our Canada Day dinner from Wednesday, July 1st, to today.
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| Our berm view and Bill's flag, replaced now that the pesty apple trees are gone. Gosh, we'll miss this place when we have to leave it one day. |
We were all thrilled that everyone was flexible enough. So, we had done a lot of prep yesterday and yet I had a list of things I needed to take care. Dusting, vacuuming, wiping the outside chairs down, outfitting the two outdoor tables with cloths, preparing potato salad, pulling dishes etc. out of the cupboard and finding bowls for snacks etc.
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| I worked on the puzzle for my boys snoozed. |
Lastly, I had to pack away my craft supplies just in case it was unbearable to eat outside in the heat. I tasked Bill with picking up a bottle of red and white wine on his way home, to have with our dinner. The potatoes cooked perfectly in Madame IP and by the time Bill got home at noon, my list was mostly done, including my shower.
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| Gracie and Gibbs are within months of each other in age and are of the same temperment. They settled down quickly. |
Guests don't usually arrive until 3ish so while he showered and napped, I went to the Bunky and put a few more pieces in the cat puzzle. I think Renee and Susan will like this one so I'll take it south with us. By 3:30, Liz, Bruce, Carol, Brian and Gracie arrived and we shuffled to the shade as much as we wanted. We have one lovely tree in the corner that provides. 😉
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| Inside, everything was ready until Bill brought the meat in. |
I didn't take a lot of pictures, it was time to just sit, relax and enjoy our company. Gibbs and Gracie really like each other and were both so well behaved. They took turns chasing Chippy(s) being called back by Brian or Bill. That would spoil the day if one was caught!
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| Gracie was in charge so he could sleep. |
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| While we ate, the pooches laid down at our end of the table. They were on duty, in case Chippy got too close. At one point, Gibbs went one way and Gracie went the other after two Chippys. 🤭 |
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| My extra job is to document the day and I love doing it. Brian, Carol, Bill, Patsy, Liz, Bruce. Gracie and Gibbs (posing like a champ!) I mentioned above about the similarities I see with me and Daddy. When I see this photo of Bill and his sisters, my goodness, they all look like their Mom, whom sadly I never met. |
All turned out well, everyone had their fill and before they left shortly after 7, I got my tripod and Canon camera out for the traditional photo. It's fun looking back to the changes over the years. Liz and I talked about the many Moonflowers ready to bloom before they left.
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| The sun disappeared |
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| And just after 9, I went out to capture this beautiful Strawberry Moon. My phone camera actually did it justice! |
Bill and I finished a glass of red and white wine each, he loaded the dishwasher and went to the Hangar. I sat in my chair with Gibbs and was done for the night. 🤭No blog. A Caesar in the afternoon and 2 glasses of wine does me in quite nicely.
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| That's when I noticed this!! 13 new blooms! Darn, missed it again. I see more will be ready tonight so going to set my alarm for 9:15 and get out there. I'm speechless! |
I had a few brief moments of shut eye while trying to read my next book. Michael Connelly's The Black Echo with Harry Bosch is another good one. But, I couldn't put it down so fought the urge to give in and stayed up until 11! Bill and Gibbs beat me to bed this time.
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| With our outside light off, I saw the fireflies Liz mentioned and our solar lights looked pretty. |
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| To the west, our new neighbours had company and were setting off fireworks. I missed most of them on camera but heard them all. They were having fun. One quick video to end my LONG post, but I'll say.... Good night! |
We did get hot, but not as hot as expected. 28.33C/83F was pleasant, actually, with the slight breeze and occasional white fluffy clouds. The a/c ran inside the Suite which was nice to come into when necessary for filling our plates. Ps, the trifle was excellent too! It was a wonderful day.
Thank you for stopping by!
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