Well, Another Happy Birthday Treat!

The Ridge/Carriage House

On Wednesday, Sept. 30th it was my hubby's turn. Bill turned over another page in his history and although not a 'special' year, aren't they all anyway? I think so, life is so short (just ask a puppy dog), and we never truly know what is around the bend. We welcome every single birthday.

Good morning!
This was the view from the
Carriage House kitchen window.
Beautiful!

There are two favourite pictures
today.
This is one of them.
Bill is going to meet Jess at the Mat.

With that in mind, after spending a lovely evening in a newly renovated bnb at no expense, we could think of no better way to relax and wake up to another birthday celebration. What's happening today? We were in bed last night around 10 and with only a couple of wakeful moments, we all slept until 6:45!

This is the second one.
Oh my, he's killing me with
those brown eyes.
"I'm staying here alone?"

It was weird not having the ceiling clock to tell us the time so Bill checked when he got up. It was quite a good night's sleep. I got washed and dressed while Bill made a pot of coffee and boiled the kettle for my tea. I had the Mat to clean so left at 7:30 to do that.

And a lovely picture of
the birthday boy and his youngest
daughter.

Bill's daughter, Jess, (maybe I told you this), flew in Sunday from Alberta and was driving to Durham for a day's visit with her dad on his special day. We are both very happy to see her! She arrived around 10:30 and Gibbs welcomed her (pure Gibbs' style) into 'his' domain. LOL

My Eggs Benedict was
delicious, so were the home fries.

We caught up briefly until 11:45 when we drove to Mama'Z Diner for lunch. I had a yummy Eggs Benedict with home fries. Back at the bnb, Gibbs was overly happy we didn't leave him for very long and that we returned to him. 😂 

Jess wanted a picture of the three
(well, 4), bless her heart.
It isn't the clearest photo but
it's a good one.
💕💕

The rest of the afternoon was more catching up and it was wonderful to sit and relax without the little ones taking her attention away. Best visit in a very long time. 

Back home, our little gentleman
looks comfy.

It was quite comfortable sitting at the bnb and Robin said we could stay for our visit. Jess left after hugs and kisses around 4 for London. She flies home tomorrow. We washed and changed sheets and towels, cleaned up and left before 5.

I went up for a nap and it wasn't
long before I had a snuggly
puppy behind me.

Gibbs was happy to be home, running around the Ridge like a fool as soon as he got out of the car. We unloaded and Bill and Gibbs promptly had a snooze. My eyes are very heavy as I write this and with a simple meal of leftover lasagna and rolls for supper, I decided to grab a bit of shuteye too.

The sun sets

Leftovers were good

I heard Bill on the phone 30 minutes later but just didn't want to move. He was receiving FB messages, texts and phone calls all day so left him to respond accordingly. When I did come downstairs, I felt chilled and that's usually the case when I doze in the afternoon.

When Bill paid for our meal,
Mama D asked him what we were up to
today. He told her his daughter came for
his birthday.
She gave him a piece of coconut pie.
Nice!

It certainly wasn't a cold day but it did rain a wee bit, lightly, just before Jess left. It was a mild 19.4C/69F today and only dropping to 15C/59F overnight. A good night for sleeping. The sky was very pretty to the west and south so had to slip out for a picture.

Some sky performance

Looking south

After cleaning up dishes, Bill made his lunch and that was it for our day. Jess made it back to London safely so we could relax and settle down for the night. It was a great day and Bill thoroughly enjoyed this birthday.

Looking west.
Good night!
(back to a king bed) 🤭
Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart.
😍

Thank you for your visit too!

Well, This was a Mixed Up Day with a Fun Ending

The Ridge

On Tuesday, Sept. 29th what started out to be (according to my plans) a very relaxed day and a pleasant evening didn't end up that way! I should explain that a week and a half ago, Robin asked us if we would consider spending a night in the Carriage House bnb when it was ready for guests.

Good morning!
Daddy didn't go to work,
but he's out there doing something!

This was kind of exciting for us. Remember, we live in an rv and as much as we love our lifestyle and The Ridge, being invited to stay a night at one of her 'homes' was pretty special. She usually asks one of her friends to do that as a 'test' run. What is missing, what doesn't work etc.

Slowly the trees along Baptist
Church Rd. are changing their
outfits.

This time, we were the lucky ones that she asked. With Bill winding down for his work, we wanted a night before a day when he wasn't required to get up and rush off to work. With his special day tomorrow, and a surprise (cat's out of the bag now) visit from his youngest daughter, Jess, coming in from Alberta, he's taking Wednesday off. 

We told Robin, tonight was the night. When I'd just decided to work on more quilling for the weekend show, she needed a cleaner for Williamsford. I don't like turning her or the $$ down, so said yes. I put things away and got ready to go. Bill was cutting trees and loading the dump trailer so I said goodbye before 11 and headed over.

I'll enjoy watching the changes
over the next couple of weeks.

We'd planned on having supper in town at the bnb called Carriage House (which it used to be years ago). It sits behind the main 2 story brick home. I thought I could put together a lasagna and make some of my dinner rolls. Haven't used the bread maker in a while.

Finally, the blue sky and sunshine
dominate

First, I was 1 cup short of flour so substituted almond flour for the last cup. I've not had good luck making bread with almond flour so it took a while to get the texture right enough to be able to knead it together. I still wasn't hopeful, figuring them to be a bust.

Settling in for the night.
Gibbs isn't sure - yet - and
watches out the window.

On the way back from Williamsford, I stopped at Foodland for some flour, bread and yeast and carried on home. I did drop a comforter quilt and sham covers off at Robin's and When I got home, Bill had finished cutting and loading.

I started on a second batch of rolls with all bread flour this time and went through the process of kneading, shaping, rising and put the first batch in the oven for 25 minutes. When I began the lasagna, I realixed I didn't have mozzarella chees nor cottage cheese. LOL What kind of a meal would this be!?

Do you know where we are, Mom?

We loaded Ptooties with what we'd need for overnight, brought the rolls (3/4 baked), and the new batch (1/2 risen) and the lasagna ready to pop in the oven when we get there. It was 4:45. This bnb, when we arrived, is amazing! She did such a great job.

He must feel safe, here
he is sound asleep,

I lit the oven, popped the rolls and lasagna in and Bill found the old movie, Convoy, to watch while it cooked. Gibbs wasn't and still isn't quite sure what's going on, but he settled down pretty quickly on Bill's lap and went to sleep. 

I love the beams in this place.

As it turned out, the lasagna was delicious as were both batches of rolls. Well, we only ate the first ones with mixed flour and I know the second batch always turns out. I messaged Robin that it was very comfortable in here and invited her to come for supper. 

Supper was very good!
With NO mozzarella!

We'd eaten but she was driving late with the Mennonites and we had extra. She and Mildred joined us for a nice evening. We don't watch the Roku Channel but tonight we found another old movie, NottingHill, and enjoyed it all over again.

This is the second batch.
Good thing they freeze well,

This was another, maybe our last, beautiful 'summer-like' fall day reaching 22.2C/72F. It took a long time for the clouds to move on and let the sun break through. Bill had the day off work but he didn't really stop working (cutting trees, dumping tanks, weed trimming). Since we came in to the Carriage House, he relaxed.

Robin made Bill a 
No-bake pineapple cake
for dessert.

It was a great day, as mixed up as it was for me. We're hoping for a 'great' night, in a queen size bed with a 35 lb. pooch. 🤭🥰

Gibbs and Mildred met for
the first time tonight.
She's a little shit-disturber,  🤭,
teasing him like a typical little
lady but they were very good
together for the most part.
Good night!

Thank you for the visit.

Oh What Fun!

The Ridge

On Monday, Sept. 28th Bill got up around 6 and then came back to bed until 6:30 when he took Gibbs out. He didn't have to leave until around 7:30 to go to Mike's. I, on the other hand, left at 7:10 and drove in to clean the Mat. I stopped at the bank and took some cash out for today's shopping.

Good morning!
Let the week begin!

I took our red Christmas quilt in for washing and there was a queen duvet in the Lost and Found that I washed and dried as well. No one was around so things got cleaned up quickly enough, and the floor washed before I left at 8:30. In and out with no delays, I like that.

Of course, a pond picture (or two) as
I drove by.

We have a green Christmas quilt as well that I'll dig out from under the bed and wash it next time.

The sky was very interesting
this morning.

Without the couch, we will only be using one so I might offer one to Robin for the Durham bnb - on a loan. 🤭 Bill had left by the time I got home and I spent some time with Gibbs.

As I drove west to Durham, I saw a pretty
sky in my rearview. I asked Bill to get
pictures for me. He did. 💕

At 11, Dot drove in and we went off to pick Pat up in town. I was happy to see Dot in a dress as well and Pat was dressed very nicely too. We all take our excursions very seriously!! 🥰 We drove through Hanover to Walkerton, to the 519 Table and Pour restaurant.

All I had was the moon ahead of me.
It was sitting on the wire here.

Pat nor I had been there but it was a very good choice! I ordered a chicken quesadilla with caesar salad and although the tortilla was different, it was still delicious. We all had doggy bags (boxes, actually) when we left. Dot drove downtown and we found the Family Thrift Store.

I love how this little fella sat on the
rock I left on the railing.
He really wants to come in, I think.

This was a first time visit for all of us but it was worth it. Each of us found 1, 2 or 3 things before checking out very happy with our big (!!) expenditures. A cotton sweater/a soft wool shawl/a pair of Danskins pants and a book all for $19. 

Then the broom handle gave
him a higher perch.
Are you looking at me?

The other thrift store was closed today so we went back to Hanover. A stop at Pet Value for Bella's dog food, then a stop at our favourite (what did Dot call it - Fashion Boutique?)  Giant Tiger, where 2 of us cashed out with more goodies. 

Lastly, a stop at Walmart, dog food for Caper, Remy and Trigger and a few grocery items. We dropped Pat in Durham and arrived at the Ridge around 4:30. Bill was home, just 5 minutes sooner, and Gibbs greeted Dot and I like long lost soldiers. 💕

I liked this place and the food
was very good.

For supper, I finished my leftover quesadilla and Bill made himself a couple of toasted cheese and peanut butter sandwiches on sourdough bread. He has no work tomorrow so does not need to make a lunch. With a bit of cheese, Gibbs gobbled his supper up as well. The Richards are full!

This was a great day. The weather was perfect at 21C/70F under clear blue skies. I had a lot of fun with the girls today, so grateful we could fit it in. Planning other get togethers is just as challenging as we have people to see before we leave. 

Supper was more of the same
with tomatoes.
Good night!

Thank you for stopping by.

All About Quinn

The Ridge

We were up, all of us, by 7 am but Bill and I were awake around 5. I managed to go back to sleep, refusing to get up until after 6:30. Bill wasn't going flying so I found him downstairs sitting at his laptop, reading, when I came down.

Good morning!

I made my tea and joined him at the table.We had plans today but not until 11 so at 9, Bill went to the Acreage for a bladder of water. I had washed and was ready to go once I got dressed. My sweetie had his shower and loaded our chairs in the trunk before stretching out for a snooze in his recliner.

Creeping low fog this morning

Today, was a birthday party for a special little girl. Our youngest granddaughter, Quinn, turned 1 on Friday. We left Gibbs in charge and were on the road by 11:05. Of course, we were the first ones there but after hitting a detour, we were glad we left early.

Didn't realize my windshield
was so dirty until I took this

Alexander, now 3 years old (!) was being shy - at first - but didn't take long to become his usual social butterfly self. Quinn didn't really know us, she was shy with good reason. We only saw her last October before we left for the south, at just a month old. As the afternoon went on, she too, became welcoming,

No pictures of Bill and I with
this little sweetie, but she was
quite friendly with everyone.
She came to us with no problem
after about 30 minutes.
Bill's oldest, Yvonne, on the left.
And 'our' second oldest grandson's (on Bill's side)
girlfriend, Avery.
Sweet picture.💕

Guests arrived and we all sat outside. Bill was quite happy to be able to see 3 of his daughters here. Things just haven't worked in our favour to get together since we returned home in the spring. It's sad, but true. Not much we can do about it when everyone is so busy. 🤷‍♀️

Matt is a very good Daddy.
Quinn sits at the table with her
new friend Jade.

It was a great day, lots of sun, warm but quite windy to start. Krystal and Matt had a 'full house', but it was held outside, of about 25 friends and family. I think it is overwhelming for a 1 year old but it seems to be a thing of the younger generation and it was fun to watch Alexander and Quinn.

Alexander also made
or re-acquainted with friends
and had a fun day.

We ate pulled pork on buns, potato, cole slaw and caesar salads, hot dogs, pickles and a veggie plate with cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. Lots of food, they did a great job putting it on. We got a few pictures of Bill with his girls and headed out at 3:30.

Brother and sister
play on the mat.

Gibbs had been alone for 5 1/2 hours and was happy to see us. He rolled around outside as if he never thought he'd see the outdoors again. 😂😂😂 Bill was exhausted, so crashed in his chair while I made a tea and started my blog. I don't think he slept well last night. 🤷‍♀️🥴

Quinn eats her birthday cake
and Alexander poses with her
He looks older than 3, a very smart
little man, er farmer, like Daddy.

I'm going to print this one for our
wall, even though they aren't looking
our way. It's precious.
Krystal is Bill's 3rd oldest.

For supper, we had grilled cheese on the sourdough bread that I splurged on. I won't be making homemade anytime soon so this was next best. Our neighbours have returned home from the ploughing match (IPM), I hope they enjoyed the break from work and home.

Yummy! Good cake!
She's a lady, so delicate eating it with
just 2 fingers. 

Speaking of cake, this one on
the right takes it.
Quinn fell in love with her new little
girlfriend and kept hugging her.
💖

These were our parting gifts.
Sweet! And real!

Those sandwiches were awesome! Best grilled cheese ever! 

Bill made his lunch after cleaning the fry pan and Sunday evening was quiet. I've finished watching Neagley so tried to find another movie. Last night I watched And She Found Me with Helen Hunt and Bette Midler. I've seen it before but it's a good one.

Grandma and Grandpa
Richards

It warmed up nicely today, 20C/69F again and we'll take every day like this that we can get. September is drawing to a close in a very nice way. 😍

And a lovely picture of
a proud Dad.
Sorry that we're missing Jess though.
Good night!

Thank you for your visit and always for your comments! Many Anonymous comments and I don't know who you are........if you don't mind, add your name (or not). 💗