A Busy Wonderful Canada Day Celebration

The Ridge

On Tuesday, July 1st ut was 6:15 when I woke up. Bill and Gibbs were just coming back inside. It was going to be a busy day so I was up out of bed at 6:30. Bill was getting ready to go flying but I was ready before him. I grabbed the chair quilts and left before 7.

Good morning!

One regular customer was inside and Renee, the homeless girl. It tests my patience each time I see her in there because I don't want any conflicts. This year, each time she's been in, she has been pleasant so I respond in kind. 

The radio was blaring though, so the first thing I did in front of her was climb up and turn it down. The place was so messy that the customer asked me if there was a party in there last night that he was't invited to. That tells you right there. LOL Shameful.

Battery Pro (where I get water) was
rightfully closed today and this sign was on the
door where you pay. Mark also sells bags of ice.
I put my 3$ in the slot and had to take a pix
of this sign.
Made me chuckle BUT it really isn't funny, is it?

I picked up the dryer sheets, scraps of paper and clothes that were left laying around before popping my quilts in a machine for washing. Renee had actually hand washed something and dried it in a machine so I can't complain. Once she left, I knew what was garbage. I won't touch anything that 'might' be hers.

Gibbs and I waiting for the rolls to rise
before we move on to the next step.
My fav 'lovey dove' pix is the bottom left.
💘

Shelly, the lady that lives in her van (very respectfully, I must add) came in during my last 10 minutes so we caught up a bit before I left. I stopped for fuel on the way in, just to top up at $1.256/litre and stopped for a bottle of water on the way home.

Bill and Gibbs are waiting for company

Back home, I turned on my Everready battery and got to work. After hanging the quilts, I made and baked my bread rolls with the help of my breadmaker, pulled out the dishes needed for this afternoon, prepped my snack tray, cut up cheese, vacuumed the Suite again and pulled the frozen cheeseccake out of the freezer to thaw. 

I realized I didn't have red earrings so
made these the other day.
Because I could
and then I was also ready and waiting for our guests,

Outside, I pulled the rollup table, aka puzzle table, out of the Bunky and placed the plastic Canada Day cloths on them. I swept the mats and swept the outhouse. Bill said he would clean the outhouse when he got home. 

Lasagna was ready for the oven
and the rolls were done and smelling
heavenly!

I packed up my quilling materials and put them out of sight in the bedroom. Bill was home at noon and did the jobs I'd asked of him and went up for a snooze. He was able to meet the guys and fly his new plane this morning, for which I was happy. He had 3 good flights before the winds picked up.

It was a perfect day!

It's a gorgeous day for a celebration with family. My rolls were baking and the lasagna was soon made and ready to go in the oven in due time. When Bill got up at 2, I'd washed and was dressed. With everything in order, I was able to relax for a few minutes.

Bruce, Liz, Carol

Liz, Bruce, Carol, Brian and Gracee arrived just after 3, within 5 minutes of each other. 😀 We sat outside near the firepit where it was partial sun and shade. With the winds, it felt wonderful! We had my snacks with a drink as we watched the pups and caught up on life.

Gracee checks for Chippy,
Brian and Gibbs in there like a dirty shirt. 😂

At 4:30, I had the oven heated and the lasagna in cooking. It was done within the hour and I mixed the store bought caesar salad and set things up on the island for a buffet-style supper. Wine was on the table and everyone helped themselves.

My timing was a bit off, as usual,
but we were ready to eat before 6.
We filled our plates and glasses and moved
to the picnic table.

Delicious, if I do say so myself!

I had got a different lasagna recipe from Donna, mine is always too runny, and it turned out perfectly with 2 large pieces leftover. The rolls were a hit, so fresh and addicting. I'm pleased when things turn out so well after days of planning.

A sneak picture of the gang outside,
just before supper.
Gibbs was waiting for his Mama. 💞

After a mango cheesecake (iffy) for dessert, I took our group picture together. They all left around 7:30 and we came inside to clean things up. No rain expected so the outside tables can wait until tomorrow. I washed and Bill dried while the fully loaded dishwasher ran. 😊

Our traditional family picture

Bill was asleep in his chair beside Gibbs in no time flat and I was fighting to stay alert and straight in my chair at the table. If this doesn't get posted tonight........you'll understand why. It was an awesome afternoon. Time to relax.

Our guests take their leave around
7:30

We reached a great 25C/77F today after starting out cloudy with the chance of morning rain. We've been so fortunate on our Canada Day gatherings with Bill's family. I hope you have enjoyed your day of celebration, either alone or with family and friends.

Happy Canada Day!
Good night!

Thank you for checking in on ours! I'd love to hear from you!

HAPPY 153rd CANADA DAY TO ALL OUR CANADIAN FRIENDS AND FAMILY! It's All About the Red and White.

The Ridge

It was 6:30 when I threw the sheet back on Wednesday, July 1^st to get up. I wanted to get into the Mat early and get back home asap. There were a few things to do outside but mostly inside to finish up meal preparations. We weren’t expecting anyone until closer to 2 but like to have things done and ready so we can relax for a bit after lunch.

Clemson was represented today in my hair style

The Mat was locked, back and front doors, and my key wouldn’t work. That’s when I remembered Jamie saying he had to change that back lock and needed to get me a key. I’d assured him I wouldn’t likely be there before 7 (opening time) anyway so no rush. He’s a busy guy and his June has been 12 hour working days. So, this morning, it was before 7 when I arrived. I waited until 7:15 and for some reason the doors didn’t unlock. Oh-oh. The timer must be screwed up.

Sisters chatting it up

 I didn’t want to bother Jamie on a day off at that time so dropped a couple of books at the book exchange box and came home. I’ll have to go tomorrow morning to clean. I hope it isn’t too bad in there for customers today. There were things on my agenda at home and I set about cutting strawberries, potatoes, onions, radishes and making up a batch of whipping cream. Bill busied himself, first with a thorough vacuum through the Suite.

Bruce, Bill, Marilynne and Brian

Some chairs outside needed wiping, the outdoor Restroom needed cleaning, bird feeders needed filling, hummer food as well and I wanted to measure on the hill for a Bocce court, just in case we could talk anyone into an activity. With the temperature soaring to a scorching 29C/85F this afternoon, I really wasn’t expecting too much other than shade sitting with drinks. 😊

Bill in his red apron testing the temperature

With all of those things taken care of, I got the plates, silverware, glasses etc. out. I like to be ahead of the game, we don’t entertain often but when we do, I enjoy the prep too. Bill kept busy with small jobs and then cleaned the bathroom before (or after) having his shower and then lunch. I wasn’t feeling hungry but when a yogourt cup fell out of the fridge and split open, I ate that after cleaning up the floor. Klutz! I did snack on some tomato and cucumber later.

These were wonderful!

I couldn’t see anything else to do so then had my shower. It was a cool one and felt wonderful. After getting dressed, I sliced up a tomato and some English cucumber since I wasn’t having a green salad with our meal. There were olives and pickles as well. Then, I went on the hunt for something red and white for my ponytail. I remembered that Clemmy had some neck scarves for Canada Day that I didn’t use in his blanket. I found one, red and white with paws. Perfect!

Food was ready!

 Lastly before settling out on the shaded patio, I took my tripod out for my big camera. This year, I will get a complete family portrait. 😊 Liz and Bruce arrived in their beautiful convertible by 2 and Brian, Carol and Marilynne arrived just after 2:30, I think. I wasn’t paying attention to the time. Most of us felt comfortable exchanging hugs but understood when others did not.

Let's eat!

We all chose to sit outside around the King chairs, some in the shade and some of us enjoyed the heat of the sun. Chairs got moved from one to the other as well. It was a gorgeous day. We consumed some tasty caesars, beer and wine and the afternoon zipped by with lots and lots to talk about. It felt so good to get together and everyone agreed.  Bill started the Weber Q around 5 and I think we were eating by 6ish, again, I don’t know.

We filled our plates inside and then moved outside to eat

Talk around the orange patio table under the ‘blue’ tent (notice the consistent theme? Ha ha) had us laughing, joking, teasing with a little bit of serious conversation mixed in. It’s hard to be too serious when alcohol and heat are involved. I could tell everyone was having a good time. Marilynne had given us all our ‘Canada Day/Christmas’ gifts earlier which surprised everyone. It was a very generous gesture on her part. She is a very kind soul.

There was room for 4 to eat at the table and us 3 girls
ate on trays
It worked quite well

Today, the screened dining tent paid for itself

The filet mignon that Bill bbq’d with Brian overseeing were awesome! Done to perfection and my potato salad was also a hit. Food got cleaned up nicely so we didn’t have leftovers other than 1 small steak. Perfect planning, I’d say! The dessert with shortcake, my custard, strawberry sauce and whipped cream was also a success. I can’t believe how much I fretted over the mushy strawberries and this turned out so well. Duh!

I didn't realize that there were only 6 sponge cakes
but I was happy to go without anyway

It was 8:30 when someone looked at their watch. With a long summer day and the sun seemingly still high in the sky (it wasn’t that high, of course) it was no wonder we just relaxed and moved into the evening.

A happy group of Canadians right there!

I had my tripod and camera ready to go for our photo so gathered the patriotic group together. It only took one click to get a perfect picture. I didn’t check to make sure everyone was smiling and all eyes were open. I have to admit my own vision by that time could have been off.

Our company getting ready to leave

See ya, Brian, Carol and Marilynne!

See ya, Bruce and Liz!

When they left soon after, Bill and I sat in the screen tent and finished the bottle of wine together. Everything just felt so wonderful after such a great day. Eventually we closed up the sheds, and Bill’s cargo trailer and moved inside. It was after 9 when Bill loaded the dishwasher and turned it on. There wasn’t much on tv but we watched something and I just recall a lot of giggling. You know, when one funny thing has you laughing for way too long? Yup, last night for us.

Somehow appropriate that our Canada geese moved in for a tribute swim
last night

It didn’t take long to fall asleep when we did give in. I hope you found a wonderful way to spend your Canada Day, or Wednesday, whatever the case may be. It was a holiday for us and the country all came together to celebrate. Nice.

Relaxing in the tent with my sweetie after everyone left

Good thing, Bill and I weren't driving last night
(and those that were, drank responsibly!)
Good night!

Thank you for your visit!

HAPPY CANADA DAY FROM BILL AND PATSY!

Home on the Ridge

Another wonderful morning here on The Ridge and today, Monday, July 1^st, is the 152^nd birthday of Canada. That is awesome! Today, we celebrate all across the country, not only with a holiday for most of us but some of us are with family and/or friends or both! The next best part is that the weather is gorgeous!! We started a tradition in London in our sticks and bricks home quite a few years ago.

A gorgeous day rising!

  We invited Bill’s sisters, their spouses, Dad and Marilynne. No young’uns. We always had great weather and could eat outside on the patio with the exception of one day it rained at supper time. When we moved up here in 2016, we tried it again and the weather was nasty so we were all huddled inside. It was still a nice visit but not as pleasant as we couldn't get outdoors and show them the Ridge. It was their first time here and it was difficult for Dad to get up our trailer steps. The following year we scheduled it but Dad wasn’t well and one of the sisters had a wedding to go to, I think. It was cancelled and not repeated.

Clear sailing, literally clear

Today, Bill and I have planned to start it again. There will be one less of us but we know we’ll have room inside, had the weather been wet or cold again. Tadah! It’s not going to be either of those! I went in to work this morning at 6:15 and did a thorough cleaning. There were 3 customers who came in as soon as the door unlocked at 7 so my last 45 minutes were slowed a bit, sweeping and mopping around others. No problem, it was nice to see new faces.

I dropped Pat’s egg dishes off on the way home and then set to work cooking potatoes in Madame IP. That was fast and I avoided the dirty potato saucepan since the pot only had water to wipe down. Into the fridge they went to cool and I started dessert. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crumble – now doesn’t that sound delightful? No, it isn’t keto but it isn’t terrible either.

Bill put the sunshades out but other than keep the Suite cool,
we never sat under it, having enough shade under our little trees

I peeled and cut the spuds when cool enough and chopped radishes, green peppers and green onions from my garden. No garden peppers, yet, although I do have one on a plant! On my way up the drive earllier, I stopped to blow up red and white balloons and hung them around the property. Just because I can! 

These were taken this morning, the day after, so deflated

A few on the mailbox, the point of the corral, the weather vane and the Suite had a few and I placed a few flag films on the windows.

Marilynne brought snacks which we all enjoyed
L-R: Carol, Bruce, Liz, Brian, Marilynne, Bill

Bill puttered around in the Hangar, painting and placing trim to fill in time and I spent the time indoors. You know how a host(ess) is in charge of planning food, dishes, concerns herself about seating, drinks, glasses etc. etc. Well, it doesn’t feel that I stopped and lastly, I swept through the Suite and moved Clemsons bed and things up onto our bed. I think everything was ready. At 1:45, Bill said there is an old car coming up the drive, it’s Liz and Bruce!

Isn't she a beautiful car?

Bruce proudly drove his Dad’s ’58 Ford Fairlane up the drive and parked. He inherited this 3 or 4 years ago and what a beaut! They stepped out garbed in Canada Day clothing, Liz looking cute with a flag in her hair. One year, they both came with Canada Day sunglasses with flags on the lenses. It is easier for me to wear red and white than it is for Bill. Other than his Christmas t-shirt, he doesn’t have anything in either colour. Maybe next year!

After he came so close, we started tossing him nuts from the snacks

We sat until closer to 2:30 when Carol, Brian and Marilynne drove in. The gang was all here! More celebratory attire, I love it! Red, white and gray was the theme of the day. The weather was perfect and we moved from sun to shade according to our body requirements. Bill and I were so relieved to have great weather so we could sit outside. 

While we were walking, someone made himself at home
This was after we returned to our chairs and I had covered the dish

We did a walk around to my garden and Bill’s Hangar before the Weber was lit and Bill started grilling burgers and dogs. We were entertained by the 3 or 4 chipmunks running around our chairs and feet.

Little devil but he's so cute!

This wouldn’t be a fancy meal as it was all about the time together. Dad was missed and so was Clemson. Both were mentioned periodically in conversations but we didn’t dwell on either. We all have wonderful memories of the two of them and I smile, because they are together again. I had potato salad made and blended the dressing for the Caesar salad and along with devilled eggs, there was plenty of food. My no 

carbs diet went out the window so I could celebrate the holiday in typical fashion!

Liz and I had the hot dogs and I really enjoyed mine!

The cheesecake crust was a little hard so I forgave anyone who left some on their plate, which only a couple of us did. Other than that, everything turned out great and our company said their goodbyes after pictures at 7:30. 

Aren't we all patriotic?

I should have got my tripod out to get a self-portrait but my mind at that stage was lucky to remember a picture at all. I was starting to come down from the day and reflect on how well things went. I was too busy enjoying the company that I forgot a picture of all the food! 

And Bill with his 2 sisters on the left and b-i-l's and step Mom on the right
I think he said he was the rose between two thorns here
Hmmm, they disagreed

 Bill loaded the dishes in the dishwasher and plugged us into power to get those done up. We sat for a while in our recliners, Bill watched a movie and I just rested, dozing off and on. I’m ashamed to say that with the sky still blue and light, I went to bed at 9. When my boss ‘chirped’ a Happy Canada Day message at 9:10, I didn’t hear it at all. I told you I was tired! Bill answered for me. I thought that was nice of Jamie to think of us today.

And even the Ford fits the theme

Loved the car

 An awesome day and I hope we can continue this in the years to come. I hope you enjoyed your Canada Day as well. Thank you so much for stopping around.

🌞

HAPPY CANADA DAY from the Ridge!