A Pretty Quiet Day, Checking on the Ridge and Christmas?

Paisley, On

On Saturday, Nov. 21^st we were both awake and up by 7. We brought our coffee upstairs and from what Wes told Bill last night, today was going to be focused on getting their Christmas decorations up. We finished our drinks and some toast and then took a drive to Durham around 9:30. Bill wanted to check on the Ridge and while there torque the new snow tires on Ptooties.

Bill drove a different route today for a change

The sky experienced a lot of changes
but only in the depth and darkness of the heavy clouds

Driving on Concession 8 - West Grey BentinckTownship
we drove past our Snelgrove 'home' outside Elmwood
Mom always called it 'Dunc's' as we rented it from Duncan McAllum

The sky was cloud-filled, the kind of clouds that could produce anything. Everything looked inside the gate and Bill checked the tires while I walked around and did what I enjoy doing. Took pictures. We met down at the Hangar and went through the drawers on the tool boxes Bill bought from Mitch before we moved. He got a lot of good things and some things he’ll never use so should be able to sell.

It was snowing lightly when we arrived to open the gate

Things at the front looked good

When we left there, we considered dropping by to see Mitch but he wasn’t around so we carried on into town. Fueling up at the Pioneer and using our Journie points first, then we swung down Rob and Pat’s one-way street to see if they were home. Rob was but Pat was out with their car. Darn. We chatted in the lane with Rob for a few minutes before heading on home. It was a different route to and from this time and I enjoyed seeing different scenery.

You had to know there would be pictures
See the tall grasses with a bit of snow cap

My garden, already I'm anxious to see how well my plantings
will be in the spring

The winds got hold on the wheelbarrow and our sawdust bucket
Luckily, the lid remained intact
We use it in the outhouse for odour diminishing
and lime powder break down solids

My sister, Gayle, was wondering last night about my driving to Durham 2 hours for an hour job. Did it make sense? I felt confident that I was doing it for more than one reason but when you are questioned about something, it plays on you. I started wondering if it was a silly thing to do. Bill and I chatted about it this morning and he fully supports what ever I want to do.

from up on my garden hill
Goose the spruce looks healthy

I would think that a deer tried to cross here but the log was so lightweight
I'm sure the wind was the culprit here too

Bill torquing and they really didn't need it

Right now, I’m still ahead of the game because of the low fuel mileage on our SUV. I won’t be able to do it for much longer and it does give me something to do every other day for a few hours. Plus, I’m feeling that I accomplish things outside of the house. I also think I am helping Jamie at the same time; I hope. No, I’m sure of that. Without having to go anywhere else to do our food shopping, I’m keeping on top of groceries at the same time. 😊

The blue spruce trees are only 4 or 5 years old

Things would maybe be different if we were in our own place, like she is, although it sounds like she is concerned what she and John will find to keep them occupied over the winter. We are all such snowbirds now; this challenge is new to us. I think There, I’ve just justified my reasoning and with Bill behind me, will continue going to Durham as often as I can up until Christmas. So, back home, we both felt tired out for some reason. Bill stretched out and I delved into this book. I’m enjoying it, I like Sue Grafton’s style of writing.

Bill got this eagle from Mom (& Lloyd's) collections

And it has a place of honour with his Dad's sail boat
and Aunt Mary's train clock in his Hangar

At one point, I went down to make a coffee and brought up the last 2 brownies. Our mid-afternoon snack. LOL I was walking into a Christmas wonderland down there. Wes and Susan had been busy as little elves all morning, placing their many delights in the lower rooms and up the stairs. 😊 You can tell they get enjoyment out of it and it is just too bad that the pandemic has spoiled the chances of welcoming ‘little ones’ into the home.

I tried to light a fire but wasn't having much success

Bill had no trouble though

A periwinkle hangs on, refusing to accept the change in seasons
I had to alter the filter in order for it to stand out against the mulch

The afternoon passed at a nice easy pace and I was galloping through my book, hooked in the saddle. For supper, it was the last of the leftover chili and we both enjoyed it with a piece of toast. I had rye bread which I enjoy better and believe it is better than whole wheat or white. After dishes, I got comfortable on the bed with my book and Bill went to the theatre room to watch two Hallmark movies with Wes and Susan.

You'll be familiar with these views of the pond

The #1 campsite on the Ridge waits for our return

Looking out to the road

A small patch of snow in the front field

The turtle log, empty, waiting for a long winter to pass

At 10, I turned the last page of Sue’s book and out went the light. Good story and a quick read. I have the next one too, which is called ‘H is for Homicide’ so will carry on tomorrow. I was in a semi-sleep state when I heard the door creak, we have to oil our bedroom and bathroom doors! And felt my night owl crawl into bed behind me. “Night night, sweetie”.

Chili looking very festive
and tasting wonderful!
good night!

Thank you for popping around!

What a Difference a Day Makes, Christmastime, Mexico, Happy Hour, Burger Night

I was awake before 6:30 on Friday, Dec. 22^nd so bided my time in bed until 7 before pulling myself, gingerly out from under the covers. Gingerly, because the day following one like yesterday, I’m almost afraid to move too quickly in case that dizzy feeling returns. Nope! So far so good. I washed my face, brushed my teeth and heard that Clemson had hopped off the bed as well.

Good morning

The clubhouse/office

 After telling Bill to go back to bed, I let Clem out for his piddle and then I went for my morning walk around the perimeters. It was a cool 4C/39F so it meant an extra layer and a faster walk. Near the main office, past the pool, I stuck my head into the laundromat to refresh my memory on the cost of doing laundry here. $1.25 for both washers and dryers, that is the best deal yet.

What a cute setup
I had to tiptoe around because they were probably still inside the myPod

As I walked out, I saw George heading the same way so we walked and chatted together down a roadway before parting. I needed to put some power and speed into my steps to keep warm and to get myself around the rest of the way. My legs are longer than George’s, (so he says) so he bid me on my way. Back at the Suite Bill was just opening blinds.

And the sun rises

The inside of our home looks so pretty. Last night at 8:30 Bill got our 4’ tree out and set it up for me. Since I was not feeling poorly anymore, I set to work decorating it and the rest of the Suite. Everything in the two boxes found a home throughout our main and bedroom levels. Beautiful, if I do say so myself! And the stockings are hung waiting for Santa too. Now, Christmas can come.

Santas adorn our bedroom dresser

Our living room area

Looking at this picture, I see a tinsel adjustment is in order

Bill's suggestion this year was to put the tree on our coffee table

And I love it!

After our tea, coffee and computing, we had breakfast and got cleaned up. I managed to complete the shower I started yesterday with success. Leaving Suzie the key to our place, in case Clemson needed a run, we drove to the parking lot past the Quechon Casino. For the low low price of $6 a day, you can park and walk across the border to Los Algodones, Mexico.

The dentist's reception area

Seating area
I loved this painting

We cannot believe the number of vehicles parked at least ½ mile away along the side of the road in order (we assume) to avoid this fee. Crazy! There are so many things I just can’t understand. To see an elderly man, probably in his 70’s making the trek, with a hobble and a hoy just causes us to shake our head. It’s 6 bucks!

the things you see on the strip in Los Algodones
This is such a pretty courtyard

 Anyway, we carried on and walked across the border to the chants of “need a dentist? Eye checkup today? We have exactly what you need! Purse lady?” We found Dr. Eva Urena’s office but unfortunately, she wasn’t in. Her hygienist was able to give us each our cleaning and suggested we come back in an hour to see Eva.

Before we left, we learned that this office no longer took Debit or Credit, cash only. Hmm, not a problem today, paying only $70 total but for future work that Bill would need, it could be an issue. It is difficult not knowing what the procedures will cost so we will have to chit chat with them if he plans to continue going back to her.

As I waited for Bill at the Optometrist's, vendors were just outside the door
trying to sell their wares

We left there and went to Vision Optical a few blocks away. Bill was finally going to get his glasses looked after. As in, getting a new pair. He has been so frustrated with the ones he has now. So, within 30 minutes, he had his eyes tested, picked out frames and ordered lenses for $175. This is the way to shop for glasses. We can pick them up tomorrow. We’ll let you know how they turn out.

Not too bad of a lineup today to cross back into the U.S.

Bill needed to check out places in Yuma to find the fuse he needed for our inverter so while he went into Al’s RV Store, I went into the .99 Store for a few grocery items. I have a bigger list for food than just those few items but since it was home on the fridge, we decided to skip Fry’s today and come back another day. It still doesn’t seem like Christmas so hard to see the parking lots so jammed pack.

On the way home, disappointed after not finding the fuse we need, we got caught in traffic on Hwy 8 W. Twenty-five minutes of wasted time but good thing we didn’t have a deadline. We arrived back at the park around 2:30, just in time for Happy Hour at George and Suzie’s. We put our things away, poured a drink and took Clemson with our chairs over to their place.

This old car was at one of the stops Bill made

We had previously decided to go up to the clubhouse for Burger night for supper. Most parks do this ‘thing’ in the same manner and although it wasn’t a very big crowd, maybe 35 attendees, we all received a cheeseburger/chicken burger or hot dog with beans, chips and a cookie for $5. Sure beats starting up the grill and preparing it ourselves. Plus, it is a nice social time.

This is the jam up on Hwy 8

On the way home, Bill grabbed my Amazon parcel from the office. Yay! The night air sure cools off fast, as soon as the sun goes down. George and I played tag at snapping pictures of the beautiful sky to the west. 

And George and Suzie were enjoying their books this afternoon

We didn’t see it disappear but the sun was leaving an admirable portrait for us all to enjoy. It was shortly after 6 when we returned and the temperature had dropped to 54F.

At Happy Hour today, Bill and I met Jean and Skip briefly
We'll see them again at the park Christmas dinner

Cheers!

the sun going down before dinner

George reminded me to snap a picture after I'd got one bit into it
It was a very good  burger!

When I got inside, I wanted very badly to open my box but since I hadn’t started writing my post, I had a previous commitment. So, as Bill settled in his recliner with a Christmas movie playing, I settled in front of my laptop. I think we’ve wrapped up another great day and I have a feeling tomorrow will be a bit calmer.

I hope you’ve had a fun day, just 3 days before the BIG day. If you are still employed, I bid you a happy Friday because I know it means the weekend for you and hopefully a few days off.

And to all a goodnight from Pilot Knob!
3 more sleeps!

Time to open my parcel

Merry Christmas and thank you for stopping in today!

Arizona Dreamin' and Schemin'

I can't say that it is because of the bitter cold weather we are having here in Ontario, the reason for my dreaming, I mean. We have had one of the nicest Novembers in the history of Novembers....at least in my memory. Some days were so warm I could actually slip my shoes off on my lunch time and bask (literally bask) in the sun!

November, you say?

Arizona sunset

Reading the posts from other bloggers who are full-timing has moved me so much this year that I just want to be "there". No matter where "there" is, just away from all this 'stuff'. Perhaps because it is so close yet still so far away. I crave warmth, outside heat, sunshine and truly believe it makes me better for all those things. When that sun hits my face full on, even for a brief few minutes, I relax, rejuvenate and regrow. (fast track to my blog picture)

When I read about others who are approaching the same goal(s) as we are, counting down to retirement, counting down to selling their home or like Phannie and Mae counting up the purging days, I'm with them every step of the way. I absorb the tips and experience the trials they are going through.

Today I submitted my letter of retirement from the school board just 2 mths and 13 days shy of 33 years of working here, at this same desk (kind of) in the same office!!!! (applause, please!!) Funny thing is, I don't feel any different. Even after receiving mail at my home address saying my resignation due to retirement was accepted. LOL

Dear Sir or Madam........I'm outta here!

Retirement IS my path after 33 years.

I know it is early, but when the date is chosen, in my case March 31/16, why wait? There will be three of us out of five in this department going within 4 mths of each other. We can't even imagine what will go on after we leave but trust capable people will fill our shoes. We can all be replaced. I'm sure our supervisor is frantic inside although very supportive to our faces.

Bill and I have also started the long process of purging. We do and we don't have a deadline. I mean, in our minds we would like to have things done and the house sold by the end of June......but we all know that is a goal that may or may not be met. Some of you have the great experience of putting your house on the market and having it sold within days, others had to wait longer. We are lucky that our Mobile Suite sits in the driveway and we can easily move things from our sticks and bricks home right into it by taking only 8 - 10 steps. And when the time comes, we will be happy to do so at a moment's notice.

Current Home Sweet Home beside our Future Home Sweet Home

We are going through the lasts, right now. The last time I rake the leaves, the last time I plant tulips, the last time we put Christmas lights up, the last time I'll use these good dishes, the last time for this patio set, the last Christmas dinner at our house etc etc.

With the house going on the market before spring officially begins, we have done what we can to keep the landscape looking good (as good as possible in this dreary time of year) so there are no surprises when the house is being shown and the snow melts. We will have to be quick on the ball when it comes to picking up Clemson's little snow poops.........we all know what a joy they are to find in the spring! He wouldn't appreciate a winter diaper so Ma and Pa have to step up to the plate from now until then!

Our living room in 2008

Funny how the above picture of our living room was a hint to our future and we didn't even know it!! Sadly this cactus has long since died.......now a blessing in disguise because we would have to find a home for it otherwise!

Inside we have done well with purging.  I won't go into too much detail about clohtes.....yet....I'm doing really good (am too!) and have written a post about a "clothing exchange" to aid in the process.  It semi-works.  I've always managed to just swap some things in and out of the closet although more does go out the door than what I keep.  That is progress, right?

Clothes are my thing.....I will always want different things......just the total amount I can keep will be the real change for me.  I spend so little on clothes, 90% of the time buying second hand, so when I tire of something, I can easily toss it in a bag for donation and not feel that I'm throwing money away. :)

Bill has also made great strides in his model airplane room and even greater strides in his tool collection. Each month we are managing to find buyers on either our work Swap Shop or Kijiji for things we boldly decide we no longer need.

Bill's Model room - this B17scale model is long gone for someone
else to finish

Bill's Model room/Tool bunker

 There is no greater pleasure than when we come across a household item, large or small, pose the question to the other one "what do you think? will we ever use this?" After an um and an ah....."Nope"......"Great! it's gone!"  We've all experienced those little triumphs.

When we started the process we made up a hand written spreadsheet (because I am still old fashioned and like holding a pen) with columns.

ROOM            ITEM              GIVE AWAY          SELL               DONATE           GARBAGE

We did that within months of our decision to full-time waayy back in October, 2013. I don't think it was because we were afraid we'd change our minds. Instead I believe it was the excitement at the thought of being able to just sell and walk.  Not much has changed in how we are activating the list, however, we are getting wiser as to what will actually sell and what the kids actually do want.

Preparing for Christmas this year was fun. I was anxious to put up our new little 3' tree that comes with its own pot. Easy peasy to take out of the box, put together, plug in led lights and decorate. Last year we packed up our 7' tree and immediately sold it.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
We love your downsized version!

A photo for our Christmas cards

Many non-sentimental ornaments were donated leaving just enough to adorn the little fella and keep my emotional self intact. I have a few others to put through the process.........sell first, then donate second. With a mortgage still hanging over our heads, every penny is counting right now for us and if it seems selfish or greedy to some of you,  the bottom line is that we are number one in this process.

After the season is over, I will be just as anxious to get 'er put away for the last time in this house. Then we just need to find the appropriate snuggle away spot in the Model Suite.

My Avon room, desk sold so using tables now

There is work to be done in this place too so after our Last Supper with the offspring (his and mine) and his parents on Dec. 12 I need to find the elbow grease. We will need to get to work. They aren't huge projects, none of it, but sometimes small things amount to a big pile of HUGE no matter how you look at it. A few paint touch ups, kitchen floor tile to be laid (er stuck) carpet shampooing, window ledges cleaned and more purging. At that point we can move on to the bigger items, bit by bit and give the kids the pieces they have laid claim to.

My 'used to be full' display cabinet
with only 'keepers' left

The plan is good and the practice will follow. We appreciate all the assistance we are getting from the rest of you. Your tips and hints are invaluable, whether we follow them all or just take a tidbit here and there, it is all appreciated.

Using lawn chairs in rec room

Bookshelves used to be FULL

Furnace/Tool aka collection Room

One day will the purging be done and I'll
find myself in this predicament?

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy........or not so busy days to read my jabber today.
Please drop a line if you are so inclined so I know you are out there!