Nice Easy Day, Clothes, Rocks, Paints, Movies

On Sunday, Feb. 24^th I woke 2^nd again and when I came downstairs, Bill was already drinking his coffee and reading blogs. It was almost 7. The temperature on our weather station told me that it was 48F outside with no wind. I knew from that how many layers to wear and went out for my walk. There were low scruffy-type clouds to the east so I didn’t really see much of a sunrise. The sky was pretty though.

Sunday morning

 When I returned home, I made my tea and read my own share of our friends’ blog posts. What was on the agenda today? Not much but after a while, I made an omelette for breakfast. No bread this time, just bacon, eggs, onion, peppers, radishes and cheese. It was very good. After dishes, Bill went out and folded my bike into the bag and re-stored it in the back of Black Beauty. I won’t be riding it until we get a new inner tube.

To the east, it was a blurred sky painting

While he did that and cleaned the chrome on the truck (at least I think that is what he was doing – I was busy myself) I got my rock painting stuff out and texted Pat. I was making use of the nice round table that I ‘saved’ from destruction. It was perfect for us. We brought a chair from inside our units so we were at the right height for painting and set to work. I think we worked away in the sun’s warmth for a couple of hours.

By that time, we had each painted 3 rocks in our own way and it was fun. Even though I’d originally thought it would be a pool day, it turned out not to be. There is always tomorrow. The sun was hot today and we got to 68F by mid-afternoon. I sprayed our rocks with clear gloss and let them dry before getting my crocheting out. I sat outside and managed to complete a lot. Pat and Rob sat out at their site and Rob read while Pat worked on her own crocheting.

Cheesy omelette for breakfast was just enough

This was something that she wanted to improve on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an expert, heck, I just learned to crochet myself in December! But if I can assist her in any way, I’m grateful. It was Deb D. who first inspired me to learn. Last winter, I watched the amount of blissful time that she spent sitting outside, by herself, at Quartzsite and I could tell she was enjoying the hobby. I mentioned to her a few days before we parted ways that I would be interested in learning.

Our glazed rocks drying in the sun

Then, this winter, it was Rose who actually sat beside me at their home in Lake Havasu and handed me yarn and a hook. She reminded me of the basic slip stitch that I used to know years ago and before long I was crocheting! I hope Pat gets the bug too, there are things she wants to make as well. We skipped a together Happy Hour today, the time passed and we were all comfy in our own space.

My rocks

 I forgot to mention that this morning Bill and I spent an hour together in the bedroom. Don’t blush, he was purging his drawers and closet. He just needed a bit of an opinion on certain things ‘Do I keep? Do I donate?’ He got rid of quite a few things and they will go to Goodwill tomorrow. I also have one appliance to send away, I’ll never use the rice cooker again now that I have an IP. Yay!

And Pat's rocks

For supper we had loaded burgers. You know, bacon, cheese, onion, tomato, lettuce, mayo, mustard. I had relish and Bill had ketchup. They were delicious! We watched a couple of Hallmark movies, the second one was actually very good, I enjoyed it. Then instead of turning the Oscars on (which we’re never really in to watching) we watched a cute movie called The Intern with Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway.

This is the sky we had around 4:30
Beautiful day!

The day was drawing to a close and we had a creamy raspberry jello for dessert. Another good choice. This was a nice calm day and I loved it. I hope yours was just as nice.

Our loaded supper burger
Yum!
Good day all!

Thank you for stopping by. I enjoy reading your comments if you’d like to leave one.

More Guests, Clothing Swap, Cooler Days but Tons of Fun, Quiet Sunday

On Saturday, Sept. 8^th Bill and I were up before 7 and out the door for a walk right away. Bill had a better night with Clemson only getting up once around 5:30. When we returned Brenda and Randy weren’t out of the bunky yet so we came in and made our coffee and tea. The problem with not writing throughout the day is that I forget the ‘order’ of the day but less words for you to read that way and I'll remember the good stuff anyway.

the sun rises  through the clouds

The four of us had breakfast together inside around 10:30, scrambled eggs and bacon and grapes to fill the little holes in our tummies. We put the dishes in the dishwasher, enjoying the break from hand washing etc. while company is here. Since Rob and Pat had offered their Cedar Creek up for the other girls and it was empty, we invited Randy and Brenda to use the bathroom facilities to wash up this morning. I thought the privacy would be nice for them.

After clipping along the lane, we can see the dry pond area

When 12 noon rolled around, of course we weren’t hungry for lunch so Bill showed them the Hangar. They were both very impressed and happy that he had a nice area to work on his planes. They’d picked him up a 100’ extension cord at Costco, that was on sale, but refused to accept payment for it once they got here. Brenda said it was an early birthday gift. What a nice gesture!

It was nice walking together today

Bill and I checked out the 'Field of Beans' 

I lagged behind taking pictures 

At 12:30 Brenda and I drove over to Cheryl’s, next door, and she followed us in her vehicle to Durham. The clothing exchange started at 1 and even though we were a bit early, we helped Sandra, Jennifer and Pat set the clothes and some food out. Pat was really putting on a wonderful array of food choices for snacks, she was thrilled to be today’s host. Gayle, Donna and Michelle arrived soon after, Barb, Pat's next door neighbour and at 2:30 our 3 girlfriends from London arrived.

Lots of clothes, purses, jewelry to choose from

Brenda, Gayle, Laurie, Heather and Laurie
getting into the act

My sister models the leather with capris and flip flops

Shoes, anyone? Mostly size 7 & 8

The clothes were spread out over Pat’s living and dining room and there was no shortage of choices. Wow! 

Pat had quite the spread on their island

We had a blast from the time we arrived until the last of us left at 5:30. Laurie A., Laurie B. and Heather followed us to the Ridge. We sat around with a drink for a while and Bill lit the Weber at 7. We’d been munching all afternoon but the boys hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast.

The sun focuses on the turbines

We did burgers and sausage and I wish I’d taken a picture of the full grill. I cooked corn on the cob inside and when it was ready, we all moved inside to eat. The air was that cool plus dusk was approaching fast. Supper was good, everyone had plenty to 

eat. Laurie B. provided the wine and Laurie A. brought mini cupcakes for dessert. 

Our company relaxing around the fire before supper

When they were brought in and we were ready, we all sang Happy Birthday to Laurie B. The cupcakes were her 'cake' without candles. Her special day is on Tuesday. We cleaned up and moved outside with lots of layers to enjoy the fire that Bill had started earlier.

Bill, our barbecue chef tonight

The campfire is always more fun with company and between Bill (and Brenda, his fill-in) we were warm all night. Laurie B. and Heather were bundled up in their sleeping bags like little cocoons and the warmest of the bunch, I’m sure. At 11:30, Bill and I said goodnight and I believe within 10 minutes the rest of them followed suit. It was a cold night, around 6C/44F so I worried about the ‘children in the bunky’. Rob turned the furnace on for the girls in their fiver.

Laurie and Heather bundled in their sleeping bags and Laurie A. checking out the stars

Randy and Brenda

A good time was had by all

It was a great day and now it is Sunday, Sept. 9^th. The temperature had risen to a balmy 8C/48F and it was windy when we got up at 7:50 am. We slept in after being up again 3 times through the night with Clemson. Well, Bill was up, I was just awake a couple of those times. Poor guys. Snoozes will be in order today for both of them. We saw Laurie A. walking out the lane and down the road at 8 so texted her that coffee was ready when they were.

The morning after

The girls packed up the bedding, folded the couch up and loaded Laurie’s Sante Fe before joining us for coffee and tea. Brenda had already taken an early walk at 7 so her and Randy joined us as well around 8:30. I began making breakfast around 9. Hash browns in tin foil on the barbecue and mini sausages inside in the electric frying pan and toast. I think I actually managed everything quite well while Bill kept everyone in conversation.

From the Suite window, looking across the pond to the road

We ate by 9:45 which meant they would have a later departure than they’d planned. By the time we were cleaned up again and the dishwasher loaded, it was closer to 11:30 when they pulled out. I felt bad for the delay.  Sorry, Laurie A.! 

We never have fun with these gals
Can you tell? Notice the fly swatter?

Three Musketeers, my ex-co-workers
I do miss the girls

 The two Laurie’s’ had ‘homework’ for their jobs to finish before Monday morning. Just another reason that I’m grateful for retirement and the type of employment I had. No weekend work was necessary, ever.

Randy and Brenda, the Love Birds
what a great picture!
I miss Brenda too

Check out Brenda's cool socks! I'm thinking Arizona!

We were so happy that all 5 of our guests were able to commit to the weekend sleepover. 

this picture turned out fun with everyone walking down the hill
from checking out my garden

It made it so much nicer for them, not having the long drive of 2 ½ hours in one day. They were able to let their hair down and enjoy relaxing with us. This was a hoot! 

Randy's little Kia Sol

Laurie A's Santa Fe

After they drove off, Bill took Black Beauty over to the Acreage for water and I went through my bag of ‘new to me’ clothes. I dropped off 2 very bulging bags and returned with only 1, so kudos to me. You just never know what you’ll find and it is all about the comradery and the thrill of the ‘hunt’. 😊

My bag of goodies
I'm super thrilled with what I brought home!

Bill and I went out and pail by pail by pail shifted the car shelter to the east, more off the grass at the west end. Now it will be 90% on the gravel and the grass can be cut easily. Inside, Bill hung the Richard’s Crest that he got from Dad’s and I looked after the bed in the bunky for the next guests. It needed a bit of air so I pumped that up before taking a walk down to the corner. Down time and it was cool but really refreshing.

the 3 girls gave Pat and I each a bouquet like this

I noticed more beautiful wild flowers but instead of picking them, I just captured them on my camera. When the girls arrived at the exchange yesterday, they brought a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers for both Pat and I. Such a sweet gesture! Mine are looking great in our vase from Los Algodones, Mexico. Bill had the idea that he’d work in the Hangar for a bit but after puttering around, we both admitted defeat and sat in our recliners. You know where that led!

I took a picture of the shelter but look at the wind sock
It was a very windy day

The day zipped by and before long it was time for supper. I actually didn’t even snooze like I thought I would but my sweeties did. At 6 I got the leftover burgers out of the fridge and warmed 3 up for supper. There were a couple half cobs of corn that didn’t get eaten last night as well so I warmed them up. Bill had 2 burgers and I had 1 with the corn. It was simple, fast and filling. After dishes, I downloaded pictures and finished this post.

Bill hung his family Coat of Arms
in the perfect spot

 Another great day has come and gone and just like that it means the weekend was over too. Now it will warm up, or something like that. There is a warming trend coming after tomorrow. I hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend too, even half as much as we have.

a close-up

I took some pictures of wild flowers this morning but those pictures will be posted tomorrow. I've probably already put you to sleep!

Thank you for taking the time to see what we’ve been up to. I’d love to hear from you!

Driving to Aylmer, Laughs with Sisters and Great Friends, Clothing!

On Saturday, Sept. 16^th I woke up around 6:30 as did Clemson and Bill. Clem needed out so we all satisfied the urge as well. We crawled back in bed for another 45 minutes before rising and shining. This was to be another gorgeous day and we deserve it up here! It’s about time we got many days in a row of great weather!

I donned my runners and a light jacket and headed out for my walk. I can’t say enough about the peacefulness of these morning walks down the country road. After 30-minutes I returned to see Bill readying to go to Hanover. There a few things he needs at Rona. 

I love this view of our place
Notice the flag is just hanging limp

Sorry, another pond reflection picture

Our neighbourhood house of many colours
He has made flower boxes out of pallets

I caught up on a few blog posts of friends with my tea and hopped in the shower. 

Two cobs of field corn per stalk
Bill and I were having a discussion about this so I was curious

Bill returned with his goodies at 9:30 and Donna and Gerry arrived soon after. We loaded Donna's donations into my car and we said our goodbyes to the guys. A fun day is on the way!

These are my contributions to the day

From the Ridge we drove to the Aljoe's home in Durham to pick Pat up with her bag of goodies. Then to Rockwood Terrace where Gayle was parked and waiting with her stuff. She rode in the back with Donna and Pat rode in the front with me. I needed just a bit of help with directions and had given her the Google map printout. 

The Book Wagon

We arrived at Laurie’s place at 12:45 or so. My first priority was to head to the bathroom and bee-lined there immediately. The girls had started unloading our goodies into this beautiful farmhouse home.

Donna and Gayle enjoying lunch

Laurie and Sara were in the kitchen preparing lunch for everyone, what a feast! The general idea is to empty your own bags, placing pants with pants, skirts with skirts and so on. Soon enough, you have more than one pile of everything, as other guests arrived, there wasn’t a clear space to be seen other than the floor. Her chairs, sofas, tables were laden with clothes, purses, jewellery and shoes.

And what a spread it was! Wow!

Bacon wrapped potatoes, yummy

Jewellery
Btw, most of this was claimed
Shoes under the table too

And the fun begins

This is only half of the shoe pile

Sharon's granddaughter entertains herself

Heather, Gayle and Laurie in fine form
We always have a great time

Pat enjoying the goofiness with a refreshing lemonade
this was her first time at one of our Clothing Exchanges
but not her last!

Our fun-loving goofy hostess Laurie!

Darlene and Pat
There is always something going on

How the heck does this dress wrap?

Laurie gets lots of advice on how to wrap it

This was a huge display of ‘joy’ as my sister, Gayle, described something she had read. If it didn’t bring us ‘joy’ in our own closet and when we wore it, we brought it here for someone else to experience.

Soon the aroma of lunch reached us and we took our time filtering into the kitchen sampling her quiches, fruit, cheese balls, chips and dessert goodies. With a lovely space inside and out, we chose our favourite to sit and chat with friends, new and old alike.

Birthday cakes for our birthdays

Soon enough but too soon it was time to pack up and say goodbye. We all managed to find some special ‘new to us’ things to bring home. 

A hug for our hostess

Before we left, our host had two birthday cakes to celebrate our friend, Laurie’s, and my birthdays and the serenade began. Thank you especially, Heather, for your addition to this famous Happy Birthday rendition.

Heather priming up to sing to us

The drive home was uneventful other than I took a wrong turn outside of Stratford. With gps and passenger support, we got straightened out soon enough and made it back to Durham. It was 7:10 when we first did the drop off in the opposite of the pickup. Gayle first, Pat, Donna and I was home at The Ridge at 7:30.

And the gang gathers around the table before we leave

Bill managed to keep busy too giving some help over at the Acreage with Gerry, Mike and John and at home here with his cargo trailer project. He also topped up our fresh water tank while he was there. We all enjoyed ourselves. It was a fabulous day! I’d planned only to have soup and buns for supper and that was perfect for me after having such a great lunch. Bill needed a bit more so had a sandwich to fill him up.

And to join the fun, I donned this Onesie for laughs
Nighty-night!

I hope you have had a wonderful day too. Thank you for stopping in! Your comments are always welcome!