Happy Mother’s Day! Family Visit Because We Can

The Ridge

When we woke up on Sunday, May 10^th it was looking very calm AND green out my window. That means the weather Gods didn’t dump on us again. Thank you! I couldn’t see the flags blowing but figured it was pretty brisk outside so while Bill had his shower, I had my tea downstairs. With the temperature hovering around 0C/33F, when my tea was done, I got bundled and went for a walk.

I saw these guys in the pond

 It was actually quite nice with the wind speed between ZERO and ONE mph. The perfect walk, it was. I wasn’t cold as I’d pulled my hood up and my neck scarf up to cover my chinny-chin-chin. 

I was happy to be out and when I got to our road, looking back onto our front field I was rewarded. There was the ‘Royal’ family. Our royal family. Mother, Father and all 7 goslings! I was so worried, dreading the worst, after not seeing the babes since the first day.

Then I saw the family, I couldn't get all the babies in the picture

The little gaphers were eating the grass and I took some pictures before picking up my step. Happy Mother’s Day, Mother Goose! I turned onto Baptist Church Road, saw the two large barking dogs on the porch at the corner house. They were behind their gate so I wasn’t worried. They don’t look friendly, but I’m sure they are and just protective. I was anxious to test Bob’s theory about the robin. As I was walking, the 10 snowflakes we saw up on the Ridge, turned into many more than that.

Here is where her nest is but I couldn't tell if she was in it

As I approached the tree and Ms. Robin’s nest, I couldn’t tell if she was present so stepped down into the ditch to get closer. My glasses had snow spots on them so I didn’t notice her head until I got about 3’ from her. I stopped as she watched me take a picture. I said ‘Happy Mother’s Day, Mama Robin!’ snapped the picture and backed up to the road. I was relieved that both mothers were present and accounted for, looking after their offspring.

She was very patient with my approach

The gate to Turbine Lane was open but I knew it was the other day so someone has been working on it. We can only assume that as the one has been so very noisy lately. When they whine, they sound like voices, animal or human. 

Back home, the snow was quite heavy and Bill met me by the corral. We discussed a couple of things and then walked the lane together to see the geese again. Just as we arrived, they got spooked and took their babies into the pond. So cute! It’s like the little ones are on a tether, they were so perfectly aligned.

A couple of favourite pictures from today

I was wrong, there aren't 7 babies, there are 8!

Inside, I started my posting for today and sent a few Mother’s Day wishes to my sisters and my buddies. Wasn’t I surprised around 10:30 when my daughter called! Not surprised, per say, she always does, but the timing was perfect. We had a lovely long chit chat and we wished each other a special day before hanging up. The snow hasn’t stopped so not sure what to expect. However, with a high temperature forecast of 6C/43F I doubt it will ‘stick’ around.

I followed Chippy down to the ditch to see where he was going
He has so many holes all over the property but he didn't disappear into one

I made us breakfast around 11 and we got cleaned up to go visiting. Our youngest daughter, Jess, has invited us for a visit this afternoon. That means they are ready, as we are, for a personal connection. Yay! It is Mother’s Day and I’m a mother so I took the time to dress up a bit. Well, in comparison to my normal isolation attire, I cleaned up a lot. I put on a pretty top and a skirt. Yup, a skirt! It felt good to apply makeup too.

Because of reading Furry Gnome's blogs blog
I recognized this White Crowned sparrow

He moves quickly so I was flitting back and forth a lot

The White-crowned Sparrow breeds in Alaska and arctic Canada, so it's just migrating through here now.  It winters in most of the continental United States and into Mexico.
(this write up is thanks to Furry Gnome)

I was thrilled to have three visit all at once

We left the Suite around 12 noon after cleaning up the dishes. We had some gifts for the family and of course a special one for Baby Easton’s 1-year birthday. That was on March 11^th but it didn’t go by unnoticed, we found something for him in Yuma, Az. 😊 We left the snow flurries in one part of Ontario and welcomed dry pavement and green and brown fields in another. We arrived in Stratford and then at Jess and Matt’s around 1:30.

Jess and Matt live here with Easton

Our little greeter
Look at those gorgeous blue eyes!

Easton does not act strange with people but look at the
curious look on his face
Domi poses really well for the camera

They have a dog, Domi, 2 cats and a little person very adept at walking so Jess asked that once we buzzed for entry into the apartment building, to just walk in their door. Knocking would set the dog to barking unnecessarily. As we approached their door, it opened and out came our little greeter. Easton! Walking and just so adorable. Domi followed and a bit of fun chaos ensued while we made our way in the door.

Easton liked his Arizona burrow and Grandpa tried to get him laughing

Remember, the last time we saw Easton, he was only 7 months old so this was a real change. He took my finger but didn’t move so Gramma got to pick him up right away. Yes! We had a great visit with the new family and Jess got us a drink and set out some snacks that she’d prepared before we arrived. 

Jess, Easton and the burro

Between Easton, Domi and one of the cats fawning for attention, finally everyone settled down. We had some good chuckles with the 1 year old and a nice chat with Mom & Dad.

With the leftover strawberries and blueberries
she was going to try and blend a dessert for Easton
Even though he is reaching for them, he doesn't like anything on the plate

Here is a great size perspective for you!

It was 3:45 when we left Stratford and gave daughter #3 a quick call to see if she was around for a quick visit too. She is on our way home, in a roundabout way but we didn’t get an answer to the call. 

I didn't take a picture of their house but
this should show Krystal and Matt that we were really
in their driveway

By the time we approached Drayton, we’d still had no response from our message so obviously she was busy or didn’t have her phone. We found their home anyway for next time and headed home. When we reached Mount Forest Bill pulled into the A & W. My treat for supper and I had no argument whatsoever!

I did ask if we could please take it home rather than eat it in the parking lot. I know Bill likes his food hot but if this was my Mother’s Day supper, I wanted it in the comfort of our own home. I promised Bill that I would reheat it in the microwave so he could enjoy it and he readily agreed. It was 5:30 when we arrived home and I quickly changed clothes while Bill got plates and condiments out. Still in the bag, I warmed the food for 2 minutes and that was perfect.

It was a fast food meal but it was delicious!

I enjoyed our meal very much, the big thing being that I didn’t have to come up with something and then cook it. Bonus! We sat together for the evening and I waited patiently for one more phone call. Usually it is when I think Patrick won’t call, the phone rings and I don’t think he has missed the day yet although it has come close! This was a fun day; I couldn’t ask for any better. The snow had stopped by the time we got home and the grass was still green. Another bonus!

Jess, Matt and Easton spoiled me today
with this Bamboo plant and card
Thank you!

I hope you’ve had a great day too. If you are a mom, this picture is for you. 

Good night everyone!

I hope you got to speak to your special lady today in one way or another.

Thank you for stopping by! Comments are always welcome.

Jello-O Plan-changing Winds, Visiting Family

London, Ontario

When I woke up on Tuesday, Apr. 9^th it was a much better time. It was 6 am so I relaxed for another half hour. I joined Bill downstairs and being it wasn’t light enough to walk yet, I made my tea and caught up on some friends’ blog posts. Most of our Ontario friends are home with the exception of a couple who will be soon. Today was extremely windy and added to the chilly 7C/46F air temps, I didn’t get out for a walk in the morning.

Bill left before 9

Our first priority was to empty the storage area underneath our king bed. We lifted that and found spaces for everything, including our boxed Christmas tree. And surprisingly, we can still walk around and live in the Suite. We also stripped the bed of sheets and duvet. We did all this because the service technician, Al, is coming to temporarily, but professionally, tighten the really really slack slide cables. He wants to be able to see what, if anything, may be causing all of the issues – from all angles, even under the bed.

It wasn't Al arriving, but instead I heard then saw Kirk bring a Mobile Suite in
It would either need a PDI or cleaning before going back to Can-Am

We had breakfast of poached eggs on rye toast and cleaned up dishes and then ourselves so that would be out of the way when he arrived. As it turned out, Bill got called in for a morning orientation job on a Grand Design travel trailer. Marshall was still sick and this was his client. Bill can’t say no, I understand that and we were going to stick around anyway so he could help Al with the bedroom job. Instead of Bill helping him, he will bring another service guy with him.

Parts of today looked like this while others were pure blue sky and sunshine
but it was definitely a 'don't wear a hat day'

Hopefully, both morning events will be done early enough that we can do some running around this afternoon. If not, definitely tomorrow. We also need groceries. The fridge needs a restock before we drive to the Ridge, it is looking pretty pathetic. Bill left at 9:15 to meet the clients and I can relax until the boys come. I made a coffee and did just that. Clemson is asleep in his bed on the couch so he will keep me company.

Driving on familiar streets, the ones we drove every day back and forth
for  30+ years

So, there is jiggling Jell-o afoot and I don’t mean the kind in the fridge. At 12 noon, Bill texted and said “I’m on my way home”. That’s great, he’s done an orientation in record time. However, Al never made it to work on our slide so I’m kind of confused. When Bill walked in, he said he heard early on that because of the winds and the cold, they deferred the fix until tomorrow morning. He was a bit gun shy to call and tell me that we did all the moving for nothing.

London also has some very unique old buildings
This church sits right on a corner at Adelaide St. and King St.
for those of you who are familiar with the city

At least the stuff is packed neatly and not in our way. We do have to remake the bed and then strip it again in the morning. What else do I have to do, really? LOL So, it was good that Bill was home early. We had cheese and crackers for lunch and then we drove to St. Thomas to Elgin Travel Centre on Wellington St. and chatted with Taylor about some flight information for October. We’ve never been to a resort before and haven’t flown since 2004 so we’re pretty rusty on the whole things. She was very helpful and answered all of our queries.

Acceptable graffiti on a building across from the police station

So, Taylor at ETC aside, I hate admitting this, but I’m frustrated about being back home for one reason. We have some lousy, read my lips, LOUSY customer service people here in London. Yesterday in a Dollarama, not one smile from any of the 6 employees I met. No ‘good morning!’, no ‘how are you today’ (with any sincerity), rude shelf stackers reaching around me to straighten greeting cards with nary an ‘excuse me’.

Beef, mushroom rice soup
It was delicious
Bill had the house salad

lasagna and garlic toast
yummy

Rice pudding came with the seniors meal
I was so full, I shared it with Bill

Today, other than our buddy Stu at Costco who greets us like old and dear friends, an ignorant ‘foodie’ at a sampler booth, a cashier and bagger who greeted us and then ignored us during checkout while chatting about karaoke to each other, I felt very disappointed in human kind. I walked out thinking of how everyone, well a large percentage in the southwest venues, campgrounds etc. know how to treat their consumers. I’m hoping to be met with the familiar friendliness in our hometown of Durham when we arrive.

Charlotte and Cory have a very nice home

Okay, rant over, back on to our day. We left Costco and stopped at Food Basics where I picked up a few veggies and other necessary things on the grocery list. People were nicer there. We drove home, got groceries put away and at 5:30 Bill took me out to supper. One of our favourite London restaurants, a bi-weekly payday haunt for us during our working career. Southside Family Restaurant is just around the corner from our former sticks and bricks home.

Chelsea likes her hoody
although it is a bit big on her
Look at that beautiful smile!

 While there, we were delightfully surprised to see a former school board employee walk in. We have known Dave Ward for over 30 years and it was wonderful to see and chat with him before our supper and his guests arrived. He was hosting a seminar in the back room for London Auto Service, his new business. After leaving the restaurant, with a bit of time on our hands, Bill drove down our old street and past our old house.

She thought it was neat that it came from Mexico

Interesting to see the changes of no front garden (what happened to my lilac bush?) but also interesting that we felt ‘nothing’, really. It was just a drive in an old neighbourhood that we aren’t missing in our life. There are a couple of neighbours that we miss but we had a date and had to keep on moving. Across the familiar city, Black Beauty nosed her way around as if she’d never left. We arrived at Charlotte and Cory’s lovely home in the north corner of London.

I didn't do a very good job getting a picture of the earrings
but what a cutie patootie! Olivia loves the roadrunners.

The girls seem to grow so much during the 6 months we are away. Olivia becomes more of a young lady and Chelsea, our sports gal, must have grown at least 3”! I told her 3’ but was kidding. 😊 We caught up on their news, they on ours and then I handed out the gifts we’d brought home. I do believe everything was a hit. Chelsea looked great in her new hoody from Los Algodones and Olivia was tickled ‘pink’ with her roadrunner earrings from there as well. How well we did with the pink being her birthstone colour! (Lucky is all)

Now you can see them

We talked about Cancun for October and we are all getting excited for the vacation away. We said goodbye at 8:15 and drove home under dark clouds and a bit of rain on the windshield. This was a good day here in London. We remade the bed when we got home. Bill read, Clemson waited for me to sit and I finished downloading pictures and getting my blog ready to post. It might be a morning post; my eyes are really drooping.

I hope yours was a good day as well. Thank you for stopping by.

The Kind of Mornings We’ve Waited For, Water Fill, Clemson Gets Drugs, Daughter Visit, Laundry, Garage Sales, Brief Storm

On Friday, May 25^th I woke up at 5:30 and tossed and turned a few times trying to go back to sleep. It feels like the ‘gator roll’ we see on Swamp People because I go from side to back to other side to front to side again before giving it up altogether. I got up at 7 and Bill followed soon after. Windows were open and the duvet was up and down a few times through the night. It was a great night for sleeping.

This is a cute depiction in a Vet's office

We made our tea and coffee and read comments and blog posts from our friends. Nice to catch up with what they are up to, kind of like a ‘Good morning’ called across the campground. I stepped outside in my skivvies, as Daddy would say, (my pjs) to retrieve more bottles of water from the basement. This is the kind of morning I’ve been longing for! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and 60F/15C. The slight breeze feels refreshing.

Clemson waits his turn

At 8 we ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ and drove over to the Acreage to fill our water bladder. Bill drove to the back with Gerry and Donna and I sat at the front and enjoyed the sun in their King’s chairs. We visited for half hour and headed home. Bill transferred water while I cooked breakfast and then cleaned up dishes after he was finished. We also needed propane so he loaded the tank in the bed of the truck for our later trip into town.

and these dogs waited patiently too

Clemson had an appointment with the vet at 11 am to get his distemper/hepatitis and 2 things I can’t pronounce shot and a blood test for heart worm. He was very good but naturally fidgety with all the poking and prodding. He has lost a bit of weight so we both are curious how we can follow his diet. Hmmm. We also picked up his Revolution solution for fleas and ticks. He came out of there with a bandage on his ‘arm’ , feeling proud of his bragging rights and we came out with emptier wallets.

"I'm okay and pretty 'cool' in my bandaid"

Back home, I changed and continued with my rock/stone clearing project. It is quite warm out there at 82F already at noon hour so I took lots of breaks and drank lots of water. With the small rocks spread on the laneway and the big rocks dumped by the Restroom, I came inside with Clemson. He needed a bath, his backside tends to get dirty at certain times so into the sink he went. One of us can do this but two makes it easier. It's a family affair, usually.

Hard at it

Before I went out to work on the smaller rocky areas, I made us each an ice cream cone. Breakfast was early and supper would be as well, so an early afternoon snack was in order to tide us over until 4:30. We shared the last inch of each of our cones with Mr. Mooch and then I went back outside to dig more rocks. Bit by bit it is looking more promising. I’ll need to get some top soil to spread over the area and then sprinkle it with grass seed. After that, it will be up to nature.

Pretty little Chevy in town for sale

Bill was out working on the generator. When in town, we filled the gas can and also refilled our 40-lb propane tank. There is still an unknown problem, the Champion doesn’t run with what should be normal power. He hasn’t given up yet but if Bill can’t figure it out, he’ll take it up the road to North Line Repair Service. This guy is a neighbour, 2 lanes up and we hear he is pretty good at what he does.

When I came inside, I was so hot that I hopped in the shower right away and kept the water temperature at cool. That felt so nice! I sorted the dirty clothes for an early morning trip to the Durham Laundromat. Hoping soon after I get up, I’ll get in there since it opens at 7. The weather will determine if I dry them there or bring them home to hang. Fingers crossed!

Love lasagna

At 4:30 Bill plugged us into power so I could run the microwave for 10 minutes to reheat our lasagna. We’d invited ourselves to Bill’s oldest daughter, Yvonne’s (the birthday girl) for a visit since we hadn’t seen Dennis and the 4 boys since we’d returned home in April. We have gifts for them and we were happy to hear they would be home tonight. It is so hard to pin these kids and grandkids down with all of the things going on in their lives.

A pleasant evening drive

 With dishes cleaned up, we put Clemson in charge with a couple of treats at 5:30 and drove to Tavistock. This weather is something else. Sitting at 84F/29C and that makes the decision of what to wear easy. I doubt it will cool down too much but I’ll take a sweater along just in case. The Suite is warm but there is a lovely breeze coming in the windows. The little bum will sleep most of the time while we’re away so we'll hardly be missed.

I'm never sure if this is a business or residential home

It is an hour and a half and the sky remained blue the whole way so it was a pleasant drive. Their neighbor had just backed a 37.7’ Grand Design Solitude into the driveway so Bill, of course, had to chit chat with them for a couple of minutes. Our friends own a Solitude and we know they are very happy with it. Somebody is doing something right when a young couple in their 30’s can afford such a large, new, house, truck and rv. Good for them! However, because it 'just' barely fits in the drive, it is a bit of an eyesore in a new sub-division, blocking the view from Yvonne's house up the street. There may be some complaints registered from a few residents.

through the smudges on the windshield, two mature Mennonites are heading out for the evening

Dennis and Yvonne were inside and we moved outside onto the beautiful sitting area on their deck. They have been in this place in Tavi for 10 years and that just doesn’t seem possible. They have done a lot of work to the property as it was newly built when they bought. We had a couple of drinks together, caught up, talked about Dad/her Grandpa and soon Carter, Zach, Connor and finally the 16 yr. old heart throb, Braeden came home to greet us. He'd blush at that but soon his brothers will be called the same thing.

It's hard to catch the boys together and sometimes individually
this is young, Zach, one of the twins

Enjoying a drink together
Bill, Yvonne and Dennis

 They liked their t-shirts and Yvonne really liked her funky Arizona/Mexico purse. The time went by easily and at one-point Connor and Dennis started a fire in the back yard at their fire pit. Ten-year-old Bella sauntered around the property, sad to see our dogs age, she is a sweetheart and has calmed down considerably since we first met her, as they naturally do.

They have a lovely backyard

And I was amazed at the size of her hostas

Bella poses for me but I had to be persistent

Connor on the left, trying to play shy

It was around 9:30 when we said our goodbyes and drove home. I could hardly keep my eyes open so relaxed with my seat back for a bit. I can’t sleep in a car anyway but rested. I sat up in Teviotdale when Bill commented on fireworks going off. Someone was celebrating the American Memorial Day and a beautiful night to set them off. I knew Bill was getting droopy eyes too so we talked a bit and soon enough, we reached Durham.

It's blurry but Connor enjoys the fire

After letting Clemson out, Bill followed me to bed and I know I was gone in a very few minutes. There was no need for the duvet tonight so we covered in a sheet only and with a few windows wide open, had a peaceful night’s sleep. This was a busy day and we enjoyed it very much.

Sunset over the rooftops in Tavistock

Saturday, May 26^th began with us waking and rising around 6:30. Another wonderful sleep for me, my body felt that it needed it after all the digging yesterday. Bill made our coffee and tea ‘to go’ as I was heading directly into Durham and he was heading out to the riding mower to cut grass.

I was the first one in the laundromat and loaded 3 machines before taking my laptop to the bench outside to catch up on my blog. I’m getting lackadaisical in not finishing my daily posts but life is moving quickly and that is more important. I know you have all been there and totally understand where I’m coming from.

Woohoo! My first iris!

I had a nice conversation with a young lady also doing her laundry and we parted ways after the wash loads. I went in search of a garage sale. I’m looking for a couple of large outdoor flower pots for 2 tomato plants. The only sale I found was that of a British lady, Dawn, "like the morning" who stole my heart. Her idea of garage sale is exactly what I love. Low, low prices ‘just so things won’t go to a landfill’ and a nice variety of smalls. Things that you have to hunt through to see what treasures are within.

Hardly a breeze but lots of heat to dry them today
Notice the dead tree in the background, now that is personality!

 I found a couple of perfect aptly designed (for rv cupboards) containers and pair of dripless teapot clips. 

These are great storage containers with seal-tight lids and slim designs for my narrow pantry

I never knew there were such things but you can bet they will go in my purse for those silly China made stainless steel teapots in restaurants that drip all over the table when pouring. For $1? Are you kidding me? SOLD!

Bill just about finished the grass cutting

Before I left I was politely informed of the 5 boxes of candles that she had marked ‘free’. I kindly informed her, no thank you to the boxes but did choose about 10 that would be good to melt down for my homemade firestarters. She said I was welcome back later to pick up the boxes.  Such a card. We had a fun connection and I drove home and relayed my whereabouts to Bill, who was wondering if I was okay, being later than expected.

He is getting to be a pro on the slopes

I hung the clothes but had to put on a long sleeve top to do so, the little black flies were up on the hill trying to snack on my exposed flesh again. Bill told me that perhaps I should go back and pick up her candles and it would be another project for me, making a batch of the starters. Hmm. He hopped on the mower to finish cutting the back field and the berm behind us. When I saw he was about finished, I lit the Weber and fried up breakfast. The timing was perfect!

the eggs are bunched together to keep warm while waiting for Bill

Once I’d cleaned up dishes, I drove back into town to snafu more candles. She was, of course, delighted and tickled to see me back again and offered to help load them in my car. I told you she was a lovely lady. Unfortunately, when I sorted through the boxes, many of them were in containers and that was more trouble that it was worth for me to take them. I took any candles without painted decorations and glass, metal, plastic pots and she was quite happy about that.

Lilac Burst

Surprising to me, I found some almost new scented candles in glass jars that will go into my cupboard to burn in the Suite. Lilac, buttered rum and cranberry to name a few that will bring hours of fragrance.  

A few of the many candles I brought home

Of course, one more thing caught my eye and I picked up a Brita water jug for .50, just perfect for my Beer Margaritas, taking up less fridge space. Oh Deb D. what have you done? 😊

Beer margarita, yum

When I left there, I was still on a mission for finding pots and now to find a metal pan to melt the candles on the bbq. I drove to another recommended yard sale. No luck with my search but I met the most beautiful greyhound while there. His name is Parker and because I know Bill is fond of these dogs, I asked for a photo. He took to me and instantly while petting him, he leaned up against me. So gentle, just loving the attention.

Parker and his Daddy, a pretty tiger striped beauty

Posing for the picture

Back home, Bill was putting together some well-thought words for a short speech he’ll be making at Dad’s memorial service on Monday. When he finished, I typed them up for him and once plugged in we can print them off. Bill has no trouble speaking in front of people and often can ad-lib better than most. I love that about him and always have. This will no doubt be one of the hardest he’ll ever have to recite.

Our own little beauty sits under the awning with me

The skies darken

 The skies began darkening around 2:30 so we brought the dried clothes in off the line and I settled under the awning with my book until the spatters of rain blew in, chasing me inside. It grumbled, rained steady for about an hour before at 4 the sky once more calmed and let some blue through again. Just like the weather people said it would. Imagine that!

And thunder and rain make an appearance for about an hour

Supper tonight will either be bbq’d hamburgers or the last serving of lasagna. Either one will be fine by me. Whatever is left will be eaten tomorrow. Donna and Gerry have been enjoying their time at the Acreage since Thursday night, only interrupted by a work trip into Hanover this morning. I’m so happy that they are spending time out there with their new 5^th wheel and that the weather is co-operating.

A picture of our summer home
The brown area is almost 'rock-free' and hopefully will soon
be green

This has been a great couple of days and it feels good to be slowing down a bit. We still have things to do, more rocks to dig, top soil and grass seed to spread but the in-between times are used well too with hobbies and happy hours. I hope your days have been enjoyable too.

And the blue sky returns
By the time I posted this at 5:30, the clouds were completely gone again

Thanks for peeking in to see what we’re up to! Leave a comment if you wish, I love hearing from you.