Strong Winds, Preparations, Sunshine, Frost Expected

On Thursday, Oct. 4^th, we were up shortly after 6:30. The winds were howling outside and our chairs and recycle bins had blown over. Of course, the rain didn’t start until I was up and dressed so yet again my legs will get no exercise today on the country roads. I feel very lazy but unlike my sister, I have no treadmill to get my miles in. Oh well. We hope that with the warm temperatures expected over the next few days that it will dry up enough to get some more outside jobs done. LOL

Nice to see the blue sky

We had our coffee and tea together and then Bill drove over to the Acreage to fill the water bladder and while there, wash out Black Beauty’s bed. Preps and plans are coming together, not only for our trip itself but also for what to take and what to leave behind. This involves decisions on if we’re taking it, where it will ‘travel’, in the Suite garage or in the truck. 

While he was at the other property, I went outside, surprised by how warm it was and started putting my garden ornaments away. The wind was crazy this morning, blowing our blue recycle bins, small tables and folded lawn chairs across the gravel. Really windy. I filled the 2 storage bins designated for lawn stuff and put them back on the shelf in the storage shed. That felt good. EllScott was bigger than most things so my garden Gnome went into the bunky and will spend the winter in there.

The coat rack in the bunky and room for lots more

We moved the coat rack from the storage shed into the bunky and it will hold the extra heavy coats and boots that we don’t take with us. I’ll cover them with a sheet but no critters have found their way in there anyway. Yet. Never say never, I guess but things are sealed up in heavy plastic should that happen. I emptied the small bar freezer and turned the fridge down. Just a few things need to come in to our fridge, once I make room.

I've seen this boat at our neighbours before but didn't focus on the old buggy
sitting beside it until today

Working around until about 11 when it was time to eat, I came inside and made us egg omelettes on buns. That hit the spot and the buns need to be eaten up before they go bad. They’ve been in the bar fridge for 3 weeks. Toasted is the best way to eat them now. 

I love this breakfast

We cleaned up dishes and Bill went back outside. The sun was making some very strong appearances. UPS drove up the lane and brought me my Avon parcel. Now, with that, we should be well stocked for shower gels and shampoos for over the winter.

Look up, look way up

Gayle had given us a bag of books last night to see if we were interested in any of them. So, I looked through them and removed any that didn’t appeal to me. I can drop them off at the book box in Durham tomorrow. I still have quite a few in the bunky but those will be for summer. I’m going to add the Dean Koontz books to that pile, new authors for here at home and favourites will go with us. I’ve never read Dean Koontz books and one will determine if I read any more.

From the front field, looking up towards the Suite
In between the trees, you can see our home
Nice that the grass has slowed down a bit, probably one more cut
before we leave

Supper tonight will be leftovers from previous nights or dinners out and that will free up more space in the fridge. I brought the sheets in off the line, as they were dry now. Clemson isn’t disturbed by all the hustle and bustle in and out of the Suite. Seems to be a ‘you aren’t bothering me today’ attitude and to us it means at least he isn’t underfoot.

A closer view from the same spot

We were up early so at 1 o’clock I feel that we’ve almost put a whole day in. The good news is that puttering outside is getting done and things checked off the list. I’m sure it won’t be long before Bill comes in, in need of a snooze. The Suite floors finally got a good sweeping, I’ve been putting it off for days, for one reason or another. I brought Uncle Harold’s hooked rug in from the bunky and like where I’ve placed it. Clemson does too, it is nice and plush under his feet as he eats and drinks.

Uncle Harold's mat is going south with us

The temperature is slowly dropping off, now loitering around 51F/11C but feeling cooler in the wind and shaded areas. I know there is a warm-up coming but we have another cool day to get through first. I need to cover my plants again tonight before we come in for the night. It is supposedly dropping to a brutal 34F/1C up here in West Grey. Yup that speaks frost to me and I’ve not come this far with my veggies to lose them in one night.

When they aren't completely ripe, Bill's little sailor watches over them in the window

I slipped my jacket on once more and went out to see what Bill was up to and noticed that he had put my wagon and the riding mower trailer in the shed, along with the bird bath and a few of my flower pots. It was after 1:30 so I wandered down to see if Madame post lady left us anything. I was pleased to see my new Health card had arrived. It was the last thing we were waiting for.

Bill finds the best nooks to pack things in the storage shed
Remember, the riding mower has to go in here too

Before coming back inside, I checked my garden. A couple of green tomatoes had dropped off in the wind so I brought those in to add to the rest of them. I asked if Bill wanted anything to drink but he decided to wait until he came in himself. I poured myself a Diet Gingerale, a taste that we have come to enjoy very much. It is nice not to feel guilty when I want a fizzy pop. I’ve always enjoyed pop, not extravagantly so, but more recently tried to avoid them because of the sugar. I never thought I would like any of the diet sodas.

My new 'straight' drink

Time to settle down with my book. At least take a break. I read for a while and Bill soon joined me inside. I noticed that he managed to get the car canopy cover off in that wind. It is ripped badly in a couple of places so we’re just happy that it lasted us through another year. It is over 2 years old and has dealt with a lot of wind up here. The boys snoozed together and I read.

We'll be buying a new cover in the spring

At 6 I pulled Bill’s leftover turkey meal out of the fridge and my sausage, rice and carrot dinner. Warmed them up together in the microwave and we were eating in a few minutes. Before doing dishes, we went out and covered my plants again. It is much easier with 2 people. That air has cooled down quite a bit and the sky is clear. We believe the forecasted temperature for overnight. We’ll need the heater tonight.

I enjoyed my supper tonight

The garden is protected tonight

There are still some shows on PVR to watch so that will be our evening entertainment. Commercials for me, mean a few more pages in my book. I’m getting close to the end so it is hard to put down. This has been a good day. One step closer to our departure date. Has yours been as good?

The sun sets and from this picture you can see that my ornament
shelf on the bunky is empty for the winter

good night from the Ridge on our
first sunny day in a long time

Thank you for reading today. I love hearing from you if you wish to leave a comment.

Perfect Way to Wake Up, First Frost, Daughter Arrival

On Saturday, Aug. 9^th we woke up together around 7 and it was great to see the sun bursting to the east. No clouds were visible and that alone makes me smile from ear to ear. I slipped outside to get a picture of the yellow ball and across the pond at the rising mist. What’s this? Frost on my windshield? Oh no! My first thought upon seeing the frost was my garden.

Mist on the pond 

It got down to 4C last night and I neglected to cover my tomatoes. I recollect when I lived in Rodney, On. years ago and had a garden, someone advised me to spray your plants with water before the sun hit them. This would save them if the frost hit them. 

So, I filled my watering can and sprinkled water on them. They look fine and I picked the ones that were ready. Calling for another cold one tonight, 5C I think so I will take the time and put the old sheets over them.

The sun rises as we like it to do

Brrr, it was a cold morning. Bill made my tea for me and we settled at our laptops and did our morning reading together. I make notes that pop into my head of things I want to search on Google. Often the thoughts are gone before I put the pen to paper but today I remembered 3 things. I googled a couple of things and because of a dream about a reunion with someone I’ve not thought of in years, I searched on Facebook.

So far, these are the only clouds in the sky

Frost on the Corolla

At 8:45 Bill drove into town to fill his gas can and by 9:15 he was out to get some grass cut. Our company isn’t expected until noon hour. The grass up near the Suite hasn’t grown as much but I’d like to cut the flat part of the corral in case we need a spot to play some lawn games. Bill’s daughter, Jess, is bringing her boyfriend and she is going to try and talk her Dad into something.

I love this view

By the time I was out walking, clouds were lifting

Selfie

So, by 10:30 I was finished doing what I could outside, and thought needed it and Bill has moved to the back field. I noticed a text from jess saying that they left around 9:30 so right on target. It was presumptuous of me to celebrate the ‘no’ clouds so early as they are back. Nothing like yesterday or Thursday so all is well. I swept the bunky and placed another comforter on the bed.

This tanker was bringing liquid manure to the farmer

Drawing the manure to the spreader

All set to go

With Bill almost done cutting I came inside and had my shower so it would be free for him next. No point in having breakfast since I assume we’ll be having sandwich buns with ham, lettuce and cheese when the kids get here. I’m wondering if I should make some up ahead of time, that might be an idea. I poured myself another tea and settled down for a bit.  I’m sitting here admiring the huge beautiful Mums that Megan and Neil brought us. They look as fresh as the day they arrived.

Bush with red leaves and green berries
No clue what it is

It was around 11:45 that Matt and Jess drove in the lane and as many visitors have had to do, they stopped at the point of the corral where the lane divides. Oh-oh, I think someone has spotted Mr. Snapper. Sure enough he was sitting directly in the middle of the lane. Matt was careful to drive the rest of the way. Bill had just finished with the grass on our hill.

This is why I trim the small trees
Don't need Bill poking an eye out!

We met Domi for the first time and what a beautiful bouncing baby he is! Named after a hockey player, Tie Domi who was a winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs. All things I've just learned today. This shepherd, part Dane and part Boxer is only 5 months old. He is as joyful as a kid in a candy store and fun to have around. Reminds me of the playful Ribsy who was here to visit last month. They would get along well.

Company arrives

Clemson basically tried to avoid avoid avoid and Domi just wasn’t in the same frame of mind. We had to keep our old pooch pretty much out of harm’s way, even though no harm was intended. Domi was looking only for a playmate. We showed Jess and Matt the bunky and let them get settled in before we moved inside to have lunch. Bill and I cleaned up the dishes and then joined them outside.

Meet Domi

The wind was cool and temperature only got to 14C today even though the sun was beautiful for most of the day. A cloud, however small, could make the difference between jackets on or off. We gave the game Washer Toss a try with guys against the girls. The game score goes to 21 but none of us were having much luck so we dropped down to 11 instead. Finally, after an hour, I scored the winning point to end the game. That was tough!

Matt and Domi at the hammock
I think he wants Matt to play ball

And then gave up and dutifully relaxed too

Whatcha got, Mom?

We hopped in the truck after 3 o’clock to go visit Donna and Gerry for a while at the Acreage. We caught up on things for an hour and I call it an early Happy Hour even though we weren’t all drinking. We were happy. 

Happy Hour at the Acreage

Domi did some more running around while Clemson sat, protected, on our laps. When the sun dropped behind the trees, the skitters came out and we came back home to The Ridge.

Entertaining us chasing his ball

Bill and Clemson needed a snooze and so did Matt so Jess and I sat outside and read for a bit before it was time to start supper prep. I washed and cut up the potatoes and wrapped them in foil so Bill could put them on the Weber right away. The chicken breasts and sausages went on soon after. We were eating inside at 6:30 and supper was very good. Jess had made a cherry cheesecake so we had a special dessert as well. It was delicious! My favourite dessert.

Playing Washer Toss

After supper, we all decided to bundle up and have a campfire for a couple of hours at least. The wind had died right down. Yes, it was cold but we sat close to the heat and Bill kept it roaring. Domi played for a while with his rope and then settled down beside Matt's chair and slept. We left Clemson inside where it was warm and sat outside until 9:30 or so. Finally, the chill at our backs drove us inside to our own beds. 

Darn! The manure spreader went down our nice graveled road!

While sitting around the fire, we were watching the stars and listening to the coy dogs. They were sure singing tonight at a couple of intervals. As long as I don’t see any yellow eyes peering at me from across the field, I am okay. Otherwise, make way I’m going inside…….quickly. I don’t need to see them because it would be a hard thing to get out of my head for those nights I’m up here alone.

With the barbecue lit, Jess and her Dad spend time together

Covered my plants so the Nomads are back

It was warm in the Suite and Matt had turned the heater up so they would be toasty. Jess doesn’t like to be cold, like me, so hopefully they have a nice warm night. Before the fire, I covered my tomato and pepper plants up once more. It has dropped down to 8C at 10 and will go even lower according to the network. 

Jess was layered up so Domi was trying to help
get her warm

This has been a good day with Bill’s youngest daughter, we’re happy they could make

it up here before we leave.

I hope your day has been just as fulfilling. Warmer days are just around the bend for us.

The fire pit was roaring

Domi thanks you for stopping in too
He gave me a close up in the back of our truck

Thank you for stopping by. I enjoy reading your comments.