A Bit More Tidying, Cargo Trailer Re-Settled, More Groceries

The Ridge

On Tuesday, Aug. 4^th I forgot that it was just us on vacation. When we got up shortly after 7 (my oh my, we’re sleeping in!) I went for my walk. I wore my safety vest as it was a dull morning, completely overcast. There wasn’t supposed to be early rain though so I enjoyed the 2-mile walk. There was a fair bit of morning traffic and I remembered that people were back to work today. When I returned, I made my tea and took it out to the King chairs with my book.

Made it just beyond Turbine Lane before I turned around

The book I’m reading now is Plum Island by Nelson DeMille. From page 1 it is really good. I didn’t realize or had forgotten how Nelson writes. I love his wit and the humour he gives to his main character particularly. I chuckle or smile a lot while reading it. Bill went down to the Hangar/cargo trailer to spread some more gravel so he could back Black Beauty up and pull the trailer out. He wants gravel under it too.

This was a hint as to what our day would look like

First new camera selfie

It took a couple of tries, having to move even more gravel out of the way, and he finally got it out. 

Bill backing up to the cargo trailer

With the gravel then spread nicely under the car shelter, he backed the trailer in. 

This wasn't going to work so he pulled out and moved some more gravel

My help was required just a bit to keep him straight and get the wheels up on the boards. Thumbs up, she was in place! The gravel will be nice for him when he wants to go to the flying field. He doesn’t have to worry about soft grass or mud after a rain when going in or out.

Hooked up, gravel spread and he's backing it up under the shelter

I was at the back making sure he was in the middle of the shelter

Then he hopped on the mower and drove over the gravel a few times before going to cut grass. He finished the lower back field and then cut around the patio area. We can’t believe how quickly it is growing. All this rain. Bill and I drove into Durham to pick up a few more groceries and he wanted to check something out at Home Hardware. Back home, we were on time for Happy Hour outside with Kim and Ken.

And voila!

Well, it started outside and with the impending showers, gusty winds and black threatening clouds we moved inside the Suite when we were getting chilled. At 6, they went back to their Journey and we started supper. Pork tenderloin was on the menu tonight and I’d thawed a small one today. I pounded it flat but maybe I shouldn’t have when I saw the result. I cooked some boxed stuffing in the microwave and some of the beans from Mitch.

All set

It didn’t take long to cook but I didn’t enjoy the pork. Bill didn’t mind his with sweet and sour sauce so at least he got a good meal. I ate the dressing and beans and put the pork in a container in the fridge with some dressing. I don’t know what it will be like warmed up but we’ll find out another night. After dishes, I set about finishing my blog post. 

This was an odd day as far as weather. One minute it is warm, then cool, rain, then sun but there was always a bit of a threat with the black clouds floating over and around us to the north, west, east and even the south. We missed heavy weather but heard of tornado warnings off in different areas of southwestern Ontario. It looks like this is the tail end of a cool front and we’ll be back into sunshine tomorrow. Yay! We have more company arriving just on time.

Something in the wet grass was very attractive to these birds

It looks great but I couldn't 'get there' with the pork

Good night!

Thank you for stopping by.

Foggy Start, Looking After the Yard, A Lesson, Clemson Gets a Treat

Friday, June 16^th I woke up to some fresh air in the Suite from a few open windows and a gorgeous 18C already outside. The horizon was covered in fog but it didn’t take long at 7 to see the sun burn it off. What can I say? It looks like a perfect day!

Still no hummers at my new feeder

I needed to descale our Keurig so did that cleaning yesterday before Bill came home but it didn’t perform for me afterwards. I know this has happened before and he has the patience to get it going again but it takes numerous tries. Finally, after he got up at 7:30, he got it working and we had our first hot drink by 8.

The corn in the field behind us is having a growth spurt

I wanted to write an email to my siblings and children about my time with Mom over the last couple of days. Not all of them read my blog. I know, I know!!! Anyway, after reading posts from other bloggers I took my tea and laptop outside to compose the letter. We all try to keep others informed of our visits, especially for the benefit of those who live far away and can’t see her as often.

The grass cut up on the east hill
That is my veggie garden in the back corner

Bill finished his coffee and started to cut grass down the front of the property. It has really grown. He only has a half tank of gas so will do what he can. My job this morning is to put on my knee pads and weed the gardens. The rain is not particular and seems to pay as much attention to weeds as to our plants.

Our peonny bush at this end and the droopy hostas

I sprayed myself with sunscreen since it was too warm already to work outside in long sleeves and pants. I love the feel of the sun on my skin so will protect myself this morning. I also wear a ball cap and today I even had those garden knee caps. I have the worst knees, can’t kneel on them without discomfort so these were great! Thanks Pat!

Rhubarb Patch, now designated

I started up on the hill at the hostas Rob gave me. They don’t look too healthy and I wonder if the grass is choking them out or didn’t I get the roots deep enough? I’ve transplanted so many hostas in my time that I find that hard to believe but anything is possible. I pulled grass out using my hand, like a hand mower kind of, so we don’t have to use the weed whacker around them at all.

Then I moved to the rhubarb plants. They didn’t produce anything worthwhile this year so I need to make a change. Get rid of the grass surrounding them and give them a garden patch of their own. The ground was easy to dig in that area so soon it was finished. From there I cleaned up around the two hostas by the patio table and gave them a clean out as much as I could. Too rocky so my attempts were futile.

The back field, all nicely manicured with a cut

By the time I finished that, Bill had stopped cutting, needing to go to town to get more fuel. We decided to take a run into Mount Forest to Roberts and pick up the oil and filter needed to do an oil change on the Cub Cadet. All 3 of us went for the ride.

Looking from the west along our car shelter
Again, to get a perspective, my veg garden is straight through to the very end

On the way there I had Bill stop at West Grey Butchers in Varney and I picked up a bag of 6 small marrow bones. Clemson will get a treat and hopefully his smile will be brighter. When we got back I gave him one outside and it kept him busy for quite a long time. Digging and biting to get at the yummy marrow inside.

Clemsons marrow bones
Scott, the butcher cut these for me

When we got back from town we both grabbed a bite to eat before going back at it. There was work to be done and the day was young. If rain comes as expected tomorrow, it will be a day where we can sit back and relax.

Oh, this is nice, Mom

Bill finished the back field and I worked in the flower garden with my hoe and hands. Digging up even more of the goutweed. It is less and less each time but it still makes me grumble at it. Once more the garden soil is refreshed and weeds removed.

Cleaned up for another week or so

I realized that the heavy iris flowers that are bent and leaning on other plants need to be removed. I took my clippers and snipped them off. This still leaves lots of buds and other beautiful blooms. Was this an err in judgement, God, when you created these gorgeous flowers? How could such a small stem be expected to hold up such an abundance of blooms? Never-the-less, I couldn’t throw them out.

So, I laid them on my bench

Before standing them up in this pot

I took Bill out a water when I took a break and soon indicated to him that I was finished. I put my garden tools away and joined Clemmy in the shade of our awning. There is just enough of a breeze to keep the humidity down. Soon after, he put the mower away and joined us.

Bill cuts the field

The boys had a snooze indoors and I found the hammock quite comfy in the shade of our little cherry tree. We have one of those body pillows that stretches right across the end of the hammock. I had finished my Michael Connelly book, last night, and had another one I wanted to read still involving Harry Bosch. This one is called The Crossing. After a couple of chapters, I had to close the book and my own eyes as well.

In the hammock under the shade of this tree

Knowing that Donna and Gerry were at the Acreage, Bill and I drove over to fill our water bladder. This is my lesson for the day. Of course, Clemson came too. Step by step Bill told me what to do to hook up the hoses to fill the bladder from Gerry’s well. It seems simple enough and he stood back while I went through the motions.

From a distance, the Iris look pretty
They won't last long, they aren't in water

When we got back here he did the same thing. He instructs, I act. I am a hands-on person and can’t remember things unless I do them myself. Except for the final squeezing (not really) of the bladder I completed the process. I’ll do it again another time until it becomes second nature, just in case I need to do it on my own. I appreciate that my brother-in-law has offered if necessary.

Bill found more of these marsh iris'

We started the Weber for burgers around 6 and had the works. I even had mine on a bun too! Burger, bacon, cheese, lettuce, mayo, tomato, onion and dill pickle, oh my! With dishes cleaned up, we ventured outside to our chairs as it was probably 5 degrees cooler. We’ve yet to turn the a/c on this season and as long as we can stay cool with other means, we will.

At the end of the day, this is what is left of Clem's marrow bone

Clouds have moved in and the wind has died down. It is a beautiful night. Checking emails periodically throughout the day, my family note has prompted many responses. Wendy’s made me chuckle, reminding me of Mom’s attention to one student in particular at the museum. What a flirt she can be!

We’ve received a message that Bill’s third oldest daughter is coming tomorrow for a visit and supper. This will be lovely, being Father’s Day weekend. Krystal, it will be great to see you!

Another shot of my little garden

This has been a great day. As we sit here with our books, we are listening to spatters of very light rain on the awning. Don’t you love a gentle summer rain? It isn’t going to amount to much this evening, I don’t think, perhaps overnight a bit more will water the grounds again.

I took this picture of the clouds and pretty sky

And then I noticed the sun is visible on the horizon

I hope your day has been good too. Thank you for reading today. If you wish to leave a comment, please do.

May 2-4 Weekend, Lawn Care, We Have a Beach!

Saturday, May 20^th brings the start of Victoria Day weekend here in Canada. Monday is the holiday so our friends and family who are still employed, get a paid day off. Boy, I can remember how excited and anxious I used to get for this extra day. Often Bill and I would try and take the Friday or at least part of Friday off to turn it into an even longer weekend.

Now, retired, it doesn’t matter and I must admit does not bring the same excitement for me. Just another weekend, just another day but there is nothing wrong with that! The sun is gorgeous this morning and we were up and at ‘em around 7 am. Bill opened the blinds to welcome the sun while Clemson was outside for his nature call.

Beautiful sky all day

Today, after tea and blog reading I drove into Durham around 8:30 to check out the big PLANT SALE at the Town Hall. It has been advertised all over town for quite a while. It didn’t impress me, of course I wasn’t really looking for anything much. The prices were good but I left empty handed. From there I followed my nose which followed the signs all over town to various Garage Sales. There were quite a few and much easier to find than in a big city like London.

These are never disappointing because I am seldom looking for anything in particular. I just like looking, chatting with the locals and if something appeals for the right counter-price, I’ll buy it. I came home with 3 little things and paid less than $10. My kind of shopping.

Bill had pre-scheduled with Donna and Gerry to meet at the Acreage. First, we needed to fill the water bladder from their well and second, he was going to help them flush their 5^th wheel water tank and replace things that needed replacing. It is all out of my realm of remembering so I leave them to the stuff they know. I know they are both grateful for Bill’s knowledge of rv things and for his assistance.

'65 or '66 Chevy II
Had to take a picture when it pulled up at a garage sale
This is like my very first car I ever bought with my Dad
$400 in 1969, Lucan
I had my beginners license and I learned how to drive in this and my Dad's '64 Chev Impala.

I stayed home and vacuumed the Suite on solar power. With that full sun, the battery power did not budge. Lovely! I cleaned up the dishes and then went outside for a walk down the lane with Clemson. He is feeling better and needs to stretch his legs, as do I.

Kildeer freaking out as we walked by

Faking a broken wing so I'll follow and stay away from a nest

The rest of the day was a blur but I know that I climbed over our back fence and dug up a couple of pails of dirt at the edge of the farmer’s field for my pots. I had this bright idea of putting some of my garden plants in them, just for some colour. I got discouraged before anything came to fruition though, so might go into town tomorrow and buy a few pot fillers after all.

When in Durham I followed a sign that said "Day Use Area" Conservation area

Bill came back from The Acreage so I asked him to prep my weed whacker before he hopped on the mower to cut grass. It is growing like crazy now. We put the battery from my little mower on charge and I spent the next hour and a half trimming around the place. It is a light weight trimmer but still when your arm isn’t used to it, it doesn’t take long to know when to stop.

looking up towards the dam and #6 highway

An actual sandy beach!

I finished in the corral, on the rocky side of the hill where a mower can’t cut, up around the rhubarb, garden and rose of Sharon twigs (that is all they are at the moment), around the Restroom and Roost before calling it quits. My arm was like a dead weight.

Washrooms and stairs to the beach area

Bill finished cutting all of the grass in the big areas and I popped the battery in my mower to cut our site area. Unfortunately, not enough of a charge so it died within a few minutes. The grass up here will have to wait until after the rain tomorrow. We put things away for the day.

These painted turtles get more sun tanning in than I do!

 I had offered to cut Bill’s hair again, as we’re trying to save some $ right now. He trusts me to do a decent enough job, so using the clippers, his ears get lowered when he needs it. I would hate for a barber or stylist to see it, but my sweetie is happy.

All the other yerts slid into the water, except for this brave soul

We set up the faux barbershop in the bunky since it had the biggest space with a linoleum floor for easy cleanup. Not like in Borrego Springs, it was so gorgeous that I cut it outside. The wind today made that impossible. I cleaned things up and Bill came inside with Clemson. I sat out with my book for a while until I cooled down. I’ve started a Kate Brady novel, Where Evil Waits. Bill says it is a good one.

I edged closer

The clouds have moved in for the most part and as I type, Donna invited us to join them, Gayle and John and Mike for a bonfire. They have a lot of wood pieces from a house they have been renovating with Mike. Bonus about living out in the country, you can burn things.

And even closer
Notice at the close end of the pictures a few other little heads popped up
I think they were coaxing him to jump

We were going to have steak for supper, but changed our minds in those strong winds and opted for a simpler meal of beans on toast. Yeuch, you say? Well, no not really, it was fine. Once cleaned up we layered up and headed over for a little while. They don’t have the wind that we do up here so it should be relatively calm and a good time with the group. I hope the heat from the fire doesn’t put me to sleep, I feel exhausted!

Bill cuts the hill, which doesn't look near as steep in the picture as it is

When we arrived, the guests had all moved inside their 5^th wheel. The black flies were back in huge numbers making it difficult for them to eat outside. A fire wouldn’t be enjoyable, fighting them off either so we joined them inside as well. Right there is a thing to be grateful for up on The Ridge. Too windy for black flies. We had a fun couple of hours reminiscing about Arizona, the things we saw, places we went, the winds and other things.

Arriving at the Acreage we notice Gerry has hung his birthday gift from Bill and I

Before too long, we were all yawning after busy days and we headed out for home. Mike was staying in their cabin, The Hilton, so he didn’t have to travel any distance tonight. It was a calm, mild 13C when we left and arrived home to our usual winds but still mild.

Funny sky, promising an unsettled Sunday

I was wishing for more of this weather, alas

I hope you’ve had an enjoyable day too. Thank you for reading today. I love to ready your comments.