A Pretty Quiet Day

Park Place Rv Park

Sunday, Dec. 4^th was a quiet day. Not much happening here other than our normal routine. Bill was up at 7 and started getting ready to go flying. Gibbs and I got up closer to 8 and went for our walk. He’s walking fine these days, in between the sniffs. I grabbed one more orange for good measure. I won’t let them go to waste if we’ll eat them. 😊

The day started out cloudy

In the lot across from the truck stop,
there have been the occasional truckers and this Winnebago
It made me think of our friends, Kim and Ken
and their daughter in Seattle, WA

A nice little suburb

This looks like another suberb
This one for the birds
We need a Saguaro on the Ridge!

Bill left soon after. I dropped Gibbs off at home and carried on for a walk in a different direction. I walked to the east (?) to where the subdivision of residential homes are. Another day, I’ll walk through the Arroyos and take pictures of the Arizona homes. I love the look of those homes and wouldn’t shake a stick if one was offered to us. Hmm, I guess we need to win the lottery first.

Now, isn't he adorable?

Looking back towards the park

After I returned home, I sorted the laundry into 2 loads and made a cup of tea in my to-go mug. The machines were free, there are only 3, so I was happy to be first. In between loads, I walked to the front to work on the puzzle. Back and forth at intervals and when I finished folding, I carried the basket home. I’m glad we are on a close site, for that reason alone.

I'll walk through here another day
and take pictures of the homes

Bill was home around 11:15, I think, and since he’s having some troubles with his plane, he sat outside to work on it. Lunch was late and we finished the last 4 of the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. They aren’t as nice as the first ones were, it’s hard to save half a package, but they were fine. Then I walked back to the clubhouse. The puzzle has me hooked! Susan hasn’t done too much but she does wander in for a few pieces here and there.

And then I saw this along the side of the road

Yeuch! They've been busy
and I'm glad they're here instead of at the park

Back home, I went upstairs and watched a movie that I haven’t seen. It’s a 2004 version of Finding Neverland with, of course, Peter Pan. This one was special because Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet were the main characters. It was fun to watch and I didn’t disturb Bill who was snoozing downstairs. Gibbs and I went for a walk around 5 and I made a cup of tea, even though it was later than normal.

Because he's so darn cute,
Pictures of Leroy Jethro Gibbs 💕💕

Coming along, eh?

For supper, I hadn’t anything planned. Woops! No problem here, we decided on cheese and crackers and I finished the noodle soup from yesterday. Quick and easy. 😊 We loaded the dishes and relaxed for the rest of the evening. This was a quiet day and I made great strides on that puzzle. Susan is going to visit her Mom in Washington state tomorrow for 10 days so she knows the puzzle will be done when she is gone. I’ll keep a picture for her.

The clouds were shoved out of the way,
the moon says hi from a pretty sky
and....

The sun sets on a nice Sunday
Good night!

Thank you for your visit on this Sunday.

A Basically Quiet Day

The Ridge

On Sunday, Oct. 2^nd we woke to a chilly 4C/39F at 6:45. That means that Gibbs slept in too and we appreciated it. 😊 Today was cleaning and laundry day but I had a cup of tea before/during the sorting. With a full basket of dirty clothes and the sun beginning to rise in the east, I left the Ridge for Durham. The Mat was empty so I set to work.

The colours have been getting brighter
and they're not done yet

It was an hour and a half later, when I returned home with our clean laundry. The wind made the day feel even colder but I was determined to hang the clothes on our line. There would only be a couple of days left to do that, if that. Weekend weather always determines how we dry them. Gibbs came out while I hung them, not straying too far from me. By the way, the tires on the SUV are fine, he checked.

Some more than others but the drive
down Baptist Church Road is still pretty

Today, we got a few things put away. I emptied bags in the Bunky of the paper plates, utensils, napkins etc. that we brought home from the hall. Bill and Gibbs went for water at the Acreage and he then put away some lawn decorations. Slowly, but surely, we’ll get things packed up. I had a call from M today asking if I would come to work tomorrow afternoon instead of morning.

so, Bill's cards and gifts get top billing this week ♥

The outside wall of the apartment, which now has an occupant, needs to be finished painting and tomorrow will be a calm sunny day. That works for me, a little more cash in my pocket will be good to rebuild my account. I also conversed with Kaitlyn about my September hours and will be seeing her on Tuesday to settle up. Yay!

Our lunch was a typical Sunday lunch for once

We had Cowboy sausages cooked in Rosy, the air fryer, potatoes and peas for supper. Everything was good although the sausages had a bite to them. At first, I didn’t think I’d like them but with sweet & sour sauce, they went down pretty well. After dishes, Bill didn’t have to make a lunch since we still have a few meat and cheese buns left.

Neither of us wanted to barbecue
so Rosy picked up the slack and cooked the sausages

When he packed his lunch, Gibbs jumped up on the chair to watch and wait for his cookie.  He is a smart cookie himself! The evening was quiet and we spent it watching television.

Bill had the last of the Chapman's ice cream
and I chose a Chapman's ice cream bar 
Good night!

Thank you for stopping by.

Calm Sunday, Inside and Outside, Cookies?

Paisley, ON

On Sunday, Dec. 6^th we had another sleep-in morning. It was almost 8 when I got up and got dressed. First thing was to sort laundry and put a load in before going for my walk. It was a calm day, mostly, although certain areas of the town had me covering my ears from the wind. It was only -2C/28F. I love the peacefulness of the morning though and although through the week it would have been busy at 8:30, on Sunday, Paisley is a sleepy town.

Here is the plaque that I went to take a picture of

Alternating directions from one walk day to the next, I headed to Mill Street. I wanted to get a picture of the plaque related to the Fisher Mill. I noticed it the other day when I went to the bank, I think. I can’t get over the various names of some of the businesses (past/present) here. My Heritage Walk map calls it The Woolen Mill. It is puzzling to say the least. Nevertheless, today I walked west to the trestle bridge but instead of crossing it today, I turned to the south and followed the trail along the edge of town.

There are still a few things I don't think I've shown you yet
This display is at the Mill across the River from the Canoe and Kayak rentals

I've shown you this bench along the Teeswater River before but thought I'd
offer it in a different 'light' today

Darn! I wish I’d thought to bring the 3 books we’ve finished for the little red barn book box. Next time, I’ll have to remember unless my b-i-l wants to read the J.A. Jance stories. I followed the trail and avoided the snowy patches. I wore my running shoes today, lighter weight for sure but still managed to keep my feet warm. The bits of snow were hard and more puddles were covered in a sheet of ice than the previous day.

I walked as far as the train bridge and cut up the lane to the left

But first, I had to take a picture of the river

Then onto the trail
See the red barn book box at the end?

 I managed to scoot along the back streets of Victoria and Alma and back up to Queen St., thus reaching my 2-mile mark. Back home, I swapped the load of clothes from washer to dryer and put the 2^nd load in before making my tea and heading upstairs. Bill had showered so was at the laptop all fresh, clean and shiny as a bright new penny. 😊 He’ll love that reference, I’m sure. When my tea was finished, I think that was when I had my own shower. Two sweet smelling shiny pennies!

You're walking on thin ice isn't just a catch phrase
Someone has walked on this thin ice in reality

We waited until the second load of laundry was almost finished and went down to start brunch. It was 11 but we had our bacon and eggs, knowing it would tie us over until supper. Well, perhaps a little snack in between. Upstairs, I delved into my book and Bill puttered around with his phone, then his radio and receiver for his RC planes.  Passing the time in a pleasant way for our afternoon. I would have liked to get back into the crafting in the garage but still need to get my stickers first.

Bill works on his radio and rc receiver in the light
from the window
We actually had sunshine for a while throughout the day

I went down around 3 to mix up a batch of dough for shortbread cookies. I don’t always have success but then I haven’t had a real oven for a while either. So, now that I do, I thought I’d give it a go. I found a good recipe on line, easy and with the ingredients I have on hand. I didn’t want to substitute anything so followed the instructions to a ‘t’. At 3:30, still following the recipe, I was supposed to make two dough balls, wrap them in plastic wrap and put them in the fridge for 2 hours minimum. So, I did. 

Back to this morning's walk
Do you know what this is?

I texted Bill to see if he wanted anything before I came up and, at his request, made him a cup of tea. I poured the last 2" of my Forty Creek liquor into my glass with ice. Upstairs, I read and he carried on with his hobby stuff and the time passed slowly, which was nice. At 5:30 I went down to warm up our leftovers for supper and when I removed the dough from the fridge it was hard. You can imagine the expletives that came out of my mouth. Well, they didn’t make it out but they sure went through my head! That is a lot of ingredients I’ve used up and this darn well better work!! 

I turned towards home and left the beautiful mill
behind me

This must be where the Little People live
There were 13 of these covering special trees and bushes

This fat little black squirrel did NOT need any more treats!!

Another beautiful old home decorated simply
but beautifully

So, we had our supper and I can see ‘some’ very minor softening in the dough so will leave them wrapped but out on the counter and see what it is like tomorrow after work. The dough tastes good, of course I had to sample it, so sure don’t want to give up. Bill said (because he knows how upset I get) "Don't throw that dough out, I'll roll it for you if I have to". Ha ha 😂

Painted on the door of an old garage

Anyway, at 7 Bill went in to watch the first of two new Christmas movies tonight with W & S so I came up to our room. I decided to write my blog post and then maybe pop in one of my own movies rather than read. I think. 

My fajita wasn't as good the second night
The inards were good but the tortilla didn't reheat the best
Note to self: don't do that again

I’ll let you know tomorrow what I ended up doing. As you can tell, I’m undecided. I’m frustrated so I need to lose myself in something! 😊 This was another nice quiet day and I do believe my sweetie even got a blog of his own posted today. Yay!

Did you guess?
It's a FLOWER BED!!!! 😅

Dec. 6th, 2017
My sister, Donna, and Gerry visited us in Arizona
Here, at Laughlins Casino
2nd floor Car Museum

Good night!

Thank you for stopping by!

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!