Yet Another City Wakeup, Dull Day but Warm

Stratford, Ontario

When I woke on Tuesday, Oct. 29^th, it was after 6. Lights were on downstairs and Bill was up. We’d turned the heat pump on last night since Bob offered us 50-amp service and we were nice and warm. I don’t think it got too cold overnight but we still needed some kind of heat source. I rolled over and dozed off, dreaming of a vacation at some resort, and got up at 7. That was a nice sleep and I felt refreshed.

Not sure what they were doing but something with the electric lines

I wonder if they draw straws to see who goes up in the bucket?

Downstairs, I made my tea, first one since a week ago last Saturday and I enjoyed it very much. They don’t have cream in Mexico, at least not that part of the country and milk in tea just doesn’t cut it for me. I sat with Bill and we read blogs and laughed at the low usage of our data this month. We each have 10 gb and I’ve used just over half of mine and Bill just over a quarter of his. Too funny but that’s great!

I started cutting and frying things for an omelette
before I remembered that we didn't have any eggs
So, I added hash browns instead and it was very good!

We saw Bob drive in so Bill chatted with him for a bit as he puttered around the shop and their Redwood. We all have little things to take care of this week. Nice, easy things. Bill had some toast and I had a bowl of Raisin Bran with cream. It was good for a change. I truly expected to come home, step on our bathroom scales and to hear “Get off me, you lug!” but was surprised after all those Miami Vice drinks that there wasn’t a whimper. I'm up maybe 2 lbs., if that, so I’m quite pleased. Bill gained maybe a pound so we both did good.

The new wood piece in place

Bob came in and Bill helped him install the wood piece that he’d cut and Bill stained for the backsplash. That fills in the space where the tile had to be cut to accommodate the bigger convection/microwave oven. It looks pretty good and if you didn’t know we’d changed it, you wouldn’t notice. We were on our own for the morning and other than a visit from the local hydro/electric boys, no real excitement. It’s nice to have quiet days after a week away.

We updated our Rand McNally Good Sam gps

Bill went on line and did some brain-storming about our trip and we plan to get together with Bob and Jo-Anne this week to get their thoughts on the route we’re considering. Bill went outside to give Black Beauty a once over using the Shop Vac from Bob’s shop. Inside, I plugged in our own central vac and did the Suite from top to bottom. Lookin’ good now!

I always get the best views, don't I?
Bill getting Black Beauty spruced up for the journey

Tomorrow, we plan to go do some Costco shopping, to stock up on a few things not available in the southwest. Ground beef for chili and eggs for sandwiches as well. I pulled canned goods out of the upper cupboard in preparation for cooking in the afternoon or on Thursday. Other than that, it is just relaxing. 

A walk down the road

This road 111 that we are on is very busy but I may sneak a walk in before too long.  Bill finished with B.B. and he was looking spiffy inside by the time he was done. Jo-Anne returned from a hair appointment looking fab and I think even Bob said he got his ears lowered too.

Looking east - thinking of Bill's Dad and his trains

 I took that walk south to the railroad tracks and beyond to the first house. It wasn’t sunny and there isn’t a lot of room to walk off the pavement but I was careful when traffic was meeting. This is the least I’ve walked in 9 days so hope to get back on track. Every day in Akumal I exceeded 4 miles but then every day’s weather was a lot different than here, wasn’t it? Ha ha I enjoyed the fresh air, we are expected to get rain over the next 2 or 3 days.

and looking west

When Jo-Anne and Bob said goodnight, Bill and I settled in our chairs with our books. Well, for a little while and we were soon dozing. It felt good to just relax without pressure. At 5:30 I ‘dressed’ the pre-cooked ham I’d thawed in juice, brown sugar and dry mustard and put it in Madame IP with a small potato each and a couple of carrots. For 30 minutes it preheated the ham and cooked the veggies.

Off to the east, an interesting old truck in the junk yard
This machine was stable

This guy was in motion

We had ‘possible’ plans for a short visit this evening that cancelled so we have the evening alone to read or watch some recorded tv programs. I chatted on text with Donna for a bit before supper was ready. 

Heading back to the shop

And up ahead The Suite

At 6:30, the ham was done, sliced and we were eating. The potatoes were a little too soft as they were small and should only have cooked for 15 minutes but the carrots were done perfectly for me. We did the dishes up right away and then had some apple crisp with cream for dessert.

Bill's dinner with mixed veggies

Mine - Bill doesn't care too much for carrots so I got the lot

 I sat to finish this post and then retired to my chair with my book. Yes, I’m still sticking it out with this strange story. Why? I’ve devoted over a week to it already so want to see it through now. It won’t be one I’ll recommend to Bill or anyone, really. It’s called Wanting Sheila Dead by Jane Haddam – don’t bother. Ha ha !  The evening was also quiet after a nice day. We have plans for the morning and dinner out tomorrow. All good things!

Dessert with Ridge apples
Good night!

Take care and thank you for stopping by. Your comments are always welcome.

Bikers Leave, Semi-Cloudy Day, Quiet Afternoon

Up On The Ridge

On Sunday, Aug. 25^th Bill was out of bed ahead of me by about 15 minutes. I was in no rush but still got up before 7 am. The Suite was cool at 60F so Bill turned the fireplace on for a few minutes to take the morning chill out. We would later unplug from power. I decided against a walk when I saw Lori coming out of the Bunky around 8 and went out to greet her and re-offer our washroom for their clean up.

Testing the self-timer
Yay, sweetie!!

They slept well on the new futon mattress so I was happy to hear that. They were the first to make use of it this summer. Lori said they were ‘cool’ sleepers, as many of you are, so they didn’t have the need to plug the portable heater in. With the windows and outer doors closed plus plenty of blankets, they had a good night. I knew they had lots of blankets so wasn’t surprised that Lori removed one from the bed.

Looking out the morning window, we can see the bikes
No sign yet of our guests

Inside, we had coffee together and it was around 11 that they’d packed up and were ready to pull out. I tested out the video on my camera by following their departure down the lane. I was very pleased to be able to zoom in while in ‘record’ mode. I don’t think I could do that with our old Powershot. Oh! Also, Bill is my hero as he found the Timer in the settings as well. Poor you, that means more selfies.

A closer look at their wheels

All packed and ready to go

Drive safe, guys and come back again!

It was time for brunch so I made our bacon and eggs soon after they’d left. We had no major plans for the rest of the day and the clouds were blanketing most of the sky at this point. We’d go to the Acreage to visit Donna and Gerry around 1 and to get water but other than that, a very quiet Sunday. I should take a trip into town to get burger buns for tonight’s supper but maybe I’ll find something else.

Donna had gone to see Mom this morning so we waited until 1 o’clock before going over to see them. Bill and Gerry visited at the back while filling the water bladder and Donna and I waited at the front for them to return. The clouds moved out of the way and I was soon very hot in my long sleeve tee and jeans. It was 78f/25C. An utterly gorgeous day! We only hung around for about an hour and then came home.

Sitting at the Acreage for a short visit with Donna and Gerry

I changed into my summer clothes again and we sat together for a while. Bill dozed and I may have closed my eyes too for a catnap. When he went down to the Hangar, I went outside with my book. It felt wonderful just sitting in the sun in my shorts again. 

And a nice walk down the lane, I miss these when we head south
so it is a good thing they get replaced with other beautiful walks!

I moved into the Bunky and opened the curtains and a window for some fresh air. I freshened the bed sheets and remade it again for the next company. After taking a walk down the lane and over to see the turtles in the pond, I got out a 500 pc. puzzle to work on. It was a small one so I knew I could do it on the table in the Bunky. It is nice to know that I can leave it ongoing for a few days.

The turtles are out in full force

From a distance

so cute! even their reflections are clear

 At 5:45, I was surprised to see the time, so I texted Bill to see if he was getting hungry. When his answer was yes, I came inside and made our simple supper of hot dogs and brown beans. I’m not being very good about avoiding the carbs this week so I have no one to blame but me when the weight hangs on. Tsk tsk. It was still good and after dishes Bill disappeared again. I caught up on my post even though it can’t go anywhere until Tuesday. I didn’t want to forget!

A small but challenging puzzle
and a Pina Colada breezer for encouragement

I love the fun puzzles

Make 'em, tear 'em up, pass 'em on is my style

 I downloaded my daily pictures and the small video I took of Lori and Roland leaving. Since I was probably going to be up here by myself (in the Suite) I decided to put a movie in so went rooting through my movie folder of dvds. I found the perfect one, a favourite of mine. P.S. I Love You with Gerard Butler. **sigh** Don’t bother me now, please, I’m in heaven. 😊

Simple supper of hot dogs and beans
Have a great night!

This has been a great day and we had a lovely visit with two wonderful friends of ours. We will see them this winter in the southwest where the sun will beam down on us all again.

Thank you for popping by!

Close to Home Comfort, Winds Remain, So Does the Sun, New and Old Friends

I believe it was just after 7 when Bill and Clemson got up for their first piddle. We didn’t leave our Blue Flame heater on through the night, getting better at becoming ‘cool’ sleepers. It was on for about an hour while we were sitting inside after dishes, watching Live PD. At 10 we closed things up, turned things off and went to bed.

Bill turned the heater on and my two rug rats (I say that with full love, of course) crawled back into bed with cold feet and wet noses. Let’s stay in bed for a while until it warms up down there, he said. It was 41F outside and 53F inside. Suits me! So, we discussed the day plans, which basically was a ‘rest’ day and the conversation got a little more serious. Me and my ‘what ifs’. I often need reassurance on what steps to take in a worst-case scenario.

It was chilly in here this morning
Clemson needed his blanket

While talking, my phone rang. It was our friends (Buddies!) back home. Rob and Pat calling to catch up with things. It was great to hear their voices and thank you for waiting until after 7:30 MT (9:30 EST) to make the call. Ha ha. With a tea and coffee under our belts and blogs read from yesterday’s happenings, Bill had another project to take care of.

Lordy oh Lordy we need garbage pick up on Monday

I washed and layered up in light clothing and my good running shoes. I have begun another Weekend Warrior challenge with Bill and a few friends so need to ‘step’ it up!

I walked to the front gate and snapped some pictures of the Government Shut-Down signs. Now we are being informed that not only is the Office closed, but as of Monday at 11 am, there will be NO services available of any kind. We can only hope that doesn’t mean garbage pick-up. We are assuming it must be on contract from a nearby business and this IS Sunday, after all.

Bill called his Dad late morning just to catch up with any news back home. He talked to Marilynne for a while and things sounded pretty good. Their weather is warming up a bit, gradually. Then Dad came on the phone and he sounded better than last time we called. I usually listen in the background so Bill puts it on speaker phone. It is always nice to hear their voices as well.

There were 14 in line to dump on my way to the gate

Another beautiful day is upon us, even though cooler

Back at home, Bill was just finishing up and has been documenting what he is doing. So, Ken, you shouldn’t have to wait too long! We each had another hot drink since it was only 11:30 and then at noon hour, he turned the new generator on and I made us toasted tomato sandwiches with lettuce and mayo. Yummy!

Can you say congestion?
They are at least all in agreement to park so close together

With the news about the shutdown, Bill prepared his water bladder and headed up to fill it up. Just in case. We are sitting at 75 gallons in our fresh water tank, but this way we can top it up over the next few days without it sitting there too long. 

We had cleaned up dishes so the sink was clear for me to make a chicken soup of some kind. I had the 2 large chicken thighs that we grilled the other night. I need to google a recipe and ‘Git ‘er Done!’ (thanks Larry the Cable Guy) for the support!

Oh-oh, this can't be good

I found one and proceeded to take care of business. Once the soup started to boil, I turned it to simmer and could hear Bill outside talking to someone. I wish I’d gone out with my camera but no, I went out totally unprepared to take a picture. Ginger and Jim were driving by on their dirt bikes, had stopped to admire out Mobile Suite and Bill invited them over.

16 in line when I returned

They chatted for a few minutes before I finally had cleaned up enough of my mess and went out to join them. What a nice couple! They are from Oregon and currently camping at Mile marker 99, the Roadrunner BLM. Ginger was very curious about a lot of things regarding the Suite and camping in general so Bill and I answered what we could. We should have asked them to come and sit sooner but after a nice visit and a tour through our home, they drove off. We hope they take the time and come back and see us before we/they leave the area.

Super Beetle, anyone?

Inside I checked my soup and much of the liquid had been absorbed, hmm. How does one keep a broth in a soup? I’m obviously very new at this ‘soup’ thing but because I had emptied all the broth containers I had, I resorted to just adding some more water. I’ll try the soup tomorrow, it looks good.  I had to substitute again by using spagettini noodles since I don’t buy egg noodles. I’m sure it will be fine.

At 10 to 3, with the winds, Bill invited our neighbours to Happy Hour, either inside or out, whatever they chose. As it turned out, the sun was warm enough and everyone was dressed appropriately enough to sit outside. While sitting there we had more excitement. Two Police, one Sheriff, one Fire Rescue and one Ambulance went down the main road to the back towards the mountain. Now what?? Maybe we’ll find out at a later date.

a big beautiful Saguaro

with a new born

and a toddler

Pirates living behind us

This is a nice site that I found this morning
It is all set up for us!

So, it was a nice couple of hours, chatting about anything and everything from food to cameras to pets. At 5 pm our guests headed home to prepare their evening meals and we came inside to rest for 30 minutes. Tonight, we were having breakfast for supper. 

Great kite-flying weather

Great tent-snoozing weather

You see all kinds, ya know?
I have no clue what he has on his helmet

A second picture didn't help

Eggs, mini sausages and home fries. It has been a couple of days since we’ve had a good breakfast. It will be easy and something I can prepare inside without barbecuing in the wind.

Happy Hour at our place

Clemson kisses Suzie

And then he lays down

This has been a really nice, slow and easy day. We met new friends, gathered with old friends, got some walking in, had some excitement, had breakfast for supper and even made soup in the meantime! I hope you have had a great day too! PS, for those who are curious about things we've purchased and my man has been working on, Bill is writing a post tonight too. Check it out at On Our Way

sausages, home fries and eggs

Nighty-night!

Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to drop me a comment!