Foggy, Cloudy, Cooler but Muggy Day. Small Things Close to Home.

It was a very foggy start to the day on Thursday, Aug. 3^rd. We rose about 7 and Bill commented on how much he likes our new bamboo pillows. I pretty much sleep well, no matter what pillow or what bed I’m sleeping in. After our coffee and tea and blog reads, Bill checked our fresh water tank. We knew it was getting down since we’d shared some of our last fill up with Gerry when they arrived.

This is never a problem, water is easily accessible and Bill can go, fill our bladder and return within half an hour. We will go once more before the weekend to top us up and George will need water for their motor home. I felt the cooler air slipping in through the windows as I sit here writing so had to close a few. 18C is a big change from 28C of the previous day! Looks like a few days of storms ahead.

The fog started to clear around 9

I took one look at the dust gathering inside our Suite and on our furnishings and decided now was a good time to take care of that. It smells so good after I’m finished with the cleaner. I poured another tea and pulled my container of the smoothie I made out for breakfast. It will tide me over until noon hour. I see there is a small part bag of rhubarb left in the fridge too so stewed it up on the stove.

George and Suzie headed off to visit family around 10:30 and I left soon after as I had one quick stop in town. After my stop, I dropped in on Mom and got my weekly hugs and kisses. She was adorned in her necklaces and was thrilled to see me. I was happy to see her working on a small jigsaw puzzle by herself. Even though she admits that she is often lonely, she finds things to do to fill the time.

When I left her at her dining table for lunch I stopped to say hello to Aunt Mary. She watched me cross the dining area with Mom and I would never think of leaving the room without stopping. She was dressed in a white blouse and I complimented her on her appearance. I said bye bye to her and waved a few more times to Mom as I made my way to the exit.

"You've got mail!"

I returned home after picking up a couple of greeting cards at Smart Buys. Bill had finished installing the new solar motion light we bought and we sat down to read. We walked to the mailbox after seeing the mail truck stop. Just flyers and our Trailer Life magazine but things we always expect.

Preparing to mount the outside solar panel

The motion sensor light installed inside

Now we'll have light when we walk into the Restroom
Before at dark you needed to carry a flashlight or lantern

I’m still into this Michael Connelly book and finally had a chance to get back at it for a while. It is a great book but I get distracted easily when we have things going on. So today I read a few chapters and relaxed outside until the air cooled even more and the sky was ready to release the rain. We’re a little ‘rain shy’ now after that last storm as there is definitely no room for more damage to the laneway.

Another wonderful page turner

We came inside and watched some tv for a couple of hours before starting the barbecue. I had been stretched out in my recliner watching the shows Bill had on. As I got up to help Bill prepare our food, one of those nasty dizzy spells came over me. Wow, I haven’t had one of those for quite a while and I haven’t missed it, let me tell you.

Anyway, it dawned on me that I had gone all day up until 6 without drinking any water. I should know better. The morning teas don’t seem to be enough some days and even though it was not a hot day with me sitting outside, it affected me. So, I grabbed a bottle from the fridge and drank most of it immediately.

The sky cleared and mugginess returned

Bill was on his own to make our burgers and corn on the cob for supper. I had to lie back down. After getting up a few times to get condiments out and set the table, it passed and I was able to sit with him at the table to enjoy the delicious supper. Weird, thank goodness that is only the 5^th spell I’ve had like that over the course of 5 or 6 years.

On our walk to get the mail, I was sad to see these little guys didn't make it

After we cleaned up the dishes, we settled in front of the television again. Not much is on so we watched two episodes of Still Standing with Johnny Harris. If you have never seen him in anything but Murdoch Mysteries, you’re missing out. He is adorable and quite hilarious.

First peppers from my garden and more swiss chard

I put my post together sitting in my chair and downloaded pictures in the morning. I’m not going to push my luck tonight by staring at a computer screen too long. I’ve had a pretty good day, a little quieter, a little cooler and a little more relaxed. I hope you have as well.

Yay, I ended up with $5 from this scratch ticket
$2 profit and 10 minutes of fun

Thank you for reading along today. I love getting your comments!

Jobs are Done, Company Comes, Relaxing Day, Storm Warnings

I was awake at 5:30 on Saturday, June 17^th so after letting Clemson out for his piddle, I crawled back into bed for a few minutes. At 6 I realized I wouldn’t drop off and got up. I took the opportunity on such a beautiful morning to go for a walk down the road. It was so nice and I saw not one other vehicle or person on my journey. Wise people were still in bed on this Saturday morning.

good morning!

Sometimes just walking outside with nature is the perfect time to mull things through your mind and I was doing some mulling. When I returned half hour later, Bill was up so I made my tea and joined him at our laptops. Reading blog posts is our morning reading so once that was out of the way we moved on to the rest of the day.

Bill wanted to change the oil this morning in the Cub Cadet so at 7:30 he was out doing that and will probably do some weed trimming along fence lines. A comment from yesterday indicated that we are doing a lot of yard work for being retired and that is true. Yes, we are retired but that was an inside job, on the clock for over 30 years. I feel this is different.

My walk this morning down Baptist Church Road at 6 am

 The property is for us to look after while we stay here and we accept that. I enjoy gardening, wouldn’t miss it if I was in a place without it, but I do love the rewards and satisfaction from my efforts. Sometimes this is the only exercise we get, and neither of us can sit around all day. The good news is that we don’t have to report to a boss and we work at our own pace, on our own hours. That might explain why we do what we do.

returning home again around 6:30

I drove into Durham, saw Rob and Pat briefly and then to visit Mom and Mary at Rockwood Terrace. When I walked in my sister Donna was already in Mom’s room with her, doing crossword puzzles. Both visits were good, it is nice to know two people when I go there now. I was home just after lunch.

Bill said there were thunderstorm warnings all around the area and he had put the hammock away and closed the sheds. It was thundering while we made a sandwich for lunch. A toasted tomato for me, was just what I needed to fill the gap until supper. I felt exhausted, perhaps getting up so early and the busy morning was taking its toll.

All three of us went up and laid down for 30 minutes. I dozed but not for long. At least I rested my eyes and felt better for it. Krystal, Bill’s daughter, arrived at 2:15 for the afternoon. She drives a cute little white Mazda. We spent the time inside the Suite because even though there were bouts of brightness, the occasional rain determined our location.

Krystal in the Suite

I planned supper for 5 and we weren’t too far off the mark. We had Mediterranean chicken breasts in the convection oven, mashed potatoes, broccoli and corn. So glad to have company, it means we get a decent meal! Ha ha. Krystal contributed to dinner with the Butter tarts she brought. Yum yum.

It was a great day and we were thrilled that she took the time to fit us into her busy schedule. She left around 6:30 back to Milverton. She is a busy gal, for sure. Bill and I were going to put the few dishes in the dishwasher but decided to just wash them up by hand instead. Usually when company comes, we utilize the benefit.

Until next time, Krystal!

Donna texted and advised that we keep an eye on the tornado warnings in the area. It looks pretty good now, with white cloudy skies but the weather radar is indicating some nasty winds coming over us later this evening. Time to batten down the hatches once more. I’m glad I’m not alone here tonight.

Rain on the window, the blurring side is rain pouring from the slide eaves

By 7:00 we were in the throes of the rain and the winds picked up around 7:30 coming from the northeast. We closed windows now that the Suite had cooled down and watched the heavy black cloud move over us from the same direction. Just heard from Krystal at 7:40 that she arrived home safely so that is great. Enjoy the rodeo, Krystal!

Strange clouds to the south

It will be an evening of on again off again rain and storms so will close this post. I hope you have had an enjoyable day. We did!

The sky of many changes

At one point, there was light on the horizon

Thank you for reading. If you wish to leave a comment, it is appreciated.

All About Clemson, All About Me, Long Winded Again

Monday, May 29^th has arrived and Bill has left. I heard the alarm……. early………but that was it until I heard Bill downstairs around 6. From my perch in bed, I could see he was already dressed and had heard him making trips to the car with his bag and cooler. Clemson was down on the couch with him so I knew he’d been out for his piddle.

There is the little bed potato, getting up on his own sweet time

The sky is overcast and windows appear spotted so it must have rained overnight. Me, with my ear plugs, I don’t hear a thing but Bill said it was a good rain with some thunder. I got up for my own nature’s call and gave my man his goodbye kiss and hug and went back to bed at 6:15 when he pulled out the lane. I wasn’t missing much this morning, it was quite foggy down at the road too.

I enjoy watching this little bug go by daily

I'm thinking our teen neighbour owns it and drives
very slowly on the gravel road to keep it pristine
First car?

Clemson joined me, snuggled up on the window side of the bed next to my tummy. I got up at 7:15 but the little bum must have been sound asleep as he never budged. I loaded the garbage bag and 2 recycle bins onto the back of the truck and drove them to the road, came back and made my tea before reading blog posts. Many people read the news, I prefer to keep in touch with my blogger friends. It is all good, nothing depressing and nothing too sad usually.

From a full gray sky, this was 90% of my day

By 9:30 I hopped into the shower and made myself a coffee. Bill called around 8 from St. Mary’s and said the sun was making an appearance and within minutes, it was here too, in and out of the low clouds. The day won’t be a wash-out, good!

Clemson has an appointment at his new vet in Durham this morning at 11. He needs his heart worm and tic meds and a needle today too. Sssh. Distemper and possibly his rabies. He is due before we leave in the fall.

The Veterinary Clinic was hopping today, 3 cat visits and 6 dogs all in the 45 minutes I was there

I did okay, didn't I Mom?

The winds today are relatively calm again and that is lovely. Right now, I think Clemson and I need to go and retrieve our recycle bins since the truck has gone by already. Out my window I see the first blue jay of the season up here. They are so pretty, I remember how they fought over my feeder last year.

Our little red maple from The Yates' is doing really well!

I bought a Niger seed bell yesterday hoping to keep the finches around but need to pick up more regular bird seed for the chicadees and wrens. I’ve been thinking about how to create a shelf like Al from The Bayfield Bunch has but need to get creative against the usual winds up here. The seeds kept blowing off my first attempt and then it collected rain water. Hmmm, still thinking.

So, by 12:15 we were back home. Clemson has been poked and probed, oohed and aahed over (as were many other cutie pie pups) his private parts invaded and jabbed with 2 needles. None the worse for wear, he was a good boy and will now be healthy for the next year with his rabies shot and heartworm medication.

A nice neat garbage/recycle person
Stacked our bins instead of just throwing them like London did

The rest of the day is mine. I planted my little Lady’s Mantle closer to the Suite at the base of one of our little trees, beside my Sunflower decoration. I sure didn’t need it in the flower garden! Too funny, but at least I know I should recognize it in the future.

I'll get a picture of her new home tomorrow
These water drops are still from the overnight rain when everything else is dried up

I spoke briefly to Bill before leaving the clinic to find out that he did the orientation on a Mobile Suite this morning. These people had owned one previously so it didn’t take him long walking them through this one. This afternoon, he has been asked to deliver 

another rv to Goderich for CanAm. 

A zoomed in look up at our home

I had a quick bite to eat. The vet gave me a sample of a Dental Care Chew because of the tartar on Clemson's teeth. We’ve known that it is getting worse but he will not let us get a finger in there let alone a doggie toothbrush! Dr. Kent Charlton said these work for his sheltie where others didn’t. 

He seems to be enjoying it

We’ve also bought those Denta Stix but our fussy little scamp doesn’t have the patience to sit and chew on it long enough to get any goodness out of it. Once he did get into one, he ate the whole thing and proceeded to be sick later in that day. I gave this sample to Clemson and held it for him, long enough that he could nibble into it. Then I left it with him. Check out what he has left in this picture.

Saved enough for another day

I plan to do nothing for the rest of the afternoon with the exception of reading my book and maybe a walk or two. I changed into sun-tanning clothes and perched myself in my lounge chair on the patio mat. There were just enough clouds and just enough wind gusts to cool the air when I started feeling that I was over-heating. But let me tell you, it felt awesome!

Thanks to the winter we just had in the southwest, I have a nice colour base and don’t have to worry as much about sun burn. So far, when I think about it, From November until now, I’ve only been deprived of sunshine for a couple of months. Nice! I like this lifestyle!

Snuck up on these guys

So, after sitting for a while, I tried coaxing Clemson into coming out for a walk down to get the mail with me. For some reason, he was acting very timid about going down the steps of the Suite. Every once in a while, he does this. He gets stubborn as do I and I refuse to baby him by carrying him down as well as up. I put the leash on him and he prances down with ease.

At the midpoint of the lane way, Mr. Snapper slipped down into the water before I could snap his picture. On the other side in the west pond, the log was inhabited by about 6 painted turtles. I had my zoom lens in preparation and stopped well before they heard me. Through the brush you might be able to see three of them as they sit there unawares.

ding dong, Avon calliing

All things on sale from Avon

Avon had sent my small order in a pouch package this time so the postal service delivered it instead of UPS. I wasn’t expecting it until tomorrow so that is great. I don’t buy often, just enough to keep my status active as a representative. Today I ordered my Far Away body cream, a mascara and another collapsible dish for Clemson. This one will stay in the Corolla.

The sky starting to change

I stayed outside until about 4:30 when the skies started to look weird. I didn’t realize we were supposed to get a storm, guess I forgot to check this morning. Inside, I fed the little Master and pulled out stuff for my salad. Then I checked the weather network and discovered a warning for severe thunderstorms with hail and strong 90 km winds for the better part of the evening in Durham. Yeuch.

The darkening sky and the darkening pond

It was up to 22C outside and the Suite was registering 26C so I opened more windows and turned on the Fantastic Fan in the kitchen area. By the time I got changed and wrote a bit the temperature dropped and the sky turned dark quickly. I closed windows as the temperature dropped and the rain started. The Fantastic Fan took care of itself.

I’ve never seen such a strange sky, within minutes the blue was returning from the west at the same time as the rain was coming straight down. A really nice rain, to tell the truth. I knew this meant a rainbow in the dark sky to the east so ran outside up on the hill to capture it. Beautiful! It lasted longer than any I’ve seen in a long time. It was worth getting wet over!

Beautiful full rainbow in a dark sky
The white turbines and green foliage makes a striking contrast

As the rainbow finally disappears so does the warning for this area. Just like that, they’ve changed tonight’s forecast. Good, I can relax now. All is well and I realize I’m hungry. I’m falling back on the same chicken salad for supper that I had last week. It is a healthy choice, easy to prepare and very filling.

Nice steady rain is hard to see in the picture

I was waiting to hear back from Bill, knowing that he is usually done work around 6 at the latest. Trying not to be concerned, as I’m watching CTV news report on accidents around the area, he finally called. Just a quick call that he is still in Goderich trying to get the delivered trailer into the spot and set up. I can breathe easier about that worry too.

And during the downpour, the sun...........

Winds stopped completely for about 10 minutes

 I’ve written enough here today so will sign off before the sun sets. I can pretty much guess that you have all had a good day, if you had the weather I had. As one blogger friend said in a comment <I’m going to stop worry about the rain and the cool and instead enjoy the greenery>. I know that isn’t a direct quote but that is her way of dealing with crazy weather. I love that!

And by the time I finish this at 7:30, the clouds are white, fluffy and clearing out

Thank you for reading today. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.