Clear Sunny Skies, Birthday in the House

Paisley, On

Sunday, Mar. 7^th was another ‘hanging out’ kind of day. We had nothing on our plate today again. Yay! I’ll likely get out for a walk and also work on my puzzle some more. My kind of day. We brought up our drinks, tea for me and coffee for Bill. He likes a tea only in the mid afternoon if he has it at all. Today is Susan’s birthday so I left a card on the table for her. It brought a chuckle. We're glad she liked it.😊  

No precipitation overnight other than a heavy frost
on the vehicles
It got down to -18C/0F

We dabbled on line a bit and when I went down to make my coffee at 10:30, I made us something to eat. Peameal bacon and eggs with toast. Bill had his on a bun and I had the crust and last piece of bread from the loaf. I’ll have to get some tomorrow for his lunch sandwiches. He’s already got it made for tomorrow. After dishes, I went to work/play on the jigsaw and between then and 2:30, I made amazing progress.

This is my auction puzzle

I was confused
The box says "2 pieces missing"
as well as "all pieces"
as well as "complete"
So, we'll see! So far, none missing 😏

I forced myself to stop then and go for a walk. The sun was gorgeous, a full blue sky. The temperature was funny. It read -3C/27F but feels like +1C/33F. Usually the ‘feels like’ is colder. Wind speed was only 4 mph so I was quite pumped for my walk. W & S were just heading out for a drive at the same time so I texted Bill to let him know that he was alone, in case he was looking for them.

The sun is powerful - that is grass you see along the sidewalk!!

The river has noticeable melting going on

One section under the bridge shows signs of 
flowing water under the surface

It was a wonderful walk, down Queen St. to the north to the edge of town, east down the back streets and back up towards the centre of town. It was another couple of miles and it felt great to be out in the sun. The wind, although not strong, was still cold so my hood was up again when it was blowing in my face. While I was walking, I called my Aunt Fern, Mom’s older sister, and we chatted for a few minutes.

All over town, the melting is wonderful
The sidewalk is completely clear

Walking along the main street is easier now again

Happy to be out in the sunshine

Back home, I was ticked with myself when I discovered that I had a birthday date wrong in my head and now it wouldn’t make it on time if I sent one Monday. ☹ I was thinking the 19^th and it is the 9^th. No point in buying one now so I found one online to send off to the birthday girl in an email and hope she is happy enough with the thought. I’m usually better than that with cards, but I guess age and forgetfulness accounts for something. LOL

a discovery in a snow bank

So, in true 'rock painting' fashion, I re-hid it

I brought us each up a cold drink with a few potato chips. I know, snacking in the afternoon is a no-no but we felt like it. I told Bill that I didn’t want to go down to the puzzle because I knew I would finish it if I did. I’d like it to last one more day, Tuesday, so decided to start my post and perhaps another book instead. Supper is planned, in my head and that’s the hardest part!

I still love this church
The new owners are so fortunate, I think

Beautiful sunshine on the Teeswater River dam
and look on the bank

This gave me joy, seeing some Canada geese

Susan's Lily of the Valley (I think) are coming all along our buildiing

And a hyacinth? Tulip? No matter, it means spring to me!

Along the edge of the walk, Susan leaves carrots
for her frequent visitor, Fearless the Bunny
I saw him at supper but didn't have my camera

At 20 minutes to 6, I went down and cut up some potatoes and garlic and prepped them with olive oil and spices. They went into a pan with 2 large pork sausage links and in the 400 ° oven for 30 minutes. Perfect! I mixed up some cole slaw and we ate the leftover crescent rolls from last night. 

Supper was delicious

For dessert, Wes and Susan joined us for a piece of her birthday cake. 😊 It was made for her by their Amish friend. It was delish although I’ve now probably had enough sugar to last me a few months!

After we all got our pieces (and they had some last night)
this is what's left
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUSAN!

We all sat at the table for another hour as stories unfolded. It has been a while since we’ve done that. Bill and I did our dishes and soon all 4 of us came upstairs. The evening would be short, since it was already 8 o’clock, so I worked at my blog, downloading pictures from today’s walk. This has been a nice day, the end to a great weekend. I hope yours was just as good.

My memory tonight is our view from our site
at Elephant Butte Lake State park
Mar. 7, 2018
We love this place
Good night friends!

Thank you for popping in!

Clear Sunny Skies Return, Swim, Happy Hour, Games Night

On Saturday, Dec. 22^nd I was awake at 5 and did the toss and turn dance in bed before giving in and getting up at 6:45. I prepped the Keurig and just as Bill was getting up at 7:15, I was heading out for my walk. I met Dorothy on the last bend of my walk so it was a nice wave and “Good morning!” in motion. Perfect. Back home I made my tea and sat with Bill to read blog posts.

So,my side of the bed didn't get made until mid morning because of someone
who decided to sleep in the sun late
We sorted the laundry and Bill vacuumed around and he never budged until 9:30 or 10

At 8:30 we drove up to do laundry after first tasting my cake. Hmm, I blew it by adding too much fruit, more than it called for so it is drier than normal. No problem though because it is now Christmas pudding. I just need to make the sauce when we’re ready to have some. It still tastes great to us. Bill helped me set up 2 loads of wash and then he drove back to shower and vacuum the Suite. When he joined me later, things were dry and he helped fold and bring them home.

George and Suzie are settled a hop, skip and jump away

We each had a coffee when we got back and sat outside with our books. You wouldn’t believe that it is only 64F with that Arizona sunshine doing its number. I love it. Short shorts and skimpy top, not to mention pool weather. I had my leftover fajita omelette and fried Bill a couple of eggs on a toasted sandwich. We needed to eat and that hit the spot.

I tried to get a selfie with the sun through the trees this morning
but it wasn't focusing this morning

I see now that there are clouds rolling in but I’m off for a swim nevertheless. I enjoy reading in a lounge chair with water close by in case I need to cool off again. So, I hopped on my bike and took my bag up to the pool. Two hours later, it was time to return to home base. I’d swum, hot-tubbed , read and sunbathed to my hearts content. Nothing like it, doing what you love and enjoying it to the fullest.

And speaking of loving something to the fullest......
Clemson cuddles up to Daddy in this picture

When I returned, Bill was sitting outside reading with Clemson and I asked about Happy Hour. Nothing had been said yet, so I changed, hung my suit and towel on the line before joining Bill with my book and a glass of Mango Margarita wine. At 3:30, Rob and Pat were thinking the same thing – “what about Happy Hour?” Rob came over and asked if we were hosting so we said yes. The other 4 were invited to join in and soon again, it was a happening place. Freddy and Clemson were also in attendance. No picture today by me so I borrowed one from George’s blog.

happy hour in the warm sun today

Many things were discussed and I watched the sun go down behind the storage trailers against the fence. When it was time to prep individual suppers, George and Suzie and Ron, Loree and Freddy took their leave. Rob and Pat hung around and we chatted about going to Mexico again as a group and made plans for a game of Wizard after dinner. This is a fun game and we’re catching on much better now.

Freddy poses for me

Bill lit the Weber to grill chicken thighs and I got asparagus and corn out for our side dish to cook inside. We were eating shortly after 6 and it tasted very good, as usual. Of course, I love chicken. 😊 With dishes cleaned up, we relaxed until we got word that Rob and Pat were done and ready for us to join them. I texted back and forth with Donna for a bit, exchanging temperatures and supper meals. Hers was done 2 hours earlier though.

Happy Hour sunshine is dropping behind
the rv's to the west

supper was good, those little chicken thighs look small
until they are cut up
Lots of meat in one 

We took a drink over to the neighbours at 7 and Rob had their folding table all set up, ready for the game. We got right into it. I remained at the bottom of the score pad from beginning to end of the game and Bill pulled out into the lead early on. For a newbie, not a games person, he sure latched on to this one. I think he is pulling the wool over our eyes, don’t you?

Such a beautiful red in the sky tonight

Before packing it in for the night, Bill showed Pat and I the general idea of Texas Hold’Em, which he learned last night. I understand poker and would eventually catch on but it was a little confusing. Anyway, it was after Pat’s grandmother’s card trick that closed up the night. I’m going to nominate her for America’s Got Talent. It was a great trick, Pat!

Rob dealing for Wizard

Back home just after 9:30, I finished writing this post and downloading my pictures. I think I’ll finish it in the morning though. I went up to bed before 10:30 after sitting with Bill for a while in front of the tv with my book. This has been a fun day. I’m glad you stopped by today, I hope you enjoyed your visit.

The full moon last night was not my best shot
So, Winter solstice was yesterday, the shortest day of the year
I wonder if we'll notice a difference today?

Your comments are always welcome!

Homeward Bound! Great Day for a Drive and Slipping Into Home Base

Today is the day. Friday, Apr. 20^th. Bill was up really early this morning, before 6, and I noticed his absence soon after when I woke out of a dream. Me, as a passenger, in Black Beauty with a female driver who I don’t even know in real life. Me trying to tell her to put the truck into 3^rd gear going down a steep incline. Weird! I appeared to know what I was talking about, that is the odd thing. Bill is rubbing off on me. 😀

Ready to leave CanAm after propane fill

So, I got up just before 7. Today is moving day, we are going HOME. The blue sky greeted me as I opened my bedroom shade and that alone brought a smile to my face. Somehow in my haste to get groceries in the house, I twisted my lower back so have been ‘hunching’ around ever since. Tylenol are helping ease it but I will be nursing it for a wee bit. I just hope the 3-hour truck ride today doesn’t make it worse.

Perfect day to drive

and the sun glares off Black Beauty

Bill finished his coffee and left me with mine and headed across the city to pick up a couple of things he’d ordered from Hi-Tech. I can’t seem to keep it straight what these things are or what they do even though Bill has explained it a few times. It just doesn’t stay in my head. So, since we aren’t getting tires here now, he wanted to make a trip out to pick those up and pay our bill before heading out. He also wanted to top Black Beauty up with fuel at the Flying M.

the further northeast we got, the more snow we saw

I warmed up my breakfast quesadilla from yesterday’s leftover since Bill had some cereal before he left. With some cottage cheese on the side, it will satisfy me until after we arrive at The Ridge. I finished putting things away and pulled in the vanity slide. There were a few dirty dishes from our ice cream last night too so I got them out of the way. When Bill returned he wanted to get our second propane filled since it was also getting low so went inside to see if Ben was available to do that.

The roads were so good and we enjoyed seeing our own familiar sights along the way
There were a few 'oh, there's a new home' and 'what did they tear down there?"
It was an enjoyable ride today

There were some new Dynamex Class C motor homes that came in when we were out to dinner last night and one was parked right beside us. They were backing it in the bay so we would have no hinderances getting out. Otherwise, we would need them to bring us out of this tight corner with the tractor. Andy said that would be no problem if we needed that help.

Clemson sleeps on our coats in the back
He has no idea of the surprise in store for him!

I saw Andy, one of the owners, arrive and park across the way and then noticed Bill walking over to him. I slipped out of the Suite (slipped because I was in my slippers) and went over to give Andy a hug. Thanking them for their hospitality for allowing us to stay for so long. He said no problem, as I noticed, they managed to put Bill to work while he was here! Nice people, we’ve said that many times and just can’t say it enough about this whole crew. A huge thank you to CanAm!

We do know what is in store for us!!
Or do we?

We were ready to pull out by 9:15 and wasted no time hitting the road. It was the perfect travel day. We drove on the 401 to the Highbury exit taking us to the Flying J Truck Stop where we paid our $5 to dump our tanks. From there, there was no stopping us. The rest of the drive was uneventful, going from no snow in London, to spatters here and there around Stratford to full ground coverage as we arrived in the Mt. Forest/ Durham area.

A couple of slow moving vehicles slowed us down for a bit
And then the familiar Adironack chair in Varney and the streets of Durham

With texts and phone calls back and forth to a few people, our fingers were crossed that we’d have no problem entering our driveway when we arrived. All looked great and Bill backed in with ease, after opening the gate. However, we were too close to the east edge and it would not be easy using the steps in and out of the Suite. As he pulled ahead, the back tires (the ones we didn’t get replaced yet) began to slide. Realizing this was pointless and getting us more off track, Bill called our friend, Rob. “Help!”

North Line was snowy on the 'curb' but bare in the middle

We made it! (kind of)

So, we were off the road BUT couldn't straighten out

Yay, the troops arrive!

Within a few minutes, Rob and Pat arrived with his F250 diesel 4 x 4. Between the two of them, and a bit of gravel from North Line, Rob pulled us out enough so Bill could back in once more, closer to the west side of the drive. Bingo! Yay! We were home! Bill almost had to twist their arms to come in for a ‘thankyou’ tea/coffee with us but finally they relented. He had opened slides and turned our heater on while we were chatting. It was nice to have a quick catch-up with our first Happy Hour back home.

After they left, Bill and I went for a walk up the driveway, through the snow. Oh, and Clemson, of course. He was FREE for the first time since we left home in October and it was so much fun to watch him. You could see it in his face that he remembers it here and checked out all his familiar ‘territories’.

Looking up the drive from the gate

We had a peek in the bunky, the storage shed and the Restroom before loading the mailbox onto the wheelbarrow. Bill pushed while I held the post stationary. Now, with it sitting at the road, mail can begin its scheduled delivery on Monday. We also carried our ‘firepit’ out and set it in place. Bill found a lighter and some paper to burn, just because we can. The wood was damp and didn’t seem to catch on before we headed back to the Suite. I actually carried Clemmy back, wiping his feet because he was shivering so. He may think he is just a baby but he is an old geezer like us!

I've missed the many changes in the pond

 We came inside, had a bit of down time and Clemson almost slept through his 5 o’clock mealtime!! He was so pooped from his romping in the snow. I was hungry too and wasn’t very good at planning for supper tonight. While I made a decision, probably a bad one according to all sous chefs out there, Bill went out and pulled the satellite dish and generator out of the basement. I’m deciding on what to make for our potluck on Sunday and without imposing on Pat and Rob again, want to be able to use the convection oven.

Clemson explores without restraint

Bill had brown beans on toast and I had a bowl of my chicken vegetable soup. This is the best soup I’ve made yet and I’ll never be able to duplicate it, I’m sure. I’m enjoying it never-the-less with just one more bowl left for another day. While routing around in the freezer looking for wieners or mini sausages, I located a bowl of the bean soup I made in the winter. Hmm, I pulled it out to thaw for another day.

Come on Baby, Light My Fire

there we are, at the entrance and it will be a few days before we can
venture any further
but we're still home 😊😎

The sky to the west after supper

We cleaned up dishes and at 6 Bill and I took another walk up to the top of the Ridge with recyclables. Nice to be able to do that again, not all places in the southwest follow that process. It just feels so good to have a safe and beautiful place to walk again. The road is showing signs of a real meltdown, which means it is leaving behind a muddy mess. No point in thinking about a vehicle wash for a while.

And our mailbox gets delivered

And set up
We'll have to adjust it each day until the snow is gone

Bill made arrangements with Murray to get our Toyota out of storage tomorrow so we will head over to Hanover in the later morning. We also thought ahead and asked him to hold our spot for next winter. Can’t beat the price for an inside storage and he is such a personable fellow too! Back inside, Bill was disappointed that we have NO, ZERO, ZILCH reception here on our antenna so we’ll either watch a movie, read or stare into each other’s eyes tonight. The satellite dish will go up tomorrow.

The geese welcome us back in full force

We almost made it but even though the snow up here isn't deep,
it will be a few days before we can fully settle up here

Family photo time!

Here is where we are
Safe, off the NON busy North Line and we can run our genny as late as we want
No one can hear it. 😉

Anyway, we are well, after arriving and setting up on familiar turf. The weather is improving and I’m going to be capturing some sunrises and sunsets for a while. Yes! This has been a wonderful day. Top notch. A-1 and all that good stuff. I hope you can say the same!

Sunset from the Ridge

Thank you for stopping by today! I love to hear from you and will respond to every post in time.