Durham Library Visit, Afternoon Swim with Donna, Nice Rain

The Ridge

On Wednesday, Aug. 21^st I woke around 5:45 to see that Bill was up and downstairs getting his breakfast. It was a warm night and even though I started my sleep at 10 pm with my little window open, I had to close it at 12:30 because the rain was coming in on my face. Refreshing but not what you want in the wee hours.

It was still dark when Bill left

I reached over and opened it again to a lovely fresh breeze and just waited for him to finish getting ready. Downstairs, I declined an offer for tea when he was making his thermos of coffee. I wasn’t ready to get up yet since it was still mostly dark. At 6:15 we said goodbye and I immediately felt a void so went up to bed again and turned the tv on. Last night, our CTV news gal, Julie, informed us of more storms coming our way today.

Because I'm thinking of our snuggle bum,
this is a cute picture of him and Link, Jessie's cat
from when they lived with us for a while

We did get a nice rain over night, a couple of times Bill said, so everything would be good and watered. Yay! says my veggies. I watched until 7 and got up for a walk down the road. I didn’t check the temperature but with just a long sleeve shirt on with my vest, my body heat on the return told me that I was overdressed. It still felt very muggy out there so it’s possible that another storm could be in the making.

One more - Mom made him some slippers
so he was kind enough to model them
(for 10 minutes)

 This is only the second time that Bill has worked since we lost our little bum and I’m avoiding looking at his picture on the mantle for obvious reasons. Usually, we say good morning to him each day but I get too teary-eyed when I’m alone. So! I move on, make my tea after my walk and sit with my book to read until 9:30 or so. The West Grey Durham Library doesn’t open until 10 and I’m going in to finish my blog post from yesterday.

And these puddles were from the overnight rains

I parked Black Beauty in the back lot, there really isn’t a lot of parking at this new location so I backed in for an easy out. The gals are pleasant as I asked my questions and found a suitable chair off by myself but with a nice view of the street. The pretty little social media group was busy, with people frequently moving in and out. Seldom did anyone stay and certainly no one as long as I did.

Woops! something happened to some straw bales

I had written notes at home of things to Google once I got there and felt very relaxed doing so. No reason to rush home but I was still surprised that I was there for 2 hours. From there, I stopped at Foodland to pick up some groceries before heading home. Luckily, I had some of my egg quesadilla left from yesterday so no effort was necessary for my breakfast. I made a coffee, started this post and then read through the local flyers that were in the mailbox. Nothing too interesting there so moved on to my book.

On my walk, I discovered these choke cherries
so that gave me an idea

At 2:30 I drove to Hanover to meet Donna at the Aquacentre. She was taking me swimming again on one of her free passes. We spent the hour floating around. I tried one of their waist belts instead of a noodle and once I got used to it, liked it a lot better. My hands were freer. We changed out of our suits and Donna drove us to Fashion Fables, the consignment store and we perused and picked up a couple of deals. Back to get Black Beauty and we said goodbye.

On my way to Hanover, work continued at the corner
of Baptist Church Rd and Lambton Rd/#4
for the new power plant

I drove to Walmart to see if my parcel had arrived, but it hadn’t so I made one more stop at Mark’s work Warehouse. The sky over Durham (20 minutes to the east) looked ominous. Oh no, I’m going to get a storm after all. The sun was shining overhead all the way home. A rainbow greeted me as I turned onto Baptist Church Road and then North Line. Beautiful. I couldn’t believe that I’d missed the storm but The Ridge hadn’t. There were puddles everywhere! Good timing, I’d say!

This was my drive home from Hanover
As I turned onto our road, the rainbow welcomed me

It was after 6 and I was ready for supper so prepared the fresh green beans Loree gave us for my supper. Bill isn’t keen on them so won’t miss them. I heated up the leftover hamburger mash that I’d made a couple of nights ago and enjoyed a quiet meal by myself. I’d heard from Bill a couple of times today, the last text indicating that my new camera had arrived at Henry’s. Yay! Good thing as we were about to cancel the order and ask for a credit if it wasn’t there.

And the puddles in our parking area shows that I missed
a good downfall

I chatted with Bill before we both said goodbye to eat. They’d had rain in London earlier as well and as we spoke, I could hear it coming down once more on the trailer he was in at CanAm. For me, supper was delicious! The beans were yummy, thank you Loree. I popped a crust of rye bread in the toaster and with lots of butter, it, with cherry tomatoes and olives, was the topping for the whole meal. For dessert, I had some creamy Jell-o and I know Bill was having the same.

I picked a few of the cherries

Everything was really wet
I'm grateful that Bill moved my painting inside before he left

I watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy before setting the pvr to record Americas Got Talent. I planned on finishing my book tonight since I wouldn’t be posting my blog. 

Supper was delicious and those beans!!! Yummy!

I’ll download the few pictures I have in the morning and decide about a trip to Durham to publish today’s story. I’ve had a good day and it zipped by, the way I like it when I’m alone. A slight pang of unfortunate news came our way today but it isn’t my news so I wouldn'’t relay it. Prayers would be welcome though. Thank you.

And I think the rain was done for the day
Good night!

Thanks also for your visit today. I always enjoy your comments if you care to leave me one.

Oppressive Heat for One More Day, Swim at the Acreage

The Ridge

It was around 5 when I first woke on Saturday, July 20^th and needed to answer nature’s call. I’m sure you needed to know that, you’re welcome, but then I went back to sleep until 7:15. I didn’t hear Bill get up at 7. He slept pretty good too. We had the bedroom a/c on around 75F/24C overnight with the bedroom door closed and that was great for a perfect night sleep.

I sat outside until the sun burst through
making it difficult to read on my laptop

Bill was just finishing his coffee when I made my tea. I took my laptop outside and read a couple of our friend’s blog posts from yesterday. It was cloudy still so easy to do, but once the sun came out, I had to retreat inside in order to see the screen. Bill needs more transparent red covering for his plane and he kicked himself that he didn’t know that yesterday when in Owen Sound. It meant another trip but first a phone call to make sure the hobby store had it in stock.

Hungry for breakfast at 10 this morning

I made us breakfast around 10 and while Bill got cleaned up, I did the dishes. Next was a Bullet Proof coffee and I thought I’d try it without a packet of sweetener today. Hmm, no, not enjoying it as much so added one. Much better. I was going to make us a few dessert items so got the only pack of cream cheese out of the fridge to soften. In the meantime, I typed the information out regarding Mom’s finances. I like to email my siblings an update each summer so they know her standing. With that done, I pulled recipes out of my Word docs for things to make.

My shasta daisies are tall and pretty

Donna texted that she and Gerry arrived at the Acreage and that the pond water was very warm. We’ll go over after lunch when and if Bill gets back from O.S. I needed to go on the hunt for my water shoes since I wore Bill’s last time and he is possibly going for a swim with us. When Bill came in, he knew exactly where they were so that’s great. As it turned out, Bill couldn’t get an answer at the Hobby Store so abandoned that idea.

This doesn't look so appealing but trust me, when rolled into
little round balls and frozen, they speak for themselves

I made up a Raspberry and Lime Jell-o and they are in the fridge. I used the cream cheese to make a batch of Fat Bombs and that mixture is in the fridge too. 

I didn't have enough cream cheese to make it creamy today
but we'll still enjoy the sugar-free, low carb treat

Next, I decided to make 6 dishes of I.P. keto custard. We haven’t had that for a while. We had run out of after supper treats and these 3 things will give us a choice. None of them fattening or filled with carbs and I feel great about that! Guilt-free munchies!

And 6 custards are ready for cooking

When the custard finished its 9 minutes of cooking, I turned it off to start the natural release. While that was happening, I changed into a bathing suit suitable for pond swimming and some tanning too and got our towels ready. Bill doesn’t always swim but I’m hoping he will get in to cool off as well. I brought the pool noodles to the car and waited for him to finish priming his shelf board and for the custard to finish. It was around 1:30 when we were on our way.

Donna was in the pond and Gerry was making his way down the ladder. It didn’t take Bill to get his shoes on and join them in the water. It doesn’t look like a swimming pool but it is water, it is wet and quite refreshing. We tread water or float on our pool noodles and never have to touch bottom, which in some places is away down there. Maybe 6 or 7’ at its deepest, I’m not really sure. We all swam around and got cooled off before retreating to the king chairs.

Gerry going slowly down the ladder and Bill swimming across
from the other dock

Bill poured me a Diet Mountain Dew and he had a Zero Coke and we sat to dry off. The clouds had moved over and there was a great breeze every once in a while. Donna and I like to work on difficult crossword puzzles together. I always think that she is better at it than I am but together, we each contribute to the New York Times puzzle equally. It was a great visit with no pressure for them to cut grass or work while we were there and we finally headed for home around 4:30.

Sitting after our swim

Back home, Bill went to paint the dried boards and I emptied the cooler and hung our towels and my still damp swimsuit on the line. Tonight, for suppers it is leftovers. There are two small chicken thighs with a few potatoes and carrots. I’ll cook some mixed veggies for Bill and that should be good for the meal. As you know from above, we will have dessert of some sort tonight and sit and relax for the evening.

And supper was just leftovers but wonderful!

It was certainly a non-exercise day for me today. I barely got a mile and a half of walking in but I did swim a bit so that counts for something. Not much, floating on a noodle, but something! It has been a nice leisurely day and I hope you can say the same. Now at 5 pm, the darker clouds have moved in and I’m thinking this is where the rain will move in and take some of the heat and humidity away when it leaves. We received rain as I was starting supper but all it amounted to was sprinkles, one downpour and then sunshine again. Of course, there was a rainbow!

It isn't a brilliant one, but it is a full rainbow

The good news is that it left us with cooler temps, in the 76F/25C range. We're celebrating that. :)

When I zoomed in, it almost disappeared
Have a great night!

Thank you for your visit today.

Early Watering, Early Sunning, Shopping and Swimming with Sis, My Boys Return

On the Ridge

I first woke on Wednesday July 10^th at 5 and rolled over in the hopes of more slumber. Next, it was 6:30 when I opened my eyes and after stretching, got up to greet the day. Looking out the windows as I opened the blinds throughout the Suite I was shown a wonderful looking day again. I texted Bill downstairs “Good morning, Sweetie”.

First picture of the morning
Notice how clean it is

Second picture, with some dust spots retouched

Now you can see what I am dealing with on my big Canon
I didn't remove any spots

After chatting for a few minutes, we said goodbye while he went to eat his cereal and I slipped out for a walk, safety vest donned. This was a rewarding walk. Well, they all are but today I saw the buck, doe and fawn in a closer field. No zoom today so my phone camera took the best shots. Yay! I love watching the animals and critters around our area. We are lucky to have the peace and quiet that we do and then to get the bonuses of living nature. As I stood watching, they made the trek back into the forest.

All 3 family members

This one you can kinid of see the bucks antlers

When I returned, I made my tea and sat inside to read blogs. Once it was done, I filled my watering can twice to water my vegetable garden early. I first primed the pump Bill hooked up, connected the hose to the rain barrel and filled the can that way. Good left arm pumping exercise but with the small hole on top of the can, it made it cumbersome holding it properly. The second can full, I held it under the tap on the rain barrel but it still required holding the can perfectly to fill it. It only took 2 trips today since we’re expecting rain tomorrow.

Mr. Red-wing likes the suet

There has to be a better way. I’m going to look for a watering can with a wider mouth on top. I’ll add that to my list. I changed into my bathing suit and set up my lounge chair again. Now was the better time to catch some rays, before the sun got too hot and before the sweat bees were awake. It was only 9 and after a flip at 9:30, I retreated to the shade at 10. A little bit of sun each day will prepare me for the hot sun of Cancun. I don’t want to get burned the first day.

I moved inside at 10:30 and made myself a coffee. Our big window at the back of the Suite is pretty dirty and we’ve talked about washing it for a few weeks. When I put the Canada flag stickers on for Canada Day, I gave the inside a wash. That was a poor job! Streaks were driving me crazy so I did it much better today. Now we can see out much better! I also washed the screens in all of our windows. The dust collects in the corners especially so now it is gone.

I'm just going to throw this picture of wild grass in
Not as attractive as a flowering wild flower but pretty in its own way

At 11 o’clock, it was already a lovely 75F/24C with a slight breeze. The humidity is only 47% right now so a great day to be outside. Soon time to make myself an egg or two for brunch with some fried radishes and feta cheese on the side. It doesn’t take much to fill me in the mornings especially. I have a date with Donna this afternoon, as I mentioned yesterday, and Bill is expecting to be home in good time this afternoon as well. I’ll see what time we both get home and give him an option for supper.

I’ve looked out at my suet feeder a few times since hanging it, wondering if it is in the best position. The birds I’ve seen at it are the black birds and the red-winged black birds. It swings freely so it is a challenge for them to hand onto the cage but they seem to be enjoying it. I was hoping for more eye-catching birds but really, I’m just happy that I’ve found something that our many Chippy’s can’t get at. LOL I also want to replace and find a better spot for my hanging seed feeder.

brunch = eggs, feta cheese and radishes

I made my little meal and it was closer to 12 noon. Still more food than I could eat. I should’ve stuck to my norm of 1 egg instead of 2. Where’s my little guy when I need him? Clemmy usually liked to eat the egg that we would leave on our plate for him. Every day there is something and that is a good thing. I love our memories of him. I cleaned up the few dishes and then cleaned up myself and changed into a one-piece swimsuit. Don’t want to scare anyone at the pool! I stopped in Durham on my way through and took in the bottles and cans for the $2.50 refund. Better than nothing!

On the way to Donna’s, Jamie called but he was in his vehicle and with me in mine, the connection was not great and we disconnected. He left me a text saying that he and Cheryl (& kids?) were on their way to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her parents are out there and we knew he was trying to rent a trailer that would accommodate them for 2 weeks. It is 3 days there and 3 days back. I wished them a safe and fun trip and will touch base when they return. Vacations are nice and important.

The entrance to the Hanover Aquatic Centre

Donna and I went to Salvation Army in Hanover first where I dropped off the donations I had. Of course, we poked around as I had a few things I was looking for. We found 3 hooks that I can use for hanging our hangers in the Bunky. They will take up a whole lot less space than the coat rack that we’re using now. From there we drove to what I call ‘Donna’s Consignment store’. Fashion Fables Boutique is a very special ladies store.

I loved it and the gal running it today was a very positive, helpful young lady. I see why Donna raves about it. Most of the clothing was high quality bearing labels that I find in the Ladies store here near Durham but at 2^nd hand prices. Right up my alley! I tried on 3 dresses and walked out with one. Each one was lovely, all under $30 and I’d have brought 2 home had the one not been too big. I’ll go back for sure.

a huge pool with more than one lifeguard on duty at all times

Lastly, I drove us to the Aquatic Centre with directional assistance from Donna. We were a bit early so waited and watched from an upstairs viewing window. The main pool, hot tub and small pool were jam-packed with little people. I’m so glad ours was an adult swim for a peaceful hour. Kids are great but not for us and not in a pool. That’s why we all have choices. ¾ of the way through our time, we got out and took 10 minutes of extreme sauna heat. That was all we could handle before hopping back in the pool to cool off.

That was a fun afternoon with my big sister and during the drying off and changing process, I had a call from the Durham vet that Clemson’s ashes were ready for pick up. Bill had arrived home around 3 pm and we decided that I would stop and pick them up on my way home. That was tearful but I tried to be brave (without a lot of success) as she handed them to me. Bill was waiting for me when I drove in the lane and we opened the cardboard box together.

Clemson is home where he belongs again

All we can say is that it is a beautiful little cedar box holding some very special ashes of an incredible little memory. Clemson, now you may rest in peace, back home here in our Suite, forevermore. It was the right decision.

I was hungry so Bill lit the Weber Q and began grilling our mild farmer’s sausage. Inside, I cut up my garden radishes and green onions plus the last of Carol’s leaf lettuce and some green pepper. A sprinkling of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese completed the salad. I think we’ll be having some dessert tonight! It is nice to have Bill home again. I had to admit that I felt empty yesterday afternoon and last evening. All is well again. 😊

Supper was good topped off with Creamy Lime Jell-O

We did the few dishes up and Bill went to the Acreage to get a bladder full of fresh water. I put the chairs and my bike away, closed the Bunky doors and brought the towels and my suit off the line. Just in time, the rain spattered around, cooling me off as I worked away. It didn’t last more than 5 minutes and Bill would be sheltered in the trees so may not have even noticed over there. 

The geese are still hanging around
making it difficult to determine parent from child now

I hope you’ve enjoyed your day as I certainly have mine. A refreshing swim and some shopping with my sis, my sweetie returns home in great time and we got our little bum back home with us too.

another untouched capture on my dusty Canon

and instead of showing you the sunset tonight

I'll share our portion of the rainbow
Who got the other half?
Good night y'all from all 3 of us here on the Ridge

Thank you for stopping by to see what we’re up to. Your comments are always appreciated whenever you wish to leave one.

Another Last Day, Winds Picked Up and Then Calm, Last Happy Hour, Last Swim

Bill and I were up before 7:30 on Sunday, Feb. 11^th. I am surprised my tough old foot isn’t sore from the gate wheel last night, but other than a bruise, I survived! I really did enjoy the evening, how I love to dance. It pleases me that people know how to dress for this kind of ‘party’. Most tried to wear something RED and I love that, always have and always will.

I don't know if you can tell how windy it is
the palm leaves are pointing south

We had our tea and coffee while catching up with friends. I figure my exercise last night meant a morning I could skip the walk. I’ll go later on. This is our last day so I may try and put a few puzzle pieces in and we’ll have to see if the pool draws us before Happy Hour. Bill had made up his mind yesterday that this morning he was taking a drive over to the Yuma Flying Field off I-95 so he had some cereal and got cleaned up.

My egg breakfast

I decided to stay back and take a walk and do a bit of cleaning up in the Suite while he was gone. Not in a rush, I fried up a couple of eggs for myself and fried 2 tortillas to eat them on. I’m not crazy about the Gluten-free Corn flour ones, but I bought them thinking they were better for me. Well, not if I don’t enjoy the taste! Frying them a bit is the only way I can eat them. Even then, I prefer the regular flour ones. 

Bill goes to explore the RC flying field
I love the look of Black Beauty

Had a brief chat with my oldest grandson yesterday on FB Messenger. I like to keep in touch to see how he is doing. I think I can stop worrying about him, he is finding his niche in life, living on his own. When Taylor communicates with me, he treats me with such compassion and has always tried to convince me that he is “doing well, Grandma”. I do believe he is now. I miss him, it has been far too long since I’ve hugged that sweet boy.

I did the few breakfast dishes up after Bill left at 10:15, brushed me teeth and took a walk. The early morning winds have calmed and it is another gorgeous day. Already at 10:30 it is 70F. Every weather station we check into says that we are going to get a bit of a cool down in our temperatures. Well, at mid-80’s for over 3 weeks, I’d say we can afford a little cool down without hurting us too badly. After all, 69F here during the day and 50F overnight is not cool by any means. I think we can handle it for 3 days.

The one I liked showed more like a home
breaking up the bedroom and bath from the kitchen and dining
area

The walk to the closest recycle bins on Victoria St. was not too far so I veered further so I came back a different way to the clubhouse/office. I stuck my head into 3 more Open House units to see the differences. Well, I did more than that. I walked right in. If we don’t have dreams……..hey, we always have dreams and ‘what ifs’ in our life but that doesn’t mean we aren’t happy or content. It means we are always open to explore new things.

Arizona room bathroom

This would be your living room area

I worked on the puzzle for 15 minutes or so and managed to drop quite a few pieces in place. That felt good and satisfied my fingertips, hovering over the picture. 

It would have been fun to work on longer

I walked down to the Billiards Room, which I hadn’t peeked in the other day. There are just 3 pool tables in there and one fellow was challenging himself. He said it was a bit disappointing since he’d played in a league back home, but to me it seemed just fine.

I arrived back at the Suite right around noon and Bill was home. That told me that there probably weren’t any or many flyers at the field.  We chatted and Bill made himself a sandwich. My egg seems to have fulfilled me for now so I took my book and went on the patio. Around 1:15 I decided to go to the pool and Bill opted out today. No problem, we don’t have to go everywhere together.

So, I tried a selfie on the big lounger

When I got there, of course, I wished he was there only because there was only one other person. Situating myself in the opposite corner, I spread out on the double cushioned lounger. Feeling spoiled, naturally. I showered and took a swim in the warm water. 

Laying on the lounger, I looked up to this majestic palm

Back and forth from one end to the other 3 or 4 times and then relaxed with my book. Lee Child is becoming one of my favourite, least predictable authors. Jack Reacher is brought to life for me and I laugh often at his actions.

and zoomed in to the top

At 2:15, I took another dip with 3 more laps of the pool before stretching out on my tummy. The air outside was not cool like it was yesterday. When you get out of the water, there was no need to rush for a towel. There are no clouds today and that is likely the difference. It is 77F, just beautiful! I left the serenity of the pool and walked ‘just over there’ to the Suite at 3.

Happy Hour at the Duchaine's

Bill was feeling sleepy after finishing his Tami Hoag’s Dust to Dust so he laid down for 15 minutes. We took our small cooler and chairs to Tom and Deb’s for our last Happy Hour with them this winter. How sad! On the other hand, we have been very happy to get to know them better on a personal level and will keep in touch on line until next time.

And I was there too

Deb had made up a batch of Beer Margaritas and some salsa and chips for a snack. I didn’t contribute much but I took a dish of green olives. Thanks guys, it was a lovely last meeting, too bad I forgot my funky tripod for a selfie. 

Thanks for the snacks guys

Back home, Bill was feeling the effects of the two drinks so he wanted to sit for a bit before we started supper. I had prepared potatoes so we could finally eat up our fish and chips, planned for two nights ago!

At 5:45 we started grilling and deep frying and we were eating delicious grilled cod fillets and home-made fries. I had some red wine to finish so that went with the meal also. The one glass will last me through the evening and I have a bottle of water handy too. Ha ha. My foot is bruised from the wheel last night but it isn’t sore, thank goodness. Such a clumsy one I can be!

After dishes, Bill put the last items away, the Weber Q, table and our chairs. All done! We decided to miss Madame Secretary, after all my whining, but it wasn’t worth setting up the satellite dish for one night. We’ll survive and there are always recaps of the previous show. Tomorrow we move, Tucson here we come! We are anxious to re-connect with Ken and Nancy, our Illinois friends, once more for a few days. The time will go fast, we have a few Jell-o plans together.

Bill's supper
I'd already cut into my fish before taking a picture
I had less potatoes and still too many

I must say this has been a quiet but enjoyable day. Great to share one more Happy Hour with good friends whom we just met last winter and a great park to enjoy. I hope you have had a good one as well.

good night from Fortuna de Oro
We've enjoyed it here

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