Together Again, More Rain, Positive Vibes on a Sale, Easy Meal

Home on the Ridge

Clemson woke up first, at 5:30 on Saturday, June 15^th. Good timing since I was getting up in 30 minutes to go to work. Now I wouldn’t feel bad waking him up to go out before I leave. We crawled back into bed and he was out like a light when I got up, dressed and washed. Even when I slipped out the door, he never moved. I was just over an hour this morning cleaning the Mat but I’ll hold that 15 minutes and tack it on to another day to make it a full shift. I just realized that it has been a month since I started working for Jamie and still think it was a smart thing to do. 😊

The geese take off at a run when I drove out the lane

On the way home, I noticed that the Durham Conservation Area was having a Garage Sale this weekend and starting today at 8. I guess it was open for 4 hours last night where a lot of bigger stuff sold. It was 8 by the time I’d stopped at the bank and walked to Rob and Pat’s, so decided to swing by. I’d not been back into the conservation area from this end. At least I don’t remember it. They had a big tent, which I forgot to get a picture of, with many tables of ‘stuff’.

And the rain led me to Durham

To be cordial, I walked around and looked at everything. Other than 3 books, a 500 pc. puzzle, 2 garden ornaments, $1 later, I left. I drove back through the camping areas and to the McGowan Falls. 

I’d never been at them from this way and I recognized, once again, my fear of walking on an iron bridge. If the walkway was solid, it wouldn’t be so scary but it is open and the rushing falls are right below. I couldn’t do it, not even to take a picture. Darn! They are so pretty.

They must use the same sign every year

I drove back to the entrance and headed home The rain had stopped but the gray blanket overhead had a different story. “Don’t trust me, I’m full of more rain!” I temporarily placed my garden finds and came inside to see that Clemson was still sound asleep on our bed, exactly has I’d left him. Bill called at 9:15 to let me know that he was back in Canada after his drive this morning to Port Huron. Across the border and back already! Awesome!

Driving back into the park area

He didn’t need to be answering questions about his cooler and suitcase as he crossed, so left them in the CanAm trailer so will stop there on his way, go to Costco and then scoot home. I hope he brings some of that sunshine with him. It will be nice to have him home, as always. Clemson came downstairs after I made my tea and went out for more personal business before ‘asking’ to go back up to bed, if you please.

Not stepping on this bridge

The dam  is always nice to watch
(from the solid ground)

Our buddy, Pat texted from Manitoulin, just checking in to see how we were and letting us know what all they’ve accomplished. They are up there with their 2 sons and 1 grandson so a lot of wood is getting cut for burning/storage and I believe today the boys are off fishing. How nice for them!

This is the other end of the beach I go to in the summer

Donna and I also texted back and forth about the 90-second keto bread I made with almond flour. Like me, she wasn’t keen on the coconut flour recipe.  I have to credit Shirley K for encouraging me to stick with the recipe and use almond flour instead. It is so much nicer and very filling! I had some with feta cheese, a hard-boiled egg and grape tomatoes. It was so filling that I could only eat half a slice.

Perfect eggs, 5 minutes

ice cold bath

 I cleaned up and made myself a coffee at 11. That’s when my sweetie called that he had left Costco and was on his way home. He could have worked this morning, delivering a trailer to Fanshawe Park in London but like a good husband, he said that he’s been away for 3 days and thought his wife would like him to come home. 😊 Andy understood and sent him on his way. I’m glad he declined.

A pretty little snap dragon down our lane

While waiting for Bill, I wondered what I could get into so decided to go upstairs and prematurely decide what clothes would be ‘Cancun’ suitable since when I was shopping, something new for the trip was in my head. I had already begun tucking certain ‘special’ things in the cupboard above my side of the bed. They would be things that I knew for sure were going and things that I didn’t want to be wearing this summer.

a slice of  bread made with almond flour ready for the oven

 It was good for me as it is also encouragement to work on those pesky pounds around my belly. We have yet to decide what we’ll need for suitcases and whether we can share a checked case and each have a carry-on. The age-old worry of losing your checked bag makes you want to bring as much on board in your carry-on as possible. LOL good thing we have time to figure it all out and I AM being very wise in the number of clothes I'm choosing.

A healthy lunch

Somethings might have to go into vacuum-sealed bags to lighten the load. The good news is that at this stage of the game, I have made a decision on my dress and shoes for the wedding itself. Yay! I had just finished putting everything back in the cupboard and it was 1:15. Time to stretch my legs while Clemson was still abed. What a sleepy head today!  I walked out and down the lane. No sun, so no turtles out but the geese families set off at a run to the bulrushes at Don’s side of the pond when they saw me. I’m such a threat, you know.

A few new books we haven't read

 I knew from experience that Bill would be along very soon so walked down North Line a bit and cut back through our field. The rain began lightly again so I headed back. You might be able to see why we couldn’t use our paddle boat and can’t use the kayaks in the pond. I’ve tried to zoom in but the pond weeds are almost to the surface and only get worse from here on in. Anyway, it was the right decision to sell them and with a nibble on our kayaks, we are hopeful that the deal goes through.

I wasn’t all the way back up the lane when I heard Ptooties coming along the road. Good timing! With everything unloaded, he relayed his day, checked through the parcels from N.C. and stretched out on his recliner. He’s had a long day already and it is only 2 pm. I was up early too and felt that a snooze might be a good idea. If I sit and try to read I think my eyes would close. So, I went upstairs with our pooch.

Waiting for my sweetie to come home

It was only a cat, er, dog nap lasting only about 20 minutes but the main thing is that Bill slept for much longer. He had certainly had a busier morning than I had. When I woke up, I turned the tv on and started watching another chic flick that I hadn’t seen before. Clemson and I moved downstairs and joined Bill once I heard him moving around. We all watched the movie together. When it finished, it was more Mash reruns until it was time for supper.

I don't think you can see the grass under the water

One of my pretty two-tone irises

Unloading our stuff

We each had our roast beef dinners leftover from the other night. It didn’t take long to warm them up in the microwave on the reheat dinner setting. Never do I recall warming up a beef dinner and having the meat as tender as the day we first cooked it. It was an easy meal and it was delicious. Clean up was also a breeze and for dessert, we each had a dish of my custard. Yum!

My dinner tonight

Bill's two parcels

The rest of the evening was quiet consisting of my blog post, our books and television. We were together again just the way we like it. It was a great day. I hope you can say the same.

Good night from all of us

Thank you for popping by.

Family Together Again, Mom Visit, Cupboard Fix, Quiet Evening

Clemson moved for the first time since bedtime at 10:30, around 7:10 am. Huh? Not up through the night at all. Lordy oh Lordy! You figure him out! Bill arrived home last night at 9:45 and after unloading his stuff and our groceries from Costco, we relaxed together for half hour or so. I couldn’t keep my eyes open so I left him watching a couple of episodes of Counting Cars. So, it was 7:15 on Friday, Sept. 28^th when I got up.

The day starts out quite nice

It is nice to have Bill home, our family together again and earlier  than originally expected . I checked the temperature outside, 50F, and bundled less than yesterday for my walk. I walked just to Turbine Drive this morning and it was a very pleasant leisurely walk. Just a couple of miles today was enough. When I returned, I made my tea and sat with Bill reading blog posts from the previous day. The sun rose majestically and it will be a day of some sun, more clouds and a moderate breeze.

The sun reflects on our neighbours off the grid home
Seems fitting somehow

At 9:30 we had bacon and eggs for breakfast so that was out of the way. We had to make a phone call to our bank for clarification on a letter we received regarding that stupid scam from back in July. Yes, the $ was reimbursed to our Visa but they are having a difficult time getting the refund from the scammers. We have a pretty strong sinking feeling that in the end we’ll end up having to eat the cost. However, we’re not giving up yet.

After the call, I got cleaned up and drove into Rockwood Terrace for my visit with Mom. She was in her usual prone position, her after breakfast nap on the bed. When she sat up with her smile, she looked so nice in her navy jacket over a white top and blue jeans. She had her red beads on. She can wear any colour and look beautiful. My Mom. 😊 She inspires me.

The pleasant dining room at Rockwood
Mom's table is at the blue door in the far corner

I noticed that she had a puzzle half finished, or half mixed up for putting it away, sitting on the board on her window ledge. That was a good thing for us to do to pass the time since it wasn’t a nice day to take her outside. I noticed that she had an alarm bracelet on her wrist. Hmm, they are trying that again. She destroyed the last one. When I saw how big, bulky and ‘hospital-like’ it looks, I’m not surprised she was determined to get it off.

Mom enjoys putting puzzles together
You'll see the 'alarm bracelet' band in this picture

Before our visit was over, she had managed to slip it off her slim hand. She was under the impression that she had put it on. Just before walking down to the elevator, I wrapped it around the knob on her walker, hoping it would stay there for the time being. Maybe the staff will get the hint to affix it on to the walker, she is seldom without it. After saying goodbye, I drove through the very busy noon hour traffic to Rob and Pat’s. I missed seeing the bag over their One-Way street sign so ended up parking on the next street over and walking to their house.

The new shelf

covered

The contents

We had a nice visit and firmed up plans for a dog-sitting day tomorrow. We will be heading out early morning for Fort Erie to visit my Mother-in-law. Once more, we are so blessed to have these friends in our life for more reasons than one. They really do enjoy our little pesky pooch. It was challenging finding a parking spot on Main St. too but I needed to stop at the bank before heading home. I was sure ready to leave town! Makes me appreciate living in the country even more.

The empty cabinet

I made myself a coffee while Bill showed me his latest project. We’ve needed a new shelf for our dvd cupboard, so with the ½ sheet of plywood Bill purchased the other day, he measured and cut one out. What seemed like an easy enough thing to do turned into some kind of frustration because of one thing or another. Anyway, as always, his persistence paid off and the shelf fits. Next was for me to cover it with the ‘Mac Tac’ I picked up and covering the wood would make things move easier on it.

And all back together again

The Mac tac was obviously very old, although a new roll, and wasn’t sticky enough. I had to use my 'old' glue stick but that worked like a charm. Now the shelf looks pretty, but that doesn't matter because it won’t even be seen. Bill fit it back in where I wanted to place it and I put the dvd’s in. Our series of seasonal programs sit nicely at the top of the cupboard and our cd’s and binder of movie and music dvd’s sit on the bottom. Perfect!

The sky looked like this for about an hour this afternoon
and then cleared up

The afternoon had turned wet, off and on, full clouds and only 50F for most of the day. Now that is depressing! We are hoping to still get some nice dry sunny days so we can get a few more outside jobs done. We are down to 22 days before we leave the Ridge and I’m sure we will manage just fine. Things will get done. We sat together for a while in front of the tv, Clemson taking turns cozying up to each of us.

Here we go again
Notice the floppy ears?

At 6, he needed out so I went out with him and we took a walk down the laneway. I am blown away by his energy and maybe it is because with this weather, he isn’t out as often to stretch his legs. He ran down and all the way back again and then when I bent to pick him up, he romped around wanting me to play chase with him. I went up to the garden and picked a ripe tomato and decided to bring the last of my green onions in. They aren’t going to grow much more.

This is the prettiest the sky has looked since early this morning

I had 2 pork rib chops thawed for supper and browned them in a fry pan before putting them into a baking dish. I covered them in cream of mushroom soup blended with ½ cup of cream. I sprinkled some frozen mixed vegetables in the pan as well and baked them for 45 minutes. It was not a night for barbecuing. I fried up some hash browns with garden peppers and onions for a side dish. Supper was ready at 6:30 and I must say that I enjoyed the pork chops tonight.

Makes a lovely onion bouquet, no?

Bill washed and I dried dishes tonight, our usual routine. There was a serving of rhubarb crisp left for Bill so he warmed that up to fill that tiny hole left after supper. We usually always have a little hole for dessert. As the night time settled around us, we pulled the blinds and settled down to watch some tv. This afternoon we watched the pre-recorded episode of 9-1-1 and one of Johnny Harris’ new Still Standing shows.

A hearty meal, yum

Tonight, we have a few more recorded shows to watch but will spread them out over the next few nights. I have enjoyed this day. A visit with Mom always tops it off nicely, making me feel content and proud, no matter what else I do. An inside job got completed and our dvd’s will ride much better from now on. I hope you have had a good day.

And the blue jays are ever present

Good night!

Thank you for sticking your nose in. All comments are welcome!

Hot, Humid, Visits with the Ladies, Another Perfect Beach Day, Bill Returns in the Dark

When I woke up and checked the clock on Friday, Sept. 22 it was 6:30 so I had another good night’s sleep. I peeked out under my blind to another gorgeous day coming up roses. Last taste of summer and first of fall. Hrrmmppff! Have they got it mixed up! These have been the best days in a row since June. I’m just glad to be here in mid-western Ontario to enjoy it.

Another great day coming

I got up at 7ish and made my tea while opening blinds and texting Bill ‘Good Morning’. When he called, he was packed up inside the motor home that he stayed in last night and I was settled at my laptop. I have a few things going on today but nothing pressing, all good things. First, after my tea, Clemson and I went for our walk. Different direction this time, down past the Baptist Church to the hill and back. It was already warming up at 9 and not a cloud in the sky.

Are you walking with me today?

I started searching again online at information for our trip and threw in a search in the area for parks around here. Curiosity. One day, this good thing up here on the Ridge is going to come to an end and it would be nice to know what our options are. It will also depend on whether Mom is still with us or not as to where we would go. Anyway, as I say, just curiosity.

Yup, he was up for a walk today

Love to know what he is thinking when he has to wait for me
It probably is something like "SHE was the wanted who wanted to walk,
what is taking her so long?"

And again, he waits

I cleaned up a bit and packed a beach bag again. At 10:45 I drove to Durham for the day, leaving Clemson instructions and a treat to look after the house. I went first to see Aunt Mary and she looked lovely with her hair freshly done this morning. After showing me a couple more albums of her photos, I had to mosey on down the hall to see Mom.

These trees are laden with berries

Have to look up the name of this tree

She was just coming out of her room, looking spiffy and fresh in blue and pink. We walked down to the end of her hall and back when we noticed a jigsaw puzzle in one of the sitting rooms. That is where we landed. 

It was 1000 pieces and all about classic cars so it was a challenge. We managed to enter a few pieces before it was time for her lunch. We walked down together and said our goodbyes.

Mom always asks where I am parked or if I'm walking

I drove from there to the beach and once more was the only one there. Perfect! It was almost an hour when a young Mom, her Mom and 3 yr. old son arrived. Nice people, offered to move further down so as not to disturb my reading. They were expecting two more Moms and 2 more little ones so even though I said it wasn’t necessary, they did.

She says she isn't good at these things anymore
but she still found a few pieces

It wasn’t long after that 5 pre-teens came with another adult and disrupted the peacefulness anyway. It was okay, it isn’t ‘my’ beach alone I put my book away and lie back in my lounge chair enjoying the sun. The other ladies and I couldn’t understand why at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon these kids were out of school but I’m sure there was a reason. They were gone half an hour later and I opened my book and we shared a smile across the sand.

Donna brought her water bottle in a sock yesterday
Something we learned from our friend, Pat
So, today I did, worked like a charm!

From the time, I walked in the Suite I was frustrated. We have been invaded with houseflies once more. If it is cool outside they are trying to get in and manage to squeeze in the screens, we think If it is hot outside they are trying to get in. They were driving me crazy. I killed all I could see before I’d left this morning and now the bedroom window was crazy with them.

Some nice homes on the other side of the river

What's missing? My girlfriend, Brenda!
We used to do a beach day once a year
I miss those

I sprayed the window edges, even though it leaves another mess for me to clean, and chased them around the ceiling in all rooms. I’d just get comfy and I’d hear them hitting the ceiling or buzzing in the window ledges. Grrr. Since it was 30C outside and 29C inside, I decided to combat two birds with one stone. I closed all windows, sprayed and killed flies, then turned the a/c on. We need to get to the root of the problem for sure, besides going to the southwest where they do not live.

I got the word that Bill was leaving CanAm at 6 so I went about making my own supper. Actually, I was already frying up a couple of wieners with spaghetti squash (!!) for me. By that time, I knew he’d need to grab a bite on the way home for himself. I’m expecting him by 8:30 or so.

You see my frustration? These were from our bedroom window
The screen needs to be examined

Bill and I have planned to go away tomorrow for the day so I will need to put a few things together. Like our lawn chairs Clem’s stool & bed, food and dish and a cooler with drinks for us. I’ll shower after dishes so that is done and begin gathering stuff up. It looks like a lovely evening so maybe we won’t need the air conditioner on through the night, we’ll see.

I missed the sun dropping tonight

I’ve had a good day only coming to a head over the frustrating flies! Tomorrow maybe we’ll close things up before we leave and spray it good in here with Black Flag and hope that takes care of them. I think Sunday I’ll be washing my inside windows again.

Still a pretty horizon

I hope you’ve had a great day today. Thank you for stopping by. I love reading your comments.