Geese Visits, Owen Sound Shopping, Grass Cutting, Turtle Sightings

On the Ridge

On Tuesday, June 18^th it was nice to laze in the morning. We didn’t sleep in but knowing we could have, is always nice. We were up by 6 and I was out the door by 6:15. Even though a dull morning again, the air was warm and the wind almost non-existent. It was the perfect day for a 2-mile jaunt down a country road. The sky to the north showed promise and I knew we were expecting some sunshine later on.

A cloudy sky to start this Tuesday

There were no animal sightings this morning and only one vehicle met me at that time of the morning. When I returned, there were teeny patches of blue appearing in the sky and as I came up the lane, Bill was coming down on the riding mower to cut the front field. It isn’t too bad but by the weekend it will be and he works Thursday and Friday this week. We are expecting company on Friday so we are excited about that and want to have the ‘chores’ done.

Daisy Daisy give me your answer do

The wheat in the field down the road is plush and green
We grumble about the all the rain but this is what it has done

 I caught up on what our friends are doing on their blogs while drinking my tea. With the cream and coconut oil in it, I’m sure that is why I don’t feel hungry for anything until late morning. Bill wants to eat something before we leave for Owen Sound and I won’t be ready before 9 so I decided to make him bacon and eggs anyway. I had some plain yogourt and a piece of bacon. That will tide me over nicely until we are home.

There is that promise off to the north

Good thing no one can see us up here on the hill as I was making a fool of myself outside trying to flag him down for over 5 minutes. His breakfast was ready but he wasn’t aware what I was doing for him so wasn’t even looking my way. First my arms, in all kinds of saluting, waving, flapping motions and then my hoodie flying high like our Canadian flag on a windy day. He didn’t look up once from his cutting so I kept it warm until he came in.

And there isn't a flutter in our flag this morning

While he hopped in the shower, since I was already washed, I did the dishes. Clemson had been up at 5, which I wasn't aware of at the time, and then he slept until 9 before getting his lazy little bones up and out for a piddle. We would have had to disturb him anyway as we would be gone for at least 2 ½ hours. When my sweet-smelling hubby came downstairs, I knew it was time to go. He always smells sooo good and he’ll be embarrassed that I wrote that, I’m sure.

The drive to Owen Sound under a pretty sky

We drove to Owen Sound, the back way, the way that makes the most sense from here. Parking in the area of WalMart, Home Depot and Dollarama we discussed where each of us wanted to go and could we walk etc. I decided first to take the SUV and drive to Value Village which was too far to walk. Bill wanted to go into Home Depot and maybe Princess Auto and my last stop would be Dollarama. We each went our own way.

The Anglican Church in O.S. is gorgeous
Bill finds stuff for his plane at the hobby store

I found a couple of things at V.V. and was pleased that it was Senior’s Day, so 30% off. That worked out well! I met Bill back in the parking lot and he drove to Princess Auto and I walked to Dollarama. I found the landscape screening and a couple of other things for the Suite. When we left there, we drove to Bill’s Hobby Store, UAV & Hobby. He found what he wanted in the tiny store and we checked out.

The back way home

This vine covered tree is worth a picture every year

To avoid the busy downtown O.S. traffic at noon hour, we drove out the back way, twisting and turning and ending up back on #6 eventually. We both felt tired and planned a snooze when we got home. After unloading our stuff, Bill promptly stretched out on his recliner and I warmed up a bowl of butternut squash soup. Now I was feeling more hungry than tired. 

This was good but I had to open a carton to get it

With a tablespoon of plain yogourt mixed in, oh my, it was delicious. I made a coffee and sat at my laptop.

No magnifying glasses please!

With my tummy satisfied, after a reasonable amount of time, I went upstairs with Clemson for my nap. It didn’t take me long to drop off to sleep for 30 minutes. When I got up, I gathered my paint supplies including the pint can of white paint that Bill picked up for me. Then I walked down to see Bill in the Hangar. I wanted him to know that I was up and where I’d be. Nothing is never as easy as you think it will be. Especially when it is a first time for something.

Me painting the letters, on a hot day, with the paint drying almost as fast as I’m applying it and the stupid little bugs buzzing around my face – well, it didn’t start out very well. I was frustrated, disgusted with my efforts (and the bugs) and feeling quite incompetent. I almost stopped after painting THE R………. but stepped back and then gave it another go. I had 3 different brush types to see which one would be best. I ended up using all 3. I finished but don’t look closely. It’s a mess.

It looks better from a distance

I want to do another coat before I do the clear coat overtop of the whole sign. From a distance it doesn’t look bad and although not the Roman lettering Donna had used before, I think it will be okay. Bill was still working on the tail for his plane when I finished. We have started to see a lot more turtles. Everywhere we turn, we see one. I guess they figure spring is here and it is time to make nests and lay eggs. Don’t tell them that it is almost over now that the weather has straightened up. Clemson and I took a walk down the lane and even he found and sniffed 3 turtles on the gravel.

Clemson went for a walk with me today
Top left - since Higgins was here, he has to sniff and mark the territory down by Bill's rocks
Bottom left - checking out a turtle in the lane
Bottom right - running across the front field

We were sitting outside under the awning around 4:30 and Bill decided that he was going to cut some more grass. I put Clemson inside, fed him and got my own mower out. I may as well cut grass too. Tomorrow will be busy enough with work and laundry. We both finished right around 6 and boy did the place look good! Bill has a bit more cutting to do and trimming but the main areas are completed.

Bill and I got our grass cut today and it looks so good now
I try not to watch him do the hills, leaning this way and that
I think I chose the perfect flowers for the bucket

When we finished, we could hear our neighbor, Don, cutting his grass too. There were 3 turtles that Bill and I had to cut grass around up here in our living space. Crazy little gals.

Easy supper

We came inside and I warmed up the leftover lasagna from the other night. While it was heating, I put together a garden salad. I had some onion and little radishes from my own garden and a hard-boiled egg to cut up in it as well. It was delicious! The lasagna – well, no question there. The second night is almost better than the first. We cleaned up dishes and relaxed for the remainder of the evening.

These turtles were in our grass cutting area
I love the big picture here - she was saying "Am I out of your way here?"

The geese families have been coming further and further up the hill and I need to open the door once they get too close. We don’t need goose poop up here. It is on the hill, across the fields and down the lane. That is enough. I can’t get enough of them though, watching the babies grow into teenagers. 

The largest family swam off when they saw us coming down the hill

Even now again at 8 pm, here they come right up to my new flower garden. They sure run when I open the door or when we let Clemson out. I don't try to scare them, just keep them in their place. 

And here they come again
You can see where Bill needs to cut to match where I've cut today

Tonight, is America’s Got Talent and something we watch together. The sun is brilliant right now in a solid blue sky and the temperature is hovering around 70F/21C. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed it very much.

A cute picture of my boys
Clemson followed his Daddy down to the Hangar and back 

this was actually last night's sunset after I posted
Good night y'all

Thank you for popping in.

My Kind of Day, Sunny, Warm and Lazy with Turtles Galore

The Ridge - Turtle Alley

On Monday, April 22^nd Bill was up with Clemson at 5 and then we both slept until almost 7:30. It was cloudy to start but we could see some breaks off to the east where the sun was trying to rise. This to me was an indication of a nice day. It gave me hope. I skipped my tea and prepared for a walk.

The morning sky

My first mistake of the day was that I overdressed. I slipped on my winter jacket with one of my scarves around my neck and leggings under my sweat pants. It was only 42F/5.5C but without the wind, it felt much warmer than that. I had my brilliant reflective vest on as well and a grocery bag in my pocket. I was prepared today to pick up the roadside ‘trash’ worth $.

The sun rises through the clouds on the pond

Promise of a beautiful day

The road graders were out this morning

Who would’ve thought that before I was half way around I had a full bag of beer cans and bottles? That is embarrassing. It was another beautiful walk and I completed the 2 mile walk in 30 minutes. 

I'll add this bag to the two from London and drop them at
the Durham Liquor Store

When I returned, Bill was in the shower so I made my tea with coconut oil and creamer. When he was done, it was my turn. We had two propane tanks that were empty, one for the Weber Q and a 40-lber for the Suite. Bill hopped in the truck and drove to town.

Even cloud reflections are pretty

I made bacon and eggs but for some reason, I wasn’t hungry. Bill ate his and I had a few bites before putting mine in the fridge for later. We had an appointment for an investment that came due in town at the RBC so again took the truck with the water bladder. Before returning home, we stopped at Rob and Pat’s to get some fresh water. This should be the last time this spring, we’ll get the key today so we have access to the Acreage for next fill up. Thank you again R & P.

Fresh water transfer

Back home, I decided it would be a lazy day for me. I was feeling achy from yesterday and wasn’t in a rush to do any more raking. I had a book to finish, the Novella at the back of the J.A. Jance was called Old Blue Line and it was an interesting read. I think Bill will read it next, it was very good. He worked away in the Hangar until we drove over to the Acreage to get the gate key.

On the way to the Acreage, we cross this bridge
and my goodness, this water was really high and very fast

Going out the lane, we saw a ‘toddler’ turtle edging up from the pond. Our signs are now in effect, folks, if you should happen to visit. Yay! The turtles are out in full force and although skittish when we walk or drive by, I took a walk later with my zoom lens and captured tons of them out sunbathing. We are of like minds, apparently, because I set my chair up outside and did the same thing with a new book. Stuart Woods writes great stories and quick reads about Stone Barrington’s adventures as an attorney.

The locked gate into the Acreage

Another pond, more reflections

We walked back to the back to get the gate key

Bill closed things up just before 5 and moved inside. He has work duty this week so is making use of all the time he has while at home. I can’t get over how warm it was today, an absolutely perfect day. 

I sat and watched the sun move

And these signs now take effect

I didn’t cave yet to shorts but had a tank top on for the afternoon. The temperature rose to 67F/20C and who can complain about that? I know there is more rain in the forecast so a day like today is our first diamond in the rough.

Bill had to crawl up the lane at 5 km/hr to as not to scare these guys

Turtles everywhere I looked

It is hard to tell but the top right picture must have at least 10 turtles in it

and maybe in this enlarged version of the photo you can see them clearer
I think it was a party

Bill barbecued burgers for supper and I chose to avoid the bun tonight. With coleslaw and olives on the side, it was a delicious ‘summer’-like meal. 

And the Weber Q did well after its month long sabbatical

With a few of our favourite programs on tonight, the evening was a quiet one. This was a great day, I think I’ve said that but it bears repeating. I hope you made the best of yours as well.

And we weren't disappointed in the gorgeous sunset tonight

Beautiful! And Good Night from the Ridge

Thank you for stopping by.

Labour Day and Some Actual Labour, Some Sun, Some Rain, Some Turtles and Some Earlier Pictures

When I woke up on Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 4^th it was after 7 and I was surprised it was so late. I slept well, another night full of dreams, and felt well rested. It is not unusual for me to sleep for 9 hours since I am usually in bed by 10. Sleep is not something I need to improve on!

A very bright picture out our back window

Bill and Clem got up with me which explains why Bill does need to improve on his sleep hours. He stays up later and is awake a couple of times through most nights. The sky was just another typical Ontario summer day up here, cloudy, peeks of sunshine, windy and cool. I hope this new month isn’t going to be all like this. Last year we had a wonderful September and normal October.

A smaller snapping turtle was in a hurry to cross the lane

I think today may be a day when I can get another walk in as well as get some cooking into the schedule. I have my soft apples to make something out of as well as too many tomatoes. My plans for lunches on a couple of days with friends didn’t pan out for one reason or another and I had bought 4 large ones that need to be dealt with. I’ll let you know later today what I ended up doing, I’m sure you’ll be waiting with baited breath!

this one is not very old

With the sun tempting me, I took a walk down the lane and dropped a couple more pieces of recycling in the bin at the road. Even though a holiday, the schedule says today is garbage pickup day. The wind is strong but it has warmed up considerably already this morning. Every time I walk down there, it reminds me of a project I’ve talked about for a while but I forget when I get back up here to the Suite.

Strong wind

Today, when I came back up from my walk I went straight to the storage shed and got the shovel out. I leaned it up against the bunky so I could see it from inside. After making bacon and eggs for our brunch I first thought I would do something with the food I mentioned earlier. Nope, don’t have brown sugar to make apple sauce and don’t have the celery and tomato paste to make a batch of spaghetti sauce. They will wait until tomorrow.

Starting to dig

 Bill sat at his laptop to work on his own project and I decided to go out and start digging. Down at the fence along the north end of the driveway I want to dig up the grass all along the fence, in between and around my tiger lily plants. This will make it easier to cut grass down there and trimming won’t snip off so many lily leaves. I also want to transplant some Lady’s Mantle down along the fence in October before we leave.

I wanted to get  rid of the grass against the fence

With shovel, water, gloves, phone and camera in hand I headed down and set to work. It was actually a great day to do this, the strong wind would keep me cool enough. Oft times I stop working because I get too hot. I first dug up the area where I want to replant, digging then sitting to shake as much reusable earth off as possible. The grass and weed clumps went into piles.

I had to change positions often so my back didn't cramp up on me

Bill 'sneakily' came down the lane without my knowledge

I think I went down around noon hour and kept a bit of an eye on the sky. It was fine for the first hour and a half but around 1:30 I thought I might be forced to make a mad dash. Bill texted me at 2 and asked if I was okay and that was when I took my sunglasses off and realized it wasn’t as bad a sky as it looked. I worked away, determined to finish to the lilies for today.

The wind had this tree rocking

When I felt a couple of mosquitoes around my back I called it quits. The clumps of grass and weeds will be fine where they are for overnight if I don’t get back down there later with my wagon. I’m impressed with today’s efforts, really pleased that I got at it. I think it will look so much better with plants along there and less grass to deal with along the fence line.

So, lilies trimmed and piles of brush to pick up

Inside, I addressed a second birthday card and will walk it down to the mailbox before the pick up tomorrow afternoon. I’m sure I’ll feel a bit of today’s work in my back later and tomorrow but I’ll keep walking and stretching it in the meantime. I poured myself a small glass of Forty Creek Cream Liquor. I hadn’t even opened it yet and it was quite nice for a sipping drink in the middle of an afternoon. We also hadn’t eaten yet so we had a Chapman’s ice cream bar and a piece of cheddar.

Clemson gets his supper - note the time

I saw that Bill had started a new post which was great so I settled in my chair with my book. You can check his blog post out here. I’m reading a new author (for me) Jeffrey Archer called A Prisoner from Birth and it is quite good. A little different but I was hooked from the first page and that is always good. The rain started about 4 pm and so did the storm. Lightning and thunder filled the sky and even a bit of hail. Oh no, just what we needed, more rain.

Just to clarify, Clem won that battle

It continued on and off for a couple of hours but nothing too terribly serious at least. I know my eyes closed in my chair for a few minutes so it couldn’t have been too loud either. Just before 6 I prepared a Caesar salad (opened a bag left by Brenda) and coated the two chicken breasts for baking. While they were cooking I opened a packet of Swiss Chalet sauce mix and began heating it up on the stove. I know some people don’t like this sauce at all but Bill and I enjoy it with our chicken.

Again, at 6:30 the heavy rain returned and Bill turned the news off when we lost our satellite connection. No sunset, no space station views, no stars and no walk tonight after supper. It has been a good day, I accomplished a lot in my garden and can finish it tomorrow or Wednesday to prepare it for planting.

The 3 pictures below were from my girlfriend, Brenda. Ones she took on their visit Friday and Saturday.

At Montana's

Happy Hour

Bill and I opening our birthday cards from Brenda and Randy

I hope your day was a good one and you didn’t get too much rain in your area…….unless you needed it.

Pretty sky tonight just to prove my earlier statement wrong

Thank you for stopping around to read today. I love reading your comments!