Back at It, Pesky Critters

The Ridge

On Monday, May 6^th Bill was up with the alarm at 6 o’clock. He and Gibbs went out and Bill carried on getting ready to go to work. First day jitters? Nah, he was gearing to go. We do both wish he didn’t have to work but at the same time, our lives are enriched in more ways than one with the paycheck and the activity. He can’t sit around and although another week off would put us in a better position on The Ridge, the weather would need to co-operate too. Bill and I both had bites from yesterday's black flies so we each took some Benadryl. They are worse than mosquitoes!😊

Good morning!
Last night's fire

and sunset

We both left for work at the same time. He took Ptooties and I took Black Beauty since he has the furthest to drive. It was looking to be a lovely day with a high of 17C/6F and we were very happy about that. I was a little over an hour cleaning since the 3 big dryers needed to be done. They took longer because I discovered a small ledge near the top that was collecting lint. Lo and behold, lint wasn’t the only thing it was collecting! Look-ee-here! ♥

$8 +

I went to Foodland when I left the Mat and picked up a Mother’s Day card for Marilynne and cashed in 2 lotto Max tickets. Thinking it was a win of $5, boy was I surprised when she handed me $22! 😊 Of course, I bought 2 more and then drove home. Duncan and Patty were ready to pull out when I returned so we did our hugs all around and after checking lights, they were on their way. Man that Ventana is long!! Beauty of a home too.

I’d committed to going back to M’s this morning so picked him up at 10. I wasn’t sure what was on his agenda today until I got there. Then I knew there were going to be at least 4 stops before I got home again. So now he has a new phone, the cheapest most suitable one I could find for him. 

Until next time!

Needless to say, his old phone is done for so we couldn’t do a Smart Switch of all of his info. So, I brought both phones home with me after 6 stops (!) and having my soup for lunch, I began keying in all of his 133 contacts. Then I spent some time with Gibbs and we walked down to get the flyer from the mailbox. I had to call the gal at Walmart in the electronics department for some guidance and soon got them all in his new phone. She was very good to deal with.

Y'all come back now!

I took it back to him around 5 and no matter what we did, that darn phone would not allow him to make any calls. Saying he was not connected to wifi. ☹ His data of 20 gb is included in his phone and he is on a prepaid Virgin Plus plan. I knew Bill was on his way home so told M that I wasn’t spending any more time on it over there. I will bring it back here and try our Starlink.  Bill was just getting out of the car when I pulled into the lane. Tomorrow, with a clearer head, I will have to call Virgin Plus to see what I can find out.

This is a bit of an illusion as I look straight down to take the photo
The brown dirt is actually flat.

I’m so sick of the whole phone thing, his style of living and dealing with things is so far out of whack that it’s no wonder anything works! Bill was tired but had a good day with the boys. They are renovating a gutted double wide home for Gerry’s brother almost an hour away. He was tired but didn’t want to sit and fall asleep or his nighttime sleeping would be messed up.

Give me my liver!!

Because of that, I started supper. Air fried pork chop and fried potatoes for Bill while I had liver and Brussel sprouts. We finished off the homemade dinner rolls and now that temptation is gone for me. 😊 I heard from Patty that they arrived at the marina in Meaford for a fishing derby, where they were meeting up with and camping with friends for a week. Such fun!

It's so cute to see Gibbs go out on his own.
He walks out and lays down in a shady spot.

Supper was good and we cleaned up the pots and pans together and then loaded the smaller items in the dishwasher. Bill went outside when finished and will be puttering, standing up, so he can fight off the droopy eyes. Mine feel the same right now, all the running around seems to do me in even though it isn’t difficult. 

He went out with Daddy after supper
and had a prime seat for watching him. 

This has been a….day. Most good, some frustrating but still a great day. I had a comment on Facebook asking for a wedding picture so I hope Susan G reads my blog to see these. ♥

So skinny So young!

Good night!

Thank you for stopping around.

Back at It, Weather Woes

The Ridge

On Saturday, Apr. 20^th I was up at 7. Looking out the window when the boys went out at 6:15 told me that the weather guessers were correct. Blech! It wasn’t deep but it was white and covered most everything except the gravel lot. We could hear the winds and could see that it was only -1C/31F. Brrr. What happened to spring?

Good morning!
Last night's sunset didn't seem like it would
bring today's weather. 

-1C/31F
Where's your coat, Bill? 😂

Overnight snowfall on The Ridge

I made my tea to go and by that time, Bill had gone out to start Ptooties and get the snow cleared off. The wind wasn’t too bad first thing but I dressed warmly and drove to town. Today was my first day to clean the Mat. I walked in to an empty building at a few minutes before 8 and had to chuckle to myself. It was a senior’s moment, taking time to remember in what order I did things. It wasn’t long and it all came back.

Nothing in Durham, 8 kms away

I won’t disrespect the two people who filled in for me over the winter but I do think someone will be happy I’m back. 😊 It was in need of a real thorough cleaning, although the necessary surface was welcoming enough to customers. One glance in the Lost & Found box also indicated that items have been there for a while. I’ll deal with that next visit. It took me an hour and a half since the 3 big dryers needed to be cleaned as well. It could have been longer had there been customers.

The Mat was left in ship shape
top to bottom, ledges to baseboards

When I arrived in town, there had been no snow overnight but when I was leaving, flurries were wildly blowing around. The wind was crazy and kept the temperatures below 4C/40F all day. 

Today's weather

It snowed, stopped, hailed, stopped, and repeated that process until 12:30. We had lunch and then Bill went out to empty the back of the truck bed. The box with his planes in it. 😊

We already received mail yesterday

I decided to take advantage of being inside. That meant bringing out my counted cross stitch ‘project’. Oh brother, I’m sure it will never be finished! When I was reminded how small the print on the pattern, I remembered the glasses I’d ordered from Amazon over the winter. My brother, Michael, suggested them with high recommendations for crafting. They look funny but worked like a charm, once I got used to them.

I managed to make some progress
on my cross stitch 

Gibbs and I bundled and went out for a walk but it only took me about 10 minutes to turn back for the Suite. Gibbs had other ideas. He did his business and then sat outside watching his Dad down at the Hangar. When Bill came up the hill to retrieve something Gibbs thought he was coming in and came to the door. Such a dedicated security pup. ♥

Enjoying some time together
in the warmth of our Suite

It was a lazy day and when Bill came in around 4:30 to watch a movie, we joined him for a snooze. For supper, it was easy. We had leftover stew, biscuits and a vegetable on the side. It was good, second time around. After dishes, Bill went up to watch tv and I worked on my blog with NCIS reruns in the background. White noise is better than no noise sometimes.

Gibbs waiting for Daddy
Bottom picture, you can see Black Beauty
down at the Hangar, in full view.

The winds died down around 5:30 but it was going to be a very cold night. We’ve got some wintry weather for about a week. It was good to get back to one of my jobs today and always nice to spend time at home with my guys.

A nice hot meal on a cold day.
Good night!

Thank you for stopping by.

Back at our Work Week, Beautiful Fall Day!

The Ridge

On Monday, Oct. 3^rd, Bill returned to the job site in Hanover so because it is close, he took Black Beauty. I was lazy this morning, we are both fighting symptoms of a cold so Gibbs and I filled my recliner in ‘our’ jammies and didn’t move until around 10. 😊 The day outside was warming up nicely so we went for a walk to the corner and back. Beautiful!

The shaded section of the berm
was still a bit white when I looked out at 8

There was very little wind which helped the temperature to rise steadily after a frosty night of 0C/32F. Bill had frost on B.B.’s windshield to deal with at 7:30 and the berm hill was white with it. I’ve heard for years the old adage “stuff a cold and starve a fever” so I had my cereal with my tea first thing and rubbed my neck and chest with Vick’s. Another lesson learned from years ago, my Dad had his Vicks beside him at all times. Bless his ♥.

Gibbs and I walked to the corner

It was interesting to see two very different
cloud formations over us

At noon hour, I had one of the subwiches left over from the party and reheated, it tasted great! I felt great but took some Hall’s for a cough and a couple of Tylenol cold tables when I went around the corner to M’s for 1:00. I was working outside, on the south side of his front apartment, painting the metal wall. It was half done by his brother a week ago and needed to be finished. The temperature had risen to 17C/62F by mid afternoon. Gorgeous!

It was just 4:30 and the sun was already
taking the beginning steps of its descent

One of our little Service Berry trees
is showing off its own fall colours

His tenant moved in on the weekend and I met Erin and Luna, her friendly Rottweiler, while I worked. The sun felt wonderful and I was surprised it got so hot working out there. I finished my shift inside dusting the truck box and that’s when the coughing started. Thankfully, I wasn’t in there long and at 4 headed home to Gibbs. We waited outside on the steps for Bill, who arrived a few minutes before 5.

Watching for Daddy, on my lap
He hears him long before he sees him

Even older, he still loves to sit in my chair
and look out the window

For supper, after we dozed, we had our delicious bacon cheeseburgers with a cookie for dessert. The keto oatmeal peanut butter cookies are almost gone so I may have to put together another batch one day soon. They were good. This was a good day. I’m not thrilled about the cold catching up with us but it could be much worse. Touch wood, another old adage, that it stays at bay. 😊

We don't barbecue in the cold weather so
we are enjoying one of our few warm days left
for burgers
Soon the Weber Q will be packed for the journey!
Good night!!

Thank you for sticking by me even when my posts are late!

Back in the Groove, Still Hot, Still Humid

The Ridge

On Monday, Aug. 29^th we are dropping quickly to the end of this month. No more sliding, it is a rapid downward drop! We woke up to rain so Gibbs ran outside at 6:15 but turned right back without having his morning piddle. Within 5 minutes, it stopped enough so Bill took him out again. They stood under the nose of the Suite while the little guy did his thing. 😊

Our day started like this

The rain didn’t last, off and on for the half hour before Bill left to take the garbage down and go to work. Another job in Durham, at a place they’ve been already this month. A much nicer customer too. I left Gibbs at home in charge of the house and went to M’s for 9:30. I got the news that I was waiting to hear about the apartment.

Lunch
I'm getting good at these! 💗

He had 4 showings over the weekend and the last lady agreed to take it. Actually, all 3 ladies wanted it but for one reason or another, they weren’t suitable. I’m happy that all of our work getting it ready has paid off. Well, come Sept. 1^st, we’ll know for sure. 😊 The only thing left to do in there was trip a few of the scatter mats that were cut from the full floor carpets we laid earlier. I did that and then moved on to Mike’s truck. Sanding the primer. The box is now done and can be painted anytime.

Gibbs models his new hardware
It is big for a little guy but
he doesn't mind it too much

It was so humid and hot, even though the sun was cloud covered for most of the day. When I got home, I didn’t hear any barking so that was nice. He doesn’t always bark when I return alone so not the best test of the collar. The windows were closed except for one so I closed it and turned the a/c on. By then, the outside temp was 26C/79F and immediately she clicked on to start cooling our home. It was a wise decision.

Remember early spring when I moved 
some of my mint plants from up on the berm?
They are finally showing some growth 

I was covered in paint dust when I returned home so hopped in the shower first thing then I had a stir fry quesadilla for lunch. Gibbs and I sat inside while I worked on my blog from yesterday, still not finishing until later in the day, and then we went out to wander the property. He has only uttered a couple of low barks so I doubt he felt anything from those but I did notice that he is sticking close by my side without a leash as I walked up to the garden to gather tomatoes. ♥

Gibbs loves the hammock
He just waits for me to come back

We sat in the hammock for about an hour again today and he never wandered anywhere. Interesting. We came in when I decided I wanted to make a cheesecake for supper. Our friends, Patty and Duncan, were expected on Wednesday for the night and to leave with their Airstream on Thursday. They may arrive early because of weather moving in off the lake (up north) so we may see them tomorrow. They are providing us with supper again so I will be prepared with dessert this time! 😊

I've made it with the crushed almond crust
but baking it in the oven this time

Bill was home from work shortly after 4 and I sat outside with Gibbs on his leash to judge his reaction. He barked once and quit immediately and once more with the same response. The collar is working. When we all came inside, Bill took his collar off for the evening. We’ll start again tomorrow; evenings are pretty uneventful. For supper, we had a ‘poor boys’ meal of weiners and beans. I had a couple of my grape tomatoes along with mine. 😊

Our poor boys supper.
Filling, no dessert tonight. 

After clean up and his lunch made, Bill did some banking while I worked on today’s blog post. No promises!! This was a good day back to work for both of us. Before supper, I had a text from Kaitlyn, laundromat boss, and she will be coming out tomorrow afternoon to pay me for the month. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I started working for her! I hope you’ve had as good a day wherever you are!

Last year on this day
A visitor on our railing.
Haven't seen too many up here this year.
Good night

Thank you for your visit!

Back to Normal – Kind of, Weather Pictures (what else?)

 

Paisley, On

On Monday, Dec. 28^th we slept in again. No excuse, really, we were just tired and lazy apparently. We were going to drive to Durham to clean the Mat today and instead of leaving at 8:30, we left at 9. No big deal since we have no punch clock for check in. Plus, we have a very flexible boss.😊 

The vehicles are out of the lane
You can see Wes's van. Ours are in front of our building

   

Jim arrives almost immediately

After our tea and Bill’s toast, we knew that Wes had called Jim to come and clear the last bit of snow that fell on Boxing Day afternoon.  Knowing that, Bill moved our vehicles to the road and Wes moved his.  Jim arrived with his tractor and had the lane cleared in no time so Black Beauty came back in first, instead of Ptooties. We won’t be driving the truck for a few days.

And cleans the laneway, lickety-split

Then, we were on the road. The day was clear, cloudy but no rain or snow, and the roads were mainly dry. Some icy sections but we took Ptooties and Bill drove, watchful. He took Concession 8 to Hwy 19, into Walkerton’s TSC, oops, Peavy. Still no sand tubes here but he has a lead on some from Billy. Durham seemed busy with the stores closed (a usual thing on Mondays) and the laundromat was a-hoppin’! 

Just getting out on the highway

There were a few customers and it seemed most of them used more than 2 or 3 washers.  Loads and loads of dirty laundry! Some dryers were being temperamental and needed a nudge tap to get them to accept the quarters, a couple of others just plain didn't work. The back door seemed to lock each time it closed, which isn't good at all! I texted Jamie about all the things needing attention and we left an hour later. Bill cleaned the lint in the big dryers then dry and damp mopped the floors for me while I did the other stuff.

Note the time the snow hit us

We drove down to the Water Depot store and refilled our 5-gallon RO jug before heading for home. It was funny because we had just minor brushings of rain on the windshield until we turned north onto Bruce County Rd 3. At one point, it was like a mini blizzard and then within the next minute, it was clear again. LOL strange weather. That isn't just because we are up here, that happens all over south and mid-western Ontario.

Within the same minute

We had lunch when we got back home, as it was noon, poached eggs on rye toast. Yum, that was quite good. Then we came upstairs where I finished the last chapters of A Handmaid’s Tale. I wasn’t expecting that ending but don’t worry, no spoiler’s alert here. I’ll have to drop it off at the library this week one day. The wind felt really cold but I walked down as far as the post office around 2ish. Online they said they were open today, Boxing Day hours, but they weren’t. ☹

Note the time again
Night and day  😅

I could have walked further to get some exercise and fresh air but decided to sit this day out. Literally.  I took my water into the garage and worked another couple of hours on my jigsaw. It is coming along nicely and I’m enjoying it a lot. Too bad the sun didn’t come out to help extend my stay but when it became difficult to focus on pieces, I made my tea and came upstairs. Bill had just finished reading so went down and made himself a tea as well.

The puzzle is entertaining and I got a lot of the grassy area done

Upstairs, I started a new book. This one is back to the mysteries of James Patterson. I know I will whip through it. They are short chapters, page turners and a good distraction from everything going on around us. We went downstairs around 6 and I began frying some mini sausages. I reheated the green bean casserole for me and the leftover mashed potatoes and gravy for Bill. He isn’t fond of the beans so I spoiled him by cooking some corn.

I didn't need potatoes with my Keto green bean casserole

Our non-Keto Christmas pudding was delish!

It was well-timed and everything was hot together. For dessert, we finished the last of my Christmas pudding with sauce, also reheated in the microwave. Yum! Bill reminded me that next year I will need to make my cake again. 😊  I usually make 2, one to eat and one in the freezer for the following year. I made my first one 10 years ago! After dishes, I came upstairs to work on my blog and then read. Bill decided to head down to the basement and see about doing some minor repair on an airplane. Wes had earlier offered him a bench to work on.

Bill was able to work a bit on his model

This was a good day and I’ve dappled with some work, getting back into the groove after just a short absence. Looking outside at 7 pm, the plow just went through and we see that it has started to snow again. Blimey! Have a good night!

Dec. 28, 2018
A group of us enjoying drinks at Los Algodones, Mexico
L to R
Bill, Ron, Suzie, George, Loree, Rob, Pat

Fun times!
Buenos Noches, Amigos!

Thank you for stopping in.