Bank Appointment, Afternoon in the Great Outdoors, Laundromat Help

The Ridge

On Friday, May 17^th, I woke around 4:30 when Clemson moved to go out for a piddle. Hmm, Daddy is home. Well, it wasn’t 2 am at least. We went back to sleep, all of us, and it was 7 when I got up, half hour after Bill. He was downstairs with his coffee at the table catching up on some banking from the last couple of days.

A quiet country drive

My back was aching again and that was frustrating me. I’m kicking myself for that 3 hours of raking on the hill, 3 weeks ago! It comes and goes. It wasn’t raining outside but I didn’t feel like getting out for a walk anyway. I took some Advil and sat with my tea. Sometimes, I wonder if it is from our mattress or my recliner. I was in that chair for a fair bit yesterday and that may have aggravated it. Only myself to blame there.

And a foggy one in areas
(there is some blur at work here too)

I had an appointment at the Bank of Montreal for 9:30 in Owen Sound so Bill and I had to move a bit quicker than usual this morning . I started frying up some peameal bacon and warming us a piece of quiche each. We ate but didn’t have time to clean up the dishes before heading out at 8:30. Clemson was still in bed and when I brought him downstairs to go out, he wanted no part of it and went back upstairs.

This is our closest big city

It was foggy and cloudy this morning and as we turned onto the county road off Baptist Church Road, Bill watched the road while I watched for deer. This is the type of morning that they’ll be prancing across the road in front of you. I saw one but it was in the field near the forest edge. I love these roads, curvy and hilly but we both agreed ‘not in winter’ and ‘not with the Suite’. We arrived at the new location for the BoM on 16^th Street E with time to spare.

Moved from the busy downtown core, they have a really nice building out here

While waiting for the bank to open, Bill finally made contact by phone with his friend in N.C. about the shipment of the last pieces for his Telemaster. Now that he knows more about when to expect it, he can relax. We met with the pretty Shannon and it was a pleasure to walk in and have someone on the ball with why we were there. She knew exactly what we wanted to do and while chatting about our winter trip, the progress on their property and Mom, she completed the task.

The drive home took us by this maple syrup farm

We didn't even realize they tapped here

It is always welcome when we have a reason to go to Owen Sound, ‘the big city’, so we can visit some stores in the east end. Stores that we don’t have in Hanover or Durham. Bill went into Home Depot and I went into Dollarama – yes, Hanover has dollar stores but no H.D. We found what we were looking for and was thrilled to get some Ramekin dishes at $2 for three! Now, more custard!

Bill and I both enjoyed the sugar-free, carb-free custard

On the drive back home, the fog had lifted but clouds and dampness persisted even though it wasn’t raining. The winds were up again keeping the day cool. With a high of 13C/55F the sun made an appearance around noon. Bill worked in the Hangar and I hung inside with Clemson until 1 when I went out to check on his progress. I had changed into working gear and got my knick knacks out for the garden and bunky.

And out in the middle of nowhere, this beautiful golf course

Crossing the iron bridge on Baptist Church Road
The water isn't down too much yet

Bill finished up and before coming inside he hopped on the riding mower to cut the back field. After putting stuff out and getting the bins tucked away, I went around and weeded the upper garden on the berm. Stupid grass grows where you don’t want it but not where you do! He finished around 3:30 and moved inside. I sat out for a bit after walking to the mailbox but the wind was coming from the north and was very cool on my back and neck. Soon enough, I was indoors too.

coming in the lane, we were so excited to see that
we are Grandparents again!
7 new babies!

For supper, Bill grilled our Italian sausages on the Weber. They have just enough hot spice to make them interesting but not an amount to stop us from eating them. I put together a salad on the side and that was quite enough to fill us. We cleaned dishes up and we drove into Durham to clean the laundromat tonight. I was going to wait until the morning and Bill was going to join me just to ‘learn’ the ropes. It is nice to have a backup if I can’t get in there and if he is home.

Ma and Pa guided them into the pond after waddling ahead of the car
for a fair distance
this is one family

Bill cutting the back field before supper
Lots of dandelions this year

There was one man waiting for 3 dryers to finish and a lady with 2 children came in to fill 3 or 4 washers while we were there. We emptied the dryer lint first, they need a key to pull out the 24” x 18” slide out trays. Once they were done, Bill started sweeping floors while I wiped the washers that weren’t being used. Bill moved on to mopping the floors as I finished. Once I was done cleaning the windows in both front and back doors, we locked up and left.

A few things that I hang every year
the little shelf needs some new adornment so I'll be watching this winter for
some southwest trinkets

Same here - I love the racking that i got from Brenda in London years ago
but need some new decor

We were finished in an hour so there is no way I could do all that by myself in that amount of time. I’m glad we did this tonight so we don’t have to get up early in the morning. Bill was able to get my new key to work in the back door so any time that I want to go in and override the usual ‘Open’ time, I can do that. It is much nicer without customers to work around. Tonight was a bit of a challenge so I’m glad I had help. We had also taken our bedding in to get it washed so Bill loaded that in the car while I filled out my chart and locked up.

Hi dear! he's happy on the mower

Another little corner with my black-eyed susans and chives coming
up nicely
I need to visit H.H. and pick up some potting plants while they are on sale

And I don't know if you can see my frogs but they are sitting throughout
the garden with ElScott

Bill had run out of gas for the rider this afternoon so we filled Ptooties up along with the 5-gal gas can before heading home. The wind has died nicely but it feels quite cool outside. 

Nice to barbecue again

Gorgeous sunset tonight

Back on the mower, he finished cutting and I hung the sheets on the line so they can dry tomorrow. Clean sheets are already on the bed. I’ll sleep good tonight! We were both done for the day before 9 and as I figured, my back has been really good for most of the day.

Bill finishes up the cutting for the night just as the sun dips below
the horizon

Good night from our land of enchantment
The Ridge

It was a quiet evening and we treated ourselves to some Creamy Jell-o for dessert. This was a nice day. 

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Sad Paws News, An Early Departure, Short Walk, Markdale Appointment, Jiggling Jell-o for Bill

Bill woke to his alarm on Monday, Oct. 1^st. He wasn’t originally going to work at CanAm beyond Sept. 30^th but when you have a client asking for you specifically to do their orientation on a ‘new’ rv, what do you do? You go. To make it worth the drive, Bill has always asked them to find 2 days work for him, please. That was to be the case when he left this morning at 6:05 am.

Rest in peace, little Grunt

I got up with Clemson around 6:30 for his outside business and then we both crawled back into bed. It was raining quite steady when Bill left and was petering off by the time I got up at 7:15. Clem didn’t move until 8:30. He was a good boy again, sleeping through the night. I had gone to bed last night at 9:45, just couldn’t stay awake even though I wanted to spend as much time with my birthday boy as possible. The sooner I go to bed, the sooner he leaves.

She loved fishing with her Daddy
They were 'buddies' before Patrick married and had a family

When my son, Patrick, called to wish Bill a Happy Birthday last night, he told us of some sad news. Grunt, his 12-yr. old(?) Pug/Australian Shepherd cross, had to be put down. Oh my! This is so close to home as we’ve also come near that decision recently. I went with Patrick the day he drove to pick her out and we ended up bringing her home the same day. A tiny precious ball of ‘pug’gishness. She was adorable!

A new addition to the Ridge family
thank you Sandra and Bill
(our adopted children)

I won’t go into the troubles she has had as of late, but we believe he did the right thing, even though through broken words and tears, I can hear his inner doubt. Sweet little Grunt is at peace now in Doggie Heaven 👼 and I went to bed with some wet eyes myself. Now I’m going to have to hunt up a recorded video I have of her and a young Clemson playing tag in our house living room! I know I have it somewhere in this huge house! 😁

We have a few of these little birch trees down the lane
The wet bark is so shiny

It was spitting a very misty kind of rain when I loaded the recycle bins and garbage on my wagon to take it to the road. That would be my morning walk, by the looks of it. I came inside and had my cup of tea while reading some blogs. I loved a post that my daughter put on her blog called Sort of Sibs. If you don’t read hers, you could check this touching one out at Two Cents. It sure brought back memories of when we lived in Zurich, Ont. and seeing it from a child’s point of view was a real treat. Even my little brother got in on the comments.

My drive to Markdale

I got washed and dressed for a bank appointment in Markdale regarding Mom’s finances. I usually like Bill to go with me to these, simply because he has the financial brain for this kind of thing. I guess I have done all right so far, by Mom, but with his input which is very much appreciated. Neither one of us is ‘sold’ yet on this new advisor at the BOM but we’re giving her a chance since she took over from our gal in Hanover. Today, was not a good meeting for a couple of reasons. Later on that.

I do love small towns

I arrived early, as usual, so wandered into a little store called The Bargain Centre. The Hidden Room, entrance in the back of the Bargain Centre, and beside the main store, is where I was headed. I love the garden and home décor offered there and found a couple of unique things at really great prices. Nifty stuff like this isn’t usually so reasonably priced. I’d go back in a heartbeat. 

The Hidden Room is the door to the far left of the picture

I gathered my bank stuff from the Rav and walked across the street to the bank for 10 am.

I got a parking spot directly across the street

Since the goal with Mom's $'s is not to take chances and not worry about the very highest interest rates, Bill and I have taken the recommendation from the last advisor.  She suggested compiling as many of Mom’s investments into one or two that will come due at an appropriate time during the period when we are back in Ontario. We had hoped to continue with that but this new gal just doesn’t give me the confidence that she gets what we are trying to do.

I can't help but take pictures of the changing leaves

Sadly, every time I’ve gone in, she just looks at me for direction and seems to show no recollection of what we’d set up. What? We’ve already discussed what we’re aiming for, you are supposed to advise me! Anyway, their computers were down and she couldn’t get into anything online so she really had no clue how to move forward, admitting she couldn’t remember. Thankfully, I had taken all of my statements and past notes or she’d have been at a total loss.

And the country roads make the trees even prettier

As it turned out, time was wasting and I said “why don’t I come back when things are up and running”. I said “you need to see what and when investments are due in order to help us get this set up”. All of a sudden, I seemed to know more than she did! Duh. I hate criticizing people, but even more I dislike incompetence. I’m not saying that is what this is, but she did no prep work before I came in even though she informed me 4 times that the computers were working fine before I arrived.

Over hill over dale coming home

I left the bank only grateful that tomorrow, if and when I go back, Bill will be with me. If we are not satisfied, we’ll make the drive to Owen Sound to meet with Shannon, our original advisor. I hate to do that but we are the client and need to have total confidence in who we are dealing with. Before going into the bank, Bill texted saying that he was coming home tonight. LOL Oh my goodness! So, a day’s drive in and back. I'm happy about it though with the issues that popped up later in the day.

it is a pretty drive

I worry about those treks because he has no afternoon nap on these long days and no doubt he’ll be tired driving home. I don’t know what happened to the scheduled orientation tomorrow but I know there is no way to know of those unforeseen things. He will keep me informed when he is leaving the city so I know when to expect him.

So, back home, of course I missed the turn off onto Grey Road 23 so carried on down to Base Line and then Baptist Church Road. The rain had pretty much stopped, I only used the wipers a couple of times when a vehicle would meet me. I came inside and little fluff bum was asleep snuggled in the afghan on the couch. I made myself a coffee and looking in the fridge, I realized that Bill forgot to take his breakfast sandwich after all. Good thing he is coming home.

My favourite picture

I warmed it up in the fry pan and enjoyed it myself. I wrote some of this post and considered what I might get up to today. Now that we are in a new month, I was able to work on my book from home since the library is closed Mondays. I want to get a better handle on it soon. I did that for a while and feel better about how to get more for my money by moving things around on the pages. It can be a frustrating system especially now that they have made changes to it. It was pretty simple before. You've heard the phrase "Make it simple, I'm stupid"?

I don't know if you can see them, but these turkey buzzards
were sauntering at the edge of Baptist Church Road
There were 6 of them, in not too much of a hurry

Clemson and I took a walk down to the end of the lane to bring the bins back up on my wagon. It is a cool wind out there and the temperature has not risen above 46F today. Sure feels like a cold fall day, hey, I guess that is because it is! We sat together with my book and afghan. It seems like we’ve run out of propane early this afternoon so I turned the heat pump on/and the fireplace to warm it up in here. 70F is where we like it and it was hovering around 67. We’re fine now and I’m even happier that Bill is coming home tonight.

When it came time to cook supper, I had planned a salmon filet and dill sauce. Unfortunately, with the convection oven, the heat pump and the tv on, a breaker tripped. I didn’t know what to do, duh, so texted Bill. I wasn’t sure where to check for the problem but that is how I learn. I switched over to the inverter for the fridge while waiting for him to respond. When he called at 6:30 to tell me he was on his way home, he instructed me to go to the bunky panel and flip the breaker off then on again.

Supper was quite good!

I’ll cook the fish and then my carrots, again in the microwave and then turn the fireplace or heat pump on again. Not sure if we are completely out of propane or just what is the answer today.  Anyway, we can deal with it tomorrow. We will be good and warm overnight. Supper was good and I got the heat back on and cleaned up the dishes.

Oh, an update on the bank thing. Bill and I decided to move on to our original financial advisor in Owen Sound so I called and set up an appointment with her. She was happy to have us follow her from Hanover and offered to call Markdale and cancel with Jennifer on my behalf. She said it happens all the time and there are no hard feelings about it. Some people are just not compatible and the bottom line is that we all have someone to relate to when dealing with finances. I felt so much better.

We were nice and warm cuddled with Mom's afghan

With NCIS reruns in the background, I sat with Clemson again and read more of my Jack Reacher book. This one is called The Midnight Line and it is not a let-down. I love the ‘chase’ that is always involved in his adventures. As we sat here snuggled together I watched tv and read until Bill arrived home at 9. He unloaded his stuff in the rain and he'd had a crappy wet drive home, most of the way. We watched 9-1-1 which is turning out to be one of the good new shows for the season and then Bull, one we enjoy.

It was 11 when I had to call the day quits and went up to bed with Clemson. I think Bill followed soon after although I was dead to the world by then. It doesn’t take me long to drop right off. This was a lazy type day with a few things taken care of. The change of location for Mom’s banking is a big relief. We’ll deal with that appointment on Wednesday. Good night all.

And one last one with her blue eyes shining as she proudly
sits in Clemson's bed at a year or so old
I can't help but smile at the colours we had chosen for our home in 2007
We always loved the Southwestern theme and this was 6 years before we even
thought about this lifestyle!
Funny.

Thank you for stopping by.

Splotchy Sun and Clouds, Banking, Hot Springs, Visitors and Family!

I had a strange night or rather early morning on Saturday, Jan 6^th. I think up until Clemson woke us at 5 am I’d slept pretty good. After that, I couldn’t seem to drop off again and had multiple things running through my head. I refuse to get up before 6:30 on any given day, I’d rather lay in bed and settle those things that woke me.

Gorgeous sunrise today even though it didn't stick around

Totally true pictures without enhancements today

However, at 6:30, it was time and leaving the boys still sleeping, I dressed and went for a nice morning walk. There was a gorgeous attempt by Mrs. Sunshine and I captured that before she slowly got lost in the horizon of clouds. I’d read that it was to be a cloudy day so wasn’t totally surprised. Clouds, for those of us with solar panels are not our friends for obvious reasons.

Weaving through the brushy trail

The sun shining on the embankment
Oh, yes and more reflections

I walked to the springs and then cut through the rough trail to the roadway along the canal again. Yesterday, George pointed out all of the seashells on a sandy knoll so today I took some pictures. He wondered if they would have come up from the ocean before this place was all developed. Interesting. The hill was saturated with them!

I carried on, this time taking the hard-packed dirt road instead of the pavement and if I wasn’t alone, I would have gone further. Where are you, Donna? This would be a nice fast-paced strut for you and I. 

When I returned I set up my camera for one of those silly selfie poses. Me dressed in my warm hoodie while others were walking to the springs in their towels. I’m a wimp!

It was actually quite warm out for the early hour, 55F. When I returned I made my tea and soon after Bill was rising for his coffee. As we sat and read posts and comments from friends, we noticed that the sun was not giving up on her fight for control. That is great news for our batteries!

The clouds to the northwest were dancing

Lori and Roland's rv on the left and Judy and Oscar's on the right

Bill and I had some cereal and toast and drove into Holtville before 9 to go to the bank and top up with fuel. Yes, it is California and we knew it would be a ridiculous price BUT we wanted to have a full tank before hooking up in the morning. Once in a blue moon, the only time this year we’ll do it, we don’t mind biting the bullet so never mind tsk tsking. 😊

On the drive into Holtville, Bill pointed out all of the sheep
Look at their long legs! They've maybe just been sheared?

I picture I've missed sharing
Bill's haircut

Notice the elevation here
13' above sea level

I laughed at these tall skinny palm trees

And we 'oogled' at this plantation house

Back at the ranch, I mean the Suite, I had a second tea, slipped into my swimsuit and began this post. I’d chatted with both sisters again and expect to see Gayle later today as they are pulling in here for the term before they head to Mexico. There aren’t any FREE areas close enough for a visit and they want to be close to the border. Too bad that we are pulling out in the morning, but a short visit will be better than nothing.

Relaxing together with our books

I took my book outside and read for a while until Bill was ready to accompany me to the hot springs. I don’t know why I feel an intimidation issue here, but I do and it is preventing me from going over by myself. A pool? A hot tub? No problem but this just isn’t the same. So, at 11:15 or so, Bill put his bathing shorts on too and we walked over.

so we made it to the Hot springs!
It is just as hot as everyone said!

And these old palms have even produced fruit lately

There was a young couple in the small ‘tub’ and 3 other people in the large one. We had the hot shower, even that was nice! And then I went down the 6 or so steps until I touched bottom. I didn’t realize it would be so deep but that was the beauty of it. It had to be 5’ in depth, up to our chins when standing flat footed and yes it was HOT! Beautiful!

We stayed in it for 15 minutes and chatted a bit with others before we had to get out. We sat on the cement pillars to cool down in the nice breeze before getting semi-dried off and walking back to the Suite. I’m so glad we went and now that I’ve done it once, I wish I’d done it sooner. I’m at ease with it now and wouldn’t be chicken to go back on my own. I know, it’s silly.

Safe and sound and thank you again for all your prayers for my family

We changed and hung our wet things outside wherever we could find a spot before settling with our books again. Bill and I are hoping this was what he needed to sweat the remains of the cold out of him. It is the full headachy feeling that seems to linger and a bit of a cough. Oh well, we’re getting there!

They drive off to find a site

While we were sitting outside at 1:30 reading our books I caught sight of a big rv coming in around the corner. When I looked, it was Gayle and John with their Montana. Yay! I was happy to see my big sister again even though it would be a short visit. We chatted for a while and half an hour later they moved on to a site back further.

Shatzi knows her Mom always has treats

It was about 2:30 when I got a ping from our friend, Lori. She wondered if we get together for one last visit before we went our separate ways tomorrow. We wouldn’t see them again until the fall and that makes me sad. We invited her and Roland over and it was a great visit. About an hour and a half later we said ‘goodbye for now’ and they walked home with that adorable little Shatzi. 

One cutie patootie

Two cutie patooties

She can be just like our Clemson can be. Adorable, so cute that you just want to hold them but still in full control of who they let pick them up. So, I admired her from a distance.

At 4 o’clock, Gayle and I decided to share supper together so they brought their steak and veggies over to barbecue with our ‘poor man’s steak’ (burgers). The guys did the outside cooking and us gals worked inside. It was a nice meal but the best part was the chatter and family comradery. Lots of stories back and forth of our ‘troubles’ on the trip down and excitement about what adventures were yet to come.

Shatzi loves her Daddy too

The guys did the dishes while Gayle and I sat and finished our wine. Darn!! No picture!! That is how much I was enjoying the evening. Some things just take priority and visiting with family was it for us tonight. They left in their truck around 7 to go back to their site. They are staying for 4 nights here at Hot Springs. Bill and I finished packing up the chairs, tables, barbecue and patio mat before coming inside for the night.

This was actually the last sunrise picture this morning before it disappeared in the clouds

The temperature is still sitting at 69F outside and a warm 78F inside. We won’t be needing our heater tonight again. I feel relief at seeing my sister and brother-in-law. Their spirits remain un-dampened even though this was their worst trip in 4 (?) years coming down. I like that. This has been a great day for our last one here at this LTVA. I hope yours has been just as enjoyable.

And because I missed getting a picture of Gayle and John this year
in our Suite for supper
I'll post this one from last year for supper in their Montana

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